Tag Archives: cruises

Legend of the Seas Delivered to Royal Caribbean Ahead of July Debut

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Legend of the Seas Delivered to Royal Caribbean Ahead of July Debut

Royal Caribbean has welcomed the Legend of the Seas, its third Icon-class ship, to its fleet.

Following nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, and sea trials that started in April, the ship is ready to make its European debut in July 2026, the cruise line said in a statement.

More than 1,200 crew members and partners gathered for a ceremony led by Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, and Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm.

The event marked the transfer of ownership between Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku.

“Today’s delivery of Legend of the Seas marks another important milestone in our ambition to continuously redefine the vacation experience. This new ship reflects the strength of the vacation ecosystem we are building – combining industry-leading ships, innovative technology, and exceptional experiences for our guests,” noted Liberty.

“It is an achievement only possible through the extraordinary partnership and expertise of Meyer Turku and the thousands of talented people whose creativity and commitment continue to help us design the future of vacations.”

The ship is scheduled to travel from Turku to Cadiz, Spain, soon, for finishing touches by Royal Caribbean.

After that, it will operate seven-night Western Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, this summer, as part of its inaugural season.

In November, the ship will arrive in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to deliver six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean cruises.

The delivery is part of the company’s long-term framework agreement with Meyer Turku, securing shipbuilding capacity through 2036.

Under it, the shipyard will build the Icon 5, to be delivered in 2028, as well as the sixth and seventh Icon Class ships, coming in 2029 and 2030, respectively.

“Legend of the Seas is the third Icon Class ship built at our shipyard, and constructing the series has enabled us to develop our production processes in a systematic way. We have built on the experience gained from the previous vessels and further improved efficiency with the customer and our extensive partner network,” added Lindholm.

“The ship is an exceptional project in terms of both scale and technical complexity, requiring strong expertise and seamless collaboration across the entire maritime cluster. At the same time, Legend of the Seas moves shipbuilding towards more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable solutions.”

The Legend will be the company’s fourth ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) as it continues on its journey toward introducing a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.

Royal Caribbean Adds Extra Port to Upcoming Cruise

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Royal Caribbean Adds Extra Port to Upcoming Cruise

Royal Caribbean International is adding an extra port to the July 4, 2026, sailing onboard the Rhapsody of the Seas.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the itinerary will now feature an additional visit to La Romana in the Dominican Republic.

Part of a seven-night cruise to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean from Puerto Rico, the new call replaces a day at sea.

“While planning our upcoming adventure, we want to make sure you are aware of a slight change to your itinerary,” Royal Caribbean told passengers.

The company said that the visit to La Romana was added as part of its routine review of upcoming cruise itineraries.

“From time to time, updates are necessary as we finalize scheduling port arrangements and operational details,” the company added.

Royal Caribbean added that the new call will enhance guests’ experience, giving them a full day to explore an additional port.

A selection of shore excursions for the new destination will be available for guests soon, the company noted.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to setting sail with you,” Royal Caribbean added.

In addition to the newly added visit to La Romana, Rhapsody’s July 4, 2026, itinerary sails to other destinations in the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Kitts and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Sailing roundtrip from San Juan, the Vision-class ship is scheduled to visit Tortola, Philipsburg, St. John’s, Basseterre and St. Croix.

The Rhapsody of the Seas is currently offering a series of seven-night cruises from Puerto Rico that sail to destinations in the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.

Extending through 2026 and early 2027, the deployment will be followed by the ship’s return to Europe, with a summer season in the Eastern Mediterranean.

P&O Cruises Unveils Onboard Spending Money and Low Deposit Promos

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P&O Cruises Unveils Onboard Spending Money and Low Deposit Promos

P&O Cruises has unveiled two promos: extra onboard spending money and low deposits on select cruises.  

As part of the first deal, guests get up to £500 extra onboard spending money on selected Caribbean fly-cruise holidays departing between October 23, 2026, and March 18, 2028. 

The offer applies to more than 100 Select Price fly-cruise voyages, available to book June 4–17, 2026, the cruise line said in a press release. 

“Our Caribbean fly-cruises are a real favorite with our travel agent partners and this latest offer gives them even more to shout about,” said P&O Cruises associate vice president of sales and distribution, Ruth Venn. 

The low deposit of £49 per person is valid for applicable Select Price and Early Saver holidays of up to 13 nights and £99 per person for selected sailings between 14 and 23 nights. 

The offer applies to bookings made before June 30, 2026, and is valid for cruises departing between September 1, 2026, and March 30, 2028. 

“With up to £500 to spend onboard and low deposits there’s a strong value story for customers. Add in just how easy these holidays are, with everything taken care of from flights to luggage and it makes them a really strong sell for travel agents this season,” added Venn. 

Example itinerary: 

Eastern Caribbean Islands fly-cruise (November 12, 2027) 

This 14-night holiday onboard the Iona starts in in Bridgetown (Barbados), before calling into Basseterre (Saint Kitts & Nevis), Tortola (B.V.I.), St. Maarten, Fort de France (Martinique), with an overnight in Antigua, Castries (St. Lucia), Grenada, and ends in Barbados. 

Prices start from £2,649 per person based on two people sharing a balcony cabin with a deposit of £99pp and include a £500 onboard spending money for the cabin. 

Economy flights from London Gatwick, transfers in Barbados, children’s clubs, full board meals and entertainment are included in the price. 

The company also launched its “Summer Sizzle” campaign for travel agents who are members of the Shine Reward Club. 

Upon making a 2026 or 2027 Select Price booking June 1–30, 2026, agents can enter for a chance to win one of four £150 gift vouchers, with prize draws taking place throughout June.