Legend of the Seas Named Cruise Hive’s Most Anticipated New Ship

Royal Caribbean International’s Legend of the Seas has been voted “Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship” in the 2025 Cruise Hive Awards ahead of its scheduled debut in July 2026, winning 35.3% of fan ballots.

The result arrives as the cruise industry heads into a busy 2026 newbuild year. Cruise Industry News data cited in coverage projects that more than 30,000 new berths will enter service in 2026 across 14 new ocean-going ships, with total spending exceeding $10 billion.

Cruise Hive’s fan vote: how the 2026 field ranked

In Cruise Hive’s 2025 awards, Legend of the Seas led a category that mixed large resort-style ships with luxury newbuilds and expedition-oriented brands. Voting opened Oct. 14, 2025, and closed Dec. 19, 2025, and Cruise Hive said suspicious ballots were excluded as part of the count.

• Legend of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International): 35.3%
• Norwegian Luna (Norwegian Cruise Line): 19.4%
• Disney Adventure (Disney Cruise Line): 16.5%
• MSC World Asia (MSC Cruises): 12.8%
• Explora III (Explora Journeys): 4.1% (tied)
• Seven Seas Prestige (Regent Seven Seas Cruises): 4.1% (tied)
• Viking Mira (Viking): 4%
• Viking Libra (Viking): 2.6%
• Mein Schiff Flow (TUI Cruises): 1.1%

Legend of the Seas in Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class rollout

Legend of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s third Icon-class ship, following Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. Cruise Hive’s award history has also tracked strong fan interest in the class in prior years, with Icon of the Seas winning “Most Anticipated” in 2023 ahead of its 2024 launch and Star of the Seas earning the same title in 2024 before entering service in 2025.

Cruise Hive lists the Icon-class ships at 250,800 gross tons with a capacity of 7,000 guests. Legend of the Seas is under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.

Inaugural deployment: Mediterranean first, then a Caribbean repositioning

Legend of the Seas is scheduled to enter service in July 2026 and begin its initial deployment in Europe. Coverage has described Western Mediterranean itineraries tied to Rome and Barcelona, and Cruise Hive lists a 7-night inaugural cruise departing July 11, sailing roundtrip from Rome with calls including Naples, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Marseille.

Later in 2026, Legend of the Seas is set to reposition to Fort Lauderdale, where it is expected to operate 6- and 8-night itineraries to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean, according to Cruise Hive’s itinerary outline.

Public spaces, attractions, and onboard programming highlighted for 2026

Icon-class design has emphasized large, distinct public areas and family-oriented attractions. For Legend of the Seas, coverage has pointed to the Surfside neighborhood and Category 6 Waterpark, described as the largest waterpark at sea, along with the AquaDome, a glass-and-steel venue built around a waterfall feature that also incorporates dining and an AquaTheater used for performances that can include diving and acrobatics.

Food and beverage is also a central part of the ship’s pitch. Cruise Hive lists 28 dining options onboard, including Royal Railway, which pairs a multi-course meal with a train-journey theme, and the Hollywoodland Supper Club, built around a classic Hollywood-inspired experience.

Separately, published details about Legend of the Seas’ entertainment have included a planned onboard run of a Roald Dahl musical adaptation and an “immersive” Royal Railway dining concept. Available reports did not include an official statement from Royal Caribbean.

Other major 2026 debuts drawing attention

The Cruise Hive voting results also highlight how varied the 2026 launch calendar is expected to be, spanning large ships built around onboard attractions and smaller vessels positioned around premium space and service.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Luna is scheduled to debut in March 2026 as a Prima Plus-class ship. Coverage describes 3,571 berths and onboard features that include the Slidecoaster waterslide and Elton John tribute performances. Cruise Hive lists its debut voyage as March 10, 2026, with a planned arrival in Miami on March 23 to begin Caribbean and Bahamas cruises, following a maiden voyage from Rome.

Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure, described as the brand’s largest ship with capacity figures in coverage exceeding 6,000 passengers, is set to be based in Singapore when it debuts in March 2026. It is expected to offer three- to five-night voyages built exclusively around sea days, with onboard attractions including a Disney castle and the Marvel-themed Ironcycle Test Run roller coaster.

MSC Cruises’ MSC World Asia is scheduled to launch in December 2026 and sail in the Mediterranean as part of MSC’s World Class. Published descriptions have highlighted Asian-inspired design elements and a large dry slide spanning 12 decks, alongside giant dragon sculptures.

Luxury capacity and “hotel-at-sea” entrants in the 2026 pipeline

New ships in the luxury segment are also part of the 2026 delivery schedule outlined in coverage.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is planning to launch Seven Seas Prestige, the first in a new class of ultra-luxury vessels. The ship is slated to carry 822 guests and feature a higher space-to-guest ratio than any other Regent vessel, including the Skyview Regent Suite, described as a two-story, nearly 9,000-square-foot accommodation priced at $25,000 per night.

Four Seasons is set to enter cruising with Four Seasons I, a yacht-sized ship designed for 190 passengers sailing in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Coverage has described nearly 50% more living space per guest than competitors, a Japanese omakase dining experience, and suites starting at 581 square feet.

Explora Journeys is scheduled to bring Explora III into service in August 2026, with 463 cabins and an onboard focus on wellness and dining that includes six restaurants and five heated pools. The ship is expected to begin with voyages through Northern Europe and later sail in the Caribbean.

Sustainability claims and alternative fuels in 2026 newbuilds

Newbuild marketing in the 2026 cycle is also leaning heavily on efficiency and alternative fuel readiness. Coverage has said 65% of new vessels delivering by 2026 will be powered by alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), and has pointed to the debut of methanol-ready and hydrogen-powered ships as a major milestone for the sector.

Viking Libra has been described as the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship. Coverage also notes shipbuilders reducing single-use plastics and adopting water recycling systems to reduce onboard consumption.

Itinerary and homeport shifts being watched into 2026

Beyond new ships, cruise lines are also adjusting deployment strategies. Coverage points to Royal Caribbean expanding private island concepts, while brands including Norwegian and Regent Seven Seas have been described as emphasizing more immersive voyages with overnights and extended port stays.

Winter cruising in traditional summer destinations, including the Mediterranean, has also been cited as an emerging pattern, alongside U.S. homeport expansion that includes Philadelphia, San Diego, and Norfolk. In Alaska, high-end brands including The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are preparing to debut alongside returning names such as Windstar and Crystal, broadening the region’s lineup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What did Legend of the Seas win in the Cruise Hive Awards?

Legend of the Seas won “Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship” in the 2025 Cruise Hive Awards with 35.3% of the vote.

When does Legend of the Seas start sailing?

Legend of the Seas is scheduled to debut in July 2026, and Cruise Hive lists a 7-night inaugural cruise departing July 11.

Where is Legend of the Seas being built?

Legend of the Seas is under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.

What is unique about Disney Adventure’s itineraries?

Coverage describes Disney Adventure’s three- to five-night cruises out of Singapore as sea-day-only voyages, positioning the ship itself as the destination. Onboard attractions cited include a Disney castle and the Marvel-themed Ironcycle Test Run roller coaster.

Which cruise lines are focusing on sustainability?

Coverage points to multiple operators incorporating LNG and other alternative-fuel strategies into new ships, including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Viking, and Explora Journeys. Viking Libra has been described as the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship.

With Legend of the Seas expected to open its service in the Mediterranean before shifting to Fort Lauderdale later in 2026, coverage has indicated that additional operational details may follow as the debut approaches, including further itinerary releases and confirmation of onboard programming.