MIAMI, Florida – June 16, 2026: Royal Caribbean has selected six emerging artists to create original destination-inspired artwork for Legend of the Seas, the newest Icon Class ship due to debut in Europe in July 2026, according to the official press release.
The artists form the latest cohort of Royal Caribbean’s Artist Discovery Program, which connects local creative talent from the destinations the cruise line visits with guests sailing on its ships. The programme has previously featured Caribbean artists on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, and has also been extended to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, The Bahamas.
For Legend of the Seas, the programme has expanded beyond the Caribbean to include artists from Mexico and Central America. The six selected artists will create works for key onboard locations, with pieces inspired by their home countries and regional cultures.
Artist Discovery Program expands on Legend of the Seas
Royal Caribbean said the Artist Discovery Program is designed to bring local culture and creative perspectives into the onboard experience. The Legend of the Seas cohort follows previous editions on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, where Caribbean artists were invited to create works reflecting the rhythm and vibrancy of the region.
The programme also extends to Royal Caribbean’s destination portfolio. At Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the cruise line said 11 Bahamian artists are featured across 25 locations at the all-inclusive beach club.
“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.”
Six artists selected from 250 applications
Royal Caribbean received 250 applications for the Legend of the Seas programme. Submissions came from across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, with applicants providing a personal statement, resume and unpublished conceptual artwork.
Six artists were selected and awarded grants to create pieces for the ship. Their work will be displayed in six prominent onboard spaces, including the embarkation and welcome area, Royal Promenade, Suite Sundeck, Suite Sundeck Lobby, the Royal Promenade entrance on deck six and the guest boarding area on deck two.
The artworks will include large-scale murals, a ceramic mosaic artwork and a stainless-steel structure.
Giovanni Abath from Curacao will create a large-scale mural and stainless-steel sculpture at the Royal Promenade entrance on deck six. Royal Caribbean said Abath works across different materials and techniques, including metal and Styrofoam, with a focus on landscapes, community and Caribbean cultural traditions.
Vanessa Dalla Costa from Trinidad and Tobago will create a ceramic mosaic sculpture for the Suite Sundeck. Her work uses hand-cut and hand-painted clay and explores light, texture and the transformation of raw earth.
Artists represent the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America
Porschia Denning from U.S. Virgin Islands will create a mural for the Suite Sundeck Lobby. A multidisciplinary artist, Denning works with materials including acrylic oil, stone and copper, with artwork shaped by nature and island life.
Rafeal Vega Feliciano from Puerto Rico will create a mural for the boarding area on deck two, where guests leave and return to the ship during port visits and excursions. The release said his work draws on expressionist portraiture and ancestral symbolism, with references to pre-colonial Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
Rodrigo Macias Maldonado from Mexico will design a large-scale mural for the Royal Promenade. His work explores geometry, human resilience and the built environment.
Alexander Lopez Ryliouk from Costa Rica will create a large-scale mural for the embarkation area. Royal Caribbean said the work will use vibrant paint and form part of the first impression for guests starting their holiday.
Legend of the Seas to debut in Europe
Legend of the Seas is scheduled to debut in July 2026 with seven-night Western Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.
The ship will then move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November 2026, where it will operate six-night Western Caribbean sailings and eight-night Southern Caribbean holidays. The itineraries will include destinations such as Roatan, Honduras, and Willemstad, Curacao, along with visits to Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas.
Royal Caribbean said Legend of the Seas will feature dining, entertainment, thrill experiences and family-focused spaces across eight neighbourhoods.
Source: Official Press Releases from Royal Caribbean Press Centre, 16 June 2026, Miami.
