Seabourn Legend Cruise Discount And Cruise Review

Overview
Well-heeled guests on this small, ultra-luxury 208-passenger, all-outside, all-suite vessel expect the very best service. And they get it. For service is the hallmark of Seabourn Legend and her sister ships, Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Spirit. From the white-gloved staff member who greets you in the terminal and personally escorts you through the boarding process and into your suite, to the maitre 'd who remembers your name after your first night at dinner, to the cabin stewardess who pre-stocks the bar in your suite, this ship is full of extras. While more than a decade old, the Legend's classic decor, with the help of a multi-million refurbishment in November 2000 (which included the addition of French balconies to 36 suites), exudes elegance and sophistication without stuffiness. With an abundance of public space and so few (and quiet) fellow passengers, cruising on the Legend is more like sailing on your own personal yacht with several friends.

Dining
One of the ship's greatest features is its open seating dining policy where passengers can eat when and with whom they wish and enjoy some of the best food aboard any cruise ship. Dinner, the social event of the day, is open-seating in The Restaurant. Although it was refurbished recently, low ceilings, small portholes and lack of partitions or significant artwork make this room rather bland. But that's okay, since the spotlight here is on the food which easily rivals the best shore-side restaurants and has won several top dining awards.

The chef de cuisine has a lot of leeway in preparing dishes, selecting daily menus based on what produce he may get that morning in a local market. Dinner menus include a selection of appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, entrees and desserts, plus a vegetarian choice and a full "Simplicity Menu" for those seeking healthy options. If a guest fancies something not on the menu, just ask the waiter and if it's possible, the chef will prepare it. Complimentary house wines are included with each meal. For alternative dining, the Legend offers special Bistro and other themed menus at the Veranda Cafe, a charming indoor/outdoor venue. Guests may also order dinner served course by course in their suite. Breakfast and lunch are available in The Restaurant or Veranda Cafe. There is also a daily white glove Tea at 4:00 pm in the Horizon Lounge.

Fitness and Recreation
The Seabourn Legend is fitted with a fold-out water sports marina used when at anchor in port and equipped with windsurfers, sailboats, zodiacs, water skis, banana boat, pedal boat and snorkel equipment. Each guest will be offered one complimentary shore excursion on every cruise. In the center of the marina is a stainless steel mesh pool (to keep guests in and sea life out). Onboard there are three whirlpools and a very small pool. Deck chaise lounges, usually at a premium on most ships, are plentiful. Fitness facilities include an aerobics area, a small workout room, massage area with steam and sauna, and a beauty salon.

Entertainment
Cabaret style entertainment on the Legend has been expanded to include comedy acts, singers and concert performances. The Amundsen Lounge is where the daytime lectures and nighttime entertainment is held. Large enough to hold all passengers in one seating, the room has good acoustics and enough room in-between rows to move about freely. The Legend also has a computer center with Internet and e-mail access, a small library with complimentary videos, a card room and a boutique.

Cabins
All suites, other than the six classic and owners suites, are 277 square feet and were totally redone in 2000. Part of the upgrade included the addition of step-out Riviera-style French balconies with sliding glass doors on 36 of its 104 suites. While only as deep as a generous footprint, the "balconettes" are a nice touch and open up the rather large suites even more. Non-balcony suites have large picture windows. Each suite features walk-in closet, large marble bath with shower, tub, hair dryers, designer amenities, thick terry robes and slippers, personalized stationery, champagne upon arrival, pre-stocked bar, TV/VCR, cocktail tables which can be raised for en-suite dining and beds which convert from twin to queen and are covered with light fluffy down duvets and pillows.

Public Rooms
Compared to newer mega-ships, the Legend at first glance seems to show her age. But guests quickly discover she's a well-kept reflection of her maturity and classical elegance, built in an era prior to large open atriums, soaring ceiling and multiple dining rooms. So what may initially seem old and dated in terms of architectural design grows on you the longer you stay onboard. The Horizon Lounge in the bow is an observation lounge decorated in ochre-colored leather furniture with floor-to-ceiling windows for a great view ahead. Popular for pre-dinner cocktails and dancing is The Club, a stylish room with an adjacent small casino. Areas in the room are partitioned for more intimacy and the pale beige colors of the room create a wonderful contrast to the unfolding blue sea beyond.

Gratuity
Included in the cost of the cruise.

Family
There is no specific program in place for children and this cruise is certainly targeted more at couples than families, however, the cruise staff arranges activities when there are several youngsters on board.

Dress Code
There are two-to-three formal nights per 14-day cruise (most men wear tuxedos) and on other evenings the attire is casual (no jacket for men) or elegant casual (jacket, but tie optional for men).