Carnival Cruise Line has captured the attention of Australian cruisers during the past few years. In 2014, Carnival Legend was spruced up with a refurbishment costing $47 million to make sure everything is ship-shape for the Australian market. As one of Carnival’s Spirit Class ships, Legend introduces a range of initiatives that are tailored to suit passengers departing from Australian ports.
Carnival Legend is big enough to impose its presence on the high seas, yet at 88,500 tons and with a passenger capacity of 2,124, the ship is considered in the mid-size range. In other words, you won’t feel crowded in on Carnival Legend and there are ample opportunities to explore and make new friends onboard.
The ‘Fun Ships’ reputation
Carnival has carved a well-deserved reputation with their ‘Fun Ships’, and the experience is suited to people of all ages. According to data from Carnival, 40 percent of passengers are between 35 and 55, with the remaining 60 percent spread evenly in the ‘younger than 35/older than 55 age brackets. Older passengers may prefer travelling outside of major holiday periods when the ship can be inundated with younger party people.
Australian optimised features on Legend include the Green Thunder waterslide, considered to be the steepest and fastest at-sea waterslide. Additional water-themed improvements include Splashdown waterslides for smaller children, including a massive drenching bucket. Romantic couples may prefer the Serenity Retreat, an adults only zone, or a visit to the RedFrog Pub for a taste test of Thirsty Frog Summer Ale brewed on-site. A range of well-known Australian beers are also available.
The staterooms have been fitted with Australian standard power outlets for convenient use of personal devices, and casino slot machines now accept Australian coins. Legend restaurants have created new and exciting menus, the fitness centre has been upgraded, and even the music at Playlist Production shows is sprinkled with hits familiar to locals.
The colourful and rather ostentatious décor of Carnival ships is noticeable everywhere on Carnival Legend, with the ‘great legends of the world’ theme omnipresent – including the Grecian urn motif and the gigantic Colossus painting adorning the central atrium.
Additional Fun Ships attractions include the duty-free shopping mall, onboard golf, enormous children’s play area and the video arcade. For passengers unfamiliar with cruise ship developments in recent years, you will be excused for thinking you have arrived at a self-contained floating theme park.
Carnival Legend staterooms
Carnival ships are designed for fun, which means you will also require a comfortable retreat to escape to. When it’s time to wind down, settle in for the night and recharge your batteries, Carnival Legend has the room to suit your style and budget. From simple to sublime, all rooms are well appointed and you can even order room service from dedicated Legend attendants.
Interior: affordable and cosy, with private bathroom and around-the-clock room service. Sleeps 2 passengers and is wheelchair accessible.
Ocean View: enjoy expansive ocean views and stunning sunsets at sea. Plush décor, full bathroom facilities and all-round comfort for your home away from home.
Balcony Room: Your own private waterfront dwelling, capturing the sea breeze and affording the opportunity for indoor/outdoor fun. Balcony rooms come in a variety of styles, including the option for an extended balcony or premium balcony for additional outside space.
Suites: All suite categories on Carnival Legend are the equal of any land-based holiday accommodation. Junior; Grand; Ocean and Vista Suite options all come with balconies outside and plenty of room inside. Walk-in robes, vanity areas and whirlpool tubs are just a few of the classy touches.
Dining choices on Carnival Legend
Although elegant dining still exists on a Carnival Legend Cruise, the dining dress code is generally relaxed. Legend hosts traditional dining evenings where a suit or formal gown is recommended for passengers wanting to experience old-world style. However, alternatives abound that are suitable for all the family, including Pub style meals, delicious pizza, a Dr. Seuss themed breakfast, and even sushi.
Many Carnival Legend eatery meals are complimentary, including “Chef’s Choice” where you can savour famous dishes from around the world. A Dining Room breakfast is guaranteed to start your day on the right foot, with summer favourites such as fluffy pancakes and fresh fruits always available.
Dining venues include:
- The Carnival Deli
- Coffee bar
- Lido Restaurant
- Poolside grill
- Nouveau Restaurant
- Salad bar
- Activities on Carnival Legend
For a medium/large vessel, the Carnival Legend packs a lot in. You would need to be at sea for weeks to experience everything onboard, so it’s a good idea to create an onboard itinerary alongside your port itinerary. Whether you are an action person, or someone who just likes to watch the world go by, Carnival Legend has the place for you.
Here are just a few attractions:
Waterworks: The onboard waterpark where you can frolic all day long, or take the Twister Waterslide challenge in a wet and wild ride. A variety of pools and age-themed attractions makes Waterworks a place for the entire family to enjoy.
EA Sports Bar: Time away from favourite sports can be a drag for some guys (and gals), so Carnival Legend has created the perfect getaway. At EA Sports Bar, you can catch the latest sporting action on dominant screens, enjoy drinks and snacks, and hang out with your buddies.
Playlist Productions: Sit back and enjoy the show as the stage comes alive with full-blown musical productions, singing and dancing.
Serenity Adults Only Retreat: When you need a little alone-time with that special someone, it’s time to head to ‘Serenity’, the adults only retreat where you can kick-back, enjoy the breeze, or pamper yourself at the spa.
Nightclub: When the sun goes down, the party people come out to play at the nightclub. Dance to the latest and greatest hits, meet like-minded travellers, and join in with themed parties that are sure to break the ice and get you moving with the groove.
Kids and Teens
Carnival cruises are designed for everyone to enjoy, and kids are no exception. They can splash and play all day at the waterpark, try their culinary skills by making their own pizza, play mini-golf, basketball, video games, and join in with activities tailored to their own age group.
Experienced crew members guide kids through treasure hunts, competitions, obstacle courses and much more. While your children are making new friends, you will have the Carnival Legend to yourself for exploration and enjoyment.
Carnival Legend invites Australian cruisers to experience the best of Australia, The South Pacific and many other exotic and exciting destinations around the world. Many onboard attractions and features are included in the ticket price, meaning a voyage on Carnival Legend is one of the best vacation investments you can make.
Carnival Legend statistics
Capacity | 2124 passengers |
Crew | 930 |
Decks | 12 |
Built | 2002 |
Cruising Speed | 22 knots |
Length | 963ft / 294m |
Gross Tonnage | 88,500 tonnes |
Beam | 105.6ft / 32.2m |
Draft | 25.5ft / 7.8m |
Installed power | 62,370 kW |
Deck plans can be downloaded from the official website: carnival.com.au