The 10 Best Royal Caribbean Cruises to Book in August

There’s something about August that calls you out to sea. Maybe it’s the final stretch of summer. Maybe it’s the way the Caribbean feels a little quieter, a little warmer, a little more yours. Our editors looked through every Royal Caribbean sailing in August — reviewing ports, pricing, and appeal — and found the 10 cruises we’d suggest taking right now. Whether you’re sailing from Texas, New Jersey, Florida, or Puerto Rico, these are the voyages that stand out right now.

Symphony of the Seas from New Jersey

7 Nights — Roundtrip from Cape Liberty, NJ
Starting at $840 per person

This is the best Northeast departure of the month. Symphony of the Seas leaves from Cape Liberty and sails down the Atlantic coast to Port Canaveral, before spending two sun-soaked days in the Bahamas — one at Nassau, the other at the private island CocoCay. It’s a perfect blend of convenience and destination. You skip the flight to Florida but still get the full Caribbean experience. Onboard, the ship offers ziplining, AquaTheater shows, and the Central Park neighborhood. It’s all the best of Royal, with the bonus of easy access for East Coast travelers.

Adventure of the Seas: The Southern Caribbean Sprint

8 Nights — Roundtrip from Port Canaveral, FL
Starting at $1,068 per person

This itinerary is for travelers who want to see more without booking a two-week sailing. In just eight nights, Adventure of the Seas hits five Caribbean icons: St. Croix, St. Thomas, San Juan, Nassau, and back to Port Canaveral. You get the tropical variety — U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas — in one trip. The ship is designed for active cruisers, with FlowRiders, rock climbing walls, and themed dining. If you’re looking to maximize time in port without sea-day overload, this is your winner.

Icon of the Seas: The Ultimate Combo

7 Nights — Roundtrip from Miami, FL
Starting at $1,221 per person

Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s most advanced ship — and it shows. This seven-night voyage mixes iconic ports with cutting-edge onboard experiences. You’ll sail from Miami to Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas, then to San Juan, Puerto Rico, before a Perfect Day finale at CocoCay. Expect high-energy entertainment, massive waterparks, and next-level suite neighborhoods. The starting price may be higher, but you’re paying for the best of everything: ship, itinerary, and experience. It’s also one of the most in-demand sailings this month.

Rhapsody of the Seas: The Southern Gem

7 Nights — Roundtrip from San Juan, PR
Starting at $1,075 per person

If you’re craving island immersion, start in the Caribbean itself. This Rhapsody of the Seas itinerary departs from San Juan and covers a sweeping Southern Caribbean arc — Barbados, St. John’s (Antigua), St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. It’s port-intensive, with a stop nearly every day. The smaller ship size means access to more boutique harbors and a more intimate onboard feel. It’s one of the best choices this month for travelers who care more about time on land than sea days.

Wonder of the Seas: All Eyes on the West

7 Nights — Roundtrip from Port Canaveral, FL
Starting at $1,386 per person

This Western Caribbean itinerary hits all the scenic heavyweights: Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and CocoCay. That’s three different countries — Honduras, Mexico, and the Bahamas — plus a private island. Wonder of the Seas adds serious flair with its neighborhoods concept, multiple pool decks, and the Suite Sun Deck. There’s enough to keep you exploring onboard even after a day of jungle excursions or reef snorkeling. It’s ideal for travelers who want variety, both onboard and off.

Harmony of the Seas from Galveston

8 Nights — Roundtrip from Galveston, TX
Starting at $964 per person

This itinerary is built for Gulf Coast travelers who want serious mileage without flying. You depart from Galveston and hit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Puerto Costa Maya, and Cozumel, returning after a full week of beach, reef, and culture. Harmony of the Seas blends nonstop fun with upscale touches — think Broadway shows, surf simulators, and a Central Park-style promenade. It’s a great deal for eight nights, and one of the top-value long cruises sailing from Texas this month.

Oasis of the Seas: The Big Island Hop

8 Nights — Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, FL
Starting at $1,047 per person

This itinerary is packed: five ports in eight nights, including San Juan, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and a finale at CocoCay. The ship itself is legendary — a floating city with more restaurants than most small towns and entertainment that rivals Vegas. You’ll get deep immersion in the Eastern Caribbean, then return to Fort Lauderdale without a flight or connection. This cruise offers a balance of port variety and megaship amenities, making it a top-tier pick for August travelers.

Grandeur of the Seas: The Bahamas Blitz

7 Nights — Roundtrip from Tampa, FL
Starting at $1,100 per person

Nassau, Bimini, Key West, and CocoCay — this itinerary keeps things local but never repetitive. It’s a relaxed yet colorful route, and perfect for cruisers who want to avoid long haul flights or weeklong sea crossings. Grandeur of the Seas is smaller and more classic in feel, making the onboard experience more personal. The route is especially good for families or first-timers who want a no-fuss Caribbean cruise with a high number of stops. If you like Hemingway, this is also a great chance to sample two of his favorite places on earth — Bimini and the Conch Republic.

Star of the Seas Showcase

4 Nights — Roundtrip from Port Canaveral, FL
Starting at $973 per person

If you want to be among the first to try the newest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, this is your shot. Star of the Seas is designed around immersive neighborhoods and massive outdoor spaces, and this 4-night sailing gives you just enough time to explore it all — from Surfside to the AquaDome. The only port is CocoCay, but the real star is the ship itself. This short, high-gloss sailing is perfect for a long weekend or luxury sampler.

Freedom of the Seas: The Island Trio

6 Nights — Roundtrip from Miami, FL
Starting at $538 per person

For a lower price point and still plenty of destination value, this six-night cruise hits CocoCay, Grand Turk, and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. It’s a great blend of curated and cultural — from waterslides on a private island to cobblestone streets. Freedom of the Seas is a mid-sized ship with big personality, and this route gives you room to explore it without breaking the bank.