Legend of the Seas

The first of the six Vision class cruise ships, the Legend of the Seas was launched in 1995 and boasted some of the most spacious cabins and more balconies than any of its contemporaries.

While Royal Caribbean's newer vessels are larger and can accommodate three times as many passengers, a voyage on the Legend of the Seas is sure to provide an amazing holiday experience, thanks to its range of activities and the cruise line's penchant for excellent service.

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Royal Caribbean International was established in Norway in 1969. Today, it is headquartered in Florida and is one of the world's leading cruise lines. Famous for its innovation and a fleet comprising many of the largest liners in existence, the company also takes pride in providing the best holiday packages possible.

The Legend of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's most well-travelled vessel, having serviced nearly every region since its maiden voyage.

Currently, the liner is based in south-east Asia and its home port is usually Shanghai. Voyages can last anywhere between three and nine nights and ports of call include Jeju Island in South Korea and Vladivostok in Russia, as well as Otaru and Fukuoka in Japan.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 2,076
Year entered service: 1994
Beam (ship width): 105 feet
Draught (ship depth): 23.9 feet
Length: 867 feet
Tonnage: 70,000
Crew: 720
Maximum speed: 27 knots
Number of passenger decks: 11
Number of lifts: 11
Number of swimming pools: 2
Number of cabins: 900

Food, cuisine and dining

The Romeo and Juliet - the formal dining room on the Legend of the Seas - is a sumptuously decorated space. It's spread out over two levels that are connected by a gorgeous grand staircase and the menu is the same in both parts.

Breakfast options generally tend to be American-style fare with bacon and eggs, pancakes, sausages and omelettes being standard choices. There are also cereals, pastries and fruit.

At lunch time, you'll be able to choose from soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as some more substantial meat entrees.

Dinner options vary, but often include a selection of pasta, seafood, steak and chicken dishes. And be sure to save room for a delicious dessert!

If you'd rather enjoy a casual dining experience, the Windjammer Cafe is also available. This all-you-can-eat buffet features the same food items as the Romeo and Juliet, but in a more laid-back setting with flexible seating times.

On-board entertainment and activities

As a cruise line aimed at young families, Royal Caribbean has pulled out all the stops when it comes to entertainment for children.

The kids' club is a popular attraction across the fleet. This is certainly true on the Legend of the Seas, which offers various age-specific activities and events throughout the voyage, sure to keep younger passengers aged three to 17 occupied.

Depending on the age group, this could include arts and crafts sessions, contests, edutainment and playtime. Teens will also enjoy the Fantaseas hangout area.

In addition, if parents are looking for a bit of private time - perhaps a nice dinner, a show, a trip to a bar or some spa relaxation - in-room babysitters can be organised for a small fee. Children must be more than one year old and the staff won't change nappies. It's best to schedule this service as soon as you board the ship, as it books up quickly.

Spas and fitness facilities

Although it's common now, the Legend of the Seas was the first cruise ship to have an on-board miniature golf course. There are 18 holes and the occasional bump as the ship rolls over a wave can make the game even more exciting.

The rock climbing wall is another popular diversion and with three different difficulty levels, it's ideal for both beginners and more experienced climbers. All gear is provided free of charge and lessons are also offered.

There's also the ShipShape Spa, which is the perfect location to workout or de-stress. It includes a gym with various exercise machines and an aerobics studio, as well as a sauna and steam room. You can even book a massage or get a makeover.

Cabins

The Legend of the Seas has nearly 1,000 staterooms and they are categorised into 17 different price levels, ranging from luxury suites, through to more basic options.

Vision-class liners are famous for their floor-to-ceiling windows, and this feature can be most appreciated in exterior view rooms. This gives the cabins an open and airy feel, and you'll love waking up to the gorgeous views and watching the breathtaking sunsets at sea.

You do pay for the view though, and if you're looking for a way to save a bit of money on your voyage, interior staterooms don't have windows or balconies. Of course, if you choose one of these rooms, there are plenty of other locations where you can sit back and watch the scenery.

No matter which accommodation you select, it will come equipped with a television, a vanity-desk, a safe and a sitting area, as well as an en-suite bathroom stocked with soap, shower gel and shampoo.