“Awe-inspiring”, “incredible” and “unbelievable” are just some of the words agents have used to describe Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Legend of the Seas

The vessel, which is the third in the line’s Icon class, hosted more than 360 UK and Irish agents on a shakedown sailing from Malaga to Rome last week ahead of departure on its first commercial sailing.

Shaun Jones, sales director at YourTravelClub, hailed the ship, saying Royal Caribbean has “once again raised the bar” with Legend of the Seas, which is the first Icon class vessel to sail in Europe, with summer seasons scheduled for 2026 and 2027.

Jones predicted it will be en enticing offer for UK travellers looking for a family-friendly option close to home.

“Spending the week onboard Legend of the Seas has been a fantastic opportunity to experience first hand what will undoubtedly become one of the most talked-about cruise ships in the world,” he said. “Royal Caribbean has once again raised the bar, combining incredible innovation with the features that guests already know and love.

“From the entertainment and dining to the neighbourhoods and attractions, every aspect of the ship has been designed to deliver memorable holiday experiences for families, couples and groups alike.

“It’s clear that Legend of the Seas will be a major draw for UK travellers and I’m looking forward to sharing everything I’ve learned with our customers back in Swindon and Cirencester.”

Phil Nuttall, The Travel Village Group CEO, was on board with his wife Paula, the managing director of  The Holiday Village.

He said: “[Legend] was a wow from me and Paula and, as grandpartners, we can both clearly see the opportunity to sell to multi-generation families – our grandchildren would absolutely love it.

“On the flip side, those who want unbelieveable entertainment that is Broadway-level produced, the suites and the exclusivity that allow guests to cruise in luxury yet dip in and out of the faciliuties available also has a huge appeal.”

He added: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was the best production we have both seen at sea and we both succumbed to the emotion. It was incredible.”

Si Morris-Green, director of cruise for On The Beach, echoed Nuttall’s thoughts on the entertainment.

“The ship was absolutely awe-inspiring – every corner had a real wow factor,” he said. “The service was impeccable and the quality throughout exceeded my expectations.

“I was completely mesmerised by the entertainment; the shows were unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was a particular highlight; an incredible production that truly blew me away.”

Sebastian Nalden, cruise sales consultant at Iglu Cruise, added: “The ship is incredible. I love the diversity of the facilities on board; there was something for everyone. From shooting down the rapid waterslides to drinking cocktails in the adults only Hideaway pool with the beautiful view of the wake, I felt thouroughly entertained the whole time.”