Royal Caribbean is not shy about trying to outdo itself, and it's new cruise ship makes an already successful class even better.
Legend of the Seas is the third Icon Class ship and it welcomed members of the media onboard to get a first look at what's new and different.
One thing you have to know about Royal Caribbean is they are never content with what's been done. New ships are opportunities to evolve what's loved, add more for guests to discover, and improve everything else.
I boarded Legend of the Seas in Malaga, Spain for a short 4-night preview sailing to see what the new world's biggest cruise ship has to offer.
Big and small changes are everywhere
Royal Caribbean has spent years marketing this ship, so some of what's different about Legend of the Seas is well-known. But lots of other tweaks don't make the press release.
The two big areas where Legend differs from Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas are dining and entertainment.
Walking around this brand new ship, Legend is different enough without messing with what has worked so well on the first two ships. It appears more fundamental changes will have to wait for Hero of the Seas.
By far, the new dining is stealing the show even before the ship has welcomed any passengers have stepped on.
The new Hollywoodland Supper Club is an intimate and sophisticated dinner option where guests can enjoy entertainment, paired cocktails and exquisite food.
This restaurant is themed to the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, filled with movie stars and galas. As my mom would say, "music you can hum along to" because it's so well-known.
Perhaps the main attraction is the new Royal Railway restaurant, which is a first for the Icon Class.
This takes the place of the comedy club onboard, and it's a marvel of engineering, story telling, and great food.
One major difference is how much bigger the space is and how it really feels like you're on a train station before you step foot on a classic train.
Silk Routes is a dinner option that matches the route Marco Polo took from the Orient back east, with each course of food matching the region you're traveling in. Butter chicken in India, Adana kebab in Turkey, Raspberry Bombolini in Italy, and more.
Given it's small size, it's a hot ticket and the kind of dining experience you can't find anywhere else.
Legend of the Seas is filled with all new shows at every venue, which is a staple of Royal Caribbean.
Two new shows headline the lineup. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an all-new musical that is shown in the Royal Theater.
Another can't miss show is America's Got Talent LIVE.
A variety talent show, this is something different for Royal Caribbean, and I can't wait to see the initial performances onboard.
One major differentiating factor to Legend (and all the Icon Class ships) is how focused it is on families.
Not only are there plenty of cabins designed for young families, but there's more for them onboard.
Surfside is an entire area with younger children in mind. It has a splash area, aqua park, and an all-new carousel.
This carousel has the cutest rubber ducks you can ride on, making it endearing for children.
Speaking of kids, there are kids-focused restaurants in Surfside, including a kids buffet, grab-and-go burger and pizza station, and a bar that serves "mommy and me" matching mocktails for kids and cocktails for grownups.
Many parents will appreciate how much larger the casino is on Legend.
It actually spans two decks, with a beautiful passage within the middle of it. Royal Caribbean has steadily increased its gaming space across ships, and the casino on Legend has the feel of a land-based resort.
Royal Caribbean also included an homage to the ship's predecessor of the same name.
The original Legend of the Seas ship model can be found in the Schooner Bar, which will instantly stand out for how very different the original is to today's version.
The Pearl will stop you in your tracks
It's hard not to notice the upgraded visuals of The Pearl as you walk onboard Legend of the Seas.
While this architectural and engineering marvel is impressive on any ship, inside it's a kaleidoscope of colors and movements. It's a bright neon infusion that will make this an absolute must-stop for a selfie every time you pass by.
This is a classic example of how the third ship in a class can stand out from other ships and instantly make the previous ships feel just a little bit dated.
The core of what makes these ships so good is still here
Royal Caribbean knows what works well, and they haven't deviated much from what made Icon of the Seas a game changing success.
There are 8 neighborhoods, including Central Park in the middle of the ship, Thrill Island and its six water slides, indoor AquaTheater, and expansive Royal Promenade.
A ship this large might concern you that it would be difficult to navigate, but I think the Icon Class ships are the easiest to get around. Not only do the neighborhoods help distinguish different areas so you know where you are, but there are escalators, well-positioned stairs, and the super quick destination elevators.
The ship's food hall is back again, albeit with a new lineup of restaurants. There are Korean rice bowls, Mexican tacos, and the fan favorite crepes.
This is a great example of something that was brand new to the fleet when it debuted on Icon, but now is the sort of "how did I ever cruise without it" feature.
The Category Six waterpark has six waterslides that have quickly become a must-do for so many people that cruise on these ships.
The first Legend of the Seas sailing begins next week
Legend of the Seas is 248,663 gross tons and can accommodate 5,610 passengers at double occupancy. It's able to hold up to 7,600 passengers. When you add in the 2,350 crew members, it's the very definition of a mega ship.
The maiden voyage will take place on July 4, 2026 when Legend sets sail from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. This will be the first time paying passengers will onboard, and will kick off the ship's summer season in Europe.
The new ship will offer 7-night Western Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona, Spain. Visits will include Marseille, France; Civitavecchia, Italy; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and La Spezia, Italy.
In November, Legend of the Seas will move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she'll offer a series of six- and eight-night cruises to the Western and Southern Caribbean. Each cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Cruises on Star of the Seas are available to book through April 2028. At the time of publication, an interior stateroom on the Nov. 11 3-night naming cruise starts at $796 per person. If you want to sail longer, there is a 6-night voyage on January 3, 2027 that starts at $1,138 per person in an inside cabin.
