Legend of the Seas Becomes First Icon Ship at Port Everglades
Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson will serve as godmother when Royal Caribbean names Legend of the Seas at Port Everglades on Veterans Day.
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas arrived at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on November 7, 2026, becoming the first Icon Class ship to homeport there. The arrival brought the vessel to the United States for the first time, ahead of a three-night Bahamas departure on November 8.
The ship’s regular deployment will alternate six-night Western Caribbean cruises with eight-night Southern Caribbean sailings, both including Perfect Day at CocoCay. Fort Lauderdale becomes the class’s third Florida homeport, joining Miami, where Icon of the Seas debuted, and Port Canaveral, home to Star of the Seas.
“We’re proud to welcome Legend of the Seas to Fort Lauderdale today after an incredible inaugural season in Europe,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean.
The Atlantic crossing from Barcelona included a diversion toward Puerto Rico for a U.S. Coast Guard passenger evacuation on November 5. The medical evacuation did not delay the ship’s arrival in Florida.
Opening sailings and Veterans Day naming
The first departure is scheduled for 8 p.m., with a call at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, on November 9. A full day at sea follows before the ship returns to Port Everglades on November 11.
Royal Caribbean will hold the naming ceremony that day, Veterans Day, with retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson serving as godmother. Crew members, cruise line executives, loyalty guests and government officials will attend. A separate three-night naming cruise departs that evening, following the same island-and-sea-day pattern before returning on November 14.
The first Southern Caribbean departure leaves the same day for Willemstad, Curaçao; Oranjestad, Aruba; and CocoCay. Its schedule includes two sea days before Curaçao and another two after Aruba. The broader Caribbean program also includes Cozumel, Mexico.
Inside Legend of the Seas
Built at Meyer Turku in Finland, the 248,663-gross-ton vessel entered service in July 2026. It accommodates 5,610 passengers at double occupancy and approximately 2,350 crew members. Its first season consisted of seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Spain and Italy.
The ship’s eight neighborhoods include Surfside, designed for families with young children, and Thrill Island, home to Category 6. Royal Caribbean describes the latter as the largest waterpark at sea. Crown’s Edge combines a skywalk and zip-line attraction 154 feet above the ocean, while the ship also has seven swimming pools and 10 hot tubs.
Dining and drinking venues number more than 40, including 28 dining options and 17 bars and lounges. Thirteen dining options are complimentary, with choices ranging from the main dining room and buffets to AquaDome Market, Sorrento’s pizza and the round-the-clock Pearl Cafe.
Two specialty restaurants combine dinner with entertainment. Royal Railway–Legend Station uses a simulated train journey for a meal themed around the Silk Routes, while Hollywoodland Supper Club pairs a multicourse menu with a setting inspired by Hollywood’s golden age.
The entertainment program includes Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and America’s Got Talent LIVE, along with AquaTheater and ice-skating productions. Live music is offered in eight venues.
The Fort Lauderdale deployment covers the winter 2026–2027 season. The ship is scheduled to return to Europe in May 2027 for its second summer in the Western Mediterranean.
