The inaugural voyage of Royal Caribbean International, held from June 29 to July 3, was one of those unforgettable experiences. Not only did it offer the chance to discover the magnificent Legend of the Seas, but it also allowed us to experience it firsthand and learn everything it will offer its future passengers. Part of the CruisesNews team—Virginia, Marta, Cristina, and Laura—traveled to Málaga to explore every corner of the company's new flagship, which will make its debut in the Mediterranean this summer.
The first glimpse from the outside is already impressive for its silhouette and dimensions, and as soon as we crossed the gangway, we were greeted by the incredible sense of spaciousness offered by the Royal Promenade, with the imposing "Pearl" at its center, surrounded by restaurants and bars. But the ship also boasts eight distinct neighborhoods, combining the vibrant energy of Thrill Island, the adventure zone; the tranquility of Central Park; the views from AquaDome; Surfside, designed especially for families with young children; and The Hideaway, the exclusive adults-only area; among others.
With seven swimming areas spread throughout the ship, there was always a spot to relax, sunbathe, or simply admire the Mediterranean. Between photos, we were already making plans to explore the ship from bow to stern, visit the gym, book shows, or try out the famous Category 6, the largest water park ever built on a cruise ship.
But what truly surprises on board is the culinary offering. With 28 dining options, eating becomes a key part of the voyage. In addition to specialty restaurants like the new Royal Railway – Legend Station , which offers an immersive dining experience; the Hollywoodland Supper Club, featuring American cuisine; Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, serving delicious Italian fare; and Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, with sushi and Japanese cuisine; the ship offers a variety of charming spots to grab a bite at almost any time of day, such as tacos at Loco Fresh, salads at Central Park, or Korean specialties, fresh juices, and smoothies with freshly made crepes at the AquaDome Market, a street food-style space where each stall invites you on a culinary journey. And don't forget to enjoy cocktails in completely different settings, like Bolero's with its Caribbean rhythms on the Royal Promenade, Swim & Tonic in the pool on deck 16, or Bubbles in Central Park, specializing in champagne and sparkling cocktails. among others.
Breakfast, however, had a very different setting: a buffet with all kinds of options for all tastes at Windjammer, where there was no shortage of eggs and bacon, fruit, salmon bites, cereals, yogurts, or anything else that might be tempting to start the day; or a quiet coffee in Central Park, surrounded by thousands of natural plants and a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere; or gazing at the sea in an armchair at the Pearl Café; an option for every mood and every day.
There was also time for self-care. The fully equipped gym, with its large windows overlooking the sea, was another space we visited some mornings before starting our day of exploration. Because exploring a ship of this size also requires energy.
The nights proved that the Legend completely transforms after sunset. Broadway shows in the main theater, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; impressive productions in the AquaTheater such as Shockwave: A Battle for the Beat, which combines leaps, dives, dance, and synchronized swimming into a single, unique show; the Fusion ice skating show, presented on the Absolute Zero rink, the largest ice rink ever built on a cruise ship, combining high-level figure skating with music, lighting, and visual effects; not to mention the live music, DJs in the nightclub, always-lively bars, and a program that made it hard to decide what to do first. Royal Caribbean is once again committed to top-notch entertainment, so we didn't want to miss a thing during our trip.
On Thursday, July 2nd, many of the passengers gathered in Playmakers to watch the Spanish national team's match. The atmosphere was like that of a large football supporters' club, with fans of different nationalities sharing the excitement. And speaking of atmosphere, it's impossible to forget the spectacular welcome party. Music, dancing, costumed characters, entertainment, and contagious energy marked the start of a voyage that also included parades, themed parties, and surprises scattered throughout the ship, proving that there's always something happening on the Legend.
Five days was plenty, though probably not enough to discover every corner of a ship designed as a true destination in itself. We still had restaurants to try, shows to see again, and spaces where we could simply sit and contemplate the sea or enjoy a cocktail in the mid-afternoon. And perhaps that's one of the best feelings when saying goodbye: having experienced so much, but leaving with the desire to return on board soon to continue exploring.
When we disembarked in Rome, we shared the same opinion. The Legend of the Seas isn't just impressive because of its size or because it's one of the largest cruise ships in the world. It achieves this by combining innovation, design, entertainment, and gastronomy with a meticulously crafted experience, capable of delivering memorable moments and allowing each passenger to find their own perfect vacation rhythm.
At CruisesNews, we returned with hundreds of photos, dozens of videos, and many stories to tell. But above all, we came back happy with the feeling of having witnessed the birth of a ship destined to become one of the leading stars of the Mediterranean this summer.
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