A milestone in the construction of Royal Caribbean's third Icon Class cruise ship has officially begun. 

(Credit: Meyer Turku / Facebook)

According to Royal Caribbean's social media accounts, Legend of the Seas has started her sea trials, which allow certain navigation and technical systems to be tested that cannot be completed while the ship is docked. 

It marks the final stage of a ship's construction before being delivered to the cruise line and ensures that everything is in working condition before joining the fleet. 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International / X)

"During sea trials, all critical systems and the vessel’s overall performance are evaluated under real operating conditions, including machinery, navigation, and hotel operations, to ensure everything functions as intended," the Meyer Turku shipyard wrote on Facebook. 

Legend's sea trials will take place over ten days, giving over 2,000 engineers and specialists plenty of opportunities to push her engines to the limit across 2,400 nautical miles.

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International / X)

Icon of the Seas had two separate sets of sea trials since she was the first vessel in the brand-new class. Typically, subsequent ships in the same class have just one sea trial. However, the scope and number of sea trials are subject to change based on technical refinements and final performance evaluations. 

Read more: We got a first look at Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas. The world’s biggest cruise ship is almost ready

Legend of the Seas will set sail in July 2026

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International / X)

Legend of the Seas will embark on her first cruise with paying passengers in July. Her first cruise has been moved up a few times because of the timely construction, which means the vessel will be ready ahead of schedule. 

Her first voyage is now scheduled for July 4, 2026, from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. The seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise will visit iconic destinations like Marseille, France; Barcelona, Spain; and Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy. 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International / X)

Legend's inaugural season marks the first time that an Icon Class ship will offer European sailings. Both Icon and Star of the Seas begin their careers in Florida, sailing to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Legend of the Seas will eventually move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. However, her time in the Caribbean will be short-lived, as she's scheduled to return to Europe in 2027. 

(Credit: Meyer Turku / Facebook)

She will measure 248,663 gross tons, 1,196 feet long, be able to accommodate over 5,600 guests at double occupancy, and host 2,500 international crew members, according to the cruise line. 

The fourth Icon Class ship is also under construction

At the same time, construction on the next-gen Icon Class ship is already well underway. Hero of the Seas is expected to launch in 2027, offering sailings from Miami, Florida. 

Although much of the ship will be similar to other Icon Class vessels, Royal Caribbean plans on refining and evolving the design to enhance the overall guest experience. 

For example, Hero of the Seas will feature new pools, a brand-new funnel raft slide, redesigned supper club, immersive train car specialty dining restaurant, three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse suite, and more. 

"With more water, more thrills, and more choices for all ages, we're continuing to build on what our guests love about Royal Caribbean and delivering the experiences families are looking for when vacationing together," said Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International's President and CEO. 

Royal Caribbean is moving up the first sailing of Legend of the Seas when it makes its arrival into Florida.

If your goal is to be the very first onboard the third Icon Class ship, there's a new first voyage from Port Everglades.

In an email sent to booked guests, the cruise line revealed it has added a brand-new sailing for Legend of the Seas right before the originally scheduled first voyage from Florida. That means there’s now an earlier opportunity to sail the ship, even though it doesn’t technically replace the official inaugural voyage.

The change might sound minor at first glance, but for cruise fans who care about being first (or who already have a booking), it creates a new option.

One new sailing has been added

Originally, Royal Caribbean positioned the November 11, 2026 cruise from Fort Lauderdale as the inaugural sailing for Legend of the Seas from Florida. That hasn't changed.

What has changed is that the cruise line has now added a new sailing departing November 8, 2026, just before the November 11th sailing.

In its message to guests, Royal Caribbean framed the move as a way to "open the door to an unforgettable adventure sooner than expected."

The newly added sailing is a short 3-night itinerary from Fort Lauderdale that includes a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay before returning to Florida.

Some cruisers could now book the earlier sailing and remain on the November 11th sailing to create a longer back-to-back cruise.

Why being first is important to some people

Even though the November 8 cruise will now be the first time paying guests can step onboard in the U.S., Royal Caribbean is still treating November 11 as the official inaugural sailing.

The email sent to guests booked on the November 11th sailing claims it will remain the inaugural voyage in name.

"Your current voyage remains the actual inaugural sailing."

That distinction matters more than it might seem.

Inaugural sailings typically come with special events, ceremonies, commemorative gifts, and a general sense of occasion that appeals to loyal cruisers.

With this earlier sailing, it's technically a pre-inaugural sailing that may not have as much fanfare, but will sail first.

For some cruisers, that tradeoff is perfectly fine. For others, especially those chasing inaugural status, it could be a reason to stick with their original booking.

What Royal Caribbean is offering booked guests

If you were already booked on the November 11th cruise, Royal Caribbean is giving you options.

According to the email, guests on the November 11 cruise were notified first and given the opportunity to switch to the new November 8 sailing, keep their existing booking, or even book both sailings if they want to double up on early access.

The cruise line says staterooms on the new sailing will be available “at the prevailing rate based on availability,” which suggests pricing will follow standard dynamic pricing rather than any special inaugural pricing structure.

Why Royal Caribbean adds earlier sailings

Royal Caribbean didn’t explicitly say why it added the extra sailing, but I think the reasoning is fairly easy to read between the lines.

Demand for new ships is red hot, especially the Icon Class ships. From Icon of the Seas to Star of the Seas, early sailings have consistently sold at high prices and filled quickly.

Plus, if the ship is going to be ready earlier, they don't want it sitting idle. By adding a short, earlier cruise, Royal Caribbean accomplishes a few things at once.

First, it creates more inventory for a new ship.

Second, it allows the cruise line to generate additional revenue without altering the official inaugural timeline.

And third, it gives flexibility to guests who want to sail early but may not care about the inaugural label.

Launching this summer

Legend of the Seas will be one of the biggest cruise ships in the world when it debuts in later this year

Royal Caribbean is pinning Legend as the next follow-up to the wildly successful Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas.

The ship measures about 365 meters (1,197 feet) long and roughly 248,663 gross tons, putting it among the largest cruise ships ever built. It will carry about 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, with a maximum capacity approaching 7,600 guests, along with a crew of around 2,350. 

The ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, and is nearly ready to begin sea trials.

Onboard, Legend of the Seas will feature the signature Icon Class neighborhood concept, along with a massive waterpark, multiple pools, and a wide mix of dining and entertainment venues.

The ship is scheduled to debut in Europe first, with its inaugural summer season sailing in the Western Mediterranean from ports like Barcelona. After that, it will reposition to the United States for a winter season based in Fort Lauderdale, offering Caribbean itineraries that include stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean officially released Legend of the Seas' entertainment lineup, giving Royal Caribbean passengers a lot to look forward to on its next-level Icon Class ship.

From original stage productions to high-diving spectaculars, here's everything you can expect to find on Legend of the Seas, starting with the main theater. 

For starters, Legend of the Seas will be home to Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This was first revealed in October 2025 and brings the sweet excitement of Charlie finally getting his golden ticket to the high seas. 

The Royal Theater will also feature a new stage production inspired by a hit television franchise. America's Got Talent LIVE at Sea will be the first time the Got Talent format will appear on a cruise ship and underscores the cruise line's push toward increasingly large and elaborate productions at sea.

Guests can expect a dynamic lineup of variety acts from performers from around the world, including magicians, acrobats, musicians, and more. 

Moving on to the jaw-dropping AquaTheater, which first launched on Oasis of the Seas and has since become a fan favorite venue, Royal Caribbean developed a brand-new show exclusively for Legend of the Seas. 

Shockwave: A Battle for the Beat is a "heart-racing show that will leave you breathless with every beat, featuring spectacular stunts." 

Another favorite entertainment venue is the ice skating rink. Fusion, the show designed for Legend of the Seas, will allow guests to "watch nature's power, passion, and harmony come to life in [the] dazzling ice skating spectacle." 

Royal Caribbean introduced the first ice skating rink at sea aboard Voyager of the Seas in 1999. Although it quickly became a staple across the fleet, from Freedom to Oasis Class ships, the venue got a much-needed upgrade when the first Icon Class vessel launched. 

Now, Absolute Zero holds the title of the largest ice rink at sea and was carefully designed so that each seat was placed to provide the best possible view of the ice. 

In the family-friendly Surfside Neighborhood, Royal Caribbean will also debut a new block party centered around rubber ducks. The Quack Bash will include everything from face painting to music and other bubbly fun. 

Finally, a new parade will debut in the Royal Promenade. Dubbed Voyage to Adventure, this musical parade will celebrate unforgettable destinations around the world.

No shortage of late-night activities

From late-night silent discos to legendary dueling piano battles and smooth jazz in Central Park, the evening lineup aboard Legend of the Seas is impressive.

Overall, it's similar to what you can expect on other Icon Class vessels. You can sip on craft cocktails at 1400 Lobby Bar, sing along to your favorite tunes at the Ale & Arrow Pub, listen to karaoke at the Spotlight Karaoke lounge, or dance the night away at Boleros. 

In fact, to experience every venue on the ship, you’ll have to pack your schedule, hopping from one space to another to take it all in — regardless of whether you're on a seven-night European getaway or an eight-night Southern Caribbean itinerary. 

Legend of the Seas Royal Caribbean launch

Legend of the Seas is expected to make her highly anticipated debut in July, when she sets sail in Europe. This will mark the first time an Icon Class vessel will offer regular voyages around the Mediterranean. While in Europe, Legend will visit iconic destinations like Naples, Italy; Marseille, France; Barcelona, Spain; and more. 

Afterward, Legend will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she'll rotate between six- and eight-night Caribbean cruises. Following her five-month stint in Florida, she will once again return to Europe in April 2027. 

Legend of the Seas will measure 248,663 gross tons, accommodate 5,610 guests at double occupancy, and be 1,196 feet long according to the cruise line. 

Read more: We got a first look at Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas. The world’s biggest cruise ship is almost ready

The launch of Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas is less than three months away, and I traveled to Finland for an exclusive sneak peek of the vessel during a shipyard tour.

Legend of the Seas is the third ship in the record-breaking Icon Class, and her launch follows sister ships Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. She’s the first ship in the class to receive modifications following feedback from guests who sailed on the first two Icon Class ships.

The majority of spaces on Legend of the Seas are identical to other ships in the class, but Royal Caribbean has made several major (and minor) changes to the vessel.

Royal Caribbean Blog was invited to step onboard Legend of the Seas at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Turku, Finland. Building a $2 billion cruise ship is no small feat, and progress is being made on the vessel around the clock.

Follow us onboard as we walk through Legend of the Seas, visiting familiar neighborhoods like the Royal Promenade and brand-new additions such as Royal Railway: Legend Station.

Here’s the latest information on Legend of the Seas and what you can expect to see on the ship when she debuts this July.

The pool deck is bright and colorful

The pool deck will not see any major changes on Legend of the Seas. Although a new pool will be added to the fourth Icon Class ship, Hero of the Seas, the pool deck on Legend of the Seas follows the same layout as the other two ships in the class.

Nonetheless, the area is coming along nicely. The space is bright, spacious, colorful, and packed with pools and hot tubs.

Following our tour's brief walk around the pool deck, we made a visit to Legend’s adults-only neighborhood, The Hideaway.

Hero of the Seas is seen under construction in the distance.

Thrill Island shines with new colors and an updated mini golf course

One of the most iconic areas of Icon Class ships is the Category 6 Waterpark. It's located in the Thrill Island neighborhood, which features everything from waterslides to a FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, and the Crown’s Edge obstacle course.

Thrill Island is largely the same on Legend of the Seas as it is on Icon and Star of the Seas, but the area has been refreshed with a new color palette.

In addition, the Lost Dunes mini golf course will receive updates. The course will be installed in the coming weeks, so I was unable to get a sneak peek of this feature.

I was told, though, that it will be more thrilling than the courses on other ships, that there will be a giant volcano located inside the course, and that it’s designed to get passengers “even more lost at sea.”

The AquaDome features enhanced seating, new dining stalls, and a swapped retail store

The AquaDome is one of my favorite areas on any Icon Class ship, and the neighborhood was just as beautiful on Legend of the Seas as it is on other ships in the class.

Areas like The Overlook, Hooked Seafood, and Rye & Bean remain the same, but a few notable changes are coming to other spots in the neighborhood.

At the center of the AquaDome is the AquaTheater, and it’s where you’ll notice a major change with seating. A common complaint of the Icon Class AquaTheater has been the uncomfortable seating, as many seats lack back support.

This has been updated on Legend of the Seas. Now you’ll find rows of seats with backs, which will make watching a show more enjoyable.

Something else that has changed is the removal of Royal Bling. This is a Royal Caribbean-themed jewelry shop on Icon and Star of the Seas, but the venue is being replaced with an unnamed retail store.

Merchandise from Royal Bling will still be sold onboard, but not in its own designated shop.

Lastly, the AquaDome market has five new food stalls: Seoulmate, Adobo, La Española, Cajun Kitchen, and Simply Pressed.

Crème de la Crêpe, the Icon Class’ famed crêpe stall, will be returning.

The Royal Promenade is almost complete

The Royal Promenade on Legend of the Seas will surely be a hub of activity onboard, and it’s in the final stages of completion.

Most venues look more or less complete, and furniture has already been added to several areas. With the exception of the Royal Railway restaurant, all venues in the Royal Promenade are identical to those on her sister ships.

You’ll find favorites like the Schooner Bar, Boleros, Dueling Pianos, the Ale & Arrow pub, Spotlight Karaoke, and Sorrento’s, among others.

Royal Railway: Legend Station is a must-try restaurant

Legend of the Seas is the first vessel in the Icon Class to feature Royal Railway, Royal Caribbean’s immersive train car dining experience.

The specialty restaurant, Royal Railway: Legend Station, takes guests on a journey through the ancient Silk Road. Immersive visuals, themed cocktails, live storytelling, and a multi-course meal take guests from Asia to Europe, “visiting” several countries along the way.

This is the second Royal Railway restaurant in the fleet, but there are a few ways this version differs from the first location on Utopia of the Seas.

First, the venue is located in the Royal Promenade, replacing where The Attic comedy club is located on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. The central location brings Royal Railway into the heart of the ship.

The restaurant layout itself is different, too. As you walk into Legend Station, you’ll encounter a bar, and it’s the perfect place to meet for a pre-dinner cocktail before you board the train. The bar is still in development, and details haven’t been confirmed yet on whether or not the bar is open to all passengers, or only for those who booked Royal Railway.

There are two smaller train cars, and each will accommodate 24 guests per seating. The cars will have a staggered start time of 15 minutes so that crew members can perform the show in both areas.

Compared to Royal Railway on Utopia of the Seas, the venue on Legend feels more grandiose. The bar in the boarding area is sure to make the experience even more immersive, and I’m excited to see how it turns out once construction is complete.

The Pearl has been revamped, and the technology is extraordinary

Just when you think Icon Class ships can’t get any more impressive, Royal Caribbean creates something that’s even more mind-blowing.

The Pearl is the centerpiece and ultimate “wow” factor of the Royal Promenade. It’s the first thing passengers see when they step onboard, and it’s designed to give guests a great first impression of the ship.

The 3-deck-high sphere is a structural element of the ship, but it also acts as an art installation. On Icon and Star of the Seas, The Pearl features thousands of moving panels that change color throughout the day.

On Legend, The Pearl has been redeveloped to provide an even more magnificent show.

There are 627 LED panels inside the structure, and each panel showcases colorful animations that are unlike anything I’ve ever seen on a Royal Caribbean ship.

I saw just three seconds of the new animations inside The Pearl, but was told there is capacity for over 100 minutes of content. I’m eager to see how Royal Caribbean utilizes this new technology to transform the Royal Promenade’s atmosphere throughout the day.

Central Park looks wonderful so far

Central Park is a staple of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Icon Class ships. The lush park on these vessels features an abundance of greenery, and it’s truly an oasis on an otherwise busy cruise ship.

Plants have not yet arrived in Central Park on Legend of the Seas, but they’ll be coming soon. For now, I got a look at the park’s signature venues, including Izumi in the Park, Park Cafe, Chops Grille, and Lou’s Jazz n’ Blues.

I love the decor and murals in Central Park already, and it will be lovely to walk around once the area is dotted with plants, flowers, and trees.

Legend of the Seas’ supper club brings Hollywood to the sea

After Central Park, we moved to the Hollywoodland Supper Club to take a look at Legend of the Seas’ most elegant restaurant.

Hollywoodland Supper Club is the third supper club restaurant in the Icon Class, and it follows the success of the Empire Supper Club and Lincoln Park Supper Club.

Each supper club offers a multi-course tasting menu complete with drink pairings, and the meals are accompanied by live music. The theme of the restaurant varies by ship. On Legend of the Seas, it aims to transport guests to the golden age of Hollywood.

Menus have not yet been released for the Hollywoodland Supper Club, but courses will mirror the transformation of Hollywood from the 1910s to the 1950s. Courses will transform from Hollywood’s black and white film era to the launch of sepia and technicolor film, taking guests on a journey through time and taste.

Hollywoodland Supper Club is a specialty restaurant that must be reserved in advance, and tables book quickly. The decor and atmosphere of the restaurant already look intriguing, and I’m interested to see the final product once the ship launches.

Surfside has a beach theme and a rubber duck carousel

Surfside is the family-focused neighborhood on Legend of the Seas. For the most part, the neighborhood isn’t seeing significant changes from her sister ships.

That being said, there will be a subtle beach theme throughout Surfside. The entrance has a surf-themed mural, and the playscape is designed as a “mini beach town” with beach-themed climbing areas and stands.

One fun feature coming to Surfside is a rubber duck-themed carousel. The carousel is not yet complete, but expect to see many different rubber ducks as seats on the ride.

Cabins are receiving finishing touches

I took a look at two cabins on Legend of the Seas, and they’re looking just as modern and spacious as other cabins in the Icon Class.

First up was a Surfside Family Suite, and I later toured an Infinite Family Balcony.

The Infinite Family Balcony first launched with Icon of the Seas, but a new style of this cabin is coming to Legend—the Family Balcony.

This cabin features the same layout as an Infinite Family Balcony, which includes a separate room with bunk beds for kids and a split bathroom concept. However, it has a traditional balcony in lieu of the infinite balcony.

Legend of the Seas launches this July from Rome, Italy

It’s impossible to see a ship as massive as Legend of the Seas in just a few hours, so we didn’t get to visit every nook and cranny onboard. What I did have the chance to see, though, looks fantastic, and I can’t wait to see another Icon Class ship officially join the fleet.

The inaugural sailing of Legend of the Seas is on July 4, 2026 from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Throughout the summer, she’ll sail 7-night cruises around the Western Mediterranean, visiting ports like Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Naples.

In October, Legend will cross the Atlantic to homeport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. From there, she’ll sail 6-night cruises to the Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries. Every sailing has a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas.

With just under three months to go, there is still a lot to complete around the ship, but progress is moving rapidly. In fact, the ship’s first crew members are set to arrive this weekend, marking an important milestone for Legend of the Seas. Soon enough, there will be thousands of passengers and crew onboard setting sail around the Mediterranean.

In the coming months, Legend of the Seas will complete her finishing touches at Meyer Turku shipyard before her official delivery to Royal Caribbean. Following that, the shipyard will continue construction on Hero of the Seas and the fifth (unnamed) Icon Class cruise ship, which will launch in 2027 and 2028 respectively.

Royal Caribbean is bringing one of the most famous talent shows in the world to its newest cruise ship.

Beginning in August 2026, guests sailing on Legend of the Seas will be able to watch "America's Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas," a new stage production inspired by the hit television franchise. 

This will be the first time the Got Talent format will appear on a cruise ship, bringing a live version of the variety show to sea. It's a clear indication Royal Caribbean wants to push toward increasingly large and elaborate productions at sea.

Guests will be able to see it performed in the Royal Theater where there will be "a dynamic lineup of unique acts featuring performers from the Got Talent universe", from magicians and musicians to acrobats, aerialists and more.

A new headline show for Legend of the Seas

Royal Caribbean says they decided to add "America's Got Talent" to its newest ship to bring energy and excitement from television right to its passengers.

"At Royal Caribbean, we are constantly redefining live entertainment at every turn—bringing jaw-dropping performances to life across stage, air, water, and ice—and America's Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas is the perfect expression of that vision," said Christine Coachman, vice president of entertainment for Royal Caribbean.

The show will feature a dynamic lineup of performers from around the world, highlighting the variety acts that helped make the franchise a global phenomenon.

Royal Caribbean is partnering with Fremantle company to add the production onboard.

"We’re thrilled to bring Got Talent to an all-new at sea experience," said Erica Gadecki, executive vice president of partnership solutions at Fremantle. "We can’t wait to showcase incredible acts from around the world on a brand-new stage onboard."

What entertainment will be on Legend of the Seas?

The talent show is just one part of the entertainment lineup planned for Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Icon Class cruise ship.

Guests will also find several other performance venues and shows onboard, including:

• Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" musical
• AquaTheater performances featuring high divers, aerialists, dancers and robots
• Absolute Zero, described as the largest ice arena at sea
• Live music and nightlife at more than 20 bars and lounges, including venues like Lou’s and Dueling Pianos
• Immersive dining experiences such as Hollywoodland Supper Club and Royal Railway – Legend Station

AGT will share the stage with "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" as the story of Willy Wonka and his protégé will come to life on stage, with the Broadway musical.

Where Legend of the Seas will sail

Legend of the Seas is scheduled to debut in summer 2026 with 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises sailing from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. Ports of call will include destinations such as Marseille, Naples, and Palma de Mallorca.

Later in the year, the ship will move to the United States for its Caribbean debut in November 2026, sailing 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Caribbean sailings will include visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, along with destinations such as Aruba and Curaçao.

All aboard for dinner on Royal Caribbean's next-gen dining experience.

You can now book a reservation at the Royal Railway Legend Station, which is one of the most anticipated restaurants coming to its new cruise ship, Legend of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean revealed it would add this immersive dining experience to its next ship, which makes you feel like you're actually on a classic train car. You walk onto what looks like a train platform, board a train car, and can look out the window as the world passes you by.

As of Monday, reservations for European sailings are now open to book.  However, reservations for the sailings from North America remain unavailable.

How much it will cost to eat at Royal Railway

With reservations available, we have our first look at how much dinner will cost.

Royal Railway costs $165 per adult or $110 per child with no pre-cruise discount offered. It's a bit higher from when the first Royal Railway went on sale for Utopia of the Seas in 2024, and the prices were $119.99 per adult and $59.99 per child.  Children ages 0-5 are complimentary.

Royal Railway is included with all dining packages, with a $50 surcharge per adults and $25 per child applied once onboard.

A $50 per person cancellation fee will apply if you cancel within 24 hours of the reservation time, or if you do not arrive within 15 minutes of the reservation time at Royal Railway. 

The higher price tag could also be a mechanism to control demand, which is a tactic the cruise line has used to prevent runaway sales taking up every reservation before everyone has a chance to consider it.

Prices for Crown's Edge, Hideaway Beach, Royal Beach Club, and the supper clubs all started off at one price before pre-cruise discounts began to be commonly offered.

As an example, Royal Railway Utopia Station is priced at $107.99 per adult and $44.99 per child for a Utopia of the Seas sailing in April 2026.

I'm not promising prices will drop later, but I've observed a pattern to how new experiences get priced.

What is this train restaurant going to be like?

Royal Railway makes it feel like you're dining on a classic train car, and this version will be different from the one on Utopia of the Seas.

It offers a multi-course meal that follows the famous journey of Marco Polo, with each course matching the country you are passing through.

Follow in Marco Polo’s footsteps as you journey along the ancient Silk Routes, taking in sights and cultures on a five-course, flavor-packed expedition.

Digital windows provide a view outside the train, where you can see the mountains, cities, towns, and celebrations along the way.

I previewed an early test version of the restaurant at a mock-up in Royal Caribbean's headquarters, and the food is easily going to be the focal point of the experience.

In my test, there was still a show element where a conductor explains where you're headed and what you're seeing, but there's far less storytelling happening compared to the first restaurant.

I think because the cuisine is so distinguished, the food is the primary element instead of the story.

Of course, I saw an early test, so things may have changed significantly.  Nonetheless, I'm excited for a restaurant on Royal Caribbean to offer Turkish, Indian, and Persian food in a formal setting.

Legend of the Seas begins sailing in July

Legend of the Seas is the third Icon Class ship, and will have her first sailing in early July 2026.

The new ship debuts first in Europe, offering primarily 7-night Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona and Rome. Then in November, Legend will begin sailing from Fort Lauderdale and offer 6- and 8-night cruises, with each visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The first sailing is July 4, 2026 from the Italian port of Civitavecchia (Rome).

It will be among the biggest ships in the world when she debuts. Legend measures 365 meters long, nearly 50 meters wide, and the 248,000-ton vessel is powered by LNG.

Royal Caribbean will add a new cruise ship this summer, and there are a few dining surprises that were announced.

Legend of the Seas will be the third Icon Class cruise ship, and it will have 28 places to eat onboard. It's not only among the biggest cruise ships in the world, but it will be home to more casual, sit down, and fine dining choices.

I scoured the full list of restaurants and dining choices on the ship, and there were a few things that jumped out because they're new and unexpected.

In addition to returning foodie favorites, here are the four surprises we can look forward to eating at on Legend of the Seas.

The first Korean food choice

Royal Caribbean will add its first dedicated Korean food offering when Seoulmate opens.

This is one of six stations that will make up Aquadome Market, the complimentary food hall.

Royal Caribbean trademarked the name last year, leading to speculation a Korean offering was coming.

Korean rice bowls are on the menu, and it signals a new kind of option never before offered on Royal Caribbean ships. I think it's exciting when we get variations.

Tacos coming to Aquadome Market too

Royal Caribbean is pretty much overhauling the Aquadome Market lineup with, five out of six locations new options.

• 🆕 Seoulmate: Korean rice bowls
• 🆕 La Espanola: Spanish-style bites
• 🆕 Cajun kitchen: New Orleans gumbo
• 🆕 Adobo: Mexican street tacos
• 🆕 Simply Pressed: Fresh smoothies & juices
• Creme de la Crepe: Sweet French crepes

What surprised me is one of the food halls is offering Mexican food, when there's an El Loco Fresh down the deck.

To be fair, El Loco Fresh is more Tex-Mex than traditional/authentic Mexican food, and that may be the difference.

If you've never eaten at Aquadome Market, it's my favorite included restaurant on any Royal Caribbean ship. The variety of food, the fact it's open late night, and how fresh everything is prepared truly makes it stand out.

Plus, it's convenient to the pool deck since you can easily get to it from the Chill Island neighborhood.

To be clear, I'm all for more tacos in my life. So I'll take it upon myself to "research" the differences between this and El Loco Fresh.

Pier 7 isn't going anywhere

After the launch of Icon of the Seas, it looked like Pier 7 was going to be removed on Star of the Seas.  Fast-forward two ships and it's still here.

It's easily overlooked because it's located deep within the Surfside neighborhood, which is an area guests without young kids usually avoid.

To be clear, I think Pier 7 is the most underrated Royal Caribbean restaurant and given how cheap it's priced, I think it's worth eating at for everyone.  

Kids under 12 eat free, and if you pre-book a reservation, adults can have brunch for as little as $9.

I appreciate the menu offers very different options than what you'd find elsewhere, and there are some great healthier options available.

Plus, having an all-day brunch menu is welcome for anyone that enjoys breakfast for dinner.

The immersive train restaurant will have fine dining choices

We already knew Legend of the Seas will debut the first Royal Railway on an Icon Class ship, but now we have a look at what the menu will have.

I was able to test an early version of the restaurant at a mock-up at Royal Caribbean's headquarters, but everything at that point was conceptual.

Travel through China and indulge in mouthwatering Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai garnished with delicate caviar. And feast on butter chicken and palak paneer in India before awe-inspiring explorations through Persia, Turkey and Italy.

Since the Royal Railway Utopia Station was based in the Old West and a family-focused show, the menu had a different aim.

It looks like Legend Station will lean more into cuisine, and less on schtick.  This is a welcome change for those that eat at any specialty restaurant for the food first.

All the restaurants coming to Legend of the Seas

Royal Caribbean says Legend of the Seas will have the most places to eat at sea, so here's a look at what's coming.

• Quick Bites
  • Park Café ✅
  • El Loco Fresh ✅
  • AquaDome Market ✅
  • Surfside Bites ✅
  • Izumi in the Park $
  • Basecamp ✅
  • Trellis Bar $
• Around-the-Clock Cuisine
  • Pearl Café ✅
  • Sorrento’s ✅
• Sit-Down Eats
  • Surfside Eatery ✅
  • Windjammer ✅
  • Pier 7 $
  • Dining Room ✅
  • Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade $
• Celebration-Worthy Meals
  • Celebration Table $
  • Chops Grille $
  • Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar $
  • Hooked Seafood $
• Savor the Show
  • Hollywoodland Supper Club $
  • Royal Railway: Legend Station $
  • Izumi Hibachi & Sushi $
• Sweet Treats
  • Sprinkles ✅
  • Desserted $
  • Starbucks $
  • Sugar Beach $
• Suite Exclusives
  • Coastal Kitchen ✅
  • The Grove ✅

Cruise ship restaurants are going well beyond a dining room, buffet, or steakhouse.

The supper clubs available exclusively on Royal Caribbean's Icon Class blend fine dining, crafted cocktails, and live music into a must-see-to-believe "eatertainment" experience.

Unlike traditional specialty restaurants, the supper clubs were designed to blend three pillars — food, beverage, and music — into an elevated, immersive take on "dinner and a show."

"As we thought of experiences that we want to create for Icon Class ships, we really thought about this series of supper clubs and bringing unique and special experiences to each ship that tells the history of great food [and] great cocktails, and ties together the amazing entertainment of live music paired in a very unique and special way," said Linken D'Souza, Senior Vice President, Food & Beverage for Royal Caribbean International. 

Empire Supper Club was the first to debut aboard Icon of the Seas. Along with other record-breaking firsts, the upscale specialty restaurant quickly became a defining feature of the line’s newest class of vessels — despite its $200-per-person price tag. 

However, developing a concept that intertwines a 10-course tasting menu, handcrafted cocktail pairings, and choreographed live music was no small feat.

"Creating the recipes, testing them, checking ingredients, bringing in the ingredients to check, it was a big team effort. So, it took really everyone, from equipment to product development to inventory [to pull it off]," explained Bruce Venter, Royal Caribbean's Senior Executive Chef.

If that does not sound difficult enough, the Royal Caribbean team took it upon themselves to shift to new themes and effectively reimagine the restaurant from the ground up for each Icon Class vessel. 

Empire Supper Club on Icon of the Seas is based on New York City, while the Lincoln Park Supper Club on Star of the Seas transports guests to the windy city of Chicago, Illinois. 

The Lincoln Park Supper Club has an entirely different menu, new music, and an overall themed experience compared to the original supper club on Icon of the Seas — all while adding their own memorable twists. For example, while Chicago is known for having more wind and brass instruments, they added a trumpet to give the music sets another layer of flair. 

"[It delivers on] the notion of 'eatertainment,' but in a whole new way," exclaimed Royal Caribbean's Senior Director of Product Development, Jennifer Goswami.

The upcoming Legend of the Seas will also have an entirely new supper club inspired by the birth of the golden age of cinema. 

"The supper club is a very unique, upscale celebration-type experience in really exquisite surroundings. The atmosphere is really phenomenal. It really gives you a great evening out," said Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International. 

Each course is paired with a handcrafted cocktail

Pairing cocktails with food isn't as easy as it might sound, Alex Palmeri, Senior Manager of Beverage Operations for Royal Caribbean, explained:

"[It is] a very intense process because you have to make sure you have the right cocktail with the right food, and it's at the right pace. We want these cocktails to be great and crafty." 

The Royal Caribbean team brought in master mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim to ensure that each pairing met the same elevated standard as the fine dining cuisine.

Abou-Ganim loved pairing cocktails with the menus. However, the task wasn't without its challenges. "Sometimes, pairings can be difficult with cocktails," he explained.

"Sometimes, it's not the most obvious. A lot of times, we have to tweak things. You know, we don't always hit a home run, but that is the fun part, kind of the journey getting to that end."

Cocktails are only one aspect of the three-part winning formula

"We've blended what we call 'eatertainment,' where we've got both live music and food together. And that live music and food will be very choreographed, so it'll feel like an intimate yet very luxurious fine dining experience — something we've never done before," said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Chief Production Officer.

Regardless of whether you dine at Empire, Lincoln Park, or Hollywoodland Supper Club, you'll notice that music is integrated into the experience, with songs carefully synchronized with the dishes and cocktails served.

Vanessa Fourla, the Manager of Live Music and Entertainment for Royal Caribbean, said she begins by taking notes on things like the timing, theatrical aspects, instrumentation, volume, intensity, and thickness of the musical texture. After that, they'll spend hours fine-tuning everything until they get what they deem is "an absolutely seamless experience." 

"[A]s we look at the big idea, we also have to look at the very minute details, anything from the menu design to the table and chairs that are in the venue to the venue itself, the lighting levels, the sound levels, the smells that you have. We'll spend hours debating that minutia of detail to make sure that every time our guests enjoy a new experience, they're blown away," added Jay Rosser, Senior Manager of Product Development for Royal Caribbean International.

Hollywoodland on Legend of the Seas is themed after Hollywood, California

For Hollywoodland, Royal Caribbean is centering on the glitz, glamour, and fame of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s in Hollywood. 

While many details are still under wraps, we can expect an exciting new menu that visually showcases the transformation of cinema throughout the years. For example, the meal starts with dishes presented in sepia-like tones, transitions through a series of black-and-white courses, and culminates in a vibrant, colorful explosion.

Guests will also feel like celebrities for the evening, with every aspect (i.e., good food, beverages, and music) designed to make them feel like they're an A-list movie star. 

Royal Caribbean's third Icon Class ship will have its very own Chief Dog Officer: Skipper. 

Earlier this month, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean's President and CEO, announced that the then-unnamed puppy had been born. 

Within hours, Bayley's Facebook post had over 400 comments with cruise fans weighing in on what the cruise line should name the soon-to-be Chief Dog Officer of Legend of the Seas. 

Some of the ideas include nautical-inspired names like Anchor and Schooner. Others, such as Norway, paid tribute to Royal Caribbean's history and private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

(Credit: Michael Bayley/Facebook)

In the end, Bayley revealed the winning name in a playful post alongside an AI image of himself, the recently born puppy, and Rover and Sailor, the respective Chief Dog Officers of Icon and Star of the Seas. 

"ChatGPT A.I. with my true loves!  Rover, Sailor, and baby Skipper! Thank you to all who suggested some wonderful names for our growing group of Chief Dog Officers. After an exhaustive process, our distinguished panel (🤪me) chose Skipper," Bayley shared on Facebook. 

Skipper was mentioned a few times in the previous comment section by fans, including Amy Sue, Diane Cushman, Maria Jodoin, Bridgette Hope Spence, Amanda Davis, and Christy Collins. 

Read more: New puppy born that will live on Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship

With the name now official, cruisers can look forward to Skipper following in the previous "paw" prints of the other Chief Dog Officers. 

Icon of the Seas was the first ship to feature a full-time Chief Dog Officer

Icon of the Seas is record-breaking in more ways than one. While the massive mega-ship broke records as the world’s largest cruise ship and for having the largest waterpark at sea, the vessel was also the first in the fleet to introduce a Chief Dog Officer.

Rover, an adorable Golden Retriever, made history as Royal Caribbean’s first-ever Chief Dog Officer when Icon debuted in January 2024. She lives on the ship full-time with her handler (talk about a dream job!) and became a celebrity before the ship even set sail. 

The following year, Royal Caribbean welcomed Sailor aboard Star of the Seas, continuing the trend of having a "family dog" on its family-focused cruise ships. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will have a dog that lives on Star of the Seas

With Rover joining the Icon of the Seas' crew around six months old, Skipper will likely follow a similar time frame. This will give Royal Caribbean ample time to properly train her and help her develop her much-needed sea legs. 

If this is true, based on Sailor's birthday, she won't embark on Legend of the Seas until around August 2026, after the ship's maiden voyages in July. This, however, is just speculation; Royal Caribbean has not confirmed anything about when Skipper may make Legend her full-time home — other than that she will definitely be on board while the Icon Class ship is in Europe. 

Legend of the Seas' maiden voyage is scheduled for July 2026

Legend of the Seas is the next highly-anticipated Icon Class ship. While the bones are nearly identical to the other two vessels, what makes Legend so special is that she's the first Icon Class ship to offer European cruises. 

When Legend debuts in July 2026, she'll sail on a series of round-trip voyages from Barcelona, Spain, and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Then, she'll move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the winter season before returning to Europe in May 2027. 

Combining a sailing on an Icon Class ship with bucket-list destinations like Marseille, France; Naples, Italy; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, gives travelers the chance to pair Royal Caribbean’s newest, most groundbreaking hardware with some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean adds an even earlier first sailing on Legend of the Seas

Just like the first two ground-breaking vessels, Royal Caribbean's third Icon Class ship will have its own Chief Dog Officer. 

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, shared that the newest puppy was recently born.

"Breaking News ! A Legend has been born and she is as cute as cute can be ! Mmmmm now if only we had a name for this little cutey and future Chief Dog Officer of the new ICON class Legend of the Seas," Bayley wrote on Facebook. 

Icon of the Seas was the first ship to feature a full-time Chief Dog Officer. Even before moving on board, Rover captured the hearts of thousands online. 

Star of the Seas followed the same "paw" prints, with Sailor joining the crew on the second Icon Class ship in 2025. Now, cruise fans eagerly awaiting Legend of the Seas' launch have something else to look forward to. 

Rover didn't join Icon of the Seas until she was six months old. The unnamed puppy will likely follow a similar time frame, giving Royal Caribbean time to properly train her and help her develop sea legs.

If this is true, the newest Chief Dog Officer won't join Legend of the Seas until at least August 2026, after the vessel's maiden voyages in July. That said, this remains speculation, as Royal Caribbean has not confirmed an official timeline or date.

Cruise fans share their name ideas on social media

Bayley's comment section was flooded with name ideas for the adorable new pup. Within hours, the post had over 400 comments with cruise fans weighing in on what Royal Caribbean executives should name the soon-to-be Chief Dog Officer. 

Brie Marie Becker suggested Siren because, "...she’s a captivating legend who will be traveling the seas."

"'NOCI' Icon spelt backwards. Pronounced 'Gnocchi' like the Italian potato dumplings," commented Barbara Bamford.

Debbie Debra Patton Evans added, "Bonnie...as in the song, my Bonnie lies over the ocean....my Bonnie lies over the sea...."

"How about Coco?! Could be after the style legend Coco Chanel or after the island Coco Cay!" wrote Rhonda LaPlace Thompson.

Other ideas include:

• Legend
• Destiny
• Anchor
• Gilligan
• Maisy
• Ranger
• Pearl
• Norway

Legend of the Seas will enter service earlier than expected 

Legend's construction has moved along more quickly than anticipated. As such, passengers booked on the first sailing in July were informed that the inaugural cruise was moved up to July 4, 2026. 

"We simply cannot wait to show off The Next Icon of Vacations – Legend of the Seas, that we have now added one (1) extra sailing, a 7-Night Western Mediterranean Cruise on 4 July 2026, that will be the inaugural sailing to kick off the celebrations for our inaugural season!" the email reads. 

The maiden season for the new Icon Class ship will commence in Europe — a first for this class of mega-ships. Then, Legend will relocate to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before returning to Europe for a seasonal stint in 2027. 

During its European season, Legend will call on bucket-list destinations including Naples, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Marseille, France; and La Spezia, Italy — all while being an Instagram-worthy destination herself.