Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas Powers Up First Main Engine at Meyer Turku

Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Legend of the Seas has passed a major construction milestone this week, as shipbuilder Meyer Turku successfully started the vessel’s very first main engine on November 19, 2025.

The start-up marks the beginning of the propulsion and technical systems phase for the 248,663-gross-ton vessel, the third in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class.

First of Six Next-Generation Engines Comes Online

Legend of the Seas is being fitted with six Wärtsilä next-generation, two-stage turbocharged engines. These advanced engines are built to deliver lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and significantly improved energy efficiency.

Meyer Turku confirmed that the first engine has now been powered up, with the remaining five scheduled to follow within the next few weeks. Once all six are online, the combined output will exceed 85 megawatts—providing the immense power needed not only for propulsion but for the ship’s extensive onboard amenities.

Legend of the Seas first engine goes live - marking a significant moment in the ships construction - Meyer Turku

Energy Recovery Built Into the System

Beyond power generation, the new engines are designed to capture waste heat from both cooling water and motor oil. This recovered energy will be repurposed for essential shipboard systems, including large-scale operations such as the laundry. The technology supports Royal Caribbean’s ongoing push toward more sustainable and fuel-efficient ship design.

A Visible Sign of Progress After Months in Dry Dock

The engine start represents tangible progress on a vessel that has been steadily taking shape since the first steel was cut on January 12, 2024. Major milestones have followed at a rapid pace:

• Keel laying: October 7, 2024

• Hull assembly and mechanical outfitting: Late 2024 through mid-2025

• Float out: August 29, 2025

With interior blocks, technical systems, and outfitting well underway, the shipyard now moves toward propulsion testing and integration of the navigation systems.

Sea Trials Expected in Early 2026

Meyer Turku anticipates all engines will be operational early next year, allowing the team to begin full propulsion testing. Sea trials in the Baltic Sea are currently expected for early 2026, a crucial step before the vessel’s handover to Royal Caribbean.

Meyer Turku team celebrating the successful switching on of Legend of the Seas first engine.

Looking Ahead to Debut Sailings

Legend of the Seas is scheduled for delivery in mid-2026, followed by its inaugural voyage on July 11, 2026. The ship will debut with a Mediterranean season before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale in October 2026 for winter Caribbean cruises.

As construction moves into its next technical phase, the successful first engine start is an encouraging sign that the newest Icon Class ship remains on track—and continues to build anticipation among Royal Caribbean fans eagerly awaiting its arrival.