Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas homeports in Fort Lauderdale with new Caribbean itineraries
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas has begun homeport operations at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, effective 7 November 2026, bringing new six‑night Western Caribbean and eight‑night Southern Caribbean cruises to U.S. travellers.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Legend of the Seas now homeports at Port Everglades offering new Caribbean itineraries
- Timing
- Effective 7 November 2026 with first sailings starting 8 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Passengers booking Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale
The details
- Announced by
- Royal Caribbean
- Takes effect
- 7 November 2026
- Previous rule
- Before this arrival, no Icon Class vessel was based at Port Everglades, and Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale were operated by other ship classes.
- New rule
- Legend of the Seas is now the first Icon Class ship homeported at Port Everglades, launching six‑night Western Caribbean and eight‑night Southern Caribbean itineraries that include Perfect Day CocoCay.
Ship arrival and homeport designation
Legend of the Seas docked at Port Everglades on 7 November 2026 after completing its inaugural European season and an Atlantic repositioning voyage. The vessel is the third Icon Class ship and the first of its class to establish a homeport in Fort Lauderdale, expanding the port’s capacity for large‑scale family cruising.
New Caribbean itineraries
Royal Caribbean has released a six‑night Western Caribbean program that visits Cozumel, Puerto Costa Maya and Perfect Day CocoCay, and an eight‑night Southern Caribbean program that calls at Willemstad (Curaçao), Oranjestad (Aruba) and CocoCay. The first three‑night sailing departed on 8 November 2026, followed by the eight‑night itinerary on 14 November 2026.
- Six‑night Western Caribbean: Cozumel, Puerto Costa Maya, Perfect Day CocoCay
- Eight‑night Southern Caribbean: Willemstad, Oranjestad, Perfect Day CocoCay
Naming ceremony and future schedule
The official naming ceremony is set for 11 November 2026, with retired U.S. Air Force General Lori J. Robinson serving as godmother. A separate three‑night naming cruise is also scheduled for that date. Royal Caribbean plans to continue operating Legend of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale through the 2027 season, with additional sailings announced for 2028.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with bookings after 8 November 2026 can select the new six‑night or eight‑night Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale.
- Existing reservations for other ships are unaffected; they remain on the originally scheduled itineraries.
Cost and documents
- Cruise fares are set by Royal Caribbean; no new government fees are introduced by the ship’s arrival.
- Passengers should verify any visa or entry requirements for Mexico, the Bahamas, Curaçao and Aruba before sailing.
What you need to do
- Book the desired Legend of the Seas itinerary before it sells out, especially for the inaugural sailings.
- Check the ship’s official itinerary for exact port call times and any optional paid activities at Perfect Day CocoCay.
Who this affects
-
U.S. travellers booking Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale
Legend of the Seas now departs from Port Everglades, offering new itinerary options.
What to do Select the new sailings when making a reservation.
-
Families seeking a private island experience
All Legend of the Seas itineraries include a stop at Perfect Day CocoCay.
What to do Plan for optional paid attractions on the island.
-
Passengers interested in Icon Class ships
Legend of the Seas is the first Icon Class vessel homeported in Fort Lauderdale.
What to do Consider the ship’s eight neighbourhood layout when choosing a cruise.
Frequently asked questions
When does Legend of the Seas start sailing from Fort Lauderdale?
The ship’s first Caribbean sailing departed on 8 November 2026, one day after it arrived in the United States.
What new itineraries are available on Legend of the Seas?
Royal Caribbean offers a six‑night Western Caribbean route to Cozumel, Puerto Costa Maya and Perfect Day CocoCay, and an eight‑night Southern Caribbean route to Willemstad, Oranjestad and Perfect Day CocoCay.
Who is the godmother of Legend of the Seas?
Retired U.S. Air Force General Lori J. Robinson will serve as the ship’s godmother during the naming ceremony on 11 November 2026.
Do I need a visa for the ports visited on Legend of the Seas cruises?
Visa requirements depend on the passenger’s nationality and the destination; travellers should check entry rules for Mexico, the Bahamas, Curaçao and Aruba before departure.
Will the arrival of Legend of the Seas affect existing cruise bookings from Fort Lauderdale?
No existing bookings on other ships are changed; the new ship simply adds additional sailing options from the same port.
