Royal Caribbean Unveils Legend of the Seas and Seventh Oasis-Class Ship

Royal Caribbean has unveiled several new milestones, underscoring its continued push for innovation within the cruise industry. The announcements highlight the expansion of the company's legendary Oasis-class and cutting-edge Icon-class fleets, as well as introducing new entertainment, dining, and gaming experiences aboard the highly anticipated Legend of the Seas.

Legend of the Seas: A New Era for Icon-Class Ships

The Legend of the Seas, the third ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class fleet, is set to set sail in July 2026. Currently under construction at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the 250,800-gross-ton vessel will host up to 5,610 guests and feature 28 dining venues, one more than her sister ships, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. Its enhancements reflect Royal Caribbean's commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and guest experience.

What truly distinguishes the Legend of the Seas is its lineup of unique onboard features. For the first time, guests will have access to a two-story Casino Royale, an immersive dining experience at Royal Railway Legend Station, and the jazz-inspired Hollywoodland Supper Club. Additionally, a full-scale Broadway production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will headline entertainment offerings in the Royal Theater. Other features include six waterslides, more than 20 bars and lounges, and the scenic Royal Promenade with floor-to-ceiling ocean views.

The revamped Ultimate Family Townhouse suite offers enhanced features for families. The multi-room retreat includes a larger primary bedroom, additional storage space, and a revamped kids’ area with twin beds and loft-style bunks that can be transformed into private forts.

European and Caribbean Itineraries

In its maiden season, Legend of the Seas will introduce Icon-class cruising to Europe for the first time, offering seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries departing from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome. Following its Mediterranean debut, the ship will reposition to North America in late 2026, providing six- to eight-night winter cruises to the Caribbean and The Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale, with fares for the Mediterranean season starting at £1,018 per person.

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, expressed the company’s vision for Legend of the Seas, calling it “our most legendary vacation yet” and emphasizing its blend of adventure-packed experiences and incredible destinations in Europe and the Caribbean.

Oasis-Class Evolution: Seventh Ship in the Works

Royal Caribbean has officially commenced construction of its seventh Oasis-class ship, due to debut in 2028. The ship's steel-cutting ceremony recently took place at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. This new vessel, with a capacity for 5,700 berths and a maximum guest capacity reaching 7,000, aims to carry forward the legacy of the Oasis-class while introducing upcoming innovations in design, entertainment, and dining.

Launched in 2009 with the debut of Oasis of the Seas, the Oasis-class has become a mainstay of mega-cruise experiences. The ships feature iconic neighborhood concepts, open-air areas lined with greenery, numerous dining and entertainment options, and the ability to accommodate thousands of guests. The seventh ship in the series follows Utopia of the Seas, launched in 2024, and solidifies the Oasis-class as one of the cruise line's most prolific offerings.

Speaking at the steel-cutting ceremony, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty expressed excitement about continuing the legacy of the Oasis-class ships. "It has been an incredible journey, and we are thrilled to produce another wonderful and beautiful dream machine," said Liberty. While details about the vessel remain limited, the cruise line has promised groundbreaking new features to maintain the bar set by its predecessors and cater to diverse guest preferences.

Port Constraints for Mega Ships

The rapid growth of mega ships like the Oasis and Icon classes, each weighing over 250,000 gross tons and carrying nearly 7,000 guests, has posed significant challenges for port infrastructure globally. Accessing shallow harbors with older terminals designed for smaller ships is becoming increasingly challenging for these vessels, which require deep-water access (minimum depth of 40 feet) and larger berths to accommodate their significant size.

While ports like Port Canaveral and PortMiami in Florida have undergone major renovations to accommodate larger ships, many destinations, particularly smaller harbors, face significant logistical hurdles, including dredging and expanding passenger terminals. For instance, the Virgin Islands Port Authority recently completed a dredging project to improve access for larger vessels in Charlotte Amalie Harbor in St. Thomas.

Richard Fain’s Legacy of Innovation

These exciting developments coincide with the release of Royal Caribbean Chairman and former CEO Richard Fain’s much-anticipated book, Delivering the WOW. Under Fain's leadership, Royal Caribbean grew into a global cruise industry powerhouse, known for spearheading groundbreaking innovations like the rock-climbing wall, Central Park neighborhood, AquaDome, and Magic Carpet.

In his book, Fain reflects on his visionary strategies, emphasizing the importance of culture and innovation in driving success: "When the goal is to build something truly iconic, the real breakthrough often comes not from doing more, but from doing it differently." His work laid the foundation for Royal Caribbean’s evolution from a traditional cruise line into “a vacation company” offering a wide array of experiences tailored to diverse audience needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes Oasis-class ships unique?

Oasis-class ships are celebrated for their innovative neighborhood design, which includes distinct areas such as Central Park, a living, open-air park lined with real plants, alongside unparalleled entertainment, dining, and family-friendly attractions. These vessels have redefined large-scale cruising since the debut of Oasis of the Seas in 2009.

What are the travel plans for Legend of the Seas?

The ship will begin its inaugural season with summer 2026 itineraries in the Western Mediterranean, sailing from Barcelona and Rome. For the winter of 2026, it will reposition to Fort Lauderdale to operate Caribbean and Bahamas cruises ranging from six to eight nights.

What are the standout features of Legend of the Seas?

Exclusive features aboard Legend of the Seas include the Royal Railway Legend Station, an immersive fine-dining experience with a Silk Routes theme; the two-story Casino Royale; and a Broadway-style performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Returning Icon-class features include six waterslides, a sprawling Royal Promenade, 28 dining venues, and Central Park.

How is Royal Caribbean addressing port infrastructure challenges?

Royal Caribbean is working with ports around the world to improve infrastructure, including water depth, terminal size, and passenger facilities, to accommodate mega ships like the Oasis and Icon classes. Recent examples include investments in PortMiami, Port Canaveral, and dredging operations at Charlotte Amalie Harbor in St. Thomas.

What are Royal Caribbean’s future plans for shipbuilding?

Royal Caribbean plans to expand its fleet significantly between now and 2028, with five Icon-class ships, including Legend of the Seas, and its final Oasis-class ship. Additionally, a brand-new Discovery-class of smaller ships, currently in development, promises to offer a unique cruising experience in the future.