Royal Caribbean Announces ‘Legend of the Seas’ – The Newest Icon-Class Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean International has officially unveiled its newest addition to the Icon Class family—the Legend of the Seas.

Set to debut in 2026, this ship promises to redefine the cruising experience, combining a legendary name with groundbreaking features.

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming ship, from its debut itineraries to exciting new onboard offerings.

A Legendary Name Returns—But On a Bigger Scale

Fans of Royal Caribbean will recognize the name Legend of the Seas from the original vessel, which sailed for the cruise line from 1995 until 2017 before being sold to Marella Cruises. However, the new Legend of the Seas will be a massive upgrade.

The ship will be over three times the size of the original, weighing in at a staggering 250,000 gross tons. With a capacity to hold 7,000 passengers, it will be one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

This ship marks the third installment in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, following the debut of Icon of the Seas and the upcoming Star of the Seas. However, Legend of the Seas is breaking new ground in its approach to itineraries.

Where Will Legend of the Seas Sail?

Legend of the Seas will embark on its inaugural sailings in 2026, starting with Mediterranean voyages before heading to the Caribbean for year-round cruises.

1. Summer 2026: Western Mediterranean from Barcelona
   From July to November 2026, the ship will offer 7-night cruises from Barcelona. Passengers will visit some of Europe’s most iconic destinations, including:
   • Rome (Civitavecchia)
   • Naples
   • Marseille
   • Palma de Mallorca
   This is a significant development for European cruisers who are used to waiting for new ships to cross the Atlantic. Legend of the Seas will be one of the first Royal Caribbean ships to debut in Europe in years.
2. Winter 2026: Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale
   After its European season, Legend of the Seas will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. From November 2026, it will offer:
   • 6-night Western Caribbean cruises
   • 8-night Southern Caribbean cruises, including stops in Aruba and Curaçao
   This marks a new option for South Florida cruisers, as the ship will be based at Port Everglades, offering a convenient departure point for those in the region.

What’s New Onboard?

While Royal Caribbean has yet to release full details, we know that Legend of the Seas will feature several exciting new elements:

1. Signature Entertainment
   Following in the footsteps of its Icon-class predecessors, Legend of the Seas will feature a Broadway-style show. While the exact show is still under wraps, fans can expect a truly spectacular production that will continue Royal Caribbean’s reputation for high-quality, immersive entertainment.
2. Hollywood-Themed Supper Club
   Royal Caribbean is introducing a brand-new dining experience with a California/Hollywood-themed supper club. Expect live music, themed cocktails, and a luxurious atmosphere for guests who enjoy combining fine dining with entertainment. This will follow the trend of unique supper clubs seen on other Icon-class ships, like the Empire Supper Club on Icon of the Seas and the Lincoln Park Supper Club (Chicago-themed) on Star of the Seas.
3. Revolutionized Dining
   As with every new ship, Legend of the Seas will feature fresh dining concepts, including specialty restaurants. Following the trend of evolving and innovative dining spaces, the ship is expected to bring even more culinary choices that will appeal to all tastes.
4. No Size Record-Breaking Plans
   Unlike previous Royal Caribbean ships where each vessel in a class was slightly larger than the last, Royal Caribbean has confirmed that Legend of the Seas will be similar in size to Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. While it will still be an enormous ship, it will not break any new size records.

A Focus on Sustainability

As with other ships in the Icon Class, Legend of the Seas will incorporate Royal Caribbean’s commitment to sustainability.

The ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and will feature waste heat recovery systems and shore power connections.

These advancements align with Royal Caribbean’s goal of launching a net-zero cruise ship by 2035, marking a major step toward reducing the environmental impact of cruising.

Pricing & Booking Information

Bookings for Legend of the Seas will open on February 20, 2025, with Crown & Anchor Society members getting an early access window. As with all new Royal Caribbean ships, demand will be high, and prices will reflect that.

While Royal Caribbean has not released specific pricing details, guests can expect fares in the thousands, particularly for the first sailings. Booking early is recommended to secure the best fares.

Final Thoughts

Legend of the Seas promises to be an exciting addition to Royal Caribbean’s fleet, offering both seasoned cruisers and first-timers a chance to experience cutting-edge entertainment, dining, and adventure. From its Mediterranean debut to its Caribbean voyages, this ship is set to attract travelers from around the world.

If you’re considering booking a cruise on Legend of the Seas, be prepared for a high-demand launch, and don’t forget to book early to lock in the best rates. Whether you’re setting sail in Europe or waiting for the Caribbean season, this ship is sure to offer an unforgettable cruise experience.

Are you excited to sail on Legend of the Seas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!