Royal Caribbean Cruises from South Africa: Packages, Ships and Prices

Overview

Royal Caribbean cruises let South African travellers sail the Mediterranean on some of the largest and most activity-packed ships at sea. Travelwings ZA currently offers three seven-night sailings, leaving from Rome, from Ravenna for Venice and from Barcelona, priced in South African Rand from R 27,999 per person sharing an inside stateroom. The price covers the cruise itself, including meals in the main restaurants, onboard entertainment, port charges and gratuities. Flights to Europe are not included, but the team can book them for you. This page covers each sailing's ship, ports and season, what the fare includes, how to reach the ship from South Africa and how to book.

From R 27,999 per person sharing · 3 sailings of 7 nights · Departures from Rome, Ravenna and Barcelona · Port charges and gratuities included

Which Royal Caribbean Cruises Can You Book from South Africa?

Three sailings are available, all seven nights in the Mediterranean, listed below from the lowest fare. Each price is per person sharing an inside stateroom, for the cruise only.

Explorer of the Seas from Ravenna (7 nights, from R 27,999) - The most affordable of the three sails from Ravenna, the port on Italy's Adriatic coast that the cruise line uses for Venice departures. It is a week of Adriatic and Greek island hopping, and the exact ports change with the departure date.

• Ship: the Voyager-class Explorer of the Seas, with the FlowRider surf simulator, a rock-climbing wall, The Perfect Storm waterslides and ice-skating shows.
• Ports of call: usually Santorini, Mykonos and Athens (Piraeus), with Dubrovnik or Kotor, Split or Zadar, and Argostoli in Kefalonia on some sailings.

Odyssey of the Seas from Rome (7 nights, from R 35,999) - Seven nights on a newer ship built around big-ticket activities, sailing from Civitavecchia, the cruise port for Rome. The route pairs two Greek islands with a Turkish port and the Bay of Naples, with two relaxed days at sea.

• Ship: a Quantum Ultra-class ship with the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, the SeaPlex for bumper cars and roller-skating, the North Star glass capsule that rises about 90 metres above the sea, and the Two70 entertainment venue.
• Ports of call: stops at Santorini, Ephesus (Kusadasi) in Turkey, Mykonos and Naples for Capri.

Legend of the Seas from Barcelona (7 nights, from R 40,499) - A western Mediterranean loop from Barcelona through Spain, France and Italy on the line's newest Icon Class ship, the first of its class to sail in Europe, and the highest fare of the three.

• Ship: the Icon Class Legend of the Seas, with eight onboard neighbourhoods, more than 40 places to eat and drink, the Category 6 waterpark and the Crown's Edge skywalk and ropes course.
• Ports of call: calls at Palma de Mallorca, Marseille for Provence on some sailings, La Spezia for Florence and Pisa, Civitavecchia for Rome and Naples for Capri.

Itineraries and departure dates change through the year, so confirm the current ports and dates for your sailing when you enquire.

Which Sailing Should You Choose?

The three sailings suit different travellers, so it helps to start with what matters most to you.

• Lowest fare: the Explorer of the Seas sailing from Ravenna is the most affordable way into the Greek islands and the Adriatic coast.
• Greek islands with Turkey and Capri: the Odyssey of the Seas sailing from Rome adds Ephesus and the Bay of Naples to the islands.
• Newest ship and big cities: the Legend of the Seas sailing from Barcelona suits travellers who want Florence, Rome and Provence and the latest ship in the fleet.
• Families: the waterpark and neighbourhoods on Legend of the Seas and the thrill rides on Odyssey of the Seas keep children busy on sea days.

What Can You See at Each Port?

Most ports give you a full day ashore, and a little planning helps you make the most of it.

• Santorini: the cliff-top villages of Fira and Oia look out over the flooded volcanic caldera, one of the most photographed views in Greece.
• Mykonos: the windmills, the Little Venice waterfront and the maze of whitewashed lanes are all within walking distance of the old town.
• Athens: the Acropolis and the Parthenon are about half an hour from the port of Piraeus.
• Ephesus: the ruins of the ancient city, including the Library of Celsus, are around 20 minutes from Kusadasi.
• Naples: take the ferry to Capri, or head to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
• Dubrovnik, Kotor and Split: walled old towns, the dramatic Bay of Kotor and Diocletian's Palace in Split make the Adriatic calls a highlight.
• Palma de Mallorca: the Gothic cathedral overlooks the harbour and the old quarter behind it.
• La Spezia and Civitavecchia: the gateways to Florence, Pisa and the Cinque Terre, and to Rome, all reached by road or rail.

What Is Included in the Price?

All three packages share the same inclusions. The fare covers the cruise itself, and the main costs to budget for separately are flights, transfers and anything extra you choose on board.

Inclusions

✅ Your stateroom for the seven nights, priced per person sharing an inside stateroom
✅ Meals in the complimentary restaurants and buffet, plus 24-hour dining on select ships
✅ Onboard entertainment, poolside activities and select presentations
✅ Pools, hot tubs, fitness facilities and selected sports
✅ Port charges and gratuities

Exclusions

❌ Flights from South Africa and any domestic flights
❌ Transfers between the airport and the cruise port
❌ Travel insurance and visas
❌ Specialty restaurants, alcoholic drinks and most soft drinks
❌ Shore excursions, spa treatments, laundry and casino play, all paid on board

Upgrading from an inside stateroom to an ocean-view or balcony cabin changes the price, so ask for the fare in the cabin grade you want.

How Do You Get to the Ship from South Africa?

Because flights are not part of the cruise price, getting to the port is the main thing to plan, and Travelwings ZA can book the flights alongside the cruise so the timings work together.

• Rome sailings: the ship leaves from Civitavecchia, about an hour's drive from Rome Fiumicino airport.
• Ravenna sailings: the port is around 2 hours by road from Venice airport and nearer to Bologna airport.
• Barcelona sailings: the cruise terminals are about 20 minutes from Barcelona El Prat airport.
• Flights from South Africa: routes from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Italy and Spain usually connect through a hub in the Middle East, Africa or Europe, so allow a full travel day.
• Arrival day: fly in at least a day before the cruise, because you must be on board 2 hours before departure and the ship will not wait for a delayed flight.

Do South Africans Need a Visa for These Cruises?

South African passport holders generally need a Schengen visa for these sailings, because they start in Italy or Spain and call at Schengen countries such as Greece, Croatia and France. Apply well ahead of the summer season, when appointment slots can fill quickly, and note that the application requires travel medical insurance. The Rome sailing also calls in Turkey, and some Ravenna sailings stop in Montenegro; both are outside the Schengen area and set their own entry rules. Visa rules change, so confirm the current requirements for your passport before you book.

What Are the Ships and Cabins Like?

All three ships are built for plenty to do on board, with pools and sun decks, a spa and gym, a wide choice of restaurants and bars, and theatre shows in the evening, but they differ in scale and style. Explorer of the Seas is the most traditional of the three, known for its ice rink and its Royal Promenade of shops and cafés. Odyssey of the Seas adds high-tech thrills such as the skydiving simulator and the North Star capsule. Legend of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world, with a waterpark and whole neighbourhoods to explore, which suits families in particular.

Cabins come in four broad grades. An interior cabin is the most affordable and a sensible choice if you plan to spend your time out on the ship, and it is the grade the prices on this page are based on. An ocean-view cabin adds a window, a balcony cabin gives you private outdoor space, and a suite adds more room and extra services. Triple and quad cabins are available for families, with bunks or sofa beds for the extra guests. On a seven-night Mediterranean sailing a balcony is worth considering, while an interior keeps the fare down.

What Should You Know Before You Board?

A few practical points make the week run smoothly, especially on a first cruise.

• Onboard spending: your cruise card links to an onboard account, which is charged in US dollars and settled at the end of the sailing.
• Boarding time: check-in closes before departure, and you must be on board at least 2 hours before the ship sails.
• Leaving the ship: disembarkation usually starts about 2 hours after the ship docks, so book return flights for the afternoon or later.
• Drinks: alcohol and most soft drinks are extra, and drinks packages can be bought separately if you plan to have more than a few.
• Shore excursions: tours at each port are optional and paid separately, and some travellers prefer to explore independently.
• Itinerary changes: the cruise line can change ports at short notice because of weather or port conditions.

When Is the Best Time to Sail the Mediterranean?

The Mediterranean cruise season runs from about May to October, and each part of it has its character. May, June, September and October bring warm, comfortable weather and slightly quieter ships, while July and August are the peak, with the warmest seas and the busiest ports. For South African travellers the European summer lines up with the June and July school holidays, so family cabins on those dates go early. Because fares rise as a sailing fills, booking early secures both a better cabin and a better price.

Why Book Your Royal Caribbean Cruise with Travelwings ZA?

Booking a Mediterranean cruise from South Africa involves the sailing, the flights and the transfers, and Travelwings ZA can arrange them together.

• Priced in Rand: the cruise fare is quoted in South African Rand, so there is no exchange-rate guesswork at checkout.
• Flights arranged for you: flights are not included in the cruise price, but the team can book them so your arrival and embarkation line up.
• Flexible payment: you can spread the cost of the cruise with Flexi Pay rather than paying it all upfront.
• Local support: a South Africa-based team helps with the booking, and the cruise desk handles the sailing details.

How Do You Book a Royal Caribbean Cruise from South Africa?

Choose a sailing on this page and enquire online, or speak to the team directly. Call +971 4 563 5801 or email cruise@travelwings.com to book or to ask about any of the cruises, with the Travelwings South Africa team on hand for local support. The team can confirm availability and dates, quote other cabin grades, and add flights, transfers and travel insurance so the whole trip is booked together.

How Does Royal Caribbean Compare with Other Cruise Lines?

This is not the only line Travelwings ZA books, and the right choice depends on the kind of holiday you want. MSC Cruises is the only line in the range with sailings that depart from South African ports at Durban and Cape Town, so it suits travellers who want to skip the long-haul flight. Costa brings an Italian style to its Mediterranean sailings, Celebrity sits a step above the mainstream in comfort, and Norwegian is built around a relaxed, flexible onboard style. If you would like to weigh the options, our cruise packages from South Africa bring all the lines together in one place, with real sailings and Rand pricing.

Disclaimer: Prices are indicative lead-in fares per person sharing an inside stateroom, for the cruise only, and are subject to availability, sailing date, cabin grade and change without notice. Flights, transfers, travel insurance and visas are not included. Ships, itineraries, ports and departure dates are set by the cruise line and may change, so please confirm current details with Travelwings before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions: Royal Caribbean Cruises from South Africa

1. Do Royal Caribbean cruises depart from South Africa?

No. These sailings leave from Rome (Civitavecchia), Ravenna for Venice and Barcelona, so you fly to Europe to join the ship. If you would rather sail from a South African port, MSC runs cruises from Durban and Cape Town.

2. How much does a Royal Caribbean cruise from South Africa cost?

From R 27,999 per person sharing an inside stateroom on Explorer of the Seas from Ravenna, R 35,999 on Odyssey of the Seas from Rome and R 40,499 on Legend of the Seas from Barcelona. These are cruise-only prices, and other cabin grades cost more.

3. Are flights included in the price?

No. The prices cover the cruise only. Travelwings ZA can book your flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town separately so they fit the sailing.

4. Are gratuities included?

Yes. Port charges and gratuities are included in all three packages, so the main extras are flights, transfers, drinks, specialty dining and excursions.

5. What is Legend of the Seas?

It is the line's newest Icon Class ship and the first of its class to sail in Europe, on seven-night sailings from Barcelona. It has a waterpark, more than 40 places to eat and drink and the Crown's Edge ropes course.

6. Do South Africans need a visa for these cruises?

Generally yes. South African passport holders usually need a Schengen visa, as the sailings start in Italy or Spain. Turkey and Montenegro have their own entry rules, so confirm the requirements for your passport before booking.

7. When do these cruises sail?

During the Mediterranean cruise season, broadly May to October. The current departure dates for each sailing are shown on its package page, and the team can confirm availability for your dates.

8. What is not included in the price?

Flights, airport-to-port transfers, travel insurance, visas, specialty restaurants, alcoholic drinks and most soft drinks, shore excursions and onboard extras such as the spa and laundry.

9. How do I book a Royal Caribbean cruise from South Africa?

Choose a sailing on this page and enquire online, or call +971 4 563 5801 or email cruise@travelwings.com, and the team will confirm the details, add flights if you need them and complete the booking.