Royal Caribbean floats out new Icon Class mega-ship

Royal Caribbean has reached a major construction milestone with the float out of its newest Icon Class vessel, Legend of the Seas. 

 

The ceremony took place at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, where the ship touched water for the first time, an event that brings the US$2-billion-plus mega-ship one step closer to its maiden voyage.

 

After a 12-hour dry dock flooding, Legend of the Seas floated out to the outfitting dock, where it will be completed ahead of its August 2026 Barcelona debut.

 

The third ship in the Icon Class series, following Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, Legend will spend summer 2026 sailing seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries before repositioning to the Caribbean in November.

 

From its US homeport, it will then offer six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean voyages, including calls at the line’s award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

 

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Like its predecessors, Legend of the Seas is designed to push boundaries at sea.

 

Guests can expect the largest waterpark on any cruise ship — complete with six record-breaking slides — as well as seven pools, the world’s biggest swim-up bar, and an adults-only infinity pool suspended eight decks above the ocean.

 

Dining will be a global affair, with more than 40 bars and restaurants ranging from Royal Caribbean favourites Johnny Rockets and Jamie’s Italian to sushi, New England-style seafood, and speciality venues.