Royal Caribbean adds a convenient new homeport
Royal Caribbean has big news for West Coast cruisers.
The cruise line best known for its Caribbean itineraries is expanding its offerings for West Coast cruises to Mexico in 2026 and adding a convenient new departure port.After announcing that it would send four ships to Alaska in summer 2026, the cruise line is increasing its cruise options from California beginning in October 2026. After completing their 2026 Alaska seasons, three of the four ships will reposition to California ports.
Voyager of the Seas will join Ovation of the Seas in sailing Mexican Riviera cruises from Los Angeles. Voyager will replace Navigator of the Seas in LA, as Navigator is expected to head to routine dry dock in Asia. It's rumored that Navigator of the Seas will deploy to Australia after its dry dock, but Royal Caribbean has not confirmed that.
Along with switching up its Los Angeles-based ships, Royal Caribbean will add a new California homeport in fall 2026.Royal Caribbean will debut a new San Diego homeport in October 2026 to give passengers more opportunities to experience the Mexican Riviera.
After completing its summer season in Alaska, Serenade of the Seas sail a variety of Mexican Riviera cruises from San Diego from October 2026 through April 2027. Itineraries include a mix of short two-, three- and four-night getaways, as well as longer seven-night sailings visiting popular spots like Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. Some of the longer sailing will also visit La Paz, Mexico, a new port of call for Royal Caribbean.A Mexican Riviera cruise destination also visited by Carnival and other cruise lines, La Paz is the coastal capital city of Baja California Sur. Situated on the shores of the Sea of Cortez, La Paz is known for its beautiful beaches, marine life and playful sea lions, as well as its fresh seafood and seafront Malecón promenade.
Before making San Diego its new homeport in October 2026, Serenade of Seas will sail one repositioning voyage from the port in September 2025—a cruise to Miami that travels through the Panama Canal.West Coast cruisers shared their excitement about the new homeport in the Royal Caribbean community on Reddit. Those familiar with the port noted its convenient location, both for those who live in San Diego and those traveling in by train, bus or airplane.
'Who's excited for a San Diego home port? Serenade will be out of San Diego starting October 2026,' posted Reddit user xjaspx. 'I can't wait because now I can literally walk to the port or take the Circuit golf cart to the ship from my place. Plus the port is across the street from the Amtrak station, public bus to the airport (with luggage racks), and it's pretty much a couple miles from the airport.'
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
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'I'm pumped. We did the Panama Canal out of SD years ago and it was sooo convenient,' agreed muy-feliz.
'It's like the only port with all sorts of transportation option right there at the port,' continued xjaspx. 'You can also see the end of the runway for the airport. The only downside is the overpriced parking but a lot of people just use airport parking and take the bus over.'
Cruisers also noted that the port has convenient hotel and restaurant options nearby, and that San Diego offers plenty of fun things to do before or after a cruise.
'Easiest port for a hotel stay and sail,' wrote Minimum_Finish_5436. 'Wake up, hit the cross walk. Get on the boat.'
'There's a lot more restaurants in the area now,' noted xjaspx. 'some time they even have a street food market across from where the port is.'
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