What Royal Caribbean's Newest Icon-Class Ship Actually Delivers For First-Time Fort Lauderdale Cruisers

Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon-class ship, Legend of the Seas, is arriving at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, signaling a push for high-tech, high-capacity cruising that directly challenges mega-ship offerings from nearby Miami. Royal Caribbean officially welcomed the vessel to its fleet in July 2026. Built at Meyer Turku in Finland, it operated first in the Mediterranean before repositioning for the 2026-2027 winter season. For Fort Lauderdale passengers, the ship brings over 2,800 staterooms and a maximum capacity above 7,600, while its layout aims to reduce the feeling of being among thousands. The article also highlights onboard programming and outdoor-focused seven-night Caribbean itineraries.