Learning on Legend

My Time Onboard Legend of the Seas

Back in August, I was lucky enough to join Royal Caribbean onboard Legend of the Seas. I was there to learn more about the ship and everything it offers, but thankfully there was also plenty of time to experience life onboard. As someone who loves cruising, I certainly made the most of that!

Our journey started in Barcelona, with visits to Mallorca and La Spezia before we disembarked in Civitavecchia, the port for Rome. It was a lovely opportunity to explore some of the Mediterranean while getting to know a ship I can now talk to my clients about from personal experience.

More Than a Look Around

There’s only so much you can learn from a brochure, photographs or a presentation. Being onboard gives you a much better understanding of how a ship feels: where you might spend a relaxed afternoon, what the evenings are like and how much choice you really have.

Although this was a learning trip, I had plenty of time to explore. The pools, bars, bands and restaurants all needed investigating, and I was very happy to do my research!

It also gave me time to think about the questions clients ask. Would this suit a couple as well as a family? Could you enjoy a quieter day alongside all the activities? Would there be enough variety for everyone travelling together? Those are the details that help me match someone to the right cruise.

Let’s Talk About the Food

Food is always an important part of a cruise for me, and this trip was no exception. I may have mentioned it more than once when describing my time onboard!

One of the pleasures of cruising is having a choice to suit your day. After time ashore, you might want something quick and casual. On another evening, sitting down to dinner and taking your time can be part of the occasion.

Legend offers plenty of opportunity to mix things up, with complimentary dining alongside speciality restaurants available at an additional cost. My advice is to get to know what’s included before deciding which extras you might enjoy.

Being able to experience the dining myself also helps when clients ask whether they should book a speciality meal or how much they need to budget beyond the cruise fare. The answer will always depend on how you like to holiday.

Pools, Bars and Live Music

Between the learning sessions and time ashore, I enjoyed discovering the different places to relax and spend an evening.

The pools were part of that, of course, but so were the bars and live bands. There’s something lovely about finishing a day of exploring, heading out for the evening and having music and entertainment just a stroll from your cabin.

What appeals to me about this style of cruising is the freedom to choose. You can get involved in plenty of activities, make plans for the evening or leave some time free and see where the day takes you.

With so much available, it’s easy to feel you should be doing something all the time. You really don’t have to. Sometimes a drink, a comfortable seat and a chance to watch the world go by are exactly what you need.

The People Make a Difference

Of course, no account of my time onboard would be complete without mentioning the staff.

The restaurants, entertainment and pools might attract your attention when choosing a cruise, but the people looking after you are such an important part of the experience once you’re there. I really appreciated the opportunity to experience their hospitality throughout the trip.

It’s something I always pay attention to when travelling. Feeling welcome and well looked after matters just as much as the facilities, and it’s often what stays with you once you’re home.

From Barcelona to the Italian Coast

We boarded in Barcelona, a city that makes a lovely starting point for a Mediterranean cruise. If your plans allow, arriving ahead of embarkation gives you time to enjoy the city and a little breathing room before your holiday at sea begins.

From there, we sailed to Mallorca and then La Spezia, where I took the opportunity to tour Cinque Terre.

With its colourful villages and coastal scenery, Cinque Terre was a lovely part of the journey. Days like this remind me why I enjoy cruising: you can spend your time exploring somewhere different, then return to your ship without having to pack up and move hotels.

Our sailing finished in Civitavecchia. When planning a similar trip, it’s worth remembering that this is the port for Rome, rather than the city itself, so transfers and onward travel need to be factored in. It can also be an opportunity to add a few nights in Rome if you’d like to extend your holiday.My Three Tips for Royal Caribbean and Legend of the Seas

1. Download the app and plan your must-dos

The Royal Caribbean app is useful before you travel and while you’re onboard. You can browse activities, manage reservations and keep track of your plans.

Check ahead for dining and entertainment reservations, especially if there’s something you’re particularly keen to experience. Having a few favourites organised leaves you free to enjoy the rest of the cruise more spontaneously.

2. Make the most of the included dining

Legend has a wide choice of complimentary dining, so explore your options beyond the buffet and main dining room.

Speciality restaurants can be a lovely addition, perhaps for a celebration or simply to try something different. But take a look at what’s already included before committing to several extra-cost meals. I can help you work out what suits your tastes and budget.

3. Leave time to enjoy the ship itself

On a Mediterranean itinerary, it’s tempting to book a full day ashore at every stop. But with a ship like Legend, I’d recommend leaving yourself some time to enjoy life onboard too.

Whether that means an afternoon by the pool, trying an activity or having a leisurely lunch, you’ll appreciate a little space in your schedule. Pick the experiences that matter most to you and give yourself permission to relax as well.

Is Legend of the Seas Right for You?

If you enjoy plenty of choice, activities and entertainment, Legend is certainly worth considering. It’s the kind of holiday that can appeal to people with different interests travelling together, because everyone doesn’t have to spend the day doing the same thing.

Equally, if your ideal cruise is on a small ship with a very quiet atmosphere, I’d want to talk through the options with you. Choosing the right ship is just as important as choosing the destinations.

I came home grateful for the opportunity to learn with Royal Caribbean and enjoy so much of the ship for myself. It’s experience I can now bring to our conversations, whether you’re planning your first cruise or looking for something different for your next one.

If you’d like to hear more about Legend of the Seas, I’m always happy to chat cruise.