Royal Caribbean’s forthcoming cruise ship, the ‘Legend of the Seas’, is set to make its debut in July 2026. Preparations for its inaugural European summer season are well underway as the ship initiates sea trials in Turku, Finland. Following its initial voyages in Europe, the vessel will take to the Caribbean, setting sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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On April 20, 2026, the cruise line announced that the Legend of the Seas had embarked on its sea trials, which will last approximately ten days. During this time, a team of over 2,000 engineers and specialists will conduct an extensive series of tests to ensure the vessel’s systems are functioning optimally. These evaluations will include testing the ship’s manoeuvrability in open waters and assessing engine performance under various conditions.
The journey is expected to cover around 2,400 nautical miles before Legend of the Seas returns to the Meyer Turku shipyard for its final construction phases. The shipyard, which shared images of the vessel entering open waters for the first time, is home to this new addition to Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
As part of the Icon Class of ships, Legend of the Seas will match the size and gross tonnage of the currently acclaimed ‘Icon of the Seas’, which made history as the world’s largest cruise ship in 2024. Another ship from the same class, the ‘Star of the Seas’, is set to make its own maiden voyage in August 2025.
Notably, the ship will feature eight uniquely themed neighbourhoods for passengers to explore. It will provide an impressive array of over 40 dining, drinking, and entertainment options, catering to visitors of all ages. Among its attractions is the “Crown’s Edge”, an exhilarating ropes course, alongside the onboard Category 6 water park, which promises a variety of thrilling waterslides, including mat racing and drop plunges. Additionally, guests can look forward to a range of amenities, including seven swimming pools, a swim-up bar, ten whirlpools, and private cabanas.
Dining on the Legend of the Seas will offer 28 distinct venues, the highest number available at sea. These will include themed options such as the Royal Railway – Legend Station, a train-themed dining experience; the Hollywoodland Supper Club, where visitors can enjoy jazz and cocktails; as well as the Aquadome Market, featuring six stands that showcase diverse culinary offerings.
Once it completes its summer season in Europe, the ship will make its way to Fort Lauderdale, where it will embark on six-night Western Caribbean itineraries and eight-night Southern Caribbean cruises. Highlights of these voyages will include a stop at Royal Caribbean’s exclusive destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
As anticipation builds for the launch of Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean continues to share updates about this sizeable addition to its fleet. With its multitude of attractions and dining options, there is much for travellers to look forward to when the ship officially welcomes its first guests in the summer of 2026.
For more updates about Legend of the Seas and other news within the cruise industry, be sure to stay tuned as the ship approaches its launch date.