Legend of the Seas Review
Enjoyable cruise on Legend of the Seas - with some caveats
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This was our fourth cruise in total, our third on a Royal Caribbean ship and our longest to date. Having a full 11 days on the Legend of the Seas was a nice luxury that we probably won't have again anytime soon, given our work schedules and money considerations. The Legend is easily the smallest (and oldest) of the ships we have been on. My brother in law, who did the backstage tour, was told that RC hope to get another two years out of the ship following the recent dry dock and then will probably sell the ship off to make way for a more modern vessel with additional amenities.
The smaller ship size has some advantages. It's easier to find your way around quickly and check-in is somewhat less of a zoo. But the drawbacks of being on a 2,000 guest ship far outweigh the advantages when you are traveling with kids, as we were (son, 11 and daughter, 13). Our kids immediately went to check out the pool and youth areas after we boarded and were disappointed in the lack of space and lack of activities. With just a single, smaller pool for the kids, no H20 Zone or similar area, no ice rink or sports court, and a video arcade the size of a closet, there is simply less for children to do on sea days, and the pool was overcrowded to say the least.
There is also less to do for adults. The cramped single-level Centrum shopping arcade in nowhere you would want to spend time, and there are just a few bars and lounges scattered around the ship. The cramped Schooner Bar is unfortunately located just outside the smoky casino, and traffic through that area only adds to the congestion. Since the Schooner is home to most of the trivia contests it makes for a very chaotic atmosphere, and the R Bar in the Centrum isn't much better. We did like the refurbished and low-key Viking Crown Lounge at night, but it turns into a disco after 11:15. The more spacious Anchors Aweigh Lounge above the That's Entertainment Theater seemed to be used mostly for bingo, karaoke and special events. On the few occasions we did visit - i.e. progressive trivia - we were thankful for the added space between tables.
Cabin Review
Our stateroom was on level two, with an ocean view. We were able to get adjoining rooms with the one occupied by my son and brother in law, which was helpful. Nothing to write home about here. The shower curtain is of the old, cling to your body style. There was a new flatscreen TV but everything else was a bit dated. We also noted a slightly funky, musty smell in the hallway and our toilet backed up once, but was quickly fixed. I really don't get all that turned on by staterooms, since I don't go on cruises to sleep or watch TV, but it was fine for what we needed. No issues with excessive noise.