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 voted the Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship in the 2025 Cruise Hive Awards. This marks the third consecutive year that a new ship 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 Legend of the Seas is the third vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class series, following the successful launches of Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. These ships have gained attention for their massive size, weighing in at 250,800 gross tons and accommodating up to 7,000 guests. The innovative design and amenities have contributed to their popularity, making them highly anticipated among travelers.
Upon its debut, Legend of the Seas will feature family-friendly attractions, including the Surfside neighborhood and the Category 6 Waterpark, which is touted as the largest waterpark at sea. Additionally, the ship will house the AquaDome, a stunning glass and steel structure that will host various entertainment options, including synchronized swimming and acrobatic 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 ports in Naples, Barcelona, Palma De Mallorca, and Marseille. Following its Mediterranean voyages, the ship will reposition to Fort Lauderdale for a series of Caribbean cruises.
Guests aboard Legend of the Seas can look forward to an array of dining options, with 28 venues available, including new concepts like Royal Railway, which offers a multi-course meal inspired by a simulated train journey through Asia and Europe. Another highlight is the Hollywoodland Supper Club, which evokes the glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Royal Caribbean to launch third ‘Icon class’ ship – and this is what it will be
The Legend of the Seas is not only a testament to Royal Caribbean’s commitment to innovation but also reflects the growing demand for unique cruise experiences. As the cruise industry continues to evolve, the anticipation surrounding this ship underscores the excitement for new adventures at sea.
Norwegian Luna Takes Second Place in Anticipation Rankings
In the same awards, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Luna secured the second position, receiving 19.4% of the votes. This ship, set to launch on March 10, 2026, will be the newest addition to the Prima Plus-class fleet. Its maiden voyage will take it from Rome to PortMiami, where it will begin offering Caribbean and Bahamas cruises.
The competition for the Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship included nine vessels scheduled for launch in 2026. Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure came in third with 16.5% of the votes, while MSC Cruises’ MSC World Asia followed closely with 12.8%. The remaining ships in the category included offerings from Explora Journeys, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Viking, showcasing a diverse range of new cruise experiences on the horizon.
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 highlight the growing interest in new cruise offerings as the industry continues to rebound and innovate.
