Royal Caribbean has launched sea trials for its newest ship, Legend of the Seas, marking a key milestone ahead of the vessel’s July 2026 debut.
The third ship in the line’s Icon Class departed the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland to begin open-water testing, one of the final phases of construction before entering service.
Over the next 10 days, more than 2,000 engineers, naval architects and specialists will conduct a series of technical evaluations designed to assess the ship’s performance and safety systems. The trials include navigation testing, engine performance at varying speeds and maneuverability in open water.
During this period, Legend of the Seas is expected to travel approximately 2,400 nautical miles before returning to the shipyard for final outfitting and interior completion.
Icon Class For Family Cruising
Legend of the Seas builds on Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, which targets the family cruise segment with large-scale ships offering a wide range of onboard experiences. The vessel will feature eight distinct “neighborhoods,” along with more than 40 dining, beverage and entertainment venues designed to appeal to multigenerational travelers.
Following its inaugural summer season in Europe, Legend of the Seas will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, where it will operate a mix of 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries. Sailings will include calls at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private destination in The Bahamas.
For more information, visit royalcaribbean.com.
