Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	459
Accommodation	200	186
Food	400	347
Service	400	353
Entertainment	100	86
Cruise	400	353

How this score is created

Seabourn Legend is a contemporary ship with a handsome profile, almost identical in looks and size to Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Spirit, but younger, and built to a much higher standard, with streamline “decorator” bars (made by Mercedes Benz) located along the side of the upper superstructure and a slightly different swept-over funnel design. The ship has two fine mahogany water taxis for use as shore tenders. There is also an aft water sports platform and marina, which can be used in suitably calm warm-water areas. Water sports facilities include a small, enclosed “dip” pool, sea kayaks, snorkel equipment, windsurfers, water ski boat, and Zodiac inflatable boats. An open-bridge policy exists, so you can visit the ship’s navigation bridge at almost any time (except during bad weather or especially tricky maneuvers).

Inside, a wide central passageway divides port and starboard side accommodation. The finest quality interior fixtures, fittings, and fabrics have been combined in its sumptuous public areas to present an outstanding, elegant decor, with warm color combinations (there is no glitz anywhere) and some fine artwork. The dress code, relaxed by day, is more formal at night.

There have been many recent complaints about falling standards aboard the Seabourn ships, particularly in regard to maintenance (the ships are more than 10 years old). Food, presentation and service, passengers said, wasn’t what it used to be. However, I am happy to report that the product delivered now is extremely good, and more consistent (particularly in food and service) than, say, the Silver­sea Cruises ships, which are larger and carry more passengers.

Seabourn Legend provides discerning passengers with an outstanding level of personal service and a very civilized cruise experience. For a grand, small-ship cruise experience in fine surroundings, with only just over 100 other couples as neighbors, this ship is difficult to beat. All drinks (except premium brands and connoisseur wines) are included, as are gratuities, fine aroma­therapy Molton Brown bath products and large soaps by Bronnley, Chanel and Hermès, short massages (called “massage moments”) on deck, open-seating dining, use of watersports equipment, one included Exclusively Seabourn shore excursion per cruise, and movies under the stars. Seabourn Legend can cruise to places where large cruise ships can’t, thanks to its ocean-yacht size. DHL can provide luggage pick-up and delivery service. Port charges and insurance are not included. The onboard currency is the US dollar.

The three Seabourn ships provide an excellent product, and are superior to other upscale ships such as Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager, but still not up to the standard of Europa’s fine product delivery and hospitality.

The plastic chairs on the open decks really are unacceptable for this type of ship and should be changed to stainless steel or teak. There is no wrap-around promenade deck outdoors. The range of cigars offered is limited. The Club suffers from over-amplified music. Non-American passengers should note that almost all entertainment and activities are geared towards American tastes, despite the increasingly international passenger mix.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008