Royal Caribbean announced the construction of its third Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, is moving so quickly, she is expected to debut earlier than expected–three weeks earlier. She was initially slated to begin sailing August 2, 2026, but the cruise line has added three new sailings with the earliest departing on July 11, 2026.
Guests booked on the initial inaugural sailing received an email that read, “We have an important update on the arrival of Legend of the Seas. Our teams have been working diligently to deliver to you An Iconic Family Holiday, and the ship is progressing ahead of schedule.”
The email also offered guests booked on the August 2nd sailing the opportunity to move to the earlier inaugural sailing which will depart roundtrip from Rome, Italy and call on Naples, Italy; Barcelona and Palma De Mallorca, Spain; and Marseille, France.
“Understanding that some guests may value being the first onboard, and others look forward to celebrating the inaugural voyage – we want to give you the first choice and the flexibility to switch sailings, add an additional sailing, or stay on your currently booked sailing,” the email wrote.
Suite guests have until September 24, 2025, to take advantage of the price protection for the July 11, 2026 sailing. If suite guests prefer to switch to the July 18th or July 25th sailing, those transfers will be at the prevailing rate and based upon availability. Guests in other staterooms will be able to transfer at the prevailing rate.
Legend of the Seas is still under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. She is expected to be the same size as her sister ships, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. She will sail her inaugural season from Barcelona, Spain and Rome, Italy, making her the first Icon Class ship to sail the Mediterranean. She will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the end of October and begin offering Caribbean sailings on November 11, 2026.