Legend of the Seas enroute to Brisbane

[Gold Coast Cruisers]

Have just read a couple of reports from onboard Legend. Sadly it appears the ships appearance is reported as 'tired' inside.

Crew are reported to be 'amazing'.

Overall from 3 sources they are saying they wouldn't rave about her or rush to board her again. That's a shame to hear that.

Maybe as the cruise continues they may have more to report.

 

I don't understand why Cruiselines think we deserve less than the rest of the world when it comes to the cruise ships they send to our waters. We are like everyone else, pay the same and so expect the same.

 

Edited November 24, 2015 by Gold Coast Cruisers

[Esilef]

Is she due for a refit soon?

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Is she due for a refit soon?

 

Don't think so ...She had a $50 million refit in 2013.

 

http://www.******************.com/2013/02/07/legend-seas-completes-50-million-refurbishment

[Gold Coast Cruisers]

Don't think so ...She had a $50 million refit in 2013.

 

http://www.******************.com/2013/02/07/legend-seas-completes-50-million-refurbishment

 

 

I thought that too....so she must have had a hard couple of years since the refit. :eek:

[Miamia65]

Until Brisbane upgrades the port with a new terminal this is the only ship that will fit under the gateway bridge to the Hamilton port!!!!!

[Hazydavo]

Perhaps they'll refresh her bit on her way here??

[Esilef]

Well if they don't do any refurbished they can just sell her to P&O and rename her.....

[Hazydavo]

Perhaps they'll refresh her A bit on her way here??

 

...a bit...

[Royalty X]

That's a shame to hear. Rhapsody was a great ship, especially after her refurb.

[Hazydavo]

It is great to hear that the crew were great though :D

[cassamanda]

Have just read a couple of reports from onboard Legend. Sadly it appears the ships appearance is reported as 'tired' inside.

Crew are reported to be 'amazing'.

Overall from 3 sources they are saying they wouldn't rave about her or rush to board her again. That's a shame to hear that.

Maybe as the cruise continues they may have more to report.

 

I don't understand why Cruiselines think we deserve less than the rest of the world when it comes to the cruise ships they send to our waters. We are like everyone else, pay the same and so expect the same.

 

 

There is nothing wrong with Legend. We sailed on her from Singapore to Fremantle in September. She is slightly smaller than Rhapsody with a different layout but has the added advantage of 3 balcony decks v only 2 on Rhapsody.

She has a very friendly crew and this was probably the best cruise we have had with Royal.

The only negative was the organisation of MTD and some of the main dining room food was pretty ordinary. However, the WJ had great food.

The crew were not quite used to tendering in waters other than dead flat, but that will improve with experience of sailing in Oz.

 

For loyalty members the CL and DL are on the wings with great views.

 

I take many of the reviews with a grain of salt.

Hugh

[lilly4350]

There is nothing wrong with Legend. We sailed on her from Singapore to Fremantle in September. She is slightly smaller than Rhapsody with a different layout but has the added advantage of 3 balcony decks v only 2 on Rhapsody.

She has a very friendly crew and this was probably the best cruise we have had with Royal.

The only negative was the organisation of MTD and some of the main dining room food was pretty ordinary. However, the WJ had great food.

The crew were not quite used to tendering in waters other than dead flat, but that will improve with experience of sailing in Oz.

 

For loyalty members the CL and DL are on the wings with great views.

 

I take many of the reviews with a grain of salt.

Hugh

 

I agree with you Cassamanda, there is nothing wrong with the Legend. Yes it is an older ship and a lower class of ship than the other RCLs in Australia but she is not tired. We sailed on her in May this year (on her maiden voyage to Australia). We were a bit concerned when we first hopped on board but once we got going, we loved it - it is a great ship and great crew. And it will be nice to have a RCL ship right out of Brisbane

[Royalty X]

There is nothing wrong with Legend. We sailed on her from Singapore to Fremantle in September. She is slightly smaller than Rhapsody with a different layout but has the added advantage of 3 balcony decks v only 2 on Rhapsody.

 

She has a very friendly crew and this was probably the best cruise we have had with Royal.

 

The only negative was the organisation of MTD and some of the main dining room food was pretty ordinary. However, the WJ had great food.

 

The crew were not quite used to tendering in waters other than dead flat, but that will improve with experience of sailing in Oz.

 

 

 

For loyalty members the CL and DL are on the wings with great views.

 

 

 

I take many of the reviews with a grain of salt.

 

Hugh

 

I always do Hugh, so it's great to read some positive comments. One our best cruises was on Rhapsody so I have no doubt I would enjoy Legend as well. :)

[Hailzmick]

I'd rather a tired ship & a great crew than tired crew & a great ship.

Sailing on her twice in the next couple of months.

Can't wait!!!!! Yayyyyyyyy!!!!!!

[Gold Coast Cruisers]

We're sailing on her in Feb. We always board a ship with an open mind and make the most of whatever the ship has to offer.

 

Those I know who are currently on board Hong Kong to Brisbane have all said the crew are excellent so that's good news.

[Gold Coast Cruisers]

We're sailing on her in Feb. We always board a ship with an open mind and make the most of whatever the ship has to offer.

[cassamanda]

Asian cruises have a vastly different demographic to that sailing out if Australia.

For example. Many of the bar staff were stood down during Legend's Asian itinerary but the Casino was overflowing with big spenders.

Smoking was also allowed however, as soon as we left Indonesia the Casino became smoke free and Australian rules were put in place.

 

I suspect the same will be happening on her Hong Kong repo.

 

Hugh

[coolcruiser86]

Asian cruises have a vastly different demographic to that sailing out if Australia.

For example. Many of the bar staff were stood down during Legend's Asian itinerary but the Casino was overflowing with big spenders.

Smoking was also allowed however, as soon as we left Indonesia the Casino became smoke free and Australian rules were put in place.

 

I suspect the same will be happening on her Hong Kong repo.

 

Hugh

 

Thats very interesting. We will be on her in March and I am trying to take all of the negative reviews with a big salt cube :)

[Anthonysyne]

I never listen to a few negative reviews unless it's overwhelming. My first ever cruise was with Rhapsody and it was magnificent. The staff, crew and food was amazing. Our waiter got to know us that well that he made sure I had an extra main meal on my table the minute I finished my first one.

I could complain about certain things about Rhapsody and Radiance but we choose to have a good time.

[AussieVisi2r]

My experience was very different.

 

I must walk around with my head in a bag! I didn't see a tired old ship. I didn't see any rust! At all - but then I got to relax not inspect metal on railing.

 

I just did 28 days on Legend - Singapore to Hong Kong to Brisbane and had a great time.

 

The negatives.

The WIFI was bad. Slow but I was able to upload photos. It just took time. It was fine for emails and checking facebook. But considering that I was floating on the ocean on a ship, I'm glad to have any wifi.Strangely it got worse in Australian waters. Some days it went for hours where you couldn't log on.

 

I had a few issues with two ships tours (some activities omitted, and a very sub standard zoo visit) - I went to discuss my issues with the appropriate people.

 

My air conditioning was not very cold....but like a grown up I picked up the phone and had someone come and work their magic. Then it was great.

 

I HATE the art auctions. I think they are a terrible waste of space and so much noise pollution. But obviously many people love them or they would not be in business.

 

I saw a few of the comedians and thought they were not even average. But other shows were good.

 

Meet and Mingles were very basic with an urn and some tea bags provided, and a plate of cookies.

 

The rest.

I had my first experience of a Junior Suite and I can total understand the obsession with them. It was amazing. SO BIG! So much storage. Giant deck with 2 chairs and table and a bed chair. I did have a coffee table, and a coffee machine. Bathroom was clean and well stocked.

Yes the room did creak a bit - that's part of being on a ship. Yes I did hear noise from the Solarium above (trollies being moved with food), but again that is what happens on a ship with steel floors.

 

If I could.....I would always be in a JS - even under the noisy deck..

 

I really don't understand all the 'tired' references. I saw a lovely ship with brilliant staff. Yes she is a different layout to the Rhapsody, but much of it, in my opinion is much better. I so prefer Legend for the Concierge and Diamond Lounges. So much better than Rhapsody. I did miss Giovannies!

 

I never saw anything dirty, or broken or rundown.

I did see lots of the usual ongoing maintenance like sanding and painting/varnishing. I did see all the new mattresses changed out (whole ship) in Singapore. I did see carpets being replaced.

 

I though the Cruise Directors team were really good. They ran some fun activities.

 

I didn't see my room steward a lot. But I did see my room cleaned beautifully, twice a day, with my ice bucket filled each time etc. To me a good room steward is one who learns my movements quickly and slips in when I am gone. I don't understand the need to 'see' them all the time. I did see the housekeeping boss heaps - walking the corridors asking if everything was good.

 

I did see general cleaning staff everywhere - handrails, toilets, glass hoppers etc.

 

I did MTD and usually late - so there was never a queue, always go the table size we wanted and had super service. We even got the big Maine Lobsters for free on Lobster night.

I only went to the Windjammer twice...but was able to find a table without any trouble and the place was cleaned quickly. I'm not a fan of buffet food.

 

They changed the smoking rules in Singapore as there was no smoking in the casino from there! Fantastic.

 

In public bars I didn't have to wait long for a drink. And If I did i could have walked to the bar and got one much quicker. I know there had been a lot of criticism of drink prices but I think $10 cocktails to be great!

 

I didn't have to get into the queues for tender rides. But the people I was travelling with all got first tender tickets without trouble. The queues to get back on were some of the quickest I have ever seen (apart from Airlie Beach but it is always slow there and as said above the swell did mess them up a bit.)

 

On the occasions I went to the pool deck I was able to get a chair or bed in the shade every time.

 

True the Legend doesn't have any of the bells and whistles that the bigger ships have but there was never any shortage of things to do. There were some great lectures (as well as a few shockers by one speaker), lots of trivia, crossing the equator, sexy man, belly flop etc. as well as all of the sports comps - golf, climbing, shuffleboard. I didn't manage to fit in all the things I wanted to do.

 

The Ports were fantastic. An amazing itinerary.

Koi Samui - private driver and a fantastic day. Temples

Bangkok - huge day with a few hours drive. Grand Palace and temples.

Cambodia - such a poor country with so much beauty. Amazing markets.

Saigon - Another long drive. SO MANY SCOOTERS and history. Much fun.

Nha Trang - Great Temples. Amazing food.

Hue - Great Temples. The Incense Village was so pretty.

Manilla. So much to see - Paco Park , American War Cemetery, Slums, up to Tagaytay for amazing food and views over the volcano - even a whiff of smoke, and Old Town.

Puerto Princesa - Batak Tribe and a canoe ride up the mangroves.

Kota Kinabalu - a cultural village and a disgusting zoo.

Bali - a drive up to Ubud - Monkey Forest, $13 four handed massage, great food, rice paddies and more.

Darwin - HOHO bus and a visit to Crocodylus to watch fools hop in a perspex tank and go into the water with giant beasts :eek:

Cairns - a drive up into the Daintree rainforest and a walk through the elevated walkway.

Airlie Beach - Segway through the rainforest.

 

I have heard people complaining that the ships were a long way from places like Bangkok and Saigon. How rude of those people to build there cities inland away from cruise ship ports. All port but Hue Vietnam, had plenty to do close by. It's just that I wanted to see the big attractions that were and hour or two away!

 

So basically I had a great time. Heaps of great people on board. Crew were fantastic.

Looking forward to going back next week for another 10 days!

 

 

So that's my take on the trip

Raina

[coolcruiser86]

Hi Raina,

 

Thanks for giving a counter experience. I think its great to hear both experiences and honestly, I am hoping that my experiences will be relatively low and end up being impressed. :D

 

My experience was very different.

 

I must walk around with my head in a bag! I didn't see a tired old ship. I didn't see any rust! At all - but then I got to relax not inspect metal on railing.

 

I just did 28 days on Legend - Singapore to Hong Kong to Brisbane and had a great time.

 

The negatives.

The WIFI was bad. Slow but I was able to upload photos. It just took time. It was fine for emails and checking facebook. But considering that I was floating on the ocean on a ship, I'm glad to have any wifi.Strangely it got worse in Australian waters. Some days it went for hours where you couldn't log on.

 

I had a few issues with two ships tours (some activities omitted, and a very sub standard zoo visit) - I went to discuss my issues with the appropriate people.

 

My air conditioning was not very cold....but like a grown up I picked up the phone and had someone come and work their magic. Then it was great.

 

I HATE the art auctions. I think they are a terrible waste of space and so much noise pollution. But obviously many people love them or they would not be in business.

 

I saw a few of the comedians and thought they were not even average. But other shows were good.

 

Meet and Mingles were very basic with an urn and some tea bags provided, and a plate of cookies.

 

The rest.

I had my first experience of a Junior Suite and I can total understand the obsession with them. It was amazing. SO BIG! So much storage. Giant deck with 2 chairs and table and a bed chair. I did have a coffee table, and a coffee machine. Bathroom was clean and well stocked.

Yes the room did creak a bit - that's part of being on a ship. Yes I did hear noise from the Solarium above (trollies being moved with food), but again that is what happens on a ship with steel floors.

 

If I could.....I would always be in a JS - even under the noisy deck..

 

I really don't understand all the 'tired' references. I saw a lovely ship with brilliant staff. Yes she is a different layout to the Rhapsody, but much of it, in my opinion is much better. I so prefer Legend for the Concierge and Diamond Lounges. So much better than Rhapsody. I did miss Giovannies!

 

I never saw anything dirty, or broken or rundown.

I did see lots of the usual ongoing maintenance like sanding and painting/varnishing. I did see all the new mattresses changed out (whole ship) in Singapore. I did see carpets being replaced.

 

I though the Cruise Directors team were really good. They ran some fun activities.

 

I didn't see my room steward a lot. But I did see my room cleaned beautifully, twice a day, with my ice bucket filled each time etc. To me a good room steward is one who learns my movements quickly and slips in when I am gone. I don't understand the need to 'see' them all the time. I did see the housekeeping boss heaps - walking the corridors asking if everything was good.

 

I did see general cleaning staff everywhere - handrails, toilets, glass hoppers etc.

 

I did MTD and usually late - so there was never a queue, always go the table size we wanted and had super service. We even got the big Maine Lobsters for free on Lobster night.

I only went to the Windjammer twice...but was able to find a table without any trouble and the place was cleaned quickly. I'm not a fan of buffet food.

 

They changed the smoking rules in Singapore as there was no smoking in the casino from there! Fantastic.

 

In public bars I didn't have to wait long for a drink. And If I did i could have walked to the bar and got one much quicker. I know there had been a lot of criticism of drink prices but I think $10 cocktails to be great!

 

I didn't have to get into the queues for tender rides. But the people I was travelling with all got first tender tickets without trouble. The queues to get back on were some of the quickest I have ever seen (apart from Airlie Beach but it is always slow there and as said above the swell did mess them up a bit.)

 

On the occasions I went to the pool deck I was able to get a chair or bed in the shade every time.

 

True the Legend doesn't have any of the bells and whistles that the bigger ships have but there was never any shortage of things to do. There were some great lectures (as well as a few shockers by one speaker), lots of trivia, crossing the equator, sexy man, belly flop etc. as well as all of the sports comps - golf, climbing, shuffleboard. I didn't manage to fit in all the things I wanted to do.

 

The Ports were fantastic. An amazing itinerary.

Koi Samui - private driver and a fantastic day. Temples

Bangkok - huge day with a few hours drive. Grand Palace and temples.

Cambodia - such a poor country with so much beauty. Amazing markets.

Saigon - Another long drive. SO MANY SCOOTERS and history. Much fun.

Nha Trang - Great Temples. Amazing food.

Hue - Great Temples. The Incense Village was so pretty.

Manilla. So much to see - Paco Park , American War Cemetery, Slums, up to Tagaytay for amazing food and views over the volcano - even a whiff of smoke, and Old Town.

Puerto Princesa - Batak Tribe and a canoe ride up the mangroves.

Kota Kinabalu - a cultural village and a disgusting zoo.

Bali - a drive up to Ubud - Monkey Forest, $13 four handed massage, great food, rice paddies and more.

Darwin - HOHO bus and a visit to Crocodylus to watch fools hop in a perspex tank and go into the water with giant beasts :eek:

Cairns - a drive up into the Daintree rainforest and a walk through the elevated walkway.

Airlie Beach - Segway through the rainforest.

 

I have heard people complaining that the ships were a long way from places like Bangkok and Saigon. How rude of those people to build there cities inland away from cruise ship ports. All port but Hue Vietnam, had plenty to do close by. It's just that I wanted to see the big attractions that were and hour or two away!

 

So basically I had a great time. Heaps of great people on board. Crew were fantastic.

Looking forward to going back next week for another 10 days!

 

 

So that's my take on the trip

Raina

[cheznandy]

Raina, thanks for your thoughts.

 

It's great to get everyones perspective:)

 

I know lots of cruiser's that love the Pacific Princess, but it's not going to have the facilities and space of a larger ship!

 

Agree re others complaining about the distance of cities from ports, a little research, google maps etc, we knew when we visited Asian ports with the exception of Singapore, that the capitals were a distance away. Having been to them on land based holidays, we totally enjoyed our days at Pattaya and Vung Tau (the highlight!!) no stress or long distance travel on a crowded bus.

 

Chez

[Aus Traveller]

True the Legend doesn't have any of the bells and whistles that the bigger ships have but there was never any shortage of things to do. There were some great lectures (as well as a few shockers by one speaker), lots of trivia, crossing the equator, sexy man, belly flop etc. as well as all of the sports comps - golf, climbing, shuffleboard. I didn't manage to fit in all the things I wanted to do. Raina

Thank you for your comprehensive review. It is interesting to read about another person's experience.

 

You have sparked my interest with your comment about lectures. I know there are two aspects - the topic and the lecturer. Which ones did you enjoy and which topics were shockers?