Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas to Homeport in San Diego Starting 2026

For the first time in its history, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) will homeport a cruise ship in San Diego, California, starting in October 2026. The Serenade of the Seas will be stationed at this Southern California port during its inaugural season, offering a variety of 3-, 4-, and 7-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera.

This move expands options for West Coast cruisers, who typically have fewer choices compared to their East Coast counterparts. The Serenade of the Seas, which launched in 2003, caters to passengers seeking shorter itineraries directly from San Diego. Royal Caribbean aims to enhance its sailings for West Coast travelers during the 2026-2027 season, providing more opportunities to enjoy their cruise offerings. San Diego’s convenient location near a major airport, just 3 miles from the cruise terminal, makes it accessible for both local and international travelers. The city is known for its diverse attractions, including beaches, historic areas like Old Town and the Gaslamp Quarter, as well as a vibrant food scene.

After completing a season in Alaska from Vancouver, Canada, Serenade of the Seas will join four other Royal Caribbean vessels in the West Coast region through winter 2026-2027, although it will be the only one sailing from San Diego. The ships operating in the area from Los Angeles include Quantum OTS, Ovation OTS, Navigator OTS, and Voyager OTS.

Currently, Navigator OTS runs year-round from Los Angeles, while Voyager OTS will join the fleet for winter 2026-2027 after its Alaska season from Seattle. Royal Caribbean has been increasing its West Coast presence, recently announcing the relocation of Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas from Asia-Pacific to Los Angeles, starting in June and October 2025 respectively. This will be the first time such large vessels will operate from Los Angeles, with Quantum of the Seas expected to remain there through at least summer 2026, and Ovation of the Seas returning after its voyages in Asia and Alaska.

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