Royal Caribbean International has announced a homeport change for an upcoming Mediterranean cruise aboard Brilliance of the Seas, affecting guests booked on the August 10, 2026, sailing.
The Radiance-class ship will now depart from Trieste, Italy, instead of Ravenna, following an update shared directly with affected passengers. According to the cruise line, the change is linked to a construction delay in Ravenna that created a berthing conflict at the port.
Royal Caribbean explained that while the situation was outside its control, adjustments were needed to ensure a smooth start to the voyage.
Despite the homeport change, the overall cruise experience remains largely the same, with no changes to the planned route or destinations. The seven-night sailing will still conclude in Civitavecchia, the main gateway port for Rome.
Updated Departure Plans for Guests
With Trieste now serving as the embarkation port, guests will begin their Mediterranean journey from northeastern Italy rather than the Adriatic coast near Ravenna.
Royal Caribbean acknowledged that some travellers may have already booked flights, hotels, or ground transportation based on the original plan.
To help reduce the impact, the company confirmed it will reimburse non-refundable, pre-purchased transportation costs affected by the change. Reimbursement limits have been set at up to $200 per guest for domestic travel changes and up to $400 per guest for international adjustments.
Guests were encouraged to retain receipts and await further instructions from the cruise line regarding the claims process.
Itinerary Remains Unchanged
Once underway, Brilliance of the Seas will follow its originally planned open-jaw itinerary across the Adriatic and Mediterranean regions. Ports of call include Koper in Slovenia, Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia, Kotor in Montenegro, and Naples in Italy.
Royal Caribbean reassured guests that the itinerary’s highlights, shore excursions, and onboard experiences remain fully intact. The cruise line also expressed understanding for any inconvenience caused and thanked guests for their flexibility.
Looking ahead, Ravenna is expected to play a larger role in Royal Caribbean’s European operations once its new terminal is completed.
The cruise terminal project, first announced in 2021, is designed to handle more than 300,000 passengers annually across a 12-hectare site.
Until then, Royal Caribbean continues to adjust plans as needed to maintain reliable and enjoyable sailings across the region.
