BACKGROUND: We've recently returned from a week long cruise on the Legend of the Seas, leaving from Tampa and visiting Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Belize and Cozumel. We were a party of 7 (6 adults and 1 child (2.5 years old)

This was our second cruise (we sailed last year on Celebrity's Constellation to the Southern Caribbean). We knew that the ship was not going to be as elegant as Constellation but were unsure what to expect since we had read many past reviews on Cruise Critic regarding Legend of the Seas and were not sure what to expect. I can honestly say that we had an incredible time, even better than what we had on Celebrity's Constellation. Throughout this review I will make comparisons since it is the only other ship we have sailed on.

HOTEL PRIOR TO BOARDING SHIP: We came from the Northeast (Boston) the day before -- THANK GOD!! Shortly after leaving, many flights were cancelled and many people from the Northeast joined the ship a few days later in Grand Cayman. We stayed at the Residence Inn in Downtown Tampa. Highly recommended since the hotel (and its adjacent sister property, Courtyard) offer free shuttle service to the surrounding area (drop off and pick up) and will take you to the pier for your ship (not far away) for free. Read more