February 25, 2026 Team Contibutor
The name Legend of the Seas is surely bringing back fond memories, especially for Western Canadians in BC and Ontario who remember the original 1995 vessel as the gold standard of the Vancouver-to-Alaska route. The legend is back, and this time it’s bigger, better. No wonder expectations are at an all-time high.
Royal Caribbean’s newest flagship is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and is scheduled to set sail in summer 2026. Its inaugural voyages will be 3 to 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Rome.
Following this Mediterranean season, the ship is expected to move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, likely in November 2026, to begin Caribbean itineraries.
Weaving nostalgia with the new Royal Caribbean 3rd Icon Class ship
The original Legend of the Seas was the ship that put Royal Caribbean on the map for many Canadians. For many Gen X and boomer Canadians, their first-ever cruise was on the “Legend” in British Columbia. It was a frequent visitor to Vancouver and Halifax, known for its glass-heavy design that allowed for indoor/outdoor viewing of the rugged Canadian coastline.
The latest info on the website boasts 28 dining options, Broadway-style entertainment, and the largest waterpark (category 6) at sea for families. This puts the cruise ship, with 18 decks and a passenger capacity of 7,600, on the coveted list of new cruise ships launching in 2026.
Will Legend of the Seas be bigger than Star of the Seas?
For those curious, the comparison is about size and refinement. Legend of the Seas is not significantly larger than Star of the Seas in terms of space occupied in the ocean. However, it is promoted as the most refined version of the Icon Class so far. Both ships are 2,000 GT larger than the original Icon of the Seas (248,663 GT).
Top attractions aboard Legend of the Seas
While sharing the same DNA as its sister ships, Legend of the Seas offers a distinct experience. It features several 2026-exclusive additions:
- The Royal Railway – Legend Station– This immersive dining experience is enhanced for this ship. It follows a “Silk Route” theme, guiding guests on a five-course culinary journey through China, India, and Italy—all within a high-tech “train car” with LED windows that simulate movement.
- Hollywoodland Supper Club– This glamorous jazz-age venue embraces the “Luxury Me-kend” trend, offering high-end cocktails and live theatrical performances—a nostalgic journey to early 20th-century Hollywood.
- The expanded AquaDome– The Legend’s food hall now features six stalls rather than five. New options include “Simply Pressed” (fresh juice and smoothies) and “Seoulmate,” Royal Caribbean’s first Korean eatery at sea.
- Absolute Zero– A state-of-the-art ice-skating rink where experts and professional stunt skaters perform action-packed acrobatics, set against immersive digital backdrops.
- Adventure options galore- Legend of the Seas offers a fantastic range of entertainment and adventure. Highlights include the largest waterpark at sea, a zipline suspended 154 feet above the ocean, and a beach-themed carousel in Surfside, designed for young families. Guests can also scale the rock climbing wall or stroll through the open-air Central Park, home to more than 30,000 real plants.
Legend of the Seas 2026 itineraries
For Canadians planning their 2026 holidays, the ship offers two distinct seasons.
The Fort Lauderdale Advantage: Crucially for Canadians, the ship will homeport in Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) rather than Miami. For flyers from Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, Fort Lauderdale should be your preferred port.
Legend of the Seas is taking bookings. With construction ahead of schedule, Royal Caribbean moved the maiden voyage to July 4, 2026, departing from Rome (Civitavecchia).
The ship promises a memorable adventure, popular for its inaugural Mediterranean summer and highly anticipated winter debut in Fort Lauderdale.
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