Royal Caribbean’s Next Icon-Class Ship Makes Waves
On August 29, 2025, Royal Caribbean International celebrated a major milestone: Legend of the Seas, its third Icon-class vessel, officially floated out from the dry dock at Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. The event marked the transition from hull construction to the outfitting phase, where the ship will be meticulously completed with luxury interiors, cutting-edge technologies, and entertainment features.
The float-out ceremony, steeped in maritime tradition, included a gun salute, speeches from shipyard and cruise line executives, and a festive atmosphere among workers. After nearly 12 hours of filling the dry dock, the 250,800-ton vessel touched water for the first time, symbolizing a significant step toward its mid-2026 debut.
A New Legend Cruises Toward Delivery in 2026
Following the float-out, Legend of the Seas will undergo outfitting, sea trials, and comprehensive testing to ensure readiness for passengers. Once delivered in summer 2026, the ship will begin its inaugural Mediterranean season, offering 7-night round-trip cruises from Barcelona, Spain, and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.
These itineraries will feature calls at iconic ports, including Naples and Capri, La Spezia for Florence and Pisa, Palma de Mallorca, and Marseille, offering travelers a mix of history, culture, and coastal beauty. This Mediterranean deployment reflects Royal Caribbean’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the European cruise market, where demand continues to grow rapidly.
Heading West: Caribbean Sailings Await
After its summer in Europe, Legend of the Seas will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a 13-night transatlantic voyage in October 2026. Starting in November 2026, the ship will embark on an exciting Caribbean season, including:
- 6-night Western Caribbean itineraries, with stops in Falmouth, Jamaica, and the ever-popular Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.
- 8-night Southern Caribbean voyages, sailing to sun-soaked destinations such as Aruba, Curacao, and the Dominican Republic, with CocoCay as a featured highlight.
These itineraries are expected to drive significant increases in regional tourism, creating new economic opportunities for local businesses and supporting the recovery of the Caribbean travel industry.
Sustainable Design Meets Entertainment Innovation
Legend of the Seas continues the innovative legacy of Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class ships. Measuring 365 meters long and 50 meters wide, the vessel will accommodate 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members. It will feature eight unique neighborhoods, offering a wide range of experiences from family-friendly adventure zones to serene luxury spaces.
Among its standout features is the AquaDome, an expansive glass-and-steel structure offering panoramic ocean views and immersive entertainment. Guests will enjoy an infinity pool, advanced waterparks, world-class dining venues, and thrilling attractions like the Crown’s Edge aerial adventure.
Sustainability is at the heart of the ship’s design. Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), one of the cleanest marine fuels available, the ship also incorporates waste-heat recovery systems and shore power connectivity. These innovations align with Royal Caribbean’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2035, setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly cruising.
Tourism Impact: Mediterranean and Caribbean Come Alive
The arrival of Legend of the Seas is poised to deliver substantial economic and cultural benefits across both regions:
- Mediterranean Hotspots such as Barcelona, Rome, Naples, and Marseille will see increased foot traffic, boosting local businesses, cultural landmarks, and hospitality services.
- In the Caribbean, destinations including Aruba, Curacao, Falmouth, and CocoCay are expected to experience a surge in tourism. This will not only generate jobs but also support the revitalization of regional tourism economies still recovering from recent global disruptions.
The ship’s presence is expected to attract a new wave of travelers seeking luxury, sustainability, and unique cultural immersion experiences.
A Symbol of Growth and Innovation
The float-out of Legend of the Seas represents more than a shipbuilding milestone. It symbolizes the future of global cruising: a blend of cutting-edge technology, luxury, and environmental responsibility. By redefining cruise experiences with sustainable innovations and expansive itineraries, Legend of the Seas is set to usher in a new era for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
As the vessel readies for its Mediterranean debut in summer 2026 and its Caribbean season later that year, Royal Caribbean is not just expanding its fleet—it is reshaping the cruise industry. The ship promises to set new standards for immersive travel while driving growth in tourism across two of the world’s most iconic cruising regions.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
