When I visit a new cruise ship, I'm not there simply to enjoy a few days away.

I'm there with a notebook in one hand and a long list of questions in the other.

As a Travel Counsellor, my job is to make sure that when my clients ask, "Is this the right cruise for us?", I can answer from genuine first-hand experience rather than a brochure or website.

That's exactly why I spent three days onboard Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas. I explored the cabins, sampled the food, checked out the entertainment, visited the kids' clubs, toured the spa and fitness facilities, experienced life onboard and even headed ashore to explore one of the ports of call.

By the end of the trip, I'd walked miles, climbed countless decks and learnt more than any sales brochure could ever teach me.

Here's what stood out during my first two days onboard.

First impressions

Before I'd even stepped onto the ship, it was obvious Royal Caribbean wanted embarkation to feel like the start of your holiday.

Music filled the terminal, crew members welcomed guests with huge smiles, and there was an atmosphere of genuine excitement. It immediately set the tone for what Legend of the Seas is all about—fun, energy and making every moment feel like part of the experience.

And then there's the size.

Photos simply don't prepare you.

Legend of the Seas is currently the biggest cruise ship in the world, but what surprised me most wasn't just its scale—it was how well that space has been designed. Despite thousands of guests being onboard, the ship rarely felt crowded because the different neighbourhoods naturally spread everyone out.

Exploring the cabins

One of my biggest priorities was to see as many cabin categories as possible.

Royal Caribbean has an enormous choice, which is fantastic... but it can also be confusing.

Interior. Interior Plus. Spacious Interior. Ocean View. Balcony. Infinite Balcony. Family Balcony. Junior Suite. Grand Suite. Ultimate Family Suite...

It's enough to make anyone's head spin.

The good news is that many of the standard cabins share a very similar layout. Whether you're booking an interior, ocean view or balcony cabin, you'll generally find comfortable twin beds that convert into a double, clever storage, a seating area and a compact but practical bathroom.

The suites, however, are where things become really special.

The Junior Suite offered an incredible amount of space along with a huge balcony, while the Premium Suite felt more like staying in a luxury hotel, with a completely separate bedroom and generous living area. And when it came to the Ultimate Family Townhouse, this was the most incredible room I've ever seen (though it did have a price tag to match!)

This is exactly where having a travel expert makes a difference.

Rather than paying extra simply because a cabin has a premium name, I can help match you with the accommodation that genuinely suits your family, budget and holiday style.

Sometimes that means upgrading.

Sometimes it means saving hundreds of pounds by choosing a cabin that offers exactly what you'll need—and nothing you won't.

Dinner in the Main Dining Room

The Main Dining Room was bustling from the moment we arrived.

Service was excellent throughout the evening. Despite how busy it was, the crew were attentive, friendly and efficient.

The food itself was good, although not quite the standout meal I had been expecting.

My steak, ordered medium-rare, arrived noticeably rarer than requested, and I was slightly disappointed that the included drinks package didn't offer a glass of rosé.

The desserts, however, were absolutely excellent and finished the evening perfectly.

One thing I've learnt after visiting many cruise ships is that dining is incredibly personal. Some guests love traditional dining rooms, while others prefer the flexibility of buffets or speciality restaurants.

That's why I always take time to experience several options myself before making recommendations.

Entertainment starts immediately

One thing Royal Caribbean does brilliantly is creating a sense that your holiday has begun the moment you step onboard.

That evening we watched the sail-away celebrations, complete with around ten minutes of spectacular fireworks.

It was one of those moments that makes you stop, smile and think, "This is going to be a fantastic holiday

Day Two – Time to explore properly

My second day was all about discovering what makes Legend of the Seas different.

Royal Caribbean had created an interactive quest around the ship, encouraging us to visit different venues, answer questions and complete challenges.

It turned out to be one of my favourite activities.

Not only was it fun, but it naturally led us into areas of the ship we may otherwise have overlooked.

As an added bonus, I even came away with a bright pink Royal Caribbean tumbler as my prize.

The kids' clubs really impressed me

As someone who books a lot of family holidays, this was one of the areas I was most interested in.

The Adventure Ocean facilities are genuinely excellent.

Children are divided into age groups, meaning activities remain appropriate for each stage of development.

There are dedicated facilities for babies, separate clubs for younger children and larger spaces for older children and teenagers.

Children aged three and above who are fully toilet trained can be left for supervised sessions of around three hours, giving parents valuable time to enjoy the ship.

For older children, there are gaming areas, sports courts and plenty of independence, with parents able to decide whether older children can sign themselves in and out while the ship is at sea.

Brilliant for younger families

One area that really stood out was the splash zone for younger children.

Rather than expecting toddlers to share facilities with older children, Royal Caribbean has created an area specifically designed for little ones.

There are gentle slides, interactive water features and plenty of seating nearby for parents.

As a parent myself, I could immediately see why families with young children love this ship.

The biggest gym I've seen at sea

Even if you're not planning to work out every day, the wellness facilities deserve a mention.

The gym is genuinely enormous and one of the biggest I've ever seen onboard a cruise ship.

There are extensive relaxation areas, giving the spa a calm atmosphere that's a complete contrast to the excitement elsewhere onboard.

Whether you're looking for a workout, a massage or simply somewhere peaceful to unwind, you'll find plenty of space.

Entertainment for everyone

If entertainment is important to you, you certainly won't be disappointed.

We headed into the theatre to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This is full on West End / Broadway production - Amazing

And not only are the seats incredibly comfortable, but crew members come directly to your seat to take drink orders, and even the cup holders have been designed to safely hold wine glasses. It sounds like a tiny detail, but it's exactly these thoughtful touches that elevate the onboard experience.

The casino spans two floors and genuinely feels like a miniature Las Vegas.

Mini golf, waterslides, multiple pools, family attractions and countless bars mean there's always something happening.

The highlight of the entertainment for me was the Aquashow, this was spectacular and I would book a cruise just to keep watching it. 

When I recommend a holiday, I want clients to know what I genuinely loved—not simply repeat the marketing material.

So who is Legend of the Seas for?

After two days onboard, one thing became very clear. This ship has been designed for people who love choice. It's ideal for families wanting activities from morning until night. It's brilliant for multi-generational holidays where grandparents, parents and children all want different experiences. It's perfect for first-time cruisers looking for that unforgettable "wow" factor.

Couples will also find plenty to enjoy, particularly if they like lively evenings, varied entertainment and lots of dining options. If, however, you're searching for a quiet, boutique-style cruise with very few people onboard, I'd probably steer you towards one of the smaller luxury cruise lines instead.

That's one of the biggest advantages of booking through a Travel Counsellor. I'm not tied to one cruise line, so my recommendation is always based on what's right for you—not what's easiest to sell.

My biggest takeaway

Legend of the Seas is far more than simply the world's biggest cruise ship. It's a destination in itself.

Everywhere I looked, there was another restaurant to discover, another bar to try, another family activity to explore or another hidden corner I'd somehow missed. But perhaps the most valuable thing I came home with wasn't photographs. It was knowledge. Knowledge that helps me guide my clients towards the right cabin, explain which facilities they'll genuinely use, suggest the best itineraries and make sure they get the best possible value from their cruise.

And for me, that's the whole point of travelling.

If you're considering sailing on Legend of the Seas, I'd love to help you plan the perfect trip. Having explored the ship from top to bottom, I can help you choose the right itinerary, the right cabin and the right package for your family, your budget and your holiday style.