NEWS SPECIAL REPORT


A sea-living Legend E


Royal Caribbean hosts thousands of agents on new Icon Class ship. Ella Sagar reports from Malaga


urope is “primed for more and more best-in-class ships”, according to Royal Caribbean senior


executives as the region hosted its “biggest launch ever” for the line’s third Icon Class ship. Legend of the Seas welcomed more


than 1,000 UK and Ireland agents among nearly 4,000 international partners on its shakedown sailing from Malaga to Rome last weekend. Gerard Nolan, Royal vice-president


for the EMEA region, said the event was “a great testament” to the performance of European markets. “Legend coming to Europe


is a big deal and it has been fantastic watching people’s reactions on board,” he said. “This is our fastest-selling ship out of the European fleet for next year, and we have increased our capacity in Europe [from five to seven ships for 2027], which is a real nod of confidence to the potential in the region.” Nolan added that support


from the UK and Ireland would be “key” to sustaining future capacity growth, adding: “We used to have


travelweekly.co.uk


12 ships in Europe, and with Hero of the Seas, our seventh Oasis Class ship and the first in our Discovery Class coming, Europe is primed for more and more of our best-in-class ships, so we will continue to push.” He also said he “would never


rule out” an Icon or Discovery Class ship visiting Southampton.


Trade pledge Nolan promised trade initiatives rolled out for the Legend launch, such as Royal on the Road, the enhanced My Royal Genie tool and agent advisory panels, were “just the start”. He said the line would host its


largest Seminar at Sea on board Legend in August with nearly 200 places for UK and Ireland agents, and plans were being made for an even larger event next year. Royal Caribbean International


president Michael Bayley noted Legend had sold “fantastically well in Europe”, with “significantly more” passengers from international markets booking compared with previous new ships in the Mediterranean. Bayley stressed the UK was “a core market” with loyal customers


Matt Phillips, co-owner, Travel Chaps “The entertainment is exceptional and great value,


especially when you think what you would pay for a West End show. Having been on six Royal Caribbean ships, the line-up is


only getting bigger and better. I have seen the Fusion ice show twice and the Shockwave show in the AquaDome three times – they are that good!”


Francesca Hurst, director of sales and operations, Bolsover Cruise Club


“Central Park has become my favourite place on board. I have spent my mornings eating dulce de leche croissants in Park Cafe


and my evenings listening to live music and drinking champagne while the park is lit up. It is a place of calm on a huge ship which clients need to know about.”


Kelly Joannides, senior commercial cruise executive, Advantage Travel Partnership


“I loved how much choice there was across the pool areas. My stand-out feature was the FlowRider surf simulator. It was such


a fun experience learning to boogie board and attempting to stand-up surf. It’s the kind of activity that really adds energy to the ship and gives guests something different to try beyond the usual pool-deck experience.”


9 JULY 2026 9


and long-standing trade relationships, but noted it “slightly underperforms” for new-to-cruise customers. To help attract this segment,


Bayley and Nolan identified a “big opportunity” for three or four-night breaks in the Mediterranean, similar


to the line’s “ultimate weekend” Caribbean itineraries. “This is something we could think about for Barcelona or the Med,” Nolan added. Legend will this summer


operate alternating cruises from Barcelona and Civitavecchia.


PICTURE: Royal Caribbean International/J Graham


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