Which destinations do 8–9 night cruises include Royal Caribbean?

Exploring 8–9 Night Royal Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Royal Caribbean’s 8–9 night cruises are among the most popular options for travelers who want a perfect balance of sea days, port time, and destination diversity. These itineraries are designed for those who want more than a weekend escape but not a long, two-week international voyage. With almost a dozen regions served worldwide, these mid-length cruises deliver a mix of beaches, culture, adventure, and scenic wonders.

If you’re planning a vacation and wondering which destinations do 8–9 night cruises include Royal Caribbean, this comprehensive guide gives you everything you need to know. You’ll explore the regions, the types of ports included, and how to select the perfect 8–9 night sailing for your travel style.

Let’s dive into a detailed breakdown of all the destinations covered in these itineraries—whether you're dreaming of the Caribbean sun, European charm, Alaska glaciers, or the exotic vibes of Asia and Australia.

Why Choose Royal Caribbean 8–9 Night Cruises?

One of the biggest advantages of selecting an 8–9 night cruise is the variety of ports blended with relaxing sea days. These itineraries allow travelers to explore multiple cultures and landscapes without feeling rushed. Whether departing from the United States, Europe, Asia, or Australia, Royal Caribbean offers thoughtfully curated routes designed to showcase the best of each destination.

Below, we explore each destination category, what ports are typically included, and what experiences you can expect.

Destinations Included in Royal Caribbean 8–9 Night Cruises

Caribbean & Bahamas Itineraries

Royal Caribbean’s 8–9 night Caribbean itineraries span the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean, providing guests with a wide selection of tropical island experiences.

Eastern Caribbean Highlights

The Eastern Caribbean is known for calm blue waters, picture-perfect beaches, and family-friendly adventures.Common ports include:

• St. Thomas

• St. Maarten

• Puerto Rico (San Juan)

• Perfect Day at CocoCay

• Dominican Republic (La Romana or Puerto Plata)

Western Caribbean Highlights

Western Caribbean itineraries include more adventurous landscapes, lush jungles, and thrilling activities.Typical ports:

• Cozumel, Mexico

• Costa Maya, Mexico

• Roatán, Honduras

• Grand Cayman

Southern Caribbean Highlights

These itineraries offer more exotic and culturally rich island experiences.Common destinations:

• Barbados

• St. Lucia

• Grenada

• Antigua

• Curaçao

• Aruba

For travelers who love beaches, adventure parks, snorkeling, and nightlife, any of these three Caribbean regions provide a balanced and exciting 8–9 day getaway.

Mediterranean & Europe Itineraries

Royal Caribbean 8–9 night cruises in Europe are some of the most culturally rich itineraries offered. From the Western Mediterranean to the Greek Isles and the Adriatic coast, these voyages deliver a mix of history, cuisine, architecture, and breathtaking coastlines.

Western Mediterranean Ports

These cruises often depart from Rome, Barcelona, or Marseille, and feature spectacular seaside towns and vibrant cities.Typical ports include:

• Naples, Italy

• Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy

• Cannes or Nice, France

• Palma de Mallorca, Spain

• Valencia, Spain

Greek Isles & Adriatic Ports

For those wanting ancient history combined with crystal-blue waters, the Greek Isles are a top pick.Common ports:

• Mykonos

• Santorini

• Athens (Piraeus)

• Rhodes

• Split or Dubrovnik, Croatia

Northern Europe Routes

Some seasonal 8–9 night cruises explore northern Europe’s fjords and cultural capitals.You may see:

• Norway fjords

• Copenhagen, Denmark

• Bruges, Belgium

• Stockholm, Sweden

Each route showcases a unique side of Europe—whether it’s iconic art and culture or natural wonders.

Alaska Cruise Destinations

Royal Caribbean’s 8–9 night Alaska cruises go deeper into the wilderness than shorter itineraries. These cruises typically depart from Seattle or Vancouver and feature glacier viewing, wildlife encounters, and rugged landscapes.

Inside Passage Ports

Common destinations include:

• Juneau

• Skagway

• Ketchikan

• Sitka

Glacier Viewing

You may experience:

• Hubbard Glacier

• Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier

• Tracy Arm Fjord

This itinerary length allows for more scenic cruising days—ideal for photography, nature lovers, and guests seeking peace and relaxation.

Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific Itineraries

Royal Caribbean offers incredible 8–9 night sailings in the southern hemisphere, especially during the October–April cruising season. Travelers enjoy a mix of beaches, wildlife, Maori culture, and volcanic landscapes.

Australia Coastal Ports

Common destinations:

• Sydney

• Brisbane

• Airlie Beach (gateway to the Whitsundays)

• Cairns region (for the Great Barrier Reef)

New Zealand Highlights

Typical ports include:

• Auckland

• Wellington

• Napier

• Bay of Islands

South Pacific Islands

These voyages often include tropical escapes such as:

• Vanuatu

• New Caledonia

• Fiji

Travelers often choose these itineraries for a perfect blend of beaches, culture, and adventurous excursions like reef snorkeling and rainforest exploration.

Asia & Southeast Asia Destinations

Royal Caribbean’s 8–9 night Asian itineraries combine modern megacities, ancient temples, and lush tropical escapes. These cruises typically depart from Singapore, Tokyo, or Shanghai.

Southeast Asia Ports

These vibrant and diverse destinations are common:

• Thailand (Phuket, Bangkok/Laem Chabang)

• Malaysia (Penang, Port Klang – Kuala Lumpur)

• Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang)

Japan Highlights

Royal Caribbean also offers 8–9 night Japan itineraries that include:

• Tokyo

• Osaka

• Okinawa

• Hiroshima

These cruises often combine food, culture, temples, markets, and outdoor scenery, making them ideal for travelers seeking enrichment and adventure.

Bermuda & East Coast USA

Royal Caribbean’s 8–9 night Bermuda cruises usually depart from Cape Liberty (New Jersey), Baltimore, or Norfolk. These sailings often include extended stays in Bermuda and additional ports in the Caribbean or Bahamas.

Bermuda Ports

• King’s Wharf (Royal Naval Dockyard)

Combined Caribbean Stops

Depending on the itinerary, you may also visit:

• Nassau

• Perfect Day at CocoCay

• Puerto Rico

• St. Thomas

This itinerary length gives guests more time to explore Bermuda’s pink-sand beaches, historical forts, and clear blue waters.

Panama Canal Partial Transits & Central America

Royal Caribbean’s 8–9 night itineraries through Central America offer unique cultural and natural attractions.

Typical Ports Include:

• Panama (Colón or Panama Canal partial transit)

• Costa Rica (Puerto Limón)

• Belize City

• Roatán, Honduras

These cruises combine beach destinations with rainforest adventures, wildlife tours, and canal engineering wonders.

How to Choose the Perfect 8–9 Night Royal Caribbean Cruise

Consider Your Travel Style

Royal Caribbean’s mid-length cruises offer something for every type of traveler.Here’s a quick guide based on interest:

Best for Beach Lovers

• Caribbean (Eastern, Western, Southern)

• Bahamas & Perfect Day at CocoCay

• South Pacific

Best for Cultural Exploration

• Mediterranean

• Greek Isles

• Asia

Best for Adventure & Nature

• Alaska

• New Zealand

Best for Relaxation with a Touch of Luxury

• Bermuda

• Southern Caribbean

Choose Based on Departure Port

Selecting a cruise from a port close to home can reduce overall travel time and cost. Royal Caribbean offers many departure points worldwide.

North America Departure Ports

• Miami, Fort Lauderdale

• Orlando (Port Canaveral)

• Tampa

• Galveston

• Cape Liberty (New Jersey)

• Baltimore

• Seattle

• Vancouver

Europe Departure Ports

• Rome

• Barcelona

• Southampton

• Athens

Asia Departure Ports

• Singapore

• Tokyo

Australia Departure Ports

• Sydney

• Brisbane

• Melbourne

If convenience is a priority, choose an itinerary departing from your nearest port.

Experience the Perfect Mix of Sea Days & Port Days

One of the biggest advantages of choosing an 8–9 night cruise is enjoying both exploration and relaxation. Sea days allow time to enjoy the ship’s:

• Pools

• Shows

• Spas

• Fitness centers

• Specialty dining

• Activities like zip lines, surf simulators, and ice skating

Meanwhile, port days are filled with sightseeing, adventures, shopping, and cultural discovery. This balanced approach makes 8–9 night cruises extremely popular for families, couples, solo travelers, and groups.