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June 11, 2026

After nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard, Legend of the Seas has officially joined the Royal Caribbean fleet, marking another step forward in the evolution of the Icon Class lineup, designed to deliver the ultimate family vacation experiences.

This significant milestone was celebrated with a legendary ceremony hosted by Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, and Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm, and attended by more than 1,200 crew members and partners. During the celebration, the team also paid tribute to the hard work of thousands of engineers, designers, architects, and crew members who brought Legend of the Seas to life, while officially marking the transfer of ownership from Meyer Turku to Royal Caribbean.

Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, stated that the delivery of Legend of the Seas marks another major milestone in the company’s ambition to continuously redefine the vacation experience. He added that this new ship reflects the strength of the vacation ecosystem Royal Caribbean is building by bringing together industry-leading ships, innovative technology, and exceptional guest experiences.

The delivery is part of the company’s long-term framework agreement with Meyer Turku, which secures shipyard capacity for the Group through 2036. The agreement also includes the order for the fifth Icon Class ship, scheduled for delivery in 2028, as well as the sixth and seventh Icon Class vessels, expected to be delivered in 2029 and 2030, respectively.

Legend of the Seas will soon depart from Turku for Cádiz, Spain, where Royal Caribbean will complete the final touches ahead of her European debut next July. The ship will sail 7-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona and Rome (Civitavecchia). In November, she will arrive in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to offer 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean cruises. Every itinerary will also include a visit to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, one of the brand’s most popular destinations.

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, expressed his pride in introducing Legend of the Seas to travelers and continuing to innovate through the revolutionary Icon Class. He also emphasized that this achievement would not have been possible without the many talented individuals whose collaboration helped create what is truly the ultimate family vacation.

On board Legend of the Seas, guests of all ages will enjoy a complete vacation experience thanks to an extraordinary lineup of dining venues, immersive entertainment, adrenaline-pumping activities, and accommodations spread across eight distinct neighborhoods. Legend will offer the widest selection of dining experiences at sea, with 28 different options. New highlights include the Hollywoodland Supper Club, an elegant multi-course dining experience inspired by Hollywood’s Golden Age; Royal Railway – Legend Station, an immersive train-themed culinary journey along the Silk Road featuring a five-course menu; and AquaDome Market, an all-inclusive food hall with five distinct concepts, complemented by a new juice and smoothie bar for wellness-minded guests.

Entertainment will include spectacular performances on stage, in the air, on the water, and on the ice, with productions designed for families, couples, and multigenerational groups. Guests will be able to enjoy Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas, as well as breathtaking performances at the AquaTheater, including Shockwave, and stunning ice-skating shows at Absolute Zero, featuring Fusion.

Families will be able to enjoy seven pools and water experiences designed for every age group, including Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea; Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay in the family-focused Surfside neighborhood; adult-only retreats at The Hideaway; and the swim-up pool bar Swim & Tonic.

Thrill-seekers can take on Crown’s Edge, a unique attraction that combines a skywalk and a zip line suspended 47 meters (154 feet) above the ocean. Additional adrenaline-filled experiences include mini-golf at the new Lost Dunes, rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak, the Category 6 waterpark, the FlowRider surf simulator, and much more.

Among the defining features of the Icon Class showcased on Legend of the Seas are the floor-to-ceiling ocean views of the Royal Promenade, The Pearl—the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture—and the open-air Central Park, home to more than 30,500 real plants, restaurants, live music, and convenient grab-and-go options for sushi, champagne, sparkling wine, and more.

Families will also find countless opportunities to stay in style, from the exclusive Suite Neighborhood to the reimagined three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, complete with its own slide, dedicated entertainment spaces, and accommodations designed for the entire family.

Legend of the Seas will be the cruise line’s fourth ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and will feature a proven range of industry-leading environmental programs, from waste heat recovery systems to shore power connectivity. As Legend marks another step forward in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey toward launching a net-zero cruise ship by 2035, the brand is already preparing to welcome its fifth LNG-powered vessel: Hero of the Seas, the fourth ship in the Icon Class, which is scheduled to debut in 2027.

Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku, highlighted that Legend of the Seas is the third Icon Class ship built at the Meyer Turku shipyard and that the construction of this series has enabled the shipyard to further develop and systematically refine its production processes. He added that the vessel is an exceptional project both in terms of scale and technical complexity, requiring strong expertise and seamless collaboration across the entire maritime industry. At the same time, Legend of the Seas is helping to advance shipbuilding toward more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable solutions.

Royal Caribbean’s portfolio of experiences combines revolutionary ships with one-of-a-kind destinations, including the groundbreaking Perfect Day at CocoCay, the all-inclusive beach day experience at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas, and the Ultimate Santorini Day at Royal Beach Club Santorini. The brand continues to expand its portfolio of iconic destinations, with new openings planned in Mexico and Australia.

Don’t miss the latest Royal Caribbean news, updates, and reviews on Cruising Journal, featuring photos, videos, and special cruise offers.

Giorgia Lombardo

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