Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas Makes First Splash at Meyer Turku

Royal Caribbean hit a major milestone on its next Icon Class ship. Legend of the Seas touched water for the first time at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, marking its official float out and a big step toward welcoming guests in 2026. The ceremony signals that the hull and exterior are ready for finishing work, while teams shift focus to interiors, technical systems, and sea trials. It also keeps Royal Caribbean’s momentum going just weeks after the launch of Star of the Seas.

A Float Out in Finland: How the Milestone Works

Shipbuilders filled the dry dock with seawater overnight on Tuesday, 2 September, a process that lasted nearly 12 hours. Once the dock reached the required level, the ship floated free for the first time and moved to an outfitting berth. This stage allows crews to install venues, cabins, restaurants, and entertainment spaces while electricians and engineers bring the ship’s systems online. The float out is one of the most celebrated moments in a ship’s life because it shifts the project from heavy construction to guest ready details.

What Guests Can Expect On Board

Legend of the Seas will be the third Icon Class ship, joining Icon and Star of the Seas among the world’s largest cruise ships. The line plans the largest waterpark and slides at sea, along with a high ropes course designed for panoramic thrills. The ship will feature 40 bars and restaurants that range from casual bites to full service dining. At full capacity, Legend is built to host approximately 5,610 passengers with a wide mix of families, couples, and multigenerational groups in mind. Expect big theater productions, sprawling pool decks, and plenty of indoor spaces for sea days.

First Voyages: Mediterranean Summer 2026

Legend of the Seas will debut in Europe with seven night Western Mediterranean itineraries starting in August 2026. Barcelona will serve as the primary embarkation port, which makes pre and post cruise city time easy to plan. Sample routes typically include a blend of beachy stops and historic ports so first time cruisers and frequent sailors both find something to love. Starting prices are listed from £1,778 per person, with final fares varying by sail date, stateroom category, and promotions available at the time of booking.

Caribbean Season: Late 2026 Sunshine

After its European debut, Legend will reposition to the Caribbean in November 2026. The schedule includes six night Western Caribbean sailings and eight night Southern Caribbean itineraries. Many departures include a call at Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, Royal Caribbean’s private island known for water slides, beach clubs, and lagoon style pools. The mix of lengths gives travelers flexible options for school breaks, holiday windows, and winter getaways.

Cleaner Power and Smarter Systems

Legend of the Seas continues the class’s push toward lower emissions and better energy use. The ship will run on liquefied natural gas and is designed to plug into shore power where available to reduce emissions at berth. Waste heat recovery systems will capture energy from the engines and reuse it elsewhere on board. These features build on the line’s recent engineering investments and align with port cities adding greener infrastructure.

Icon Class Momentum: More Mega-Ships on the Way

Royal Caribbean has already signed an agreement with Meyer Turku for a fourth Icon Class ship with delivery targeted for 2027. The deal also includes options for a fifth and sixth ship, signaling continued confidence in demand for large scale, resort style cruising. With Icon and Star already sailing and Legend advancing through construction, guests will see a steady pipeline of new hardware over the next several years.

Key Dates and Details at a Glance

Legend of the Seas completed its float out at Meyer Turku on 2 September 2025 after an overnight dock fill that lasted almost 12 hours. Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona begin in August 2026 on seven night itineraries. The ship shifts to the Caribbean in November 2026 for six and eight night routes that include calls at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Throughout the build, crews will finish interiors, install venues, and prepare the ship for sea trials ahead of delivery.

Planning Your Trip

If Legend of the Seas is on your radar, look at late summer and fall 2026 calendars for the best range of cabins. Barcelona is a convenient homeport with easy air links, so consider adding a night or two before your cruise to explore the city. For the Caribbean season, watch for holiday sailings that sell quickly and compare six versus eight night options to match your schedule. Booking early typically brings more stateroom choices, while last minute deals can work if your dates are flexible. Either way, this ship is shaping up to be a headline act when it enters service.

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This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance