Royal Caribbean is buoying up its operations, with plans to launch seven new cruise ships over the next six years.

Now that Legend of the Seas has launched, Royal Caribbean has even bigger plans on the horizon. The family-friendly cruise line — known for its record-breaking ships — will welcome seven new ships to its fleet by 2032, including the first-ever Discovery Class vessels. 

Founded in 1968, Royal Caribbean has grown into one of the world's largest cruise operators. And over the years, they have developed a cult-like following of cruisers who are "Loyal to Royal," welcoming over seven million passengers aboard their fleet in 2025. 

Today, the cruise line operates 30 ships globally, sailing to destinations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Asia, and beyond. 

In July, Royal Caribbean officially welcomed its newest ship, Legend of the Seas, to the family. Legend's debut marks the first time that an Icon Class ship has offered regular voyages in the Mediterranean. 

"With Legend of the Seas, we are bringing to life our most legendary vacation yet as we continue to push the boundaries with more of what guests know and love," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. 

"Those looking to get the most out of their vacation can have it all with Legend's combination of adventure-packed experiences and incredible destinations in Europe and the Caribbean."

Looking ahead, the company doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. In fact, they've announced plans for a major fleet expansion, with seven Oasis, Icon, and Discovery Class ships set to join the fleet over the next six years. 

The upcoming additions will continue Royal Caribbean's push to redefine the cruise experience, introducing new innovations, attractions, dining venues, cabins, and more.

New Royal Caribbean ships on order (2027-2032)

Royal Caribbean has confirmed orders for seven new ships through 2032, though some details about the upcoming vessels remain limited. 

For example, the cruise line has only announced the name of its next Icon Class ship — Hero of the Seas — while additional details about other ships and their features have yet to be revealed.

That said, here's a rundown of the New Royal Caribbean ships on order over the next six years:

• Hero of the Seas, Icon Class (2027)
• Unnamed Oasis 7, Oasis Class (2028)
• Unnamed Icon 5, Icon Class (2028)
• Unnamed Discovery 1, Discovery Class (2029)
• Unnamed Icon 6, Icon Class (2029)
• Unnamed Icon 7, Icon Class (2030)
• Unnamed Discovery 2, Discovery Class (2032)

Royal Caribbean's aggressive expansion plans

What's particularly interesting about the proposed timeline is how the company has doubled down on ship launches in 2028 and 2029. 

Royal Caribbean plans to introduce multiple new vessels during those years, with two ships scheduled to debut each year (Oasis 7 and Icon 5 in 2028, followed by Discovery 1 and Icon 6 in 2029).

This expansion would mark one of the company's most ambitious periods of growth, allowing Royal Caribbean to add to its record-breaking ship classes and introduce its highly anticipated Discovery Class product. 

Not only that, but this strategy is slightly unusual in the cruise industry, with most lines spacing out new ship launches to balance financial commitments and manage construction timelines with the shipyards. 

Carnival Cruise Line, for example, has five ships on order through 2033. Unlike Royal Caribbean, Carnival's launches are spread out over several years, starting with Carnival Festivale in 2027. 

After that, Carnival Tropicale will join the fleet, followed by three Project Ace class ships in 2029, 2031, and 2033. 

Similarly, Norwegian Cruise Line is tied with Royal Caribbean on future ship orders, with seven new vessels expected to join the fleet between 2027 and 2037.

However, unlike Royal Caribbean's more concentrated expansion strategy, Norwegian's new ships are spread out across a decade. Norwegian Aura is scheduled to debut in 2027, followed by additional vessels arriving throughout the 2030s, including the line's biggest vessels yet. 

Moreover, most of Norwegian's upcoming launches are spaced roughly every other year. For instance, after the debut of a new Prima Class ship in 2028, Norwegian will launch a new ship class in 2030. Additional ships from that class will then join the fleet in 2032, 2034, and 2036.

Having delivered unforgettable vacations for nearly 60 years, Royal Caribbean is ready to usher in a new era of cruising, one that sees a rapid fleet expansion, introduces new ship classes, and continues to redefine what's possible at sea. 

A court overturned the environmental approval required for Royal Caribbean to begin construction on its newest cruise port. 

According to local news outlets, a regional administrative court in Lazio, Italy, on July 3 repealed the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the €600 million project in Fiumicino. 

Judges ruled that the development had been incorrectly classified as a tourist marina when it should have been classified as a commercial port, even though the Royal Caribbean Group-backed project also includes plans for commercial space, restaurants, a hotel, shops, public waterfront parks, and more. 

As such, the environmental approval issued by Italy's Ministry of Environment and Energy Security was overturned, and construction cannot move forward. 

That doesn't mean the project is entirely dead, though. In a statement to Italian media, Fiumicino Waterfront CEO Galliano Di Marco claimed they will appeal the decision through the appropriate legal channels within the prescribed timeframe.

Why Royal Caribbean wants to build a new Rome cruise port

The newly proposed cruise port, located in Fiumicino near Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, would allow cruisers to board ships closer to the city center and the airport.

Currently, Rome's cruise port is in Civitavecchia, over 80 kilometers (50 miles) away from the city, or about an hour's drive. 

Its proximity to Rome's major international airport would also make it more convenient for guests to embark and disembark. Those boarding ships in Rome could be at the terminal in minutes, rather than boarding shuttle buses or reserving pricey private transfers for the long drive to Civitavecchia.

According to the developers, the new cruise terminal would have the capacity to serve more than 1 million passengers annually and operate as a homeport for cruise ships for roughly 200 days each year.

Plans further indicate that ships would have access to shore power while docked. As such, they wouldn't have to run the engines in port. 

Moreover, the development would supposedly create thousands of jobs, improve local infrastructure, and help meet the growing demand for cruise and yacht facilities in the Mediterranean. 

Second major setback this year for Royal Caribbean

In May, Mexican Environment Minister Alicia Barcena confirmed that plans for Perfect Day Mexico wouldn't be approved following massive backlash from environmental groups, as previously reported by Royal Caribbean Blog. 

According to a report released by Mexico's Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), officials felt that there were too many concerns tied to mangroves, coral reefs, groundwater systems, and broader ecosystem impacts in Mahahual, Costa Maya. 

SEMARNAT also claimed that Perfect Day Mexico added risks to the Mesoamerican Reef System involving groundwater and underground hydrological systems.

Another concern was that Royal Caribbean combined all elements of the project (i.e., the water park, beach club, and cruise pier) into one large development, instead of evaluating individual parts. Combined, officials argued that the environmental effects would be too significant to ignore.

That said, the company isn't abandoning its Perfect Day Mexico plans. Instead, they're reworking elements of the project to address the concerns around its coastal impact, with plans to re-engage with stakeholders in the future. 

Royal Caribbean is offering its smart wearable bracelet that can help parents track their kids' location on its newest ship, Legend of the Seas.

The cruise line's "Find My Kid" feature is available on the latest Icon Class ship, according to the company's website. 

It was first tested aboard Icon of the Seas in mid-2024 and was eventually rolled out on Star of the Seas in 2025. 

Now, this innovative feature has been expanded to Legend of the Seas. This gives families an easy way to keep tabs on their younger kids through the mobile app — for an additional cost. 

How does "Find My Kid" work on Royal Caribbean?

"Take peace of mind to the max on Legend of the Seas and Star of the Seas. Using the Find My Kid feature in the Royal Caribbean® App along with the Adventure Ocean® WOW Band, you can keep an eye on your kids aged 3 to 12 from the convenience of your mobile device," Royal Caribbean says. 

"Signing up is easy: once onboard, register your kids in Royal Caribbean's free, award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, purchase the Adventure Ocean WOW Band... and sign up for Find My Kid. You... will then be able to locate your kids in public areas of the ship and your stateroom through the app's deck maps."

Parents can also decide who has access to the feature. At their discretion, they can allow other members of their travel party, such as older siblings or grandparents, to track their children's location through the Royal Caribbean mobile app.

Unfortunately, this feature isn't free since it requires a special WOW Band, which currently costs $14.99. That said, the Adventure Ocean WOW Band can also open your stateroom door and be used to make onboard purchases, eliminating the need to carry a SeaPass card. 

Additionally, it can be used on future cruises, meaning families who plan on sailing aboard Star or Legend of the Seas more than once won't need to purchase a new band on each voyage. 

Why not just use Apple AirTags?

Royal Caribbean's "Find My Kid" is designed specifically for use onboard, allowing it to pinpoint a child's location across multiple decks of the ship more accurately than AirTags. 

Plus, since it is seamlessly integrated into the mobile app, parents can quickly view their child's location on the ship's deck map without relying on a stable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. 

In fact, you don't need an internet package at all to use the feature (just be sure to download the current version of the Royal Caribbean app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store before your cruise!).

(Credit: Shannon Sinclair)

That said, "Find My Kid" isn't meant to replace parental supervision on Star or Legend of the Seas. Instead, it's designed to provide an extra layer of convenience and peace of mind on these massive mega ships. 

Should "Find My Kid" be available for teens, too?

In addition to being on limited ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, many passengers argue that the feature should also track teenagers.

"They need to make it available for teens too," commented Courtney on a previous Royal Caribbean Blog post. 

Mike T added, "I'd want this for a teenager at 10pm...not little kids." 

However, teens have the ability to chat through the Royal Caribbean app, whereas guests 13 and under don't. They either have to use a parent's device or communicate through apps like iMessage or WhatsApp with an internet package. 

As such, the "Find My Kid" feature is aimed at younger passengers who may not have a phone of their own and cannot communicate directly with their parents. 

It's not uncommon, for example, to hear announcements over the public address system asking a specific guest to report to Guest Services, often because a family member is trying to locate them and can't get in touch with them.

By making it easier for parents to easily locate their children through the app, the feature can help reduce the need for those ship wide announcements and panic that comes with not knowing where your child is. 

Royal Caribbean is offering a number of one-off cruises in 2027 that are not the sort of typical sailings we expect.

With The Bahamas and Caribbean being year-round destinations, it is easy to visit the same ports of call — such as Perfect Day at CocoCay; Cozumel, Mexico; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas — over and over. 

However, as you climb the Crown & Anchor Society tiers, you may begin to crave different experiences. Thankfully, there are plenty of overlooked itineraries that fly under the radar. 

If you are willing to branch out, you will find that Royal Caribbean's 2027 lineup is actually pretty interesting and offers plenty of opportunities to discover new destinations. 

Although many of these one-off wonders are the cruise line's unique twist on repositioning cruises, that doesn't mean they aren't worth considering for your next cruise vacation, especially if you're itching for more time at sea. 

Editor's note: Cruise pricing can change at any time based on demand, availability, and promotional offers. All fares mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication. However, for accurate pricing, check directly on Royal Caribbean's website or speak with your travel advisor. 

Quantum of the Seas — 23-Night Transpacific / April 11, 2027

Dates: April 11-May 3, 2027

Embarkation port: Brisbane, Australia

Disembarkation port: Seattle, Washington

Lowest rate: $3,236 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Papeete, Tahiti
• Moorea, French Polynesia
• Raiatea, French Polynesia
• Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Anthem of the Seas — 16-Night Transpacific / April 14, 2027

Dates: April 14-29, 2027

Embarkation port: Sydney, Australia

Disembarkation port: Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Lowest rate: $2,311 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Papeete, Tahiti
• Moorea, French Polynesia
• Raiatea, French Polynesia

Rhapsody of the Seas — 14-Night Spain & Morocco / April 19, 2027

Dates: April 19-May 3, 2027

Embarkation port: Miami, Florida

Disembarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Lowest rate: $788 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Casablanca, Morocco
• Tangier, Morocco
• Málaga, Spain
• Alicante, Spain
• Valencia, Spain

Brilliance of the Seas — 15-Night Spain & Morocco / April 23, 2027

Dates: April 23-May 8, 2027

Embarkation port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Disembarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Lowest rate: $822 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Nassau, Bahamas
• Tangier, Morocco
• Seville (Cadiz), Spain
• Málaga, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Valencia, Spain

Grandeur of the Seas — 7-Night Colón to San Juan / April 24, 2027

Dates: April 24-May 1, 2027

Embarkation port: Colón, Panama

Disembarkation port: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Lowest rate: $566 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Kingstown, St. Vincent
• Castries, St. Lucia
• St. John's, Antigua
• Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Legend of the Seas — 14-Night Spanish Transatlantic / April 25, 2027

Dates: April 25-May 9, 2027

Embarkation port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Disembarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Lowest rate: $1,570 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Seville (Cadiz), Spain
• Málaga, Spain
• Alicante, Spain

Odyssey of the Seas — 14-Night Spain, Italy, Azores Transatlantic / April 25, 2027

Dates: April 25-May 9, 2027

Embarkation port: Cape Liberty, New Jersey

Disembarkation port: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Lowest rate: $1,234 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Ponta Delgada, Azores
• Málaga, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Barcelona, Spain
• Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy

Explorer of the Seas — 14-Night Spain, Italy, Azores Transatlantic / April 26, 2027

Dates: April 26-May 10, 2027

Embarkation port: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida

Disembarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Lowest rate: $740 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Madeira (Funchal), Portugal
• Seville (Cadiz), Spain
• Málaga, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Freedom of the Seas — 12-Night Bermuda & Azores / April 27, 2027

Dates: April 27-May 9, 2027

Embarkation port: Miami, Florida

Disembarkation port: Southampton, England

Lowest rate: $707 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda
• Ponta Delgada, Azores

Navigator of the Seas — 13-Night Singapore to Tokyo / April 29, 2027

Dates: April 29-May 12, 2027

Embarkation port: Singapore, Singapore

Disembarkation port: Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

Lowest rate: $2,210 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam
• Hong Kong, China
• Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China
• Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea
• Fukuoka, Japan
• Nagasaki, Japan

Anthem of the Seas — 8-Night Hawaii / April 29, 2027

Dates: April 29-May 7, 2027

Embarkation port: Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Disembarkation port: Vancouver, British Columbia

Lowest rate: $935 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Serenade of the Seas — 7-Night Pacific Coastal / May 2, 2027

Dates: May 2-9, 2027

Embarkation port: San Diego, California

Disembarkation port: Vancouver, British Columbia

Lowest rate: $564 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Astoria, Oregon
• Seattle, Washington
• Victoria, British Columbia

Rhapsody of the Seas — 11-Night Best of Italy & Greece / May 3, 2027

Dates: May 3-14, 2027

Embarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Disembarkation port: Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Lowest rate: $2,417 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy
• Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
• Amalfi Coast (Salerno), Italy
• Sicily (Messina), Italy
• Mykonos, Greece
• Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey
• Rhodes, Greece
• Santorini, Greece

Navigator of the Seas — 17-Night Tokyo to Los Angeles / May 12, 2027

Dates: May 12-28, 2027

Embarkation port: Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

Disembarkation port: Los Angeles, California

Lowest rate: $1,252 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Mt. Fuji (Shimizu), Japan
• Nagoya, Japan
• Kyoto (Osaka), Japan
• Kobe, Japan

Icon of the Seas — 9-Night Perfect Day CocoCay to Texas / August 7, 2027

Dates: August 7-16, 2027

Embarkation port: Miami, Florida

Disembarkation port: Galveston, Texas

Lowest rate: $1,882 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
• Willemstad, Curaçao
• Oranjestad, Aruba

Anthem of the Seas — 10-Night Hawaii / September 26, 2027

Dates: September 26-October 6, 2027

Embarkation port: Vancouver, British Columbia

Disembarkation port: Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Lowest rate: $848 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Serenade of the Seas — 7-Night Pacific Coastal / September 26, 2027

Dates: September 26-October 3, 2027

Embarkation port: Vancouver, British Columbia

Disembarkation port: San Diego, California

Lowest rate: $650 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Astoria, Oregon
• San Francisco, California

Voyager of the Seas — 25-Night Transpacific / October 1, 2027

Dates: October 1-27, 2027

Embarkation port: Seattle, Washington

Disembarkation port: Brisbane, Australia

Lowest rate: $2,797 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii
• Moorea, French Polynesia
• Papeete, Tahiti
• Raiatea, French Polynesia
• Port Vila, Vanuatu
• Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Anthem of the Seas — 17-Night Transpacific / October 6, 2027

Dates: October 6-24, 2027

Embarkation port: Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Disembarkation port: Sydney, Australia

Lowest rate: $2,119 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Papeete, Tahiti
• Moorea, French Polynesia
• Raiatea, French Polynesia
• Tauranga, New Zealand

Serenade of the Seas — 15-Night Panama Canal Eastward / October 7, 2027

Dates: October 7-22, 2027

Embarkation port: San Diego, California

Disembarkation port: Tampa, Florida

Lowest rate: $1,947 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
• Puntarenas, Costa Rica
• Panama Canal (Cruising), Panama
• Cartagena, Colombia
• George Town, Grand Cayman

Quantum of the Seas — 15-Night Tokyo to Singapore / October 12, 2027

Dates: October 12-25, 2027

Embarkation port: Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

Disembarkation port: Singapore, Singapore

Lowest rate: $2,434 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Kyoto (Osaka), Japan
• Kochi, Japan
• Okinawa (Naha), Japan
• Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China
• Hong Kong, China
• Hue / Danang (Chan May), Vietnam

Freedom of the Seas — 12-Night Azores Transatlantic / October 18, 2027

Dates: October 18-30, 2027

Embarkation port: Southampton, England

Disembarkation port: Miami, Florida

Lowest rate: $697 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• La Coruna, Spain
• Vigo, Spain
• Ponta Delgada, Azores

Odyssey of the Seas — 14-Night Spain & Portugal Transatlantic / October 31, 2027

Dates: October 31-November 14, 2027

Embarkation port: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Disembarkation port: Cape Liberty, New Jersey

Lowest rate: $963 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Barcelona, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Málaga, Spain
• Ponta Delgada, Azores

Legend of the Seas — 13-Night Spanish Transatlantic / October 31, 2027

Dates: October 31-November 13, 2027

Embarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Disembarkation port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Lowest rate: $1,362 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Palma de Mallorca, Spain
• Alicante, Spain
• Málaga, Spain

Explorer of the Seas — 14-Night Spain & Morocco Transatlantic / November 1, 2027

Dates: November 1-15, 2027

Embarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Disembarkation port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Lowest rate: $839 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Palma de Mallorca, Spain
• Alicante, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Málaga, Spain
• Tangier, Morocco

Brilliance of the Seas — 15-Night Spain & Portugal Transatlantic / November 6, 2027

Dates: November 6-21, 2027

Embarkation port: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Disembarkation port: Tampa, Florida

Lowest rate: $871 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Cartagena, Spain
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Ponta Delgada, Azores
• Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda

Rhapsody of the Seas — 14-Night Spain & Portugal Transatlantic / November 13, 2027

Dates: November 13-27, 2027

Embarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Disembarkation port: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Lowest rate: $916 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Valencia, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Málaga, Spain
• Seville (Cadiz), Spain
• Tangier, Morocco
• Casablanca, Morocco

Grandeur of the Seas — 7-Night San Juan to Colón / November 27, 2027

Dates: November 27-December 4, 2027

Embarkation port: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Disembarkation port: Colón, Panama

Lowest rate: $674 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
• Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• Castries, St. Lucia
• Willemstad, Curaçao

Is a longer cruise worth it?

Unfortunately, I'm not yet at the phase of life where considering unique reposition sailings makes sense. 

With my partner's work schedule as an elementary school teacher, it's difficult to get a lot of time off during the academic year. As such, our travel is generally limited to peak seasons, like spring break and summer, which generally don't see as many unique voyages. 

Not only that, but we don't like leaving our senior dog for extended periods. He is nearing 14 years old and has a few health concerns. The last thing we'd want is to be at sea in a drastically different time zone during a crisis. 

That said, there are perks to taking longer cruises, and I can't wait until we can experience them ourselves! 

First, you have more time to enjoy the ship. Transatlantic and transpacific cruises, especially, include multiple consecutive sea days.

And with massive vessels like Legend of the Seas now offering transatlantic cruises, having extra time onboard means you won't be rushed trying to experience everything the Icon Class ship has to offer!

Additionally, the price per day is often lower than for shorter voyages. For example, the cost per night for Freedom's 12-night Azores cruise in October 2027 starts as low as $58 per person!

That said, it's not uncommon to find high last-minute prices since these itineraries are offered so infrequently. As such, you'll want to book these one-off wonders early. 

Older cruise ships typically provide a better value for budget-conscious travelers because they offer many of the same basic experiences for a fraction of what it costs to sail aboard a newer vessel — and that's exactly why I booked a cruise on Liberty of the Seas for my recent European adventure. 

Generally speaking, European cruises are more expensive once airfare and excursions are factored in, so choosing an older ship helped my fiancée and me have the flexibility to plan a longer pre-cruise stay in London, England. 

This gave us time to adjust to the different time zone, explore the city, and check a few must-see landmarks off our bucket list before embarking on our five-night cruise to Germany and Belgium. 

Plus, Liberty of the Seas just wrapped up a multi-million dollar dry dock, adding new enhancements like Izumi Teppanyaki, Royal Escape Room, and a reimagined pool deck. As such, I couldn't wait to get on and check out everything on the amplified ship and visit two new-to-me ports in Europe. 

Our 11-night vacation, including the five-night cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas, came to over $8,500. In this article, I'll provide a full breakdown of what we spent during my Liberty of the Seas cruise, including travel-related expenses, onboard spending, shore excursions, and more. 

Our round-trip plane tickets from North Carolina to London, England, cost nearly $1,200 when paid with a combination of points and cash. 

Airfare prices have been higher than usual for the last couple of years, and finding deals out of Charlotte, North Carolina, has been much more challenging than it was when I lived in New York.

To put it into perspective, it's pretty common for round-trip tickets to Orlando and Miami on American Airlines to cost over $400 per person. In fact, I found a more affordable flight to Seattle, Washington, last year than to Florida!

Charlotte has multiple nonstop flights to London-Heathrow, so I knew getting to England would be easy. However, I was expecting the worst when it came to flight prices. To my surprise, I found round-trip flights for two for $1,199.76 plus 85,000 points.

Considering American Airlines wanted more than $1,300 per person for round-trip tickets, it felt like a great deal since we essentially got one ticket for free. 

Before departing, we also had to apply for the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is now required for American citizens entering the country. The application process was straightforward, and the total cost for both of us came to $55.98. 

The good thing about the ETA is that it's valid for two years, so we won't have to pay again if we return to the United Kingdom before June 2028.

Getting to the airport was another small expense. An Uber from our apartment to Charlotte airport cost $28.95, bringing our total pre-cruise transportation and travel documentation costs to $1,284.69 plus 85,000 points.

We arrived five days before the cruise and stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton London — Tower of London, which cost $1,785.62.

Although I'm far from a budget traveler, I also don't like shelling out thousands of dollars for a hotel room I'll rarely be in. While browsing available options, I was shocked that many hotels in Central London were quoting us over $2,500 for a five-night stay. 

In the end, I booked the DoubleTree by Hilton London — Tower of London for nearly $1,800. The rate also included breakfast, which meant we didn't have to budget for coffee or pastries every morning. This helped justify both the nightly rate and the hotel's somewhat inconvenient location.

Our room was tiny and didn't have a closet, so we couldn't unpack and were forced to live out of our suitcases. Plus, the hotel was undergoing renovations, and the hallways smelled of fresh paint. Still, for the price, it was perfectly fine and more than served its purpose. 

We spent around $2,460 in London before the cruise.

London is one of my favorite cities, and I have fond memories studying abroad in England during college. I also have family in London, which gives me a great excuse to visit whenever possible. That said, it was my fiancée's first time visiting London, so we made sure to hit more of the tourist spots than I normally would.

Here's a breakdown of everything we spent, including meals, sweet treats (like the viral Borough Market strawberries), shopping, transportation, and more: 

• Tower of London: $99.37
• Westminster Abbey: $83.25
• The Hunger Games On Stage: $158.45
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, Twilight Tour: $276.91
• 5-Day eSim through Saily: $16.99 
• Lunch at Camden Market: $37.65
• Lunch at Borough Market: $31.93
• Dinner at Ave Mario: $76.83
• Dinner at Cahoots: $80.59

• Dinner at The Ivy: $160.55
• Dinner at Barberella: $116.39
• Dinner at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: $42.71
• Pre-theater drinks at The Alchemist: $33.25
• Drinks at Sky Garden: $66.19
• Afternoon tea at the Sanderson: $228.25
• Shopping: $535.24
• Coffee and other sweet treats: $177.74
• Transportation in London: $172.64
• Train tickets to Southampton: $65.43

TOTAL: $2,460.36

The five-night sailing aboard the Liberty of the Seas ship cost $1,497.84 for a windowless inside cabin. 

Because London was so expensive, we did not mind saving money on our cruise fare. A balcony seemed relatively pointless since the itinerary wasn't scenic, and we planned on spending the two sea days relaxing in the adults-only Solarium.

As such, we booked a Category 4V Interior Stateroom through my travel agent for $1,497.84, or $748.92 per person, including gratuities. This worked out to about $300 per night for the two of us, which seemed more than reasonable for an older ship in Europe. 

Plus, the price of our Royal Caribbean cruise covered more than accommodations, too — ranging from unlimited meals to basic beverages, brand-new original entertainment, and transportation from England to Germany and Belgium. 

On Liberty of the Seas, there are multiple pools, water slides, a fitness center, a three-deck-high dining room, and ice skating shows, among other activities and amenities.

In the end, the 162-square-foot cabin was a comfortable — albeit outdated — space to relax and rest up after long days spent ashore during one of the continent's worst heatwaves in recorded history. 

We racked up $744.55 in other charges, including shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and more. 

We tried to keep our onboard spending low while aboard Liberty of the Seas. We only splurged on one specialty meal, and our eight daily Diamond vouchers meant we did not need to splurge on a pricey drink package.

In total, we spent $242.45 on the ship. This included Wi-Fi, a few arcade games, and dinner at Izumi Hibachi. Our booking included a $50 onboard credit, which helped decrease our spending, as we would have spent closer to $292 without it.

While ashore, we spent an additional $502.10 in Hamburg and Zeebrugge, with miscellaneous charges ranging from tickets to Miniatur Wunderland to bus transfers, lunch, souvenirs (we may have bought too much Belgian chocolate...), and even a Belgian waffle-making class in Brugge. 

Before we knew it, it was time to get off the cruise ship and head to Heathrow Airport for our long-haul flight home.

Our nearly two-week-long trip flew by, and before we knew it, we were packing our suitcases and dreading our long travel day back to North Carolina.  

After debarking the ship, we took a short taxi ride to the Southampton bus station, where we boarded a Flix bus to Heathrow Airport. This was much more economical than booking transfers through Royal Caribbean, which cost around $100 per person! 

Comparatively, we only spent $100.81 on the two-hour-long bus ride for both of us, including a taxi from the cruise port to the Southampton station. 

We took one final rideshare home after landing, which came to $33.97. 

Finally, we paid a family friend $700 to watch our dog, Dexter.

My fiancée and I are lucky that we have a close family friend who is just as obsessed with our dog, Dexter, as we are. In fact, she loves it when Dexter, whom she calls her handsome boy, is "home."

Leaving our dog with our family friend always brings us so much peace of mind, and we usually only travel when we are sure that she's available to keep him. While gone, we receive regular text and photo updates, which makes being away from our little guy, who is almost 14 years old, easier. 

And yes, we always return with a new toy for Dexter and something special for our family friend to thank her for taking such good care of our dog. 

Between travel-related expenses, food, shopping, and the cruise itself, we spent over $8,500 on our Liberty of the Seas vacation.

My 11-night vacation to Europe, including a five-night cruise on the Liberty of the Seas ship and an overnight flight, was not cheap, but it was an unforgettable experience — and a great way to visit Belgium and Northern Germany for the first time!

Plus, with Liberty recently renovated, she offers even more ways to play, drink, and dine than ever before, ensuring that vacations aboard the Freedom Class vessel are exciting for first-time cruisers and longtime Royal Caribbean fans alike. 

The cruise ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. The ship size was perfect, and we never felt overwhelmed by the amenities. That said, we weren't bored, either. 

There was always something to do, whether it was catching an original show, trying a new bar, or relaxing by the pool on sea days. Plus, I thought the food was better than on other recent Royal Caribbean cruises I've taken, where the dining experience has been more hit-or-miss.

While this trip was definitely a splurge, coming in at $8,573.81 for two people, combining the five-night itinerary with a pre-cruise stay in London was an unforgettable experience and worth every penny. 

Legend of the Seas is the newest Icon Class ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet. Not only that, but she's the most unique of the three, bringing new dining options and accommodations to sea. 

It is not unusual for Royal Caribbean to refine its class designs as they evolve. Rather than treating each ship as an identical copy of the last, the cruise line uses every new build as an opportunity to incorporate guest feedback and fresh ideas into the blueprint. 

As a result, ship classes often grow stronger with each new launch, with new venues, updated stateroom options, and thoughtful enhancements that build on the success of previous ships.

Legend of the Seas is a great example of that philosophy. While retaining the signature Icon Class structure, she also features exclusive restaurants, redesigned accommodations, and other unique touches that set her apart from her sister ships.

In this article, I'll provide a complete look at everything different on Legend of the Seas, from the second-ever immersive train car specialty restaurant to new food stalls in the AquaDome Market and more, to help you determine if the additions are enough to put this brand-new ship on your radar. 

New restaurants and dining experiences

Let's start with one of the most important parts of a cruise: the food. Like her sister ships, Legend of the Seas boasts over two dozen dining options, ranging from the complimentary dining room to an expansive buffet, an upscale steakhouse, and more. 

However, there are a few dining venues that you won't find on any other ships in the fleet, including Hollywoodland Supper Club, Royal Railway — Legend Station, and a refreshed AquaDome Market with unique food stalls. 

Hollywoodland Supper Club builds upon the successful supper club concept launched on Icon of the Seas with the Empire Supper Club. 

Like the Lincoln Park Supper Club on Star of the Seas, Legend debuted with an entirely new theme inspired by the glamour of Hollywood's Golden Age, complete with a different menu, cocktails, entertainment, and atmosphere. 

Legend is also home to Royal Railway — Legend Station, making the ship the second in the fleet to feature Royal Caribbean's immersive train-themed specialty restaurant — and the only Icon Class ship to feature it. 

Not only that, but the entire experience is different than at Royal Railway — Utopia Station. Whereas Utopia's dining experience transports passengers through the Wild West, guests aboard Legend follow the Silk Routes that Marco Polo took on his journey back from the Orient to Europe.

As a result, a new menu was developed for the adventure, highlighting countries such as India, China, Persia, Italy, and Turkey. 

Finally, the food stalls at the complimentary AquaDome Market have also been refreshed, giving returning Icon Class cruisers different options than they'll find aboard Icon or Star of the Seas (minus Crème de la Crêpe, which is found on all three Icon Class ships).

The stalls on Legend of the Seas include Seoulmate (Korean rice bowls), Adobo (Mexican street tacos), Cajun Kitchen (New Orleans gumbo), La Española (Spanish-style tapas), and Simply Pressed (fresh juices and smoothies). 

Although not an overhaul of the existing Icon Class dining options, these additions ensure that guests have plenty of unique restaurants and fresh flavors to keep their palates satisfied aboard Legend of the Seas.

A redesigned balcony cabin that fixes one of the biggest problems for families

Moving on, Legend of the Seas also introduced a brand-new stateroom category. The Family Ocean View Balcony (Category FB) is a spacious cabin measuring 285 square feet, with an additional 50-square-foot private balcony.

Although they are similar to the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony staterooms on Icon and Star of the Seas, they have a traditional verandah that replaces the controversial infinite balcony.

Plus, many of the Family Ocean View Balcony cabins are adjoining, so you can create a "mini suite" with significantly more space for families of up to 12. 

Instead of standard connecting doors, these cabins feature a shared vestibule with two separate entry doors, so you can close the exterior door leading to the hallway and keep your primary cabin door open to easily go between cabins. 

Other highlights of these cruise rooms include:

• Split bathroom design
• Traditional outdoor verandah
• Private bunk bed nook

Impressive entertainment lineup

Each Icon Class ship has its own unique entertainment lineup, and Legend of the Seas is no exception. Aboard the 248,663 gross-ton vessel, you'll find new shows that aren't available on any other ship in the fleet. 

Starting in the Royal Theater, Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the main production show. This musical brings the sweet excitement of Charlie finally getting his golden ticket to the high seas and is every bit as whimsical as you'd expect. 

That's not all, though. Guests sailing on Legend of the Seas can also experience America's Got Talent LIVE at Sea, marking the first time the Got Talent format has ever been staged on a cruise ship.

Moving on to the Absolute Zero ice skating rink, one of the largest ice rinks at sea, Fusion showcases "nature's power, passion, and harmony [coming] to life." 

Next, the jaw-dropping AquaTheater, which first launched on Oasis of the Seas and has since become a fan favorite venue, has a new show that was designed exclusively for Legend of the Seas.

Shockwave: A Battle for the Beat is a "heart-racing show that will leave you breathless with every beat, featuring spectacular stunts."

The cruise line's first-ever two-story Casino Royale

If you are an avid gambler, you'll love the casino on Legend of the Seas. It's no secret that Royal Caribbean has been steadily expanding and enhancing its casino offerings across its fleet, ranging from ships like Liberty of the Seas to Harmony of the Seas and more. 

Legend of the Seas follows that same direction, offering the cruise line's largest casino at sea that spans across Deck 3 and Deck 4. Although the non-smoking casino on Deck 3 isn't as large as the space above it, it still has rows of slot machines and table games available for those who prefer a smoke-free gaming experience. 

One thing that's nice about this design, compared to separate smoking / non-smoking casinos, is that it feels less disjointed. In other words, the staircase makes the two spaces feel more connected, and you don't have to play the game of "I wonder if the other section is less crowded." 

Plus, it's just more visually striking for a casino. Putting a stronger emphasis on atmosphere and flow makes the space feel a little more upscale — as much as it can for a casino, that is. 

Minor design enhancements

For starters, the Pearl on Legend of the Seas is brighter, more colorful, and more animated than ever before, thanks to new LED mirrored panels. If this massive sculpture wasn't a showstopper on the other two Icon Class ships, it sure is now. 

In the Royal Promenade, you'll also notice new artwork that was carefully selected through Royal Caribbean's Artist Discovery Program, which features contributions from six artists chosen from a pool of 250 applicants across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. 

Along with the Royal Promenade, their artwork will be showcased in the suite-only areas and the passenger boarding area on Deck 2. 

Moving on, the family-friendly Surfside neighborhood received an adorable update with the addition of the rubber duck-themed carousel. 

Although this feature isn't new and has been around since Oasis of the Seas hit the high seas in 2009, the "duckie-go-round" design feels more playful and honors the longstanding duck-hiding tradition. 

Better retail offerings

Something else that has changed aboard Legend of the Seas is the retail offerings. Instead of Royal Caribbean-branded souvenirs and pricey jewelry, there's more kid-approved merchandise, including popular brands like Jellycat and collectible POP MART figures.

Moreover, other spaces have been rethought to be more practical. The Royal Bling store, for instance, was transformed into the Sol & Sea shop, which offers more everyday clothing. 

In the Royal Promenade, there's even a small stand that offers engraved luggage tags and passport holders.

Finally, Legend of the Seas is the first Royal Caribbean ship to reuse a previous ship name

Legend of the Seas is completely different from her namesake. 

The original ship launched in 1995 and measured less than 70,000 gross tons with a passenger capacity of around 2,000. By comparison, the modern-day Legend comes in at around 248,000 gross tons and can accommodate over 5,600 passengers at double occupancy. 

Although reusing ship names isn't unheard of in the industry, this marks the first time Royal Caribbean has brought back a legacy name from its earlier fleet.

To honor the original, Royal Caribbean constructed a detailed scale model of Legend of the Seas to place aboard the new vessel. 

During the first-ever sailing aboard Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean executives sat down to discuss everything from future deployment plans to artificial intelligence (AI) and even Skipper, the ship's Chief Dog Officer. 

One of the most highly anticipated topics was its upcoming Discovery Class, though executives were careful not to reveal too much. 

Europe and Australia were also brought up, with hints at how future deployments could broaden the brand's footprint while accounting for seasonal demand and weather patterns. 

Accessibility and autism-friendly cruising came up, too, and executives reinforced the company's ongoing efforts to make vacations more inclusive and accommodating for all guests.

Here's a roundup of some of the highlights shared by executives like Jason Liberty and Michael Bayley during two conversations aboard Legend of the Seas in Europe. 

The Royal Beach Club Lelepa project is going to break ground in July

Once it opens, the Royal Beach Club Lelepa will be the first private cruise destination in the South Pacific, and Royal Caribbean is targeting October 2027 for the first guests to visit the beach club.

During the Q&A session aboard Legend of the Seas, executives confirmed that major groundbreaking is expected to start sometime this month. 

Not only that, but Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley hinted that the beach club's opening could determine how the company continues to curate sailings for the Australian market, with a growing focus on year-round sailings. 

"We think [the Royal Beach Club Lelepa is] going to really tick the box for the Australian market, and our intention would be over time to grow that market because of that destination," Bayley said.

Discovery Class is coming, but we won't know more until next year

As the name implies, Discovery Class ships will likely steer clear of traditional Caribbean voyages to ports like CocoCay, St. Thomas, and Cozumel. 

According to Bayley, there are three regions where we can expect Discovery Class ships to sail: Asia, Alaska, and Europe. 

"It is a class by its name that will go to Asia; it will go to Alaska; it will go to [Europe]. [And the ships] will be specifically designed for those types of more exotic experiences," he claimed. 

Discovery Class ships will also be small enough to sail through the Panama Canal, though that wasn't breaking news. 

Still, knowing that the vessel will meet the canal's size restrictions helps reinforce the notion that the cruise line plans on using Discovery Class ships for more unique itineraries. 

Beyond that, though, there's a lot that is being kept under lock and key, and Bayley said we can expect to learn more sometime during the second half of 2027. 

There's a reason why Royal Caribbean doesn't offer year-round Europe cruises

There's no denying that there's a strong European market for Royal Caribbean cruises. However, despite the demand, they strategically choose not to offer year-round sailings from ports like Southampton and Barcelona, with the primary reason being the weather. 

"You have to be able to operate it for a longer period of time, not just for the Christmas holidays, but it is the weather, right?" Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, explained. 

Bayley added that customer satisfaction can drop by around 25 points when guests sail in less favorable conditions and pointed to the line's strong Caribbean presence in the winter.

"We've got a lot of beautiful ships in the Caribbean in the winter, and it's only a short little flight from London to Miami... We've got the best lineup of products on the planet with Perfect Day, with the beach clubs. I mean, come on. And it's almost guaranteed sunshine," he said. 

That said, Royal Caribbean has confidence in Europe as a key market, with executives claiming that demand remains robust, even if year-round deployment isn't viable. 

Looking ahead, Bayley hinted at the possibility of an Icon Class ship returning to Europe in 2028, pointing to the strong early performance of Legend of the Seas in the region before the vessel even welcomed paying passengers. 

"[Legend] is doing exceedingly well. It seems to be extremely popular. It's selling at great rates, so I think we're on a great track. And obviously, our plan is to put this kind of fantastic hardware into the European market. So fingers crossed it's all looking great [for 2028]," he stated. 

Royal Caribbean is an autism-friendly cruise line

Next, Royal Caribbean executives made it abundantly clear that the company takes pride in being such an autism-friendly cruise line. 

For starters, a dedicated access team works with travelers to help ensure that all reasonable accommodations are met. Sensory toys are also available onboard, along with quiet spaces that can help guests manage sensory overload. 

Additionally, they mentioned areas where they could continue to improve and expand these offerings, explaining why Q&A sessions and panels are so important. 

For example, when asked if adding sensory rooms to their fleet was an option, Bayley said the company is open to exploring it. 

He noted that the cruise line spends a lot of time designing new ship classes and refurbishing existing vessels. Part of that work includes reconfiguring and adding cruise cabins. 

As such, creating sensory-friendly rooms isn't totally out of the question, though he said they will need to investigate the idea further with their newbuild team.

Challenging cruise stereotypes and coming out on top

Although cruising has made a remarkable rebound after the pandemic, a lot of people still have outdated perceptions of what a cruise vacation is like. 

"There are a lot of people who will say, 'Cruising isn't for me,'" Liberty said, "They may look at the number of people on a ship, or they may just think that's not the kind of vacation they want."

However, these are the types of travelers that the company loves to welcome on board because they're five times more likely to cruise with them again once they've experienced everything Royal Caribbean Group offers. 

He attributed that to the company's focus on creating share-worthy vacations that cruisers can't help but recommend to friends and family, generating some of the best marketing out there: word-of-mouth. 

Artificial intelligence as a superpower

AI is a controversial topic, with concerns ranging from job displacement to privacy. To Liberty, however, AI is a superpower that can help enhance the overall guest experience. 

With the use of AI, for example, the company has been able to reduce food waste by around half. 

Not only that, but it's helpful when it comes to energy conservation. By using sensors in public areas, they can better manage systems such as lighting and air conditioning.

"[AI is] going to enhance our crew; it's going to enhance what we do on shore and how we operate our ships [and] how we design our ships into the future," he added. 

Honoring the original Legend of the Seas

Finally, Royal Caribbean executives discussed why they decided to reuse the name Legend of the Seas. In reality, it wasn’t a long, drawn-out process; it was a pretty natural choice to bring the name back for the Icon Class.

Legend of the Seas, which initially set sail in 1995, was a popular ship. Unfortunately, she was sold to Thomson Cruises (now Marella Cruises) in 2016 and now operates as the Marella Discovery 2. 

According to Bayley, many longtime cruise fans suggested reviving the name, letting the company's history live on through the next-gen Icon Class ship. 

(Credit: Aaron Hall)

"Legend was suggested by many of our former guests. It was an incredibly popular ship. It was an appropriate name for the [Icon Class]... And so that name just became a natural, top contender. And that's why we ended up with Legend of the Seas," he explained. 

The cruise industry is always growing, welcoming new, innovative, and mind-blowing ships like Legend of the Seas. However, does that mean you should avoid older vessels?

Recently, I sailed aboard Liberty of the Seas on a five-night cruise to Germany and Belgium from Southampton, England. Although she isn't the oldest in the Royal Caribbean fleet, she's a far cry from the record-breaking Oasis and Icon Class ships that dominate the cruise line's marketing strategy. 

Still, after spending five nights onboard, I came away impressed by just how much Liberty has to offer. Thanks to a recent Royal Amplification, the ship feels refreshed with new dining venues, updated public spaces, and new original productions.

That said, sailing on an older ship comes with a few trade-offs. While Liberty of the Seas offers many of the features that make newer Royal Caribbean ships so popular, there are also areas where her age is noticeable, such as her dated staterooms. 

In this article, I'll dive into what it's really like to sail on this older ship, exploring 10 things I liked and disliked about Liberty of the Seas — and why, despite her shortcomings, she offers one of the best values in the fleet. 

#1. I loved the new Western-themed ice skating show. 

During her Royal Amplification, Royal Caribbean replaced the Encore! An Ice Spectacular skating show in Studio B with Boots and Blades. As someone who isn't a fan of country music, I didn't think I'd like this production. 

And while the Western theme may not have been my first choice, Boots and Blades was a pleasant surprise and easily one of the highlights of my Liberty of the Seas cruise. 

The choreography, for example, was especially impressive — the lifts, spins, and tricks kept my attention throughout the 45-minute show, with the skaters making the difficult moves look a little bit too easy. 

I also thought that the costumes were a lot of fun, from the hobby horses to the sparkly getups. Even the sets felt a little more immersive than other ice shows that rely more on technology. At one point, one of the skaters hopped on a mechanical bull! 

#2. I disliked my outdated cruise room.

Wanting to keep our cruise costs low after a pricey pre-cruise visit to London, England, my fiancée and I booked the cheapest available cabin, a standard interior stateroom, aboard Liberty of the Seas.

Knowing that Liberty is a 19-year-old cruise ship, we knew that the cabin would feel dated. However, this was still a disappointment considering that the vessel had just completed its highly anticipated Royal Amplification. 

Many public areas received a facelift, including the pool deck. The cabins, unfortunately, remained largely untouched. For example, the couch in my inside stateroom looked worn, and the cabinets were chipped. Plus, there was a noticeable lack of charging options. 

In the end, it wasn't the worst cruise cabin I've ever stayed in, but it was a far cry from the more modern and luxurious rooms found on ships like Icon and Utopia of the Seas. 

#3. I loved the revamped pool deck. 

Unlike the staterooms, Liberty's pool deck got a much-needed refresh. In line with other Royal Amplified vessels and newer ships, the pool deck now features bright décor, creating a resort-like atmosphere.

The transformation turned decks 11 and 12 into a destination, rather than just a place to cool off on a hot day at sea. For starters, there are two Lime & Coconut Bars, each serving up the signature Lime & Coconut drink, along with other tropical beverages. 

Royal Caribbean brought its highly-rated El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca to the pool deck, too. This gives guests easy access to grab-and-go Mexican fare, like nachos, burritos, and quesadillas — at no extra cost! 

For those who don't want to battle the annoying chair hogs, casitas were also added to the pool deck. These shaded, private lounging areas are available to rent for the day, both in port and at sea, and provide a more relaxing retreat. That said, they don't come cheap, and Liberty has plenty of complimentary seating available, even if it is a short walk from the pools. 

#4. I disliked that Royal Caribbean removed the complimentary sauna and steam room. 

One of my biggest complaints about Liberty is that Royal Caribbean seemed to prioritize revenue-generating additions, like specialty restaurants and new stateroom categories, over refreshing the ship's existing features.

For example, the spa's complimentary sauna and steam rooms were removed to make way for new cabins on Deck 11. The new locker room is extremely tiny, with just two toilet stalls. 

I was looking forward to using the sauna, especially since access is a paid perk on newer ships with thermal spas. For example, my thermal spa pass on Utopia of the Seas cost $99 per person for a three-night sailing. 

#5. I loved the ship's European flair.

Because this was a European cruise out of England, the onboard atmosphere felt noticeably different from a typical Caribbean sailing, with a more international mix of passengers. 

However, beyond the clientele, Royal Caribbean made a few subtle changes to better cater to the European market. For example, the Rock Brit Street Party paid homage to famous British musicians, playing hits like "Revolution," "Levitating," and "Rock DJ."

The food options were tailored to the European market, too. Café Promenade, for example, frequently had a scone filled with berries and cream. Although it was far from the scones I had at high tea in London, it was a nice touch that I don't typically see on Caribbean or Bahamian sailings.

Even the bears in the classic car in the Promenade were sporting fun United Kingdom flag-inspired outfits. 

#6. I disliked the slow service in the dining room.

The service in the dining room was undoubtedly slow. One night, we had to ask our servers multiple times for a bread basket, and drink refills seemed nearly impossible. 

Normally, I choose My Time Dining. However, for this sailing, I decided to try traditional dining with a set table and assigned servers. Meals regularly stretched longer than expected, and the service felt less attentive than what I've experienced on other Royal Caribbean cruises.

The food was great, but the overall dining experience would have been much better with faster and more consistent service. As such, it left a sour taste in my mouth for traditional dining.

#7. I loved all the quiet lounge areas. 

Liberty of the Seas isn't packed from bow to stern with adrenaline-pumping activities like Oasis or Icon of the Seas — and that's one of my favorite things about the ship. 

Although there is an escape room, a FlowRider surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, waterslides, a mini-golf course, and more, the ship strikes a nice balance between constant stimulation and built-in downtime. 

There are plenty of tucked-away spots throughout the ship where you can relax with a drink, read a book, or simply enjoy the ocean views. My go-tos were the nooks near the aft elevator banks, the outdoor seating behind the FlowRider, and the Viking Crown Lounge.  

#8. I disliked that there wasn't a Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. 

As mentioned earlier, Royal Caribbean has been focused on adding more revenue-generating spaces, from specialty restaurants to cabins and casinos. 

On Liberty of the Seas, Casino Royale on Deck 4 was expanded to feature more table games and slot machines than before, replacing the former photo gallery area near Boleros. 

Instead, the shore excursions and Focus gallery were moved and combined on Deck 3, right outside Studio B. Unfortunately, these changes mean that the On Air Lounge no longer exists. 

Even worse, the expanded casino means that there was no room to add Playmakers, which has been a major disappointment to many frequent cruisers — myself included. I mean, you can seriously never go wrong with a campfire cookie for dessert!

#9. I loved the non-smoking casino. 

When I heard that Liberty was getting an expanded Casino Royale, I assumed that part of the casino would be non-smoking, while the original part would remain smoking. 

To my surprise, the entire casino aboard Liberty of the Seas was non-smoking during my sailing. Personally, I thought it was a great change — though my partner was a little frustrated she couldn't vape while cutting through the ship. 

Still, the space felt cleaner and more comfortable, and I appreciated how smoke wasn't drifting into popular spaces like Boleros or the Schooner Bar. 

#10. I disliked the long lines. 

Finally, we encountered some annoying lines on Liberty of the Seas, whether for a slice of pizza or an ice cream cone on the pool deck. Disembarkation in Southampton was hectic with just one gangway, too. 

The worst, however, was the seemingly constant line at Café Promenade for specialty coffee. Starbucks rarely had a wait, but that's because Diamond vouchers and drink packages don't work there. 

To avoid the crowd also trying to get their morning caffeine fix, we quickly learned that going earlier was better. As such, we'd often make our way to Deck 5 no later than 8:00 a.m., getting our specialty lattes in seconds. 

Is Liberty of the Seas a good cruise ship?

Overall, my fiancée and I were pleasantly surprised with our experience on Liberty of the Seas. Still, even with the recent Royal Amplification, she shows her age in many areas. 

The staterooms, in particular, are in dire need of attention, and I think it would have been smarter for the cruise line to allocate some funds toward the cabins versus more casino space or new accommodations. 

That said, in terms of value, Liberty of the Seas remains a strong option. She delivers a fun onboard atmosphere, solid dining options, and good entertainment at a competitive price point compared to newer, larger vessels. 

Although Liberty isn't the flashiest ship in the fleet, she offers a memorable cruise experience — if you go in with realistic expectations. For example, if you understand that some areas feel dated, rather than expecting modern cabins or the latest technology, you can have a great time aboard Liberty of the Seas. 

Royal Caribbean brought back Legend of the Seas, but it's nothing like the original.

The first Legend of the Seas launched in 1995. With a gross tonnage of less than 70,000 and a passenger capacity of around 2,000, the Vision Class ship was a far cry from the massive Icon Class vessel that carries the same name.

That said, she was pretty revolutionary at the time. Highlights included a rock climbing wall, a mini-golf course, an elegant atrium, two pools, a theater, and a fitness center. 

(Credit: Soma Biswas)

Moreover, she's considered one of the most well-traveled ships in the fleet, having offered voyages to places like Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific, Alaska, Central America, the Caribbean, the Baltic, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. 

In June 2016, it was announced that Legend of the Seas had been sold to Thomson Cruises (now Marella Cruises), with the vessel departing Royal Caribbean's fleet in March 2017. 

(Credit: Singaporevideo)

That said, the original Legend of the Seas is still sailing under a different name. Today, she continues operating as Marella Discovery 2. 

Marella Discovery is another Vision Class ship that was transferred from Royal Caribbean's fleet to Marella Cruises. She began her career sailing as Splendour of the Seas in 1996, eventually leaving the fleet in 2016.

(Credit: 臺灣賞船人Taiwan Ships Watchers)

Royal Caribbean's newest ship, also named Legend of the Seas, set sail on a special invite-only journey on June 29, 2026, ahead of her maiden voyage on July 4. 

Reusing ship names isn't unheard of in the industry. In fact, cruise lines like Holland America Line and Princess Cruises have revived names across multiple generations of ships, including MS Noordam and Sun Princess.

(Credit: Nathan Foley)

That said, it's the first time Royal Caribbean has reused the name of one of its former vessels. More than 30 years after the original vessel debuted, the Legend of the Seas name has returned aboard one of the world's largest and most technologically advanced cruise ships. 

Coming in at 248,663 gross tons with a passenger capacity of over 5,600, Legend of the Seas ranks among the largest cruise ships ever built, joining her Icon Class sisters, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, at the top of the list.

In fact, she's more than three and a half times larger than the original Legend of the Seas, when measuring by gross tonnage, and can accommodate nearly three times as many guests. 

The size isn't the only thing that showcases just how dramatically Royal Caribbean's ships have evolved since the mid-1990s — it's also the amenities. 

On Legend of the Seas, you'll find everything from a rubber duck-themed carousel to an indoor AquaTheater, train car specialty restaurant, multi-deck casino, Ultimate Family Townhouse suite, upgraded Pearl, expansive Central Park neighborhood, and so, so, SO much more. 

Guests, for instance, can take advantage of more than 40 places to eat and drink, ranging from the complimentary Main Dining Room to the AquaDome Marketplace, El Loco Fresh, Chops Grille, Hooked Seafood, and Izumi Sushi and Hibachi. 

Legend of the Seas boasts an impressive lineup of attractions, ensuring that there's more than enough to keep busy on a six-, seven-, or eight-night cruise.

The record-breaking Category 6 waterpark is one of my favorite Icon Class features. However, there are also multiple pools and hot tubs, a surf simulator, sports court, mini-golf course, rock climbing wall, escape room, an ice skating rink, Crown's Edge ropes course/zip line hybrid, and dedicated youth spaces for every age group.

On a similar note, even spaces designated for relaxation have been elevated compared to older Royal Caribbean ships.

The AquaDome on Deck 15 combines panoramic ocean views with dining (Hooked Seafood and the Aquadome Marketplace), entertainment (AquaTheater), and relaxing nooks. 

Back in the 90s, however, the Viking Crown Lounge was one of Royal Caribbean's most recognizable design elements.

With its panoramic views and elevated position high atop the ship, it offered guests a low-key place to relax, enjoy a drink, listen to music, and take in the scenery. In other words, it was much less of a multi-purpose space compared to today's AquaDome. 

(Credit: Cruise Passenger)

The accommodations are another area where the differences between the original and new Legend of the Seas are really noticeable. 

In the 90s, the stateroom experience wasn't as important as it is today. As such, the original Legend of the Seas offered traditional layouts and fewer categories compared to its modern successor. 

(Credit: Tim Pixsson, PIXSSON photo)

On today's Legend, for example, there are over two dozen different types of cruise rooms, ranging from tiny inside cabins to lavish suites and even interior-facing balconies. 

Comparatively, the original Legend of the Seas placed a greater emphasis on windowless interior and ocean-view staterooms, rather than the variety of balcony categories common today. 

I can't forget to mention entertainment! When the original Legend of the Seas was built, the scale of the ship's entertainment offerings was nowhere near what passengers experience today.

For example, on today's Legend, you'll find everything from high-diving shows with synchronized swimmers and acrobatic performers to ice skating shows and even a Broadway-style production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in the Royal Theater. 

(Credit: Adrian The Cruise and Travel Guy)

All of that to say, the two ships may share a name, but they represent completely different eras of cruising.

Modern-day cruisers often expect the ship to be a destination in and of itself, packed with restaurants, entertainment, attractions, and unique experiences designed to keep guests busy all day long. 

(Credit: Aaron Hall)

On the flip side, the original Legend of the Seas was built to transport cruisers to various regions across the world, offering a more simplistic onboard experience. 

Royal Caribbean's CEO revealed that one popular cruise destination could become year-round in the near future. 

While the cruise line is synonymous with epic Caribbean vacations, it also operates around the globe, including Alaska, Europe, South America, Hawaii, Mexico, and more.  

During a Q&A session on the newly launched Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley hinted that the company is working to better curate sailings for the Australian market, particularly when it comes to the Royal Beach Club Lelepa.

"There [are] a lot of differences [and] nuances between [the] Australian consumer and an American consumer. And we're creating that experience. So we think [the Royal Beach Club Lelepa is] going to really tick the box for the Australian market," Bayley said. 

He added that the company's intention is to grow the region's market, especially because they're proud of the work that's gone into developing Royal Beach Club Lelepa. 

"It's [an] exceptionally beautiful destination, and we're building something which is really in harmony with the environment. And it's going to be a really special place," Bayley stated. 

Lelepa is a long-time project that's going to really break ground in July

Royal Beach Club Lelepa will be the first cruise destination in the South Pacific, and Royal Caribbean is targeting October 2027 for the first guests to visit the private club.

During the Q&A session aboard the Legend, Royal Caribbean executives confirmed that a major milestone for the long-awaited project is upcoming in July.

Unfortunately, executives shared few additional details, leaving cruise fans in the dark as to what they can expect as development moves forward.

That said, we have an idea of the amenities available at the Royal Beach Club Lelepa. 

Located on the northwest side of Vanuatu, just northeast of Australia, the Royal Beach Club Lelepa will feature two stunning beaches, the family-friendly East Beach and "adventure-primed" West Beach, along with an adults-only area for passengers 18+.

Additionally, a specially crafted lineup of food and drinks will be available — all included at no extra charge. 

Speaking of what's included, unlike other Royal Beach Clubs (i.e., Paradise Island and Santorini), entrance to Royal Beach Club Lelepa will be included in your cruise fare.

This means you won't have to budget for a curated private island day, with everything from admission to tender transportation, lounge chairs, umbrellas, beach games, restrooms, food, and more included. 

Of note, there won't be Wi-Fi at the Royal Beach Club Lelepa, and unlike some of Royal Caribbean's other private destinations, guests won't find sprawling freshwater pools.

What ships sail to Australia?

Royal Caribbean cruise ships sail from Brisbane and Sydney, Australia, from October to April. Beginning in late 2027 and continuing into 2028, Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas will be based in the region. 

Anthem is a Quantum Class ship that launched in 2015 and comes in at 168,666 gross tons, while Voyager is a Voyager Class ship that hit the high seas in 1999. She's slightly smaller than Anthem, measuring around 137,000 gross tons.

According to Bayley, Royal Caribbean isn't planning on sending its upcoming Discovery Class ships to Australia. Rather, they will be deployed in regions like Alaska, Europe, and Asia. 

"Discovery Class is a class for Royal Caribbean. It is a class by its name that will go to Asia; it will go to Alaska; it will go to [Europe]," he said aboard Legend of the Seas.