Royal Caribbean’s New Ship Legend of the Seas to Debut Ahead of Schedule

After years of consistent industry-wide delays in cruise ship launches, Royal Caribbean is bringing out a new ship ahead of schedule – the second time a vessel in the Icon Class was finished early.

Legend of the Seas, the third in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class was scheduled for launch on Aug. 2, 2026, but faster than anticipated construction has resulted in a much earlier launch date of July 11, 2026. (Star of the Seas was also finished ahead of time, with the cruise line adding four short “showcase” sailings and an earlier inaugural cruise.)

Guests booked on the originally scheduled inaugural sailing received a letter offering them the option to switch to one of three new sailings that precede the Aug. 2 date.

The three newly added cruises are: July 11, July 18, and July 25, 2026.

The inaugural sailing on July 11 will sail roundtrip from Civitavecchia with stops in Naples, Barcelona, Palma De Mallorca, and Provence.

Cruisers booked on the Aug. 2 sailing have first dibs on these three new sailings.

“Understanding that some guests may value being the first onboard, and others look forward to celebrating the inaugural voyage – we want to give you the first choice and the flexibility to switch sailings, add an additional sailing, or stay on your currently booked sailing,” Royal Caribbean said in the email.

Clients that choose to switch to an earlier sailing will be moved to a like-for-like stateroom currently booked, based on availability (first-come, first-served).

Suites guests have one week to switch and take advantage of price protection, specifically for the July 11 sailing. After one week, the transfer will be based on the current prevailing rate. Any transfers to the July 18 or July 25 sailing will be at the prevailing rate.

Guests in interior, oceanview, and balcony staterooms who choose to transfer to any of the three sailings do so at the prevailing rate.

All transfer requests must be made by Sept. 24, 2025.