Two Royal Caribbean International ships, head to head — specs, amenities, and what each one is genuinely better at.
Legend of the Seas (2026) is the newer ship by 8 years versus Symphony of the Seas (2018). Legend of the Seas is the larger hull at 248,663 GT (~9% bigger). Symphony of the Seas sails with fewer guests at double occupancy (5,518 vs 5,610).
| Spec | Legend of the Seas | Symphony of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Year built | 2026 | 2018 |
| Tonnage | 248,663 GT | 228,081 GT |
| Guests (double occupancy) | 5,610 | 5,518 |
| Guests (max) | 7,600 | 6,680 |
Trophy marks the ship that wins each row. Smaller capacity = more space per guest.
Legend of the Seas debuts July 4, 2026 from Rome — first Icon-class in Europe and the most dining-heavy cruise ship yet. What to know before booking.
Most autumn cruise sales inflate Guest 1 fares. We audited 10 live campaigns to find the 5 deals from $69/night that actually save money.
Norwegian advertises Free at Sea while Royal Caribbean charges upfront. We audited the family ledger on go-karts, dining, tips, and shows.