Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas Named Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship for 2026
Royal Caribbean’s upcoming cruise ship, Legend of the Seas, has been awarded the title of Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship in the 2025 Cruise Hive Awards. This marks the third consecutive year that a new vessel from Royal Caribbean has received this honor. The ship garnered an impressive 35.3% of the total votes, solidifying its popularity among cruise enthusiasts. Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, Legend of the Seas is set to enter service in July 2026.
The ship is part of Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class series, which has already seen success with its sister ships. The first in the class, Icon of the Seas, won the same award in 2023 ahead of its 2024 launch, while Star of the Seas claimed the title in 2024 before its debut in 2025. The Icon-class ships are notable for their massive size, weighing 250,800 gross tons and accommodating up to 7,000 guests. Their innovative design and extensive amenities have made them a favorite among travelers.
When Legend of the Seas launches, it will feature a variety of attractions, including the Surfside neighborhood, designed specifically for families, and the Category 6 Waterpark, the largest waterpark at sea. Additionally, the ship will showcase the AquaDome, a stunning glass and steel structure that includes a waterfall, dining venues, and an AquaTheater for live performances.
Inaugural Voyage and Unique Features
The inaugural cruise for Legend of the Seas is scheduled for July 11, 2026, departing from Rome. The ship will embark on a seven-night journey, visiting popular ports such as Naples, Barcelona, Palma De Mallorca, and Marseille. Following its inaugural season in the Mediterranean, Legend of the Seas will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to offer a series of Caribbean cruises.
Guests can look forward to an exceptional dining experience aboard the ship, with 28 different dining options available. Notable new venues include Royal Railway, which offers a multi-course meal inspired by a simulated train journey through Asia and Europe, and the Hollywoodland Supper Club, which evokes the glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
The Cruise Hive Awards also recognized other upcoming vessels, with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Luna finishing in second place, receiving 19.4% of the votes. This ship is set to debut on March 10, 2026, and will cater to 3,550 guests. Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure ranked third with 16.5% of the vote, while MSC Cruises’ MSC World Asia followed closely behind with 12.8%.
Voting for the 2025 Cruise Hive Awards took place from October 14 to December 19, 2025, allowing readers to select their favorite ships and amenities across eight categories. The results reflect the growing excitement surrounding new cruise offerings in the industry.
