An engineering marvel has just been completed on Royal Caribbean's next new mega ship.
At a shipyard in Finland, workers celebrated the successful addition of the Aquadome to Legend of the Seas.
The Aquadome is a single-piece glass and steel structure located at the bow of the ship, offering wide panoramic views for guests onboard.
The dome was first built alongside Legend of the Seas, a process that allowed it to be constructed in tandem with ship construction.
This strategy is commonly used in cruise ship building to complete multiple facets of the process at the same time.
It was installed on Saturday, July 5th and it's quite an achievement given that it is the largest steel and glass structure ever lifted onto a ship in one piece.
According to a statement by Meyer Turku shipyard, lifting and installing a structure of this size and complexity required extensive planning, seamless collaboration, and precise execution
"A big thank you to everyone involved in making it happen!" is what they added in a post on social media.
The AquaDome is 82 feet (25 meters) tall, 164 feet (50 meters) wide, and weighs 367 tons (332 tonnes).
The dome has 12 modules that were assembled over 8 months, composed of 673 glass panels and 712 aluminum panels.
With the structure in place, work can now proceed to build out the interior of the venue.
Work will commence to add all the interior pieces, such as lighting, bars, lounges, restaurants, sculptures, seating, the central waterfall, and the AquaTheater.
Once the AquaDome is complete, guests will experience 220-degree ocean views, restaurants, bars, nightlife, stunning entertainment, and a 55-foot-tall waterfall.
Aqaudome fun facts
1. It's the Largest Glass and Steel Structure Ever Built on a Cruise Ship
The AquaDome is an architectural marvel made of nearly 700 glass panels and a steel frame that spans the entire front of the ship, offering 270-degree panoramic ocean views.
2. It Replaces the outdoor AquaTheater
Unlike the open-air AquaTheater found on Oasis Class ships, the AquaDome is fully enclosed, allowing Royal Caribbean to run Aqua Shows regardless of weather.
3. It Has a Shape Inspired by the Pantheon
The dome’s circular, skylight-topped design draws inspiration from Rome’s Pantheon, combining modern engineering with timeless symmetry.
4. It Features the Tallest Waterfall at Sea
At the center of the AquaDome is a 55-foot-tall waterfall called the AquaCascade, which serves as a backdrop for acrobatic stunts and synchronized dives.
5. It Doubles as a Tranquil Lounge During the Day
When no shows are running, the AquaDome transforms into a serene space with lounge seating, a full bar, and unbeatable views—perfect for relaxing with a cocktail.
6. It Houses the AquaTheater’s Evolution: Absolute Zero
The AquaDome is home to “Aqua Action!” and other water-based performances that use diving platforms, trapeze rigs, aerial cables, and high-tech lighting in an immersive new venue.
7. It Includes a Full Bar and a Restaurant
Guests can grab drinks and small bites without leaving the space, making it easy to enjoy a full evening of entertainment without missing a moment.
8. It Transforms from Day to Night
With intelligent lighting, moving water elements, and dynamic seating, the AquaDome offers different vibes depending on the time of day—chill lounge by day, spectacle arena by night.
9. It’s One of the Quietest Spaces on the Ship
Despite being near the action, the AquaDome is designed to dampen outside noise, creating a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere for relaxing or socializing.
10. It’s Exclusive to Icon Class Ships
You’ll only find the AquaDome on Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, and future Icon Class ships.
An incredible space only on the Icon Class
The AquaDome was first introduced on Icon of the Seas as a completely new neighborhood concept that was built on the AquaTheater in Oasis-Class ships.
Located atop decks 15 and 16, the neighborhood includes innovative features like the brand-new AquaTheater and the cruise line's first AquaDome Market.
The Icon Class has been specifically marketed to draw in the family vacation market, especially appealing to families with younger children.
Royal Caribbean isn't done building these ships. There's a fourth unnamed Icon Class ship, with options to build a fifth and sixth Icon Class ship.
Icon 4 is due to be delivered in 2027. No further details have been revealed about Icon 4
Sailing in 2026
Construction on Legend of the Seas began in January of 2024 when steel was first cut in the shipyard.
Once construction is complete, Legend of the Seas will sail to Barcelona, Spain. The ship will begin service with a summer season in the Mediterranean.
The inaugural sailing will now take place on August 2, 2026, which is a 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise departing Barcelona.
That fall, Legend transitions to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to offer cruises in the winter around the Caribbean.
