While the latter city has been a popular Royal Caribbean stop for years, the cruise ship company is preparing to start its first cruises from there in 2026. The new homeport is, alongside Panama's Colón, being brought back following an eight-year gap after Royal Caribbean canceled Rhapsody of the Seas itineraries departing from there.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines announced this week that it will begin offering Mexican Riviera cruises from San Diego starting in Oct. 2026. The company's Serenade of the Seas ship will be homeported in San Diego,

The return of a Royal Caribbean ship to San Diego is welcome news for local businesses that depend on tourism, such as Old Town Trolley Tours.

The cruise line has angered locals in one cruise destination as it takes steps to kick off a big port project.