Key Aspects:
- Royal Caribbean has named retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson as godmother of Legend of the Seas.
- During her 37-year military career, Robinson made history as the first woman to lead a U.S. unified combatant command.
- The naming ceremony will take place in Fort Lauderdale on Veterans Day, November 11, as the ship begins its U.S. season.
Royal Caribbean has named retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson as godmother of Legend of the Seas. The history-making military leader is set to officially name the cruise line’s third Icon Class ship this November.
The naming ceremony will take place four days after the vessel arrives in Fort Lauderdale, following its inaugural European summer season. Robinson will be joined by Royal Caribbean executives, crew members, and other guests at the Florida port for the naming event.
The ceremony coincides with the United States’ annual observance of Veterans Day, giving Robinson’s selection added significance. Robinson commented on the date’s importance to her and expressed her gratitude for the role.
“I am deeply honored to be named godmother of Legend of the Seas and take part in such a special tradition for Royal Caribbean alongside my family,” Robinson said.
“Having the ship’s naming ceremony on Veterans Day makes this especially meaningful to me, and I look forward to recognizing the generations of men and women who have served.”
Robinson’s historic Air Force career spanned 37 years from 1981 to 2018. Among her notable leadership positions, she served as commander of Pacific Air Forces from 2014 to 2016.
In 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Robinson to lead U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). She became the first woman in U.S. history to lead a unified combatant command and led USNORTHCOM and NORAD until her retirement in 2018.
As godmother of Legend of the Seas, Robinson will bestow well wishes on the ship, its crew, and future passengers at the naming ceremony. She joins the roster of Icon Class godparents, who include soccer star Lionel Messi, godfather of Icon of the Seas, and research astronaut Kellie Gerardi, godmother of Star of the Seas.
Legend of the Seas Arriving in Florida
The naming ceremony for the 248,663-gross-ton vessel will take place in Fort Lauderdale on November 11, 2026. Legend of the Seas officially entered service on July 4, 2026 and spent its inaugural season sailing in Europe.
The ship is scheduled to reposition to Fort Lauderdale from Barcelona with a 13-night transatlantic cruise departing October 25. The vessel will then arrive at the Florida port on November 7, 2026.
Legend will sail one cruise from Fort Lauderdale prior to the naming ceremony. This 3-night voyage will depart November 8 and visit Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day CocoCay, before returning at 6:00 a.m. on November 11, ahead of the ceremony.
Following the naming ceremony, the 5,610-guest ship will sail another 3-night getaway to CocoCay, marketed as a special “Legend Naming Cruise.” It will then kick off its regular Caribbean program on November 14 and continue sailing Caribbean voyages from Fort Lauderdale until it repositions to Barcelona in April 2027.
