Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas Opens Dominica’s 2026-27 Cruise Season: Southern Caribbean Cruises from San Juan
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Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas opened the 2026-27 cruise season in Dominica on October 8, 2026. According to Discover Dominica, the opening was marked with a special ceremony onboard while the ship was docked at the Roseau Cruise Ship Pier.
For Indian travellers planning a Southern Caribbean cruise, the news points to a busy season for this lesser-known “Nature Island” and a good time to start planning.
Dominica Cruise Season 2026-27: Key Numbers
- Season opened: October 8, 2026
- Expected ship calls: Nearly 270
- Expected visitors: More than 475,000
- Opening vessel: Rhapsody of the Seas (built 1996)
- Port: Roseau Cruise Ship Pier
Discover Dominica said the destination looks forward to welcoming visitors to the Nature Island and creating opportunities across its tourism sector.
The Opening Ceremony
The ceremony featured remarks from tourism and maritime officials, including representatives of the Discover Dominica Authority, the Ministry of Tourism, the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA) and the ship’s agent. Dominica’s authorities and officers from the ship also exchanged ceremonial plaques, a long-standing tradition for first calls of a season.
Rhapsody of the Seas Itinerary: 7-Night Southern Caribbean from San Juan
Rhapsody of the Seas called at Dominica as part of a seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise sailing roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Stops on the itinerary included:
- Dominica (Roseau)
- Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
- Philipsburg, St. Maarten
- St. John’s, Antigua
- St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
The ship returned to Puerto Rico on October 10, 2026.
More Dominica Calls This Season
Rhapsody of the Seas will visit Dominica regularly during the season, with seven more calls scheduled through the end of the year. This winter, Royal Caribbean will also bring Vision of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas to Roseau.
Other cruise lines calling at the destination include Costa Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, Marella Cruises, AIDA Cruises, CFC, Windstar and others. That variety gives travellers a choice of cruise styles, from mainstream to luxury and small-ship options.
Why Choose a Southern Caribbean Cruise?
A Southern Caribbean itinerary combines several islands in one week, which helps Indian travellers who want variety without repeated flights and hotel changes. Dominica is known as the Nature Island, so travellers who enjoy outdoor experiences may find it a good addition to a cruise that otherwise focuses on beaches and shopping ports. Check your itinerary with your agent to confirm which shore excursions are offered at each port.
Planning a Caribbean Cruise from India? What to Know
- US visa: Cruises sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, are US departures, so Indian passport holders generally need a valid US visa (B1/B2). Check requirements and appointment wait times early.
- Other port rules: Dominica, Antigua and St. Maarten may have their own entry requirements. Confirm current rules before you travel.
- Book early for peak months: Winter is the busiest Caribbean cruise period, and popular sailings and cabin types sell out first.
- Choose the right ship: Older ships like Rhapsody of the Seas (1996) offer a more traditional cruise experience, while newer ships have more features. Ask your agent which suits your group.
- Flights and stay: Plan flights into San Juan and consider adding a few nights in Puerto Rico before or after the cruise.
- Season and weather: Winter is generally the preferred time for Caribbean cruising. Check hurricane-season timing for any summer or autumn sailings.
- Food preferences: Inform your agent about vegetarian or Jain meal needs when booking so requests can be raised with the cruise line.
- Shore excursions: Pre-book popular tours where possible, and confirm timings against the ship’s all-aboard time.
Book Your Caribbean Cruise with Cruise Continent
Whether you want to compare Royal Caribbean Southern Caribbean cruises, plan a Caribbean cruise package from India, or get help with US visa documentation and flights, our cruise specialists can guide you through every step.
Contact Cruise Continent today for current fares, cabin availability and customised Caribbean cruise packages from India.
