Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas Coin Ceremony Marks Key Milestone
Royal Caribbean’s upcoming cruise ship, Legend of the Seas, has reached a significant milestone with the recent coin ceremony held at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. This maritime tradition, aimed at bestowing good fortune upon the vessel, took place on February 25, 2026. The ship is set to enter service in July 2026, promising exciting global itineraries for travelers.
Coin Ceremony Celebrates Construction Progress
The coin ceremony is a time-honored maritime tradition that involves placing a set of coins, typically silver, beneath the ship’s keel. This ritual is believed to bring good luck as the vessel prepares to embark on its journeys. During the ceremony, the coins were sealed inside a brass box and placed within the ship, symbolizing a blessing for safe travels ahead.
Royal Caribbean’s Newest Ship, Legend of the Seas, Is Coming Next Year
Sami Kouvonen, project manager at Meyer Turku, shared insights about the ship’s construction progress. “Legend has entered the phase where the vessel is being finalized for delivery. The next major milestone in the project are the sea trials, preparations for which are now underway,” he stated. The sea trials will test critical operational systems, including navigation and safety measures, before the ship is officially handed over to Royal Caribbean.
As the construction of Legend of the Seas approaches completion, the shipyard is focused on finalizing the design and interior spaces. The outfitting stage began with the ship’s float out in August 2025, marking the moment when its hull first touched water. Following the sea trials, the crew will prepare for the inaugural voyage, welcoming guests aboard for an unforgettable experience.
Exciting Itineraries Await in the Maiden Season
The maiden voyage of Legend of the Seas is scheduled for July 4, 2026. This inaugural 7-night cruise will depart from Rome and visit several stunning destinations, including Marseille, Barcelona, Palma De Mallorca, and La Spezia. Following its debut in the Western Mediterranean, the ship will embark on a transatlantic journey to Florida’s Port Everglades for seasonal winter cruises to the Caribbean.
The launch date has been moved up twice due to the efficient construction process at Meyer Turku. Originally set for August 2, 2026, the debut was advanced to July 11, and then again to July 4. Guests who had booked the July 11 cruise were given the option to shift their reservations to the earlier date, reflecting the high demand for the ship’s maiden voyage.
Onboard, guests can look forward to an array of attractions, including the largest waterpark at sea, Category 6, featuring six exhilarating slides. The ship will also offer unique experiences like Crown’s Edge, which includes a skywalk, ropes course, and zip line. Legend of the Seas has been recognized as the Most Anticipated New Ship in the 2026 Cruise Hive Awards, promising a memorable experience for travelers of all ages.