quantum of the seas and wonder of the seas

Royal Caribbean Makes Some Surprising Short Cruise Announcements for 2025-26

February 28, 2024February 28, 2024 Randy Young

Traditionally, short cruises have always been the “lesser” options in terms of ships and itineraries. If you wanted a short cruise, you had to book an old ship that was usually one of the least appealing in the fleet. But over the last decade or so, Royal Caribbean has really stepped into this market. They’re continuing that trend with their new 2025/2026 short cruise schedule by offering more ships and ports.

Quantum of the Seas is coming to Los Angeles

After its 2025 Alaska season, The Quantum of the Seas will move to Los Angeles, California. It will be the newest and biggest ship Royal Caribbean has ever offered out of California when it arrives in October 2025.

It’s also the first time the West Coast will get to try out a Quantum-class ship for warm-weather cruising. Guests can try the iFly flight simulator, go on bumper cars in the SeaPlex, or relax in the fully enclosed (and air-conditioned) solarium.

The Solarium, an enclosed, adult's only area with infinity pools on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas — The Solarium, an enclosed, adult’s only area on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas

The Quantum of the Seas will offer 3- to 6- night cruises. The 3- and 4-night sailings will visit Ensenada, Mexico, while the 5 and 6-night cruises will also stop in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, sometimes staying overnight.

navigator of the seas from behind at port — Navigator of the Seas will remain in Los Angeles as well.

The Quantum of the Seas will join Navigator of the Seas, which has been sailing out of the port for some time now. The Navigator of the Seas will offer similar short itineraries as well as some 7-day cruises that stop at Puerto Vallarta.

Learn more about Quantum of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas moves to Miami for short cruises

In the past, Oasis-class ships were only used for 7+ day sailings, which meant those with limited vacation time or people new to cruising couldn’t try out these fantastic ships. When they announced the launch of their newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, they dedicated it entirely to short 3-4 day sailings in a surprising move.

wonder of the seas aft — Wonder of the Seas will often short sailings out of Miami starting in September 2025.

From April to August 2025, Wonder of the Seas will continue to offer 7-day sailings out of Port Canaveral. Then, when Star of the Seas launches in August, the Wonder of the Seas will move to Miami and will start offering short cruises on September 1, 2025.

Learn more about Wonder of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas, the newest Oasis-class ship, will remain in Port Canaveral to offer shorter sailings from that port.

Mariner of the Seas returns to Galveston

The amplified Mariner of the Seas will return to Galveston, Texas for 2025/26 after moving there from Port Canaveral in May 2024. It’ll offer 4- and 5-night cruises to Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Roatan.

Five more ships will offer short cruises out of Florida

Those aren’t the only options for short cruises, though. Royal Caribbean has five more ships out of Florida that will offer shorter sailings.

Freedom of the Seas – From Miami

For summer 2025, Freedom of the Seas will run 3- and 4-night cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau. In the winter, it’ll start 4- and 5-night itineraries sailing to Grand Cayman, Labade, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Liberty of the Seas – From Fort Lauderdale

Liberty of the Seas will offer 3- and 4-night cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau.

Explorer of the Seas – From Port Canaveral

Explorer of the Seas will offer 4- and 5-night getaways to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Labadee, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Puerto Plata.

Jewel of the Seas – From Fort Lauderdale

This smaller, Radiance-class ship will move to Fort Lauderdale for the first time since 2011. Jewel of the Seas will offer a small ship experience for guests and sail 3- and 4-night trips to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau.

Enhancement of the Seas – From Tampa

Enchancement of the Seas will stay in Tampa for the entire season. Guests will be able to choose from 4- or 5-night sailings. Enchantment will visit Belize, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Nassau, Roatan, and some will go to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Lots of short options with Royal Caribbean

Whole island view of Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay Island — Most of the short sailings feature Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay

If you’re looking to take a short cruise in 2025/26, it’s clear you have a lot of options. You’ll have some of the newest and biggest ships with the Wonder and Utopia of the Seas. You’ll also have a new class of ship for the West Coast with the Quantum of the Seas moving to California. In terms of destinations, though, you are pretty restricted, as most sailings will visit Perfect Day and Nassau. Still, saying no to a beautiful Caribbean long weekend getaway is hard.