Icon of the Seas vs. Legend of the Seas: What's the Difference?

Royal Caribbean's Icon Class changed cruising forever when Icon of the Seas launched in January 2024 as the world's largest cruise ship. Now, the third ship in the class, Legend of the Seas, is set to debut on July 4, 2026, with a maiden voyage from Rome: same groundbreaking DNA, but plenty of differences worth knowing before you book.

Here's everything you need to know about how these two mega-ships compare.

Icon of the Seas vs. Legend of the Seas: Comparison at a Glance

What's Actually Different Between Icon and Legend?

Both ships share the same Icon Class foundation: Category 6 waterpark, 8 neighborhoods, 9 pools, The Hideaway adults-only area, and Crown's Edge. Here's where they split.

How Did Royal Railway Get to Legend of the Seas?

The Royal Railway concept first debuted on Utopia of the Seas in July 2024. That version, called Royal Railway Utopia Station, takes guests on a Wild West-themed train ride through the American frontier. The restaurant uses LED "windows," subwoofer vibrations in the seats, and live actors to make you feel like you're actually riding a train, all while enjoying a multi-course meal.

Royal Caribbean designed the Royal Railway as a platform, not just a one-and-done restaurant. The idea was always to roll out new themes over time.

Legend of the Seas takes that concept and runs with it. Royal Railway Legend Station swaps the Wild West for the ancient Silk Routes, following the travels of Marco Polo. Guests will take a five-course culinary journey through China, Turkey, India, Persia, and Italy.

Think: pork and shrimp siu mai garnished with caviar in China, lamb chops in Turkey, and more courses as you travel west. Royal Caribbean has also upgraded the tech with improved haptics and scent-syncing features, making this the most advanced version of the experience yet.

Icon of the Seas does not have a Royal Railway. If immersive dining is high on your list, Legend is the ship to book.

If you have different features you prioritize, our Cruise Expert at The Cruise Web will listen to your needs and help you pick the right ship (with no obligations!).

Dining: Icon of the Seas vs. Legend of the Seas

Both ships deliver a massive selection of restaurants, but Legend edges ahead with 28 venues, making it the most dining options on any cruise ship.

AquaDome Market: A Completely New Lineup on Legend

The AquaDome Market was a hit on Icon, but Legend is almost entirely swapping out the menu. Five of the six food stalls are brand-new concepts, with only Creme de la Crepe returning from the original lineup.

Here's what's new on Legend of the Seas:

• Seoulmate — Korean rice bowls (a first for Royal Caribbean)
• Cajun Kitchen — New Orleans-style gumbo and flavors
• Adobo — Mexican street tacos
• La Española — Spanish-style tapas and bites
• Simply Pressed — Fresh smoothies and juices
• Creme de la Crepe — Returning from Icon

Hollywoodland Supper Club vs. Empire Supper Club

Icon's Empire Supper Club channels 1920s New York City with an eight-course speakeasy-style dinner.

Legend replaces it with the Hollywoodland Supper Club, a multi-course tribute to the golden age of Hollywood spanning the 1910s through the 1950s. Expect themed cocktails, live jazz, and gourmet bites served alongside a journey through cinema history.

Entertainment: The Wizard of Oz vs. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Each ship has its own headlining Broadway production. Icon features The Wizard of Oz, while Legend will debut Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Both ships share the core Icon Class entertainment lineup, including AquaDome shows, AquaTheater high-diving performances, and Absolute Zero (the largest ice arena at sea). The AquaDome on Legend features upgraded Pearl 2.0 multi-color LED panels compared to Icon's kinetic white panel. The Pearl weighs more than a Boeing 747 and features four-deck-high panoramic windows in the Pearl Café, offering sweeping ocean views.

What's the Pearl, you ask? It's a 3-deck-tall kinetic art installation and structural marvel in the Royal Promenade. 3,600 kinetic tiles move in sync with music, making it one of the most photographed spots on the ship.

Meet the Chief Dog Officers: Rover vs. Skipper

One of the most popular crew members on any Icon Class ship has four legs. Icon of the Seas introduced the concept of a Chief Dog Officer when Rover, a Golden Retriever, came aboard at launch in 2024. Star of the Seas followed with Sailor. Now, Legend will welcome Skipper, a female Golden Retriever puppy born in February 2026.

Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley personally chose the name after fans suggested hundreds of options on Facebook. Skipper will live onboard Legend full-time and handle "official duties" like greeting guests, patrolling public areas, and posing for photos in the Surfside family neighborhood.

Itineraries: Miami vs. the Mediterranean

This is one of the biggest differences between the two ships.

Icon of the Seas sails year-round from Miami on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Every sailing includes a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Legend of the Seas will be the first Icon Class ship to sail in Europe. From July through October 2026, it will offer 3- and 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Rome, visiting ports like Naples, Marseille, Palma de Mallorca, and Florence. In November 2026, Legend repositions to Fort Lauderdale for 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean sailings, also featuring Perfect Day at CocoCay.

If you want the Icon Class experience in Europe, Legend is your only option for 2026.

Which Ship Should You Book?

Book Icon of the Seas if you want:

• The proven Icon Class experience with over two years of guest feedback
• Year-round Caribbean sailings from Miami
• The Wizard of Oz Broadway show
• A cruise with Rover, the original Chief Dog Officer

Book Legend of the Seas if you want:

• The Royal Railway immersive dining experience
• Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona and Rome
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at sea
• The newest ship in the fleet with the latest upgrades

Not Sure Which Ship Is Right for You? Whether you're chasing the Royal Railway on Legend or the Caribbean magic on Icon, our cruise consultants at The Cruise Web will match you with the right ship, sailing, and cabin. Call 1-800-377-9383 or visit cruiseweb.com and get a free quote to get started.

Icon of the Seas vs. Legend of the Seas Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Legend of the Seas bigger than Icon of the Seas?

They're virtually the same ship. Both are Icon Class vessels at approximately 250,800 gross tons, though Legend of the Seas edges slightly ahead with 7,600 guests and 2,814 staterooms compared to Icon's 7,514 guests and 2,805 staterooms at double occupancy.

Does Icon of the Seas have Royal Railway?

No. Royal Railway debuted on Utopia of the Seas and will be available on Legend of the Seas, but it is not on Icon.

When does Legend of the Seas start sailing?

The inaugural voyage departs Rome on July 4, 2026, on a 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise.

Will Legend of the Seas sail to the Caribbean?

Yes. Starting in November 2026, Legend moves to Fort Lauderdale for Western and Southern Caribbean itineraries.

Which ship is better for families? Both are designed for families with the Surfside neighborhood, Category 6 waterpark, and a Chief Dog Officer onboard. Icon has a longer track record, while Legend offers a refreshed Surfside design and more dining options.

Which ship has more restaurants?

Legend of the Seas has 28 dining venues compared to Icon's 25.