Legend really cannot fail to impress. That first glimpse in Malaga’s port stopped everyone in their tracks. The welcome we received, both on the quayside and as we stepped on board, set the tone for the entire sailing: high energy, genuine warmth and a crew who were clearly as excited as we were.

I am not going to pretend otherwise: on that first day I did occasionally retreat from the sensory overload just to catch my breath and process everything. Then I was straight back out exploring. The shops, bars, cafés and restaurants; the pool areas; the Thrill Zone; Crown’s Edge; the AquaDome; Central Park; the Chill Zone; kids clubs; Music Hall; climbing wall; ice rink… it felt like every corner revealed something new.

That initial feeling of being overwhelmed did not last long. Very quickly I relaxed into the rhythm of the ship, found the spaces I loved most and identified firm favourite restaurants (El Loco Fresh, I am looking at you). For all its size and choice, one of the real strengths of a ship this big is that there are always quiet corners if you need them.

How was the food? Genuinely very good. I tried the main dining room, Sorrento’s pizza, El Loco Fresh for Mexican, the AquaDome Market and the buffet. Everything was tasty, varied and very easy to enjoy, especially with those gorgeous sea views. I already miss eating every meal with the water as my backdrop.

Dietary requirements are very well catered for too. There is a wide selection for different allergies and preferences, including an extensive gluten-free offering. You are allocated a table in the main dining room, which means you get to know your waiter and they get to know your needs. In the buffet, a simple conversation with the team on day one sets you up for a smooth dining experience for the rest of your cruise.

Would I go again? Yes. I am genuinely curious to see more of what Royal Caribbean offers, especially as it is not all aimed solely at families. For my own tastes, I would probably choose something a little smaller next time, but I was thoroughly impressed by the service, the overall quality and the range of facilities on board.

Who is it perfect for? Families who love having everything laid on for them, particularly if the children enjoy kids clubs. Multigenerational groups. Anyone who loves Disney-style theming and big, bold entertainment. If you are someone who wants plenty going on from morning to night, this ship delivers.

And the very best part for me? The entertainment. Being able to enjoy such high-calibre, varied shows every single evening adds huge value to your holiday. I watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Shockwave in the AquaDome and The Wild Boys in the Music Hall. All three were excellent, but Shockwave absolutely took my breath away.

Cabin-wise, there is a huge variety of options for families. We stayed in a fairly standard sea view balcony stateroom, which can interconnect, but you could also choose a Central Park view, upgrade to a suite or family suite, or even a duplex. For a real bucket-list trip, the panoramic or Royal Suites would be incredible.

Sailing on Legend gave me a completely different perspective on what a cruise holiday can be. Yes, the ship is vast and bursting with things to do, but it is also surprisingly easy to find your own pace, your own favourite corners and your own little rituals, whether that is morning coffee in a quiet spot or late-night ice cream after a show.

If you are a family, a couple who loves big-ship entertainment, or a mixed-age group looking for a holiday where nobody ever says “I’m bored”, Legend is absolutely worth considering. And if, like me, you are used to smaller ships, you might be surprised by how quickly you settle in.

If you would like to chat about whether this style of ship is right for you and your family, I would love to help you work out the best fit and start planning your own cruise adventure.