Royal Caribbean Is Giving Its Next Icon Ship an Official Chief Dog Officer
Meet Skipper — Royal Caribbean’s newest four-legged crew member and the cutest hire in cruising!
Royal Caribbean Has a New Chief Dog Officer
Royal Caribbean just made a big announcement, and dog lovers are going to love it. A golden retriever named Skipper has been named the Chief Dog Officer for the upcoming Legend of the Seas.
This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated.
Royal Caribbean’s President and CEO Michael Bayley shared the news on social media. Skipper will carry on a fun tradition that started with the Icon of the Seas back in 2023.
What Is a Chief Dog Officer?
The Chief Dog Officer role is a unique position on Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class ships. The dog serves as a “family dog” for both guests and crew members onboard.
Skipper was born in early February and is an adorable golden retriever. He recently visited Royal Caribbean’s headquarters in Miami to meet the team.
A Growing Pack of Pups
Skipper isn’t the only pup in Royal Caribbean’s crew. He joins two other golden retrievers who are already working the seas.
- Rover joined the Icon of the Seas in 2024
- Sailor came aboard the Star of the Seas in 2025
- Skipper is headed to the Legend of the Seas for her debut season
The program is run in partnership with the American Humane Society. That partnership helps make sure each dog receives top-quality care and training.
Why Does Royal Caribbean Do This?
The goal is simple — to bring smiles to guests and crew alike. Who wouldn’t want to take a break and play with a golden retriever on a cruise ship?
Royal Caribbean says the dogs are meant to bring joy during playtime with everyone onboard. It’s a fun perk that sets these ships apart from the rest.
When Does the Legend of the Seas Set Sail?
The Legend of the Seas is currently being built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. Her first guests will step onboard on July 4, 2026.
The ship will kick off her inaugural season with summer sailings in the Western Mediterranean. Ports of call will include destinations in Italy, Spain, and France.
Coming to the Caribbean
In November 2026, the Legend of the Seas will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, sailing out of Port Everglades. She’ll offer six- to eight-night Caribbean cruises that season.
Itineraries will cover the Southern, Western, and Eastern Caribbean. The ship will also make regular stops at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
More Icon-Class Ships on the Way
The Legend of the Seas holds up to 5,610 passengers and runs on LNG power. She’s the latest addition to Royal Caribbean’s popular Icon class of ships.
Royal Caribbean has even more Icon-class ships planned for 2027 and 2028. That likely means more Chief Dog Officers are coming too — and more golden retrievers ready to steal the show.
