Royal Caribbean International marks float out of new Icon class Legend of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International has marked the float out of its newest ship, Legend of the Seas, at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, signalling another step forward in the expansion of the Icon Class. 

The float out, which took place over 12 hours as the ship’s dry dock was flooded and the vessel moved to the outfitting berth, paves the way for interior construction and systems installation ahead of its delivery in August 2026.

At more than 250,000 gross tons, the Icon Class represents Royal Caribbean’s largest and most ambitious generation of ships. Legend of the Seas will follow sister ships Icon of the Seas, delivered in early 2024, and Star of the Seas, due to debut in 2025. 

Like its predecessors, the vessel will feature eight themed neighbourhoods, combining family attractions, dining, entertainment, and relaxation spaces across multiple decks.

Among the headline features will be Category 6, billed as the largest waterpark at sea, and Crown’s Edge, a hybrid skywalk, ropes course and thrill ride suspended high above the ocean. 

The line has also promised new dining concepts and expanded entertainment, designed to offer more choice for multi-generational cruising. Accommodation will include family-focused staterooms and suites, as well as more secluded options for couples.

The ship’s deployment plan sees it enter service in summer 2026 on 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Europe, before repositioning to the Caribbean later that year. 

Starting November 2026, itineraries will include six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean voyages, with calls at destinations such as Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Legend of the Seas will also continue the group’s environmental push as its fourth ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Additional sustainability features include a waste heat recovery system and shore power connectivity, aligning with Royal Caribbean Group’s target of delivering a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.

The float out underscores the rapid build-up of the Icon Class, which Royal Caribbean has positioned as the centrepiece of its fleet growth strategy. 

By the time Legend of the Seas joins the line-up, the company will have introduced three of the world’s largest cruise ships in as many years, expanding both capacity and reach in its key European and Caribbean markets.