Icon of the Seas has captured the attention of the cruise world since it's debut, but Royal Caribbean's next follow-up is coming.
Legend of the Seas will start sailing in July, and the ship has a lot to be excited about.
This will be one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, coming in at 1,196 feet long. At normal capacity, Legend can accommodate 5,610 guests.
While it may not differ significantly from Icon or Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has a few ideas in the hopper it intends to implement with the second Icon Class ship. If you're looking for big changes, you'll most likely have to wait until Hero of the Seas.
Here are four features to expect when the new Legend of the Seas arrives later this year.
Royal Caribbean is bringing "America’s Got Talent" to sea
Something new to both Royal Caribbean and the cruise industry is the first version of the popular variety show, "America's Got Talent" will be held on a cruise ship.
"America's Got Talent LIVE" will be performed on Legend of the Seas as part of a brand new partnership.
This will be an extension of the show many have seen on TV, but this time on a cruise ship.
Acts from around the world will be able to showcase their talents on the ship. Like all production shows on Royal Caribbean, there's no cost to see it because admission is included with the cruise fare.
We don't yet know the exact acts that will be onboard, but magicians, musicians, acrobats, aerialists and more are expected.
The first two-story casino
Royal Caribbean is going all-in with its casino on this new ship, and it will have a giant two-story design.
Every other Royal Caribbean ship has one deck of casino space. But things will be different on Legend.
Based on the expansion of casino gambling areas on other ships, the cruise line has clearly prioritized gambling space on its ships. With Legend, we'll get an all-new layout that offers a floor of non-smoking gambling space on deck 3, and a floor for those that prefer to smoke on deck 4.
There's a staircase in the middle the deck, offering easy flow between each area.
A hit Broadway show and shows with lots of energy
Another big show coming to the new cruise ship will be the Broadway show, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The story of Willy Wonka and his protégé will come to life on stage, with the Broadway musical.
Royal Caribbean has made a name for itself offering well-known musicals on some of its cruise ships.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory follows up on two other shows that were added to the previous Icon Class ships: The Wizard of Oz on Icon of the Seas, and Back to the Future: The Musical on Star of the Seas.
Plus, this new show is included in the cruise fare.
The new show will be performed in the Royal Theater on select days. I recommend making a reservation (no cost) before the cruise begins to assure that you can get a seat for one of the performances.
New and upgraded dining choices
Two new restaurants will be added to Legend of the Seas that you won't find on other Royal Caribbean ships.
A new immersive classic train restaurant will be added, Silk Routes at Royal Railway – Legend Station.
Royal Caribbean first added a Royal Railway restaurant on Utopia of the Seas, but this one will be an all-new menu and approach to storytelling.
Inspired by the travels of Marco Polo, Royal Railway on Legend of the Seas is expected to have less of a story, and more of a focus on the cuisines from each of the regions that Marco Polo visited.
You board what looks like a classic train car (there's even paper tickets and a conductor to welcome you), and then watch as digital screens, a rumbling effect, and various sights, sounds, and smells all contribute to make it seem like you're actually on a train.
I tested a very early version, and it's clear Royal Caribbean wants to offer a dining experience that leans more on the food and dining experience, instead of an over-the-top story.
Another new restaurant is the Hollywoodland Supper Club.
Every Icon Class ship has a fancy supper club, but this one will be themed to the golden age of Hollywood.
There's a formal dress code, and guests enjoy a multi-course meal that is paired with a cocktail with each serving. It's a culinary and mixology experience, where you'll enjoy live music that evokes the spirit of 1940s and 1950s Hollywood.
Another change is the menu to the Aquadome Marketplace, the ship's food hall included with your cruise fare.
Five out of the six food halls will be brand new:
- Seoulmate: Korean rice bowls
- La Espanola: Spanish-style bites
- Cajun kitchen: New Orleans gumbo
- Adobo: Mexican street tacos
- Simply Pressed: Fresh smoothies & juices
- Creme de la Crepe: Sweet French crepes (returning favorite)
Seoulmate will bring the first Korean food served regularly on Royal Caribbean, featuring Korean rice bowls.
The first sailing is in July
Legend of the Seas will have its first sailing on July 4, 2026 when it begins sailing from Barcelona, Spain.
Royal Caribbean will keep the brand new ship in Europe for the summer season, offering 7-night voyages that visit Rome, Naples, Marseille, and more.
Afterward, Legend will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she'll rotate between six- and eight-night Caribbean cruises. Following her five-month stint in Florida, she will once again return to Europe in April 2027.
