You can also rely on Royal Caribbean to push boundaries. However, even by the brand’s lofty standards, 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptionally exciting year.
From launching Legend of the Seas and introducing the Icon Class to Europe, to opening its first private destination in Europe, Royal Caribbean has a lot to look forward to.
Legend of the Seas launches
Royal Caribbean’s third Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas, launches this summer. Excitingly, it is the first time an Icon Class ship will sail European waters, making it a great opportunity for UK cruisers to get a taste for Royal Caribbean’s latest generation of vessels.
The inaugural sailing will be a week-long round-trip voyage from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Naples, Barcelona, Mallorca and Marseille, departing on 4 July.
Legend of the Seas will then continue to sail seven- to eight-night Mediterranean itineraries covering Italy, France and Spain until the autumn. If you’re interested in something shorter, there is also a short 3-night sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona, departing on 22 October.
The ship will leave Europe for its maiden transatlantic crossing in late October, sailing from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale. The Floridian city will be Legend of the Seas' homeport until spring 2027, when it will return to Europe.
From Fort Lauderdale, you can book a range of Southern and Western Caribbean sailings of varying durations (from three to eight nights). All sailings include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island in the Bahamas.
What to expect from Legend of the Seas
When it launches, the third ship in the Icon Class will join Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas at the top of the “largest cruise ships in the world” leaderboard. With a capacity for 5,610 guests, Legend of the Seas will showcase the most dining options at sea with 28 restaurants and eateries across eight distinct neighbourhoods.
Legend of the Seas will feature two immersive dining experiences: Royal Railway – Legend Station, a five-course journey through the ancient Silk Routes served in themed train cars; and Hollywoodland Supper Club, celebrating Hollywood's golden age with live jazz and gourmet cuisine. The ship also debuts Roald Dahl's 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' musical at sea in the Royal Theater.
Attractions will include Category 6 (the largest waterpark at sea with six slides), seven pools, including Royal Bay (the largest pool at sea), Crown's Edge skywalk 154 feet above the ocean, and the AquaDome with its 55-foot waterfall. The redesigned three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse will feature an in-suite slide and dedicated Royal Genie service.
READ MORE: Our full preview of Legend of the Seas
The Royal Beach Club Santorini opens this summer
Private islands and destinations have been a growing part of cruising for many years now. But until 2026, these exclusive resorts have been the preserve of sailings to the Caribbean, with most located in the Bahamas or Bermuda.
Never shy to break the mould, Royal Caribbean will be opening a private beach club in the Greek islands this summer. Access to Royal Beach Club Santorini will be included in Ultimate Santorini, a full-day excursion that will also cover a scenic ferry and stops in Oia and Fira.
Royal Beach Club Santorini will be set on a volcanic black sand beach. Passes for the club will include beachfront dining, access to loungers with umbrellas, Wi-Fi and more. Access will be exclusive to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises guests. Santorini residents will be able to buy a limited number of passes.
Royal Beach Club Cozumel – finishing the year with a bang
Royal Beach Club Santorini, which comes less than a year after Royal Caribbean opened Nassau’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025, is not the only new Royal Caribbean private destination planned for a 2026 opening.
The opening of Royal Beach Club Cozumel, planned for December 2026, will mark the end of a busy year for the line. There, you will be able to enjoy stunning beaches, large pools with swim-up bars, cabanas, restaurants, and a chance to snorkel or kayak in the clear waters off the beach club.
Royal Caribbean revealed that the spirit of Mexico will take centre stage, with a street market, tequila tastings and cooking classes.
Beyond 2026: new private destinations and ships
While 2026 will be a busy year for Royal Caribbean, don’t expect things to slow down in the years that follow.
In 2027, the brand will open two new private destinations:
Perfect Day Mexico, planned to open in Autumn 2027, will feature 30 waterslides, six pools, three breaches, 12 restaurants, 24 bars and the world’s longest lazy river.
Royal Beach Club Lelepa, in Vanuatu, will also open in 2027 and will be the first private cruise destination in the Southern Hemisphere.
Royal Caribbean will also be welcoming a new ship in 2027, the yet-to-be-named fourth ship in the Icon Class, which is planned for delivery next year.
The brand has also recently announced an agreement with the French Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard for the construction of at least two ships in its upcoming Discovery Class. The first is due for delivery in 2029.
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