Royal Caribbean Brings Artist Discovery Program to Legend of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has expanded its Artist Discovery Program to include its upcoming Icon Class ship Legend of the Seas, opening submissions to emerging artists across the Caribbean and Central America. Artists can apply through March 1, the company said, with selected participants commissioned to create large-scale murals in six locations onboard.

Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean, said the program is designed to tie onboard experiences more closely to the places the line visits. “Our Artist Discovery Program is a testament to how Royal Caribbean creates culturally immersive experiences for guests, connecting vacationers of all ages with the destinations we visit around the world,” Bayley said.

How the Artist Discovery Program is expanding for Legend of the Seas

Royal Caribbean said the expanded call is aimed at emerging artists who are based in, or connected to, the Caribbean and Central America. The initiative has previously highlighted artists on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, as well as at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas.

Bayley said the expansion also increases the number of onboard mural sites planned for the ship. “We’re excited to expand the program to include emerging artists from Central America alongside the Caribbean and increase the number of locations for large-scale murals on the Legend from four to six, creating more opportunities for artists to highlight the diverse destinations we visit through their work,” he said.

What artists must submit by March 1

Royal Caribbean said applicants must submit a package of materials by March 1, including the following:

• Five samples of original conceptual work that demonstrate the artist’s style and approach.
• A brief artist statement outlining the creative perspective behind the work.
• A resume summarizing professional background and relevant experience.

Where the murals are expected to appear onboard

Royal Caribbean said the commissioned murals will be placed in six locations around Legend of the Seas, including prominent guest areas and spaces connected to the ship’s suite neighborhood. The cruise line did not name all six sites in the details provided, but it identified several of the featured areas.

• Royal Promenade neighborhood, positioned as a highly visible public space for destination-inspired artwork.
• Embarkation area, giving guests an early look at the commissioned art as they board.
• Suite Sundeck Lobby, part of the suite-area spaces included in the program.
• Suite Sundeck, another suite-area location slated to feature mural installations.

Legend of the Seas debut plans, inaugural sailing change, and onboard additions

Royal Caribbean has said Legend of the Seas will introduce new design features and entertainment options when it launches in the Mediterranean in 2026. Planned additions include Royal Railway Legend Station, an immersive dining experience, and a new entertainment lineup headlined by “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” along with reimagined family attractions.

The ship’s original inaugural sailing was planned for July 11, 2026, but Royal Caribbean has since added an earlier seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise departing from Rome on July 4, making it the new inaugural voyage. The company said guests previously booked on the July 11 sailing can move their reservation to the earlier date while retaining their original cabin category and pricing.

The change follows a pattern Royal Caribbean has used before, including with Star of the Seas, which the company said debuted showcase cruises ahead of its inaugural voyage in 2025.

Where Legend of the Seas will sail in 2026, and what comes next in the fleet

Royal Caribbean said Legend of the Seas will operate Mediterranean cruises from July through October 2026, with itineraries departing from both Barcelona and Rome. In November 2026, the ship is scheduled to transition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as its home port, offering six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean sailings during the winter season.

Beyond Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean said two more Icon Class ships are planned to debut in 2027 and 2028, alongside the launch of a seventh Oasis Class vessel in 2028.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Royal Caribbean’s Artist Discovery Program?

The Artist Discovery Program is a Royal Caribbean initiative that commissions emerging artists from the Caribbean and Central America to create large-scale murals for its ships. Royal Caribbean has positioned the program as a way to bring destination-inspired artwork into onboard guest spaces and support culturally immersive experiences.

What do artists need to submit, and when is the deadline?

Royal Caribbean said artists must apply by March 1 and submit five samples of original conceptual work, a brief artist statement, and a resume.

What is the new inaugural sailing date for Legend of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean said the inaugural voyage is now a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise departing from Rome on July 4, 2026. The sailing was added ahead of the previously planned July 11, 2026 inaugural sailing.

Where will Legend of the Seas sail in 2026?

Royal Caribbean said Legend of the Seas will sail Mediterranean itineraries from July through October 2026, departing from Barcelona and Rome. In November 2026, the ship is set to reposition to Fort Lauderdale to operate six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean cruises during the winter season.

With submissions open through March 1 and mural commissions planned for six onboard locations, Royal Caribbean’s expanded Artist Discovery Program is set to add Caribbean- and Central America-sourced artwork to Legend of the Seas ahead of the ship’s inaugural 2026 season.