RCI-Royal Caribbean International has announced a new partnership with Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity in advance of the European debut of Legend of the Seas in July 2026. The collaboration will coincide with the introduction of the Broadway production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory aboard the new Icon-class vessel and will support fundraising efforts for specialist Roald Dahl Nurses who provide care to more than 50,000 seriously ill children and their families across the United Kingdom.
The initiative was launched ahead of National Children’s Nurses Day and is intended to raise awareness of the charity’s network of more than 250 specialist nurses working throughout NHS Trusts. Through onboard donation programmes and fundraising activities during Legend of the Seas’ inaugural European season, passengers will have opportunities to contribute to services that provide coordinated medical care as well as emotional and practical support for families managing complex lifelong conditions.
Gerard Nolan, Vice President and Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Royal Caribbean, indicated that the partnership aligns closely with the company’s family-focused approach. He noted that the presence of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a headline entertainment production aboard Legend of the Seas made the collaboration a natural extension of the ship’s debut programme, while also providing an opportunity to recognise the work undertaken by specialist children's nurses and support fundraising initiatives on their behalf.
To mark the launch of the partnership, Royal Caribbean will host a group of Roald Dahl Nurses aboard a special four-night preview sailing prior to the vessel’s official debut on July 4th. The voyage will offer participants an opportunity to experience the ship’s entertainment, dining and leisure facilities while taking a break from their professional responsibilities.
Louise Griew, Chief Executive of Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, stated that the partnership would help generate essential funding for the organisation while increasing awareness of the contribution made by specialist nurses who support children with complex medical conditions and their families.
Legend of the Seas, the newest vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, will begin service in Europe during the summer of 2026. The ship will feature eight themed neighbourhoods, more than 40 dining and entertainment venues, and a broad range of attractions aimed at multi-generational travellers. Following its inaugural European season, the vessel is scheduled to reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November 2026, where it will operate 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries, including visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay.