New ships, an upcoming new class, large-scale entertainment, more immersive experiences and exclusive destinations on land are at the heart of Royal Caribbean’s growth strategy for the Latin American market. The company is looking ahead to 2032, with innovation, technology and increasingly personalized experiences shaping the next generation of cruising.

Ahead of the opening of FIT América Latina 2026, Royal Caribbean executives met with journalists in Buenos Aires to present the company’s latest developments and discuss trends across the Latin American cruise market. The meeting was attended by Itzel Valdés, AVP Royal Caribbean Latinoamérica; Lucas Bueno, Sr. Manager Sales Latinoamérica; Fabiana Marcuzzi, Trade Marketing Royal Caribbean Latinoamérica; and Iker Gorbea, Sr. Manager Commercial Latinoamérica. The discussion focused particularly on the evolution of Royal Caribbean International and the key developments that will shape the company’s presence in the region in the coming years.

The conversation focused particularly on the evolution of Royal Caribbean International, including new ships, itineraries, entertainment, technology and an increasingly tailored experience for Latin American travelers. The executives also announced that Royal Caribbean Group’s FIT 2026 booth will feature its three cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises, each targeting different traveler profiles.

Royal Caribbean looks to 2032 with new ships and a continued focus on innovation

Royal Caribbean International is pursuing a long-term strategy to expand and renew its fleet, introducing new ship classes, entertainment concepts and increasingly immersive experiences. During the meeting, executives highlighted a growth vision extending through 2032, with innovation, technology, entertainment and service evolution at its core.

One of the upcoming highlights is Hero of the Seas, the latest addition to the Icon Class. The company is also preparing the debut of a new class in 2029, with two ships already planned — one for 2029 and another for 2032.

While details about the new class are still being kept under wraps, executives indicated that it will focus on creating more immersive experiences for guests and that the design will also consider itineraries capable of transiting the Panama Canal.

Royal Caribbean’s official information describes Hero of the Seas as the newest evolution of Icon Class, with nine pools, new waterslides, 28 dining venues and new family-oriented experiences. The ship is scheduled to sail from Miami beginning in summer 2027, with seven-night itineraries combining Perfect Day at CocoCay with Eastern and Western Caribbean destinations.

The evolution of the ships is also reflected in their spaces. Royal Caribbean is combining areas designed for privacy and exclusivity with social spaces and entertainment venues. Among the concepts discussed during the meeting was the Family Three Suite, a three-level accommodation designed for families, alongside the different neighborhoods that allow guests to move between more private moments and shared experiences.

Big productions bring entertainment to the heart of the cruise experience

Entertainment remains one of Royal Caribbean’s key components. The onboard offering includes live shows, large-scale productions, music, parties and activities throughout the day, with concepts designed to appeal to an international audience.

During the breakfast, executives referred to productions such as AquaTheater, Chocolate Factory and Back to the Future: The Musical, while also teasing additional shows and experiences that will be revealed as the new ships are introduced.

The company is also incorporating more Latin American elements into Caribbean sailings, including music, entertainment and culinary offerings inspired by the region, helping create a stronger cultural connection with Latin American travelers.

From the ship to exclusive destinations on land

Royal Caribbean’s expansion is not limited to its fleet. The company is also developing exclusive land-based destinations, including its Royal Beach Club projects, as part of a broader strategy to extend the vacation experience beyond the ship.

The company highlighted the development of new destinations in the Caribbean as well as the planned expansion of the Beach Club concept into Europe.

Caribbean itineraries without a U.S. visa

Another relevant element for Latin American travelers is the availability of Caribbean itineraries that do not require a U.S. visa, including sailings aboard Grandeur of the Seas from Colón, Panama, and Cartagena, Colombia.

The seven-night itineraries combine several Caribbean destinations and can also be paired with stays in Panama or Cartagena before or after the cruise. New itinerary options mentioned during the meeting include Santa Marta, Colombia, and Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic.

The company said the product will continue to be developed with the Latin American market in mind, including onboard entertainment, gastronomy and experiences adapted to regional preferences.

Technology and planning before the voyage

Technology is increasingly becoming part of the cruise experience even before passengers step aboard. The Royal Caribbean app allows guests to complete check-in, access sailing information, manage loyalty benefits and book excursions, restaurants and other experiences.

Executives also emphasized the importance of planning ahead, particularly for specific cabin categories, restaurants and limited-capacity excursions, which can sell out before departure.

Another important development is the integration of the loyalty ecosystem across Royal Caribbean Group brands. Since January 2026, guests can accumulate points and progress within the group’s loyalty program through experiences across its different brands.

Cruise travel also expands into corporate and incentive groups

The company is also seeing opportunities in the corporate and incentive travel segment, with products that can accommodate groups of different sizes.

One of the advantages highlighted is the ability to bring accommodation, dining, entertainment, meetings and activities together in a single environment, simplifying logistics for companies organizing group experiences.

With three brands covering everything from family-oriented entertainment to premium and ultra-luxury travel, Royal Caribbean Group arrives at FIT 2026 with a strategy focused on expanding cruise travel across Latin America while continuing to develop products for different types of travelers.

The message from the Buenos Aires meeting was clear: Royal Caribbean is not simply planning its next ship. It is building the next generation of the cruise experience — from new classes and immersive entertainment to exclusive destinations on land — with a development roadmap that already extends toward 2029 and 2032.

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