MIAMI — Royal Caribbean has officially taken delivery of Legend of the Seas, the third ship in its Icon Class series, following nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.
The handover ceremony took place in Turku and brought together more than 1,200 crew members, partners and executives to mark the ship’s transfer from shipbuilder Meyer Turku to Royal Caribbean ahead of its July 2026 debut in Europe.
“Today’s delivery of Legend of the Seas marks another important milestone in our ambition to continuously redefine the vacation experience,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “This new ship reflects the strength of the vacation ecosystem we are building – combining industry-leading ships, innovative technology and exceptional experiences for our guests. It is an achievement only possible through the extraordinary partnership and expertise of Meyer Turku and the thousands of talented people whose creativity and commitment continue to help us design the future of vacations.”
EUROPEAN DEBUT THIS SUMMER
Before welcoming guests, Legend of the Seas will sail from Turku to Cadiz, Spain, where final preparations will be completed.
The ship is scheduled to begin service this summer with seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona and Rome (Civitavecchia). In November, it will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, operating six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean cruises, all featuring visits to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas.
NEW DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
The ship will feature eight neighbourhoods and what Royal Caribbean says is its largest dining lineup at sea, with 28 dining venues and concepts.
Among the new offerings are Hollywoodland Supper Club, an elevated multi-course dining experience inspired by old Hollywood; Royal Railway – Legend Station, an immersive five-course train-themed dining journey; and AquaDome Market, an all-inclusive food hall featuring five concepts and a juice and smoothie bar.
Entertainment options will include productions based on Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and America’s Got Talent LIVE, alongside performances in the AquaTheater and ice-skating shows at Absolute Zero.
Legend of the Seas will also offer seven pools, including Royal Bay, billed as the largest pool at sea. Family-focused attractions include Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay within the Surfside neighbourhood, while adults can retreat to The Hideaway and the Swim & Tonic swim-up bar.
Thrill-seekers will find attractions such as Crown’s Edge, a combination skywalk and zip-line experience suspended 154 feet above the ocean. Other activities include the Category 6 waterpark, FlowRider surf simulator, mini golf and rock climbing.
The ship will also feature returning Icon Class attractions such as the Pearl kinetic sculpture, the Royal Promenade and the open-air Central Park neighbourhood, home to more than 30,500 live plants, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.
Accommodation options range from standard staterooms to the Suite Neighbourhood and the three-storey Ultimate Family Townhouse, which includes a private slide and dedicated family entertainment spaces.
Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley; Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty; EVP of Maritime & Newbuilding, Harri Kulovaara, Royal Caribbean Group; Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm and Deputy CEO Ville Saksi
FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY
Legend of the Seas becomes Royal Caribbean’s fourth LNG-powered ship and incorporates environmental technologies including waste heat recovery systems and shore power connectivity.
The vessel forms part of Royal Caribbean Group’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes a goal of introducing a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.
The delivery also falls under the company’s long-term agreement with Meyer Turku, which secures shipbuilding capacity through 2036 and includes future Icon Class vessels scheduled for delivery in 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Bookings for Legend of the Seas are now open.
Lead image caption: Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas officially joined the vacation brand’s revolutionary lineup with a delivery celebration at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland
