World’s Largest Cruise Ship Floats on Water for the First time

The world’s heaviest cruise ship is touching the waters.

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, the Royal Caribbean confirmed that its new ship, Legend of the Seas, floated on water for the first time.

“Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas marked a legendary construction milestone and floated for the first time,” the company said via press release. “The newest family vacation now continues to take shape at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, ahead of its summer 2026 debut in Europe.”

It took over 12 hours to fill the ship’s dry dock with over 92 gallons of water, “enough to fill more 140 olympic size swimming pools,” per a video shared by the Royal Caribbean.  

After the dock was filled, Legend of the Seas floated on the water, marking an achievement for engineers as they prepare for the ship’s debut next year.

The ship will be taken to the outfitting pier, where the construction will be completed, per the behind the scenes video.

Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of the ship’s amenities such as restaurants, facilities and accommodation once the ship sets sail.

The ship, which weighs over 250,800 gross tonnage, will contain 18 decks, 22 elevators, seven pools, five restaurants and a maximum capacity of 7,600, according to Planetcruise.

“With seven sun-soaked pools and ten all-zen whirlpools, there’s an oasis for every mood. Play all day in Royal Bay℠, the largest pool at sea— or at the family-friendly Water’s Edge pool in Surfside℠. Drink in views from the suspended infinity pool at the adults-only Hideaway or grab a cocktail from Swim & Tonic℠,” the Royal Caribbean said of the vessel.

“The third in the revolutionary Icon Class lineup is set to make waves and deliver the boldest experiences yet across eight neighborhoods,” the company said, per the release. 

The Royal Caribbean added, “Between the adrenaline-pumping thrills at Category 6 waterpark and Crown’s Edge — part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride — to unrivaled ways to chill, unmatched ways to dine and drink, and more to be revealed soon, families of all ages can enjoy the family time of a lifetime together and in their own ways.”

Legend of the Seas will make its debut in Europe over the summer next year as it begins its voyage from Barcelona, Spain. The ship will then make its Caribbean debut from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. in November 2026.