Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas makes first US arrival at Port Everglades
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas arrived at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 7 November 2026, marking its first visit to the United States following its inaugural cruise season in Europe.
The vessel is the first ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class to homeport at Port Everglades, establishing a new deployment for the cruise line’s latest generation of vessels. Its arrival follows a Mediterranean programme that made Legend of the Seas the first Icon Class ship to begin commercial operations in Europe.
The ship’s Caribbean deployment began with a three-night sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas on 8 November. The initial voyage precedes a wider programme of six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean itineraries departing from Fort Lauderdale.
Port Everglades welcomes first Icon Class homeport vessel
The arrival expands Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class presence in Florida, where Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are also deployed.
Unlike the other vessels in the class, Legend of the Seas is based at Port Everglades, bringing additional large-ship capacity to the Fort Lauderdale cruise market.
Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, welcomed the vessel’s arrival following its European inaugural season, highlighting the cruise line’s continued expansion of Icon Class operations in Florida.
Mark D. Bogen, Mayor of Broward County, also welcomed the ship, identifying its arrival as an opportunity to support local tourism, employment and economic activity.
The deployment adds to Port Everglades’ role as one of Florida’s principal cruise homeports, serving Caribbean itineraries through the Greater Fort Lauderdale area.
Legend of the Seas features eight onboard neighbourhoods and more than 40 dining and beverage venues, alongside entertainment and recreational facilities developed for the Icon Class fleet.
The ship’s official naming ceremony was scheduled for 11 November in Fort Lauderdale, with retired General Lori J. Robinson serving as godmother.
Following its initial Caribbean voyage, Legend of the Seas is set to operate regular itineraries from Port Everglades, including calls at Royal Caribbean’s private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The arrival represents the transition of the ship from its inaugural European deployment to its first US-based cruise season, while strengthening Port Everglades’ position within Royal Caribbean’s expanding Caribbean network.
