London – June 25, 2026: Royal Caribbean has partnered with Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity ahead of the European debut of Legend of the Seas and the introduction of Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” aboard the ship in July 2026.
According to the official press release, guests will be able to support the charity through onboard donation opportunities and fundraising activities during the new Icon Class ship’s inaugural European season.
The funds raised will support the charity’s network of more than 250 specialist Roald Dahl Nurses, who care for more than 50,000 seriously ill children and their families across the UK.
Partnership to support specialist children’s nurses
The partnership will highlight the work of specialist Roald Dahl Nurses, who provide expert care and practical support to children with complex, lifelong conditions.
Onboard donation opportunities and fundraising activities during Legend of the Seas’ first European season will help support the charity’s specialist nursing network.
More than 250 Roald Dahl Nurses currently work across NHS Trusts, delivering coordinated care as well as emotional and financial support to children and their families.
Royal Caribbean said the partnership connects the charity’s work with the forthcoming debut of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” aboard Legend of the Seas.
“As a brand focused on creating memorable holidays for families, it’s especially meaningful to partner with Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity to support the families who need it most,” said Gerard Nolan, VP & MD, EMEA, at Royal Caribbean.
Nolan said the arrival of the musical aboard Legend of the Seas made the charity a natural partner for the ship’s European debut. He added that Royal Caribbean would support the nurses’ work through fundraising and by inviting members of the nursing community aboard the ship.
Roald Dahl Nurses invited aboard preview sailing
To mark the launch of the partnership, Royal Caribbean will host a group of Roald Dahl Nurses on a special four-night preview sailing aboard Legend of the Seas.
The sailing will take place before the ship’s official debut on 4 July 2026. Participating nurses will have access to the ship’s entertainment, dining and relaxation facilities during the voyage. The preview sailing will offer Roald Dahl Nurses the chance to experience the ship’s entertainment, dining and relaxation options ahead of its official debut.
Louise Griew, Chief Executive of Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, said the organisation’s nurses make a significant difference to children with complex and lifelong conditions, as well as their families and communities.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Royal Caribbean as Legend of the Seas begins its European journey,” Griew said.
She added that the partnership would raise funds to support more families while drawing attention to the work, expertise and commitment of the charity’s specialist nurses.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to headline entertainment
Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” will make its debut at sea aboard Legend of the Seas, where it will headline the ship’s entertainment programme.
The Broadway musical will be staged in the Royal Theater as part of the ship’s entertainment programme. The production is being introduced as an entertainment experience for holidaymakers and families of different ages.
Its arrival aboard the ship provides the setting for the new partnership, linking the Roald Dahl production with fundraising and awareness initiatives supporting the charity’s nursing network.
Legend of the Seas will feature eight distinct neighbourhoods and more than 40 dining, beverage and entertainment options. The ship will also offer a range of experiences intended for guests of different ages.
Legend of the Seas prepares for European debut
Legend of the Seas will officially debut in Europe on 4 July 2026. The preview sailing for the Roald Dahl Nurses will take place before the ship begins its inaugural programme.
During the European season, guests will be offered opportunities to contribute to the charity through donations and other fundraising moments aboard the ship.
The initiatives will support specialist nurses assisting children with complex, lifelong conditions and their families throughout the UK.
Following its inaugural European summer season, Legend of the Seas will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November 2026.
From Florida, the ship will operate six-night Western Caribbean cruises and eight-night Southern Caribbean itineraries. The programme will include visits to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
The partnership will initially be brought to life during the ship’s European season through its onboard fundraising programme, the nursing preview sailing and activities designed to raise awareness of the charity’s work.
Source: Official Press Releases from Royal Caribbean Press Centre, 25 June 2026, London.
