Royal Caribbean International has announced changes to the maiden voyage itinerary for its new ship, the Legend of the Seas. The adjustment affects a cruise scheduled to depart from Barcelona, Spain, on August 2, 2026. The cruise line cited docking safety issues for the modification, which includes dropping an Italian port and adding a new French destination.
The changes come as the construction of the Legend of the Seas is progressing faster than expected, allowing for an earlier entry into service. This update provides new options for passengers and modifies existing bookings for the inaugural season.
Key Takeaways
- The Legend of the Seas August 2, 2026, itinerary has changed.
- La Spezia, Italy, has been removed due to docking safety concerns.
- Marseille, France, has been added as a new port of call.
- The ship will begin service earlier, offering three preview cruises from July 11, 2026.
- Palma de Mallorca port times have been adjusted.
Itinerary Changes for August 2026 Sailing
The cruise departing from Barcelona on August 2, 2026, will no longer visit Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy. Royal Caribbean stated that the ship would be unable to safely dock at this port. Instead, passengers will now experience a sea day.
To compensate for the removed port, Royal Caribbean has added Marseille, France, to the itinerary. The Legend of the Seas will visit Marseille for a 17-hour call on August 4, 2026. This change provides guests with an opportunity to explore the Provence region.
"Our ship will be unable to safely dock in Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy; so, as a result, we’ll now enjoy a sea day instead," Royal Caribbean communicated to booked guests.
Adjusted Port Times in Palma de Mallorca
In addition to the port changes, the arrival and departure times for Palma de Mallorca have been adjusted. Originally, the ship was scheduled to arrive at 8 AM and depart at 6 PM. The new schedule will see the vessel dock at 7 AM and leave at 5 PM. This provides a total of 10 hours in port, one hour less than initially planned.
Did You Know?
The Legend of the Seas is an LNG-powered vessel. LNG stands for Liquefied Natural Gas. This fuel choice helps reduce emissions compared to traditional marine fuels, aligning with environmental sustainability goals in the cruise industry.
Early Debut and Preview Cruises
Royal Caribbean also announced that the Legend of the Seas will enter service earlier than initially planned. This is due to faster construction progress at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The vessel will now offer three additional preview cruises.
The first paying passengers will embark on July 11, 2026. This earlier start allows more travelers to experience the new ship during its inaugural European season. The cruise line has not yet released specific details about these preview sailings.
About the Icon Series
The Legend of the Seas is the third ship in Royal Caribbean's innovative Icon series. This series is known for its large size, advanced technology, and diverse onboard attractions. The first ship in the series, Icon of the Seas, debuted in January 2024. These ships represent a significant investment in modern cruise travel.
Inaugural Season and Future Plans
The Legend of the Seas, a 250,800-ton ship, will spend its inaugural season cruising in the Western Mediterranean. This region is a popular choice for new ships, offering a mix of cultural destinations and scenic beauty. Mediterranean itineraries often include calls in Spain, Italy, and France, providing a broad appeal to international travelers.
Following its European debut, the ship is scheduled to reposition to North America in November 2026. From Port Everglades, Florida, the Legend of the Seas will offer cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. These itineraries are expected to begin in November 2026, catering to a different market segment.
The addition of Marseille to the European itinerary and the earlier launch date highlight Royal Caribbean's dynamic operational planning. Passengers booked on the affected August 2, 2026, sailing should review their updated itineraries and contact Royal Caribbean for any specific questions regarding the changes.
- Ship Name: Legend of the Seas
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
- Affected Sailing: August 2, 2026, from Barcelona
- Removed Port: Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy
- Added Port: Marseille, France
- New First Sailing Date: July 11, 2026
- Inaugural Region: Western Mediterranean
- Future Region: Caribbean and Bahamas (from November 2026)
These adjustments are part of the complex logistics involved in launching a new cruise ship and managing global itineraries. Royal Caribbean aims to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all its passengers, even when unforeseen operational challenges arise.
