It features the largest water park, pool, and ice rink ever built at sea. It also leads the ranking for the most powerful culinary offering on the waves: up to 28 dining spaces. Not to mention the zip line that extends 50 meters over the ocean. More crazy things come true on board a ship? A carousel, an outdoor park with 30,500 trees and natural plants, a rock climbing wall, a surf simulator...
This is why this is the largest ship on the planet, the Legend of the Seas by Royal Caribbean, recently inaugurated in Malaga during a trip through the Mediterranean, where it will stay for two seasons before setting sail for the Caribbean. Meanwhile, there is time to enjoy the records of this giant with 20 decks, 365 meters long by 66 meters wide (or three soccer fields) and a capacity for 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members, resulting in a ratio of almost one employee for every two guests.
In summary, "a milestone in the ambition to continuously redefine the vacation experience by surpassing the limits of what guests know and love," according to Jason Liberty, CEO and president of the Royal Caribbean Group, the conglomerate to which this cruise line belongs with over five decades of experience, chosen as the best overall cruise line for 23 consecutive years and with itineraries to 300 destinations in 80 countries. Ours has been the setting for the inauguration of the latest ship of its Icon class, the most innovative and sustainable (it sails with liquefied natural gas).
"The Spanish market is essential for us in the Mediterranean with top routes like the one covered by the Legend of the Seas from Barcelona, with stops in Palma de Mallorca, Florence/Pisa, Rome, and Naples," explains Sergio Arévalo, sales director for Spain and Portugal, during the inaugural cruise. And the question is: will there be an even larger successor? "For now, no, although you never know... This one has the optimal dimensions we wanted to reach," he adds.
The ship, designed as a city at sea, is divided into eight themed neighborhoods designed for each type of passenger. The heart is the Royal Promenade, a pleasant walk with restaurants, bars, and shops where The Pearl is located, the largest kinetic sculpture in the world, 14 meters high by 16 in diameter with 3,000 movable mosaics, spanning three decks (not floors). Then there is the aforementioned Central Park garden, a true green oasis within the ship, the Thrill Island mega water park, the Chill Island pool maze (there are seven pools and 10 jacuzzis throughout the ship), or Aquadome, a multipurpose space where you can find live music, yoga classes, or DJ sessions.
Children have Surfside, with a children's club from 0 years old that includes a theater, carousel, water park, swings, ice cream stand, and activities like face painting, karaoke, or silent parties with headphones available for adults at night. Not surprisingly, adults have their own area: The Hideaway, with an infinity pool and views from above. There is also an exclusive suite area accessible only to its passengers.
For singles, couples, families...
You can choose from 2,805 cabins, divided into different categories: lofts or bunk beds for families of up to six members, single cabins for solo travelers (increasingly popular; the cruise line's app connects them if they wish), corner cabins with surrounding balconies, suites with butler service, living room, VIP services, panoramic ocean views...
Entertainment is in Royal Caribbean's DNA, with offerings such as the water park with six categories, the zip line, the rock climbing wall, the FlowRider surf simulator, mini-golf, arcade games, and laser tag in the underwater realm of Trilantia, scavenger hunts, escape rooms, dance contests... There is also a gym and ice skating rinks and running tracks, as well as basketball, tennis, and soccer.
Looking for more relaxed plans? The spa, trivia, sewing classes, bingo, sudokus... The shows deserve a special mention with seven live music venues, synchronized swimmers' water shows under a 16.7-meter waterfall, ice skating shows,Got Talent, or acrobatics mixed with humor. The crown jewel, however, is the musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, premiered on the ship.
The largest 'gastro' offering at sea
Yes, a total of 28 restaurants. From Italian to Japanese, Mexican, seafood, or carnivorous. Among the themed restaurants, there is one set in a 1920s train car with a menu inspired by the Silk Road (it's called Royal Railway Legend Station) or one that transports you to the golden age of Hollywood. There is also the buffet, pizzeria, à la carte dining, a Starbucks... Not to mention the nearly 20 bars and lounges where you can snack. We could talk about the myriad of excursions available at each port, but for that, you have to leave the ship... Make the effort and save the wine tasting (which is also available) or the couples massage for later.