Royal Caribbean Names Lori Robinson Godmother of Legend of the Seas
Robinson served 37 years in the Air Force and became the first woman to lead a United States combatant command before retiring in 2018.
Royal Caribbean International has named retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson as godmother of Legend of the Seas, with the ship’s naming ceremony scheduled for Nov. 11, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale. The Veterans Day event will take place four days after the third Icon-class ship arrives from Europe for its first Caribbean season.
Robinson served 37 years in the Air Force and became the first woman to lead a U.S. combatant command. At 248,663 gross tons, the 1,197-foot Legend has 2,805 cabins, capacity for 5,610 guests at double occupancy and a crew of 2,350.
Veterans Day ceremony follows a 37-year Air Force career
“I am deeply honored to be named godmother of Legend of the Seas and take part in such a special tradition,” Robinson said. She said the Veterans Day timing carries particular significance and that she plans to recognize generations of military service members.
Robinson entered the Air Force in 1981 and retired in 2018. Her senior posts included commanding Pacific Air Forces from 2014 to 2016 and leading both the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.
As godmother, Robinson will perform the traditional ceremonial blessing for the vessel, its crew and its guests. She follows Lionel Messi, godfather of Icon of the Seas, and research astronaut Kellie Gerardi, godmother of Star of the Seas.
Barcelona crossing sets up Fort Lauderdale launch
Legend entered service on July 4, 2026, before spending its inaugural season in Europe. Its 13-night transatlantic sailing is scheduled to leave Barcelona on Oct. 25 and arrive in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 7.
A three-night preview cruise will depart the following day and call at Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. The ship is scheduled to return at 6 a.m. on the morning of the naming ceremony, followed by a separate three-night Legend Naming Cruise departing later that day. Regular Caribbean operations begin Nov. 14.
Legend will sail from Port Everglades, which handled 4,773,873 cruise passengers in fiscal 2025. That was up from 4,127,715 in fiscal 2024 and 3,007,358 in fiscal 2023.
Inside Legend’s first Caribbean season
Legend will operate six-night Western Caribbean cruises and eight-night Southern Caribbean voyages from Fort Lauderdale. The eight-night program includes Oranjestad, Aruba, and Willemstad, Curaçao, while every sailing in the season is scheduled to visit CocoCay.
The ship has 28 dining options and seven pools. Its announced venues include the Royal Railway — Legend Station dining experience and the multi-course Hollywoodland Supper Club. Crown’s Edge places a skywalk and zip line 154 feet over the water. The entertainment schedule includes America’s Got Talent LIVE and a production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The Fort Lauderdale season is scheduled to continue through April 2027. Legend will then cross back to Barcelona for its second European summer.
See current Legend of the Seas fares and itineraries on Cruise Lookup.
