Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
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Bonsai Sushi
Bonsai Sushi / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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RedFrog Pub
RedFrog Pub / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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WaterWorks Aqua Park
WaterWorks Aqua Park / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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On-Deck Loungers
On-Deck Loungers / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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Truffles Restaurant
Truffles Restaurant / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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Cruise

Carnival Legend

Our Ship Review
by Lana Gates
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

This 2,124-guest Carnival Legend — the third of Carnival’s four Spirit-class ships — debuted in 2002 and emerged from a multimillion-dollar makeover in 2014 that added a WaterWorks aqua park, Guy’s Burger Joint (in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri), the Mexican-themed BlueIguana Cantina, the Cherry on Top candy shop, and RedFrog Pub where you’ll find Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red beer. 

Like most older Carnival ships, Legend’s décor channels a specific theme, in this case, “legends,” so you’ll find spaces like the Club Merlin Casino, the Medusa’s Lair Dance Club, the DreamTeam Sports Bar, the Enchanted Forest Interior Promenade, The Golden Fleece Steakhouse, and the Unicorn Café. Then there’s Alchemy Bar, one of Carnival’s more contemporary Bar concepts that somehow fits with its retro-inspired potion theme.

What We Love

Bonsai Sushi: Carnival Legend is one of more than a dozen Carnival ships with a devoted, full-service (for a fee) sushi restaurant, where you can order sashimi, rolls, and sake in Asian-inspired digs.

Hidden Whirlpool: This ship has two main pools and hot tubs on the Lido Deck, along with a whirlpool in the Serenity adults-only space. But many guests never find the fourth hot tub, tucked away in the spa. (Shh ... let's keep it our secret.)

Best Known For

Green Thunder Thrill Ride: Climb five flights of stairs to await your turn on this ultra-steep waterslide, then go speeding up to 25 miles per hour as you drop 34 feet, and take a short jut out over the ocean before you return to the deck.

Rooms With a View: A full 80 percent of Carnival Legend’s cabins include a balcony or window.

Who It's Best For

Families: Carnival excels at entertaining all ages, with specific Camp Ocean activities devoted to kids ages 2-11 and gathering spots for tweens (Circle “C”) and teens (Club O2), Broadway-inspired production shows, Punchliner Comedy Club acts, miniature golf, and the WaterWorks water attractions just a few of the many family-friendly offerings aboard.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Your Kids Won’t Miss You: Children likely won’t want to be pulled away from their exciting activities and programming when you go to pick them up from Camp Carnival for dinner.