Royal Caribbean unveils artists for Legend of the Seas

International

Six emerging artists from the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America will create original works for the cruise line's newest Icon Class ship

Royal Caribbean has announced the latest group of artists selected for its Artist Discovery Program, with six emerging talents chosen to create original destination-inspired artwork for Legend of the Seas. Debuting in Europe in July 2026, the newest Icon Class ship will showcase large-scale installations reflecting the culture, colour and creativity of the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.

Expanding the Artist Discovery Program

The Artist Discovery Program connects emerging local artists with millions of guests travelling on Royal Caribbean ships and visiting its destinations. First introduced on Icon of the Seas, the initiative has expanded across the fleet and destination experiences, including Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas.

For Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean broadened its search beyond the Caribbean to include artists from Mexico and Central America. The company received 250 applications before selecting six artists, each awarded a grant to create original works inspired by their home countries.

"Since its introduction on Icon of the Seas, the Artist Discovery Program has continued to evolve how we connect guests with the places we visit by championing up-and-coming artists and giving them a global stage to showcase their work," said Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer, Royal Caribbean.

"With Legend of the Seas we've expanded our call for talent beyond the Caribbean to include Mexico and Central America, bringing together an even broader range of voices and perspectives. Featuring artists onboard our ships and across our destinations like Royal Beach Club Paradise Island creates a seamless ship-to-shore experience, where the art brings each destination to life."

Artwork featured throughout the ship

The selected artists will create murals, sculptures and mixed-media installations for six prominent locations across the ship, including the embarkation area, the Royal Promenade, the Suite Sundeck, the Suite Sundeck Lobby and guest arrival areas. The artworks will include large-scale murals, a ceramic mosaic installation and a stainless-steel sculpture.

The featured artists are Giovanni Abath (Curaçao), Vanessa Dalla Costa (Trinidad and Tobago), Porschia Denning (U.S. Virgin Islands), Rafael Vega Feliciano (Puerto Rico), Rodrigo Macias Maldonado (Mexico) and Alexander Lopez Ryliouk (Costa Rica), each bringing artistic styles inspired by the landscapes, culture and heritage of their home countries.

European debut before Caribbean season

Legend of the Seas will begin service in July 2026 with seven-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Rome (Civitavecchia). In November 2026, the ship will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offering six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean itineraries, including calls at destinations such as Roatan, Willemstad and Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Alongside the new artwork, guests will enjoy Royal Caribbean's full Icon Class experience, featuring eight neighbourhoods, 28 dining venues, new entertainment and a wide range of attractions designed for travellers of all ages.