One of the World’s Largest Cruise Ships — with 18 Decks and 7 pools — Floats on Water for the First Time

One of the world’s biggest cruise ships has officially touched the water.

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

“Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas marked a legendary construction milestone and floated for the first time,” the company shared in a 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 more than 12 hours to fill the ship’s dry dock with over 92 million gallons of water — the equivalent of more than 140 Olympic-size swimming pools, according to a video released by the cruise line.

Once the dock was filled, the ship began floating, marking an important achievement for engineers as the vessel moves closer to its official launch next year.

When completed, Legend of the Seas will match the size of Icon of the Seas, which set the record for the world’s largest cruise ship in 2024, and its sister ship, Star of the Seas, which began sailing in August 2025.

The ship will soon move to the outfitting pier, where final construction will continue. Once complete, guests will be able to enjoy a wide range of restaurants, entertainment, and accommodations when the ship officially sets sail.

At over 250,800 gross tons, Legend of the Seas will feature 18 decks, 22 elevators, seven pools, five restaurants, and space for up to 7,600 guests, according to Planetcruise.

“With seven sun-soaked pools and ten whirlpools, there’s an oasis for every mood. Guests can spend the day at Royal Bay℠, the largest pool at sea, relax at the family-friendly Water’s Edge pool in Surfside℠, or enjoy views from the suspended infinity pool at the adults-only Hideaway. Drinks are also on hand at Swim & Tonic℠,” Royal Caribbean said of the vessel.

The company also highlighted more features: “Between the adrenaline-pumping thrills at Category 6 waterpark and Crown’s Edge — part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride — to unique dining and entertainment, families of all ages will find experiences to enjoy together or on their own.”

Legend of the Seas will make its debut in Europe in the summer of 2026, sailing first from Barcelona, Spain. It will then head to the Caribbean, beginning trips from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November 2026.