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In a milestone moment for maritime engineering, Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon-class vessel, Legend of the Seas, has officially touched water for the first time. The float-out ceremony took place on August 29, 2025, at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, marking a major step forward in the construction of what is now the largest cruise ship ever built.
The ship, which stretches 365 meters in length and weighs over 250,800 gross tons, is the third installment in Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class series, following Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. With 20 decks and capacity for more than 7,600 passengers, Legend of the Seas is designed to be not just a vessel—but a floating city.
The float-out ceremony was a festive affair, featuring speeches from shipyard executives, Royal Caribbean representatives, and maritime engineers. A traditional gun salute and water valve competition added flair to the event, celebrating the culmination of 18 months of exterior construction. More than 90 million gallons of water were pumped into the dry dock to float the ship for the first time.
Now entering its outfitting phase, Legend of the Seas will undergo interior installation, including the fitting of 2,805 cabins, themed entertainment venues, and cutting-edge sustainability systems. The ship is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and features advanced waste management and energy recovery technologies, aligning with Royal Caribbean’s commitment to responsible shipbuilding.
The vessel’s inaugural season will begin in August 2026, with Mediterranean itineraries departing from Barcelona, Spain, and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Ports of call will include Naples, Marseille, Palma de Mallorca, and Florence, offering passengers a blend of cultural immersion and luxury travel. Following its European debut, the ship will cross the Atlantic and begin Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, starting in November 2026.
Onboard, guests can expect a reimagined experience across eight themed “neighborhoods,” including Thrill Island, home to the largest waterpark at sea, and Crown’s Edge, a skywalk suspended 154 feet above the ocean. The ship will also feature a Hollywood-themed supper club, differentiating it from its sister ships, which embraced New York and Chicago motifs.
Entertainment will be equally ambitious. While Icon of the Seas featured The Wizard of Oz and Star of the Seas showcased Back to the Future: The Musical, Legend of the Seas is expected to debut a new Broadway-style production, though details remain under wraps.
The float-out of Legend of the Seas not only sets a new benchmark for cruise ship design but also highlights Finland’s role as a global leader in maritime innovation. Meyer Turku’s CEO praised the collaboration between the shipyard, Royal Caribbean, and hundreds of subcontractors, calling the project “a showcase of Finnish expertise and international vision.”
With its record-breaking size, next-gen amenities, and eco-conscious design, Legend of the Seas is poised to redefine the future of ocean travel. As the outfitting continues and anticipation builds, the world watches as this floating marvel prepares to set sail.