"Legend of the Seas" Floats Out: Royal Caribbean's New Cruise Ship Hits the Water

Bild von Royal Caribbean Pressecenter
The cruise industry has celebrated a new milestone: On Friday, August 29th, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, the "Legend of the Seas," was successfully floated for the first time. The dry dock at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland was filled with water, marking the so-called "float-out." This event signifies the successful completion of the hull's construction and the beginning of the exciting final phase of the build, the interior outfitting at the outfitting pier.

All news also on X formerly Twitter

As the third vessel in the revolutionary Icon-Class, the "Legend of the Seas" is another technological showcase. At 365 meters long and with space for over 5,600 passengers, it is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Its sister ships, the "Icon of the Seas" and the "Star of the Seas," have already proven that this class of ship sets new standards.

The ship's construction is progressing swiftly. In July 2025, the impressive AquaDome—a 327-ton glass and steel structure—was lifted onto the ship, just a few weeks before the float-out. The Meyer Turku shipyard is leveraging its experience from building the previous vessels to make the process more efficient.

Technologically, the "Legend of the Seas" is also groundbreaking. It will be powered by the more environmentally friendly liquefied natural gas (LNG) and will additionally use fuel cells. A special parabolic bow is also designed to ensure a particularly smooth ride. Inside, the ship will feature eight themed "neighborhoods," including the largest water park at sea and a genuine "Central Park" with real plants.

The float-out is therefore more than just a construction milestone—it is a clear sign of Royal Caribbean's growth strategy, aiming to lead the cruise market with innovation and sustainable technology. The delivery of the "Legend of the Seas" is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026.