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Carnival Legend Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,476 reviews
See all photos
Editor Rating
4.0
Very Good
Overall
Caroline Gladstone
Contributor

Carnival Legend is the third ship in the Spirit Class, which introduced some significant firsts for Carnival, including alternative restaurants and onboard wedding chapels. While the ship is on the older side, continual refreshes make it suitable for all kinds of cruisers; the ship is regularly deployed in Europe and North America, and has spent time in Australia.

Carnival Legend Deck Plans Received an Update in 2024 Refurbishment

The 2,124-passenger ship received an update in 2024 that added several of the line's more popular venues, including the Heroes Tribute Bar and the Chef's Table.

In addition, the Dreams Studio photography center and a dedicated space for shore excursions was added.

The 2024 refurb also refreshed and renamed the steakhouse, Fahrenheit 555, and spa as Cloud 9 Spa and Fitness Center. Gaming fans will be pleased with the expanded casino, while the ship's shops were also refreshed.

Families received some real estate in the refurb too. The top deck now has a mini golf course. The youth spaces Camp Ocean and Circle C were also updated.

The ship offers an active onboard atmosphere with the Green Thunder and Splashdown children's water slides, a drenching bucket, RedFrog Pub and the Cherry on Top candy store. On the entertainment side, Carnival Legend features Playlist Production music shows (think Motown and Epic Rock shows), as well as family entertainment that includes Seuss at Sea and Hasbro, the Game Show.

The central theme onboard Carnival Legend -- great legends of the world -- is carried throughout the ship's 12 passenger decks, 16 lounges and indoor and outdoor promenades.

At 88,500 tons and with a full capacity of 2,680, Carnival Legend just skirts the high side of midsized -- large enough, but not particularly crowded, except at breakfast and lunch in the buffet. We found it quite easy to find our way around soon after boarding, and the Carnival crew were always ready to lend a helping hand when needed.

Pros

Plenty of fun activities, free food options, a thrilling water slide and adults-only deck

Cons

Ship is on smaller side

Bottom Line

Family-friendly ship that has been kept up to date through recent refurbishments

About

Passengers: 2124
Crew: 930
Passenger to Crew: 2.28:1
Launched: 2002
Shore Excursions: 1010

Fellow Passengers

Given its size, Carnival Legend is flexible enough to handle many different homeports, ranging from the UK to Rome to Tampa, San Francisco and Galveston in the US.

In the U.S., the ship carries a broad cross section of (mostly) Middle America, with a large contingent of Canadians, as well as people from Britain and Australia.

Carnival Legend Dress Code

Daytime: Carnival has a pretty laid-back dress policy with jeans, shorts, T-shirts and bathing suits common throughout the ship.

Evening: Most evenings are Cruise Casual, where passengers can wear anything from smart jeans (no cutoffs) and dress shorts to trousers and casual skirts or sundresses. One or two nights per cruise will be designated Cruise Elegant. This is really left up to your own discretion; you can dress as fancy or as laid back as you'd wish. A two- to five-night cruise will have one Cruise Elegant night. Cruises of six nights or longer will have two.

Not permitted: As long as you're not wearing swimwear and workout clothes, and men don't wear sleeveless T-shirts or tank tops, you won't be turned away from the dining room.

For more information, visit Cruise Line Dress Codes: Carnival.

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More about Carnival Legend

Where does Carnival Legend sail from?

Carnival Legend departs from Tampa, Galveston, San Francisco, Miami, Dover, Dover, Rome, and Civitavecchia

How much does it cost to go on Carnival Legend?

Cruises on Carnival Legend start from $481 per person.

Is Carnival Legend a good ship to cruise on?

Carnival Legend won 1 award over the years.
Carnival Legend Cruiser Reviews

Fantastic Experience on Carnival Legend!

Can’t wait to sail again on Legend!Read More
Coylie

10+ Cruises

Age 60s

Great time but……

My first time on a cruise and I picked Carnival legend. Had a balcony room. Paid for the cheers package wifi and gratuities all ahead of time. Just wanted to have a great vacation.Read More
Booka01

First Time Cruiser

Age 62s

Loved every minute

My first cruise won't be my last and I plan to sail on the carnival legend. Great experienceRead More
Happy sailor1

First Time Cruiser

Age 60s

Love cruising on the Legend!!

Carnival offers something for everyone throughout the day. We spent most of our mornings/early afternoons on the Serenity Deck (adults only).Read More
adc5550

First Time Cruiser

Age 25s

Carnival Cruise Line Fleet
Carnival Elation
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