Royal Caribbean Quietly Adds a ‘Hidden Gem’ Stop to Its Caribbean Sailings
- Royal Caribbean will debut Port Samana, a Dominican Republic destination known for its rugged coastline, rainforest valleys, and access to the Salto del Limon waterfall, in its 2027–28 Caribbean lineup.
Royal Caribbean slipped a sweet surprise into its newly announced 2027–28 Caribbean lineup : the debut of Port Samaná, a D ominican Republicdestination known for its rugged coastline, rainforest valleys and access to the Salto del Limónwaterfall—one of the country's most celebrated natural landmarks. Starting in May 2027, guests will begin visiting the port aboard several ships, including the line's latest Icon Class vessel, Star of the Seas.
Samaná is considered one of the Caribbean's more under-the-radar stops. It's famous for seasonal humpback whale migrations, small fishing villages instead of mega-resorts and excursions that reveal DR's natural, less-commercial side. For cruisers who've exhausted the region's big-name ports, its addition is a welcome shake-up.
"At Royal Caribbean, we are always listening to our guests, and they've made it clear they want to explore more hidden gems in the Caribbean," Kara Wallace, chief marketing officer, Royal Caribbean,told Parade ."We're excited to return to Port Samaná, offering vacationers a new port of call in the Dominican Republic with a stunning landscape of pristine beaches, lush jungles and wow-worthy waterfalls to discover."
Related: Royal Caribbean Reveals New Private Beach Club in Mediterranean Hotspot
A Big Moment for Star of the Seas
The port debut will be met by Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest—and biggest—ship ever. The ship carries forward all the Icon Class signatures: sprawling neighborhoods, top-deck waterparks, next-gen entertainment and dining meant to appeal to multigenerational travelers. Its inclusion on Samaná itineraries signals that Royal Caribbean wants the new port to be a marquee experience rather than a secondary stop.
Related: Star of the Seas is the Most Family-Friendly Cruise at Sea—Here's What Blew Me Away Most
A Broader Caribbean Expansion for 2027–28
The Samaná addition comes alongside a huge expansion of Royal Caribbean's Caribbean deployment. Thirteen ships—including Allure of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, Adventure, Oasisand Freedom—will sail 3- to 9-nightitineraries from Florida, New Orleans, Puerto Rico, Colombiaand Panama.
According to the announcement, the lineup brings "more ways vacationers can explore the Caribbean in 2027–28," with routes that include Perfect Day at CocoCay, Curaçao, Aruba, Jamaicaand the new Royal Beach Clubsopening in Nassauand Cozumel.
Allure of the Seas, fresh off a $100 million amplification, will play a prominent role. The ship will sail from Fort Lauderdalein summer 2027 and from Miamibeginning in November , offering itineraries that include Samaná as well as Eastern and Western Caribbean classics. The line describes Allure as bringing "new favorites like the Pesky Parrot tiki bar" and returning signature experiences such as the Ultimate Abyss dry slide and redesigned pool deck.
Related: Royal Caribbean Teases 'Almost Finished' Royal Beach Club
Why Add Samaná Now?
Royal Caribbean hasn't publicly tied the expansion to specific demand trends, but the move aligns with what the industry is seeing broadly: Caribbean interest remains high, first-time cruisers are favoring warm-weather itineraries and repeat guests are looking for new ports that feel less crowded and more "authentic." Samaná fits that brief—and its quiet addition suggests Royal Caribbean expects it to become a standout.
Related: 7 Cruises Superfans Can't Wait to Book in 2026 and Beyond, According to a Cruise Expert
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This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
