Travel agency leaders ‘blown away’ by new Royal Caribbean ship Legend of the Seas

UK travel agency leaders have said they were “in awe” of Royal Caribbean’s new ship Legend of the Seas, hailing its innovative design and range of venues.

 

More than a thousand UK and Ireland trade partners were among the first passengers on board the third Icon Class ship during its shakedown sailing from Malaga to Rome this week.

 

They described the diversity of the facilities, spanning eight neighbourhoods and offering relaxation and adventure, as a key selling point.

 

InteleTravel UK, Ireland and Middle East managing director Tricia Handley-Hughes said she was “blown away” by many aspects of the ship, including the space, design and innovative features, naming The Pearl as an example of the latter.

 

“I am in awe of the crew, the ship and the space. I am in awe of everything and am genuinely blown away by it,” she said.

 

She added the attention to detail “at such a large scale” was “beyond belief”.

 

One of her highlights was the Royal Railway, a new speciality restaurant for the ship which takes passengers through an immersive five-course meal with dishes and entertainment inspired by the Silk Road from China to Italy.

 

“It was so unique and I have never seen anything like it,” she said.

 

Barrhead Travel president Jacqueline Dobson said Legend of the Seas was “a great option” for people who had never considered a cruise because of the range of facilities on board, the service from the crew and quality of dining.

 

She said: “This ship caters for all types of holidaymakers, whether you are looking for a cruise or not.

 

“It is a really great option to switch-sell [from land], particularly for a multi-gen family as there is something on here for everybody.”

 

She highlighted Central Park and Surfside as places for adults to relax and children to play, describing the latter as “one of the best children’s areas I’ve seen”.

 

Dobson added agents should keep in mind people looking to go on celebration voyages when selling this ship as well.

 

World Travel Holdings UK managing director Lisa McAuley said it was “an incredible ship” and recommended agents to consider not just the size, but the diversity on offer.

 

“What I have loved about this ship is the different neighbourhoods where you can go from fun and lively to peace and tranquillity in a matter of moments,” she said. “That is the key takeaway for me.”

 

She added the speciality steakhouse restaurant Chops surprised her as a pescatarian herself as it provided multiple options for different dietary requirements.

 

McAuley also highlighted the “pound-for-pound value” compared to a land-based product, especially when taking into consideration the range of entertainment on offer with West End-level productions, water and ice shows, waterpark, spa and more.

 

She said: “If you were to try to price up the entertainment aspect on board on a land-based holiday, it is a clear winner for me.”

 

Oasis Travel creative director Sandra Corkin said the ship was “beyond all the expectations” of six members of her sales team who were sailing on board, and they would look to translate that for their customers back home.

 

“When they walked on board, their jaws literally dropped,” she said. “It was a real wow moment, and I love to see the look on their faces. It was just awesome.”

 

She added the team had realised through their time on board that Legend of the Seas was “a ship for everybody”, from families to groups of friends, where people could decide “what type of holiday they wanted” depending on which neighbourhood they want to spend time in.

 

“You can find your perfect place on board,” she said.

 

Corkin added the speciality restaurants on board such as Izumi were “world class” and hailed the enhancements as selling points.

 

Legend of the Seas will sail in Europe for summer 2026 before homeporting for a Caribbean winter season from Fort Lauderdale.

 

The 7,500-passenger vessel will return to Europe for a full summer season in 2027, and Royal Caribbean International president Michael Bayley hinted that this could be continued in 2028.