Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas, arrived at the port of Malaga, Spain, in the Western Mediterranean on Monday, June 29, 2026. She is now en route to the Italian port of Civitavecchia on a 4-day preview cruise hosting invited delegates from the Middle East, international partners, and media. She is the first Icon-class ship offering voyages in Europe.
On July 4, 2026, the 5,601-passenger ship will sail her inaugural voyage with ports of call in Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and La Spezia. She will continue to sail 7-day round-trip Western Mediterranean voyages from Rome or Barcelona, with the voyages from Barcelona calling on Naples instead of Marseille. She will continue to sail in the Western Mediterranean through October, when she will make her way to Port Everglades in Florida to sail Southern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
This Legend of the Seas is debuting 30 years after the cruise line’s original Legend of the Seas, a trailblazer in 1995. The 69,130-gross-ton ship was the first vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Vision class and featured an unprecedented amount of glass and a 7-story atrium. The 2,100-passenger ship is still in service, sailing for Marella Cruises as Marella Discovery 2.
A Look at the Icon Class
The Icon-class ships are the largest and most innovative cruise ships in the world, featuring 20 decks and carrying up to 7,600 guests. Three Icon-class ships–Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas and now, Legend of the Seas–are currently sailing for Royal Caribbean. We know a fourth, Hero of the Seas, is on the horizon. The ships launched in 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively.
Each ship features state-of-the-art Broadway-style entertainment, eight “neighborhoods,” 7 pools and more than 40 dining and drink venues.
Entertainment
The Royal Theater is the main entertainment venue on each Icon-class ship. The theater spans decks 4 and 5 at the forward of the ship. Each ship features its own full-scale Broadway-style production.
The Wizard of Oz is found on Icon of the Seas. The show features a 16-piece orchestra, more than 600 costume elements, and aerial rigging allowing characters to fly above the audience.
If time travel is your thing, board Star of the Seas for the award-winning Broadway production, Back to the Future: The Musical. The production features classic rock hits, the largest orchestra at sea, amazing choreography, special effects, and “Royal Caribbean twists.”
On Legend of the Seas, guests are treated to Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This hit Broadway musical brings the magical world of Willy Wonka to sea. This show is full of sweet surprises, magical numbers, and Oompa Loompas.
Legend of the Seas also offers, for the first time on an Icon-class ship, the Royal Railway. This immersive dining experience allows guests to enjoy a 5-course meal while traveling on a simulated train ride along the ancient Silk Routes.
Neighborhoods
Royal Caribbean’s innovative 8-neighborhood concept ranges from high-energy to family fun to quiet spaces–depending on the traveler’s mood.
Beginning with the heart of the ship, the Royal Promenade features floor-to-ceiling ocean views, shopping, bars, and live entertainment. The indoor boulevard is found on decks 5 and 6 and is host to parties and parades or simply people watching. Located in the center of the Royal Promenade is “The Pearl.” While it serves as structural support for the ship, The Pearl is an architectural work of art for guests to experience.
At the very top and front of the ship is the AquaDome. The glass-enclosed AquaDome is home to the AquaTheater featuring a 50-foot waterfall and a water curtain. The space transforms into a high-tech entertainment space at night. Guests will also find restaurants and bars with panoramic views as well as the cruise line’s first food hall, the AquaDome Market.
Guests looking for an adrenaline rush will want to head to Thrill Island. The neighborhood is found on upper decks 16 and 17 and is home to Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, with six massive waterslides and a ropes course. Guests can also enjoy Crown’s Edge skywalk (warning: the floor drops from under you), FlowRider surf simulators, Adrenaline Peak rock-climbing wall, and a sports court.
Ready to chill? There is no better place than Chill Island. This resort-style oasis is found midship on decks 15, 16, and 17. Chill Island features multiple pools and whirlpools, including the largest pool at sea, the Royal Bay pool; the largest swim-up bar at sea, the Swim & Tonic; and the fleet’s first frozen cocktail bar, The Lime & Coconut.
If you need some kid-free, adult relaxation, head to The Hideaway. The adults-only “beach club” is found aft on deck 15 and features the first suspended infinity pool at sea, The Hideaway Bar, and multilevel loungers and daybeds.
Central Park can be found midship on Deck 8. This neighborhood is designed to be an outdoor garden and is home to thousands of live plants and trees, as well as pathways to walk through the park. Guests will also find multiple dining and entertainment venues.
If you are traveling with children, you will want to visit Surfside. This neighborhood was designed with families in mind and features Water’s Edge Pool & Splashaway Bay–a lounge pool for parents near the splash pads and kid-friendly water area. Families will find kid-approved food at Surfside Eatery & Bites, cocktails (and mocktails) at The Lemon Post Bar, and a beach-themed Carousel in the center of it all.
The final neighborhood is an exclusive, multi-deck space for premium suite guests–Suite Neighborhood. Located on decks 16 through 19, this area features a private two-story sun deck, pools, loungers, and dining specifically for guests of this neighborhood.
Tony was onboard Star of the Seas in August 2025 for her naming ceremony. You can check out a full ship tour, his first 12 hours onboard, and the naming ceremony, which he broadcast live from a bar. That trip also found him at CocoCay on his birthday!