17-07-2025
Deck-defying fun for thrill-seekers
If you're seeking a cruise that can keep the thrills coming, then look no further than Royal Caribbean's brand-new Icon Class cruise ship Legend of the Seas. Launching in 2026, this incredible ship will feature a jaw-dropping line-up of activities, including the largest waterpark at sea.
This is Category 6, where you'll find six record-breaking slides, all included in your Royal Caribbean cruise. You might want to work your way up to braving the Frightening Bolt, a freefall waterslide that begins with the floor literally dropping away beneath your (crossed) feet and propels you down into a tunnel of lights to emerge back on deck with a whoop and a smile. It's the tallest of its kind at sea, and something you won't forget in a hurry. Just as memorable is the Pressure Drop, the first open freefall waterslide at sea, which sends you hurtling feet-first at speed down a vertical drop – this time open to the elements. All the better for hearing you scream.
After taking on those two, make it personal with a ride against a friend on the Storm Chasers. Grab a mat and choose between one of the two slides, either fiery orange or ocean blue, then launch yourself headfirst and race to see who comes out the other end first. Finally, gather the whole tribe for a ride on the duo of family raft rides: Hurricane Hunter and Storm Surge. Both can take four thrill-seekers for a spin, with Storm Surge even flinging you out in a loop before returning you safely to deck.
There's even more watery fun on offer at the FlowRider, also included in your sailing. This 12m long surf simulator recreates the ocean waves atop the deck of Legend of the Seas, challenging you to ride a massive 100,000 litres of water set to rush at you at 25 miles an hour, either on a boogie board, or standing upright on a surfboard. You'll need to be at least 132cm (4'4' feet) tall to tackle this one, and there's stadium seating for all the family to watch the action unfold.
If you've got a head for heights, then you'll love the unique Legend of the Seas experience, Crown's Edge, a hybrid of high ropes course and above-ocean skywalk. First, you'll don a full body suit and hard hat, then strap into your harness for a series of challenges sure to get your heart racing. Step from platform to platform, crossing increasingly large gaps – and onto a platform set to fall away beneath your feet. Take a deep breath and wait for the drop, which sends you zip-lining back to deck in one thrilling swoop. The only question is: would you rather do this one in the daylight, picking out every detail of the oceanscape beneath your feet, or tackle it by night, dangling off the ship with total darkness below? The choice, as ever, is yours.
Refuelling stops
After all that activity, you'll be sure to have worked up an appetite, and Legend of the Seas has plenty onboard to satisfy it. If you want to get straight back to the fun on deck, then head to grab-and-go favourite Surfside Bites. Here you'll find something for everyone, with savoury dishes that run the gamut from popcorn chicken to burgers and hot dogs, and puddings that include confetti cookies and soft serve ice cream in a variety of flavours.
Feeling hungrier? Take a seat at the Surfside Eatery, a family-friendly buffet restaurant that's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here you'll find everything from pancakes topped with fresh fruit through to pasta, chicken nuggets and chips.
Alternatively, head to Giovanni's, where the fixed price dinner menu features Italian classics such as hand-tossed pizzas cooked to order, giant meatballs, lasagne and chicken parmigiana. There's a more upscale vibe here but the dress code remains casual and all the family are welcome. So pull up a chair, order an Italian bottle of wine and kick back as you discuss all the day's adventures.
Sailings availability is subject to change due to demand
