What's Happening?
Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas, the third ship in the Icon Class, was floated out at the Meyer Turku shipyard during a ceremony on August 29, 2025. The ship, measuring 365 meters in length and nearly 50 meters in width, boasts a gross tonnage of approximately 248,000. It follows the delivery of Icon of the Seas in November 2023 and Star of the Seas in July 2025. The Icon Class ships are notable for being the first in the fleet to run on natural gas, featuring enhanced energy efficiency through new-generation TSDF main engines, shore power connections, and waste heat recovery systems. Legend of the Seas is set to be delivered in the summer of 2026.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of Legend of the Seas marks a significant advancement in Royal Caribbean's efforts to enhance sustainability within the cruise industry. By utilizing natural gas and improving energy efficiency, the Icon Class ships represent a shift towards more environmentally friendly operations. This development is crucial as the cruise industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and comply with global environmental standards. The successful float out of Legend of the Seas also underscores Royal Caribbean's commitment to expanding its fleet with innovative and sustainable technologies.
What's Next?
Following the float out ceremony, Legend of the Seas will undergo outfitting work at the dock for nearly a year before its delivery in 2026. Royal Caribbean plans to continue expanding its Icon Class fleet, with a fourth ship under construction and options for fifth and sixth ships. The company is likely to focus on further enhancing the sustainability features of these vessels, potentially influencing industry standards and encouraging other cruise lines to adopt similar technologies.
