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Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon class cruise ship has moved a step closer to welcoming guests after entering sea trials.
The new Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Legend of the Seas, is now being tested on the water ahead of its summer launch in July 2026.
More than 2,000 engineers and specialists are now putting Legend through a comprehensive series of technical tests in Turku, Finland, to evaluate its systems.
These include testing how the ship moves in the open water to pushing its engine performance to the limits.
Legend will cover approximately 2,400 nautical miles before returning to the Meyer Turku shipyard, where it is being built, for the final stages of construction.
It will be the third Icon class ship and the first to launch and sail from the Mediterranean, with departures from Barcelona and Rome.
At 250,800 gross tonnes and with capacity for 5,610 guests, Legend is the same size as Icon and Star of the Seas.
Icon class favourites from sister ships Icon and Star will be back on Legend, including six giant waterslides, more than 20 bars and lounges, the Royal Promenade’s floor-to-ceiling ocean views and the open-air Central Park.
There are some exclusive features however, including Broadway musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and a Royal Railway-themed immersive dining experience that takes diners to new destinations along the ancient Silk Routes by train, combining entertainment, food and technology.
Guests will also be able to enjoy performances from former America’s Got Talent contestants and new AquaTheater and ice skating shows.
New dining destinations are being introduced such as Japanese street food, traditional American bites and Italian delicacies.
Plus, Legend is introducing a new Hollywood-inspired specialty dining supper club concept.
After its inaugural European summer season, Legend will head to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for Caribbean itineraries including visits to private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Read more: Legend of the Seas dining and entertainment revealed