Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas Makes U.S. Debut

Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas Makes U.S. Debut

Royal Caribbean’s third Icon-class ship, The Legend of the Seas, arrived in the U.S. on November 7 ahead of its inaugural sailing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

After debuting in July, the Legend sailed its inaugural season in Europe, after which it embarked on a 13-day transatlantic crossing in late October.

Now that it’s in the U.S., it will be the first in the Icon class to homeport at Port Everglades, offering six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean itineraries.

“We’re proud to welcome Legend of the Seas to Fort Lauderdale today after an incredible inaugural season in Europe,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean.

“As the newest Icon Class ship to sail from Florida, alongside Icon and Star of the Seas, Legend gives guests even more ways to experience the unmatched combination of thrills, chill and family memory-making that defines the Icon Class.”

The Legend will kick off its Caribbean season with a three-night getaway to Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas, Royal Caribbean’s exclusive destination in The Bahamas, which will be featured on every itinerary from Fort Lauderdale.

This will be followed by an official naming ceremony on November 11, with Royal Caribbean executives, crew, loyalty guests, government officials and the ship’s godmother, Gen. Lori J. Robinson, attending the event.

“We are pleased to welcome Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas to Broward County,” said Mark D. Bogen, Mayor of Broward County.

“The arrival of such an awe-inspiring ship on her inaugural visit to the U.S. creates yet another means of strengthening economies, creating jobs, boosting tourism and showcasing our port and County to the world.”

As recently announced, the Legend will be one of the four Icon-class ships operating Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean and Mexico itineraries for 2028, sailing from Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Northeast, from April 2028 through October 2028.

SS United States Sinking Moved Up Over Weather Concerns

SS United States Sinking Moved Up Over Weather Concerns

Okaloosa County has announced Nov. 11, 2026, as the new date for the SS United States sinking, with deployment operations beginning at 1 p.m. CST.

The date has been moved up from November 12, when the ship was originally meant to be deployed as the world’s largest artificial reef, due to forecast heavy winds and unsafe weather conditions on that day.

Furthermore, the sendoff ceremony for the 1952-built ocean liner that was scheduled for Nov. 11 at 1:30 p.m. has been cancelled.

“Safety is always a top priority in Okaloosa County. There is simply no reason to take an unnecessary risk when adjusting the schedule will allow us to carry out this historic deployment safely and smoothly,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin.

“While the weather may have changed our plans, it has given this historic occasion an especially meaningful date. On Veterans Day, as we honour the men and women who served our nation, we will also honour the legacy of the SS United States, a magnificent ship that proudly bears the name of the country they so bravely defended.”

A live viewing party will still be held at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in Destin starting at noon, where guests will be able to watch a live feed from the deployment site on the large outdoor screen.

The live viewing link will be available here before the deployment.

Queen Mary 2 Refit to Echo Original Ship’s Art Deco Design

Queen Mary 2 Refit to Echo Original Ship’s Art Deco Design

Cunard has unveiled more details about the design of new interiors the Queen Mary 2 will get during its 2027 refurbishment.

The ship, which is embarking on its 450th crossing on November 10, is scheduled to enter drydock at Damen Shiprepair Brest in France on March 31, 2027, before returning to service on May 9, 2027.

As Cruise Industry News previously reported, the updates will include 31 new staterooms, 16 new Cunard Princess Grill Suites, updated interiors and finishes, a transformed Mareel Wellness & Beauty, and more.

The cruise line has now shared that the interiors will feature a style that it described as Cunard Deco, combining the cinematic glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the grandeur of Cunard’s regal lineage.

Cunard says the inspiration comes directly from its historic archive and the decorative arts of the original Queen Mary.

“Queen Mary 2 holds a unique position within our fleet and remains one of the most recognisable ships in the world,” said Cunard President Paul Ludlow.

“Our focus is on protecting and celebrating everything that makes her so special, while making considered enhancements that will further elevate the onboard experience. We are confident these improvements will ensure Queen Mary 2 continues to set the standard in luxury ocean travel for years to come.”

The ship will feature custom carpets, wall coverings, screens and artwork, many of them drawn from the original 1936 ship.

Each Grill Suites space will feature a different version of the scallop shell motif, a historic emblem of safe passage across the sea.

The bow of the Queen Mary 2 cutting through the Atlantic in the Queen's Grill Suites; a symmetrical design inspired by the Manhattan skyline in the Princess Grill Suites; and a peacock-fan-inspired design in the Grill Suites Lounge.

The latter draws on the social promenade aboard the original Queen Mary, known as “Peacock Alley,” where travellers would stroll, meet, see and be seen.

In the Princess Grill Suites, printed panels in the bathrooms reinterpret Leslie MacDonald Gill’s map of the Atlantic, which hung in the first-class dining room of the original Queen Mary.

Gill’s map included a working clock, and the hands in the new artwork are stopped at 4.33 p.m., the moment the Queen Mary first left Southampton in May 1936.