The Seabourn Legend is one of three all-suite cruise liners operated by Seabourn Cruise Line. Built in 1988, she is 439-ft-long and weighs 10,000 tons. She joined the Seabourn fleet in 1996 and was last refurbished in 2005. She will go into drydock in Lisbon in April 2008, and renovations this time will include overhauling the ship's open-air, alternative dining venues in order increase their seating capacities and enhancing options for outdoor, evening entertainment. Seabourn expects renovations to all three of its ships to be completed by August 2008.
Aboard the Seabourn Legend, a mostly European crew of 150 and Norwegian officers cater to 208 well-heeled passengers on cruises in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and through the Panama Canal.
Originally designed to be the third Seabourn ship, the line did not take up the option and she was completed for the Royal Viking Line as the Royal Viking Queen. She then became the Queen Odyssey for a couple of years, before finally becoming the Seabourn Legend in 1996.
Monied passengers, both working and retired, are drawn to the small size, understated elegance, and excellent food and service onboard the Seabourn Legend. Many regulars, mostly Americans but also some Europeans, are loyal to Seabourn, some to a particular ship because of the winning staff. Many like the small size compared to the larger Silversea and Regent ships. Tipping is included in the fares but loyalists tend to add to that for individual servers.
The Legend's 7-, 14-, 21- and 28-day cruises ply the Eastern and Southern Caribbean and the Panama Canal in winter and the Mediterranean in the spring, summer and fall. Along with shore excursions to landmarks, passengers are treated to such events as private visits to museums and stately homes. Some make private arrangements with others and head off with a car and driver.
The graceful design and understated decor of this six-deck ship mark lounges used for socializing, learning, entertainment and dancing. The social center is a trio of glass-enclosed spaces located aft, including a lounge-cum-nightclub with hot hors d'oeuvres and music before dinner, an adjacent bar and small casino. In addition, there is a boutique, and a small library with books and videos. The King Olav Lounge, with tiered lounge seating, hosts the captain's party, lectures and most evening entertainment, which on this ship is usually performed by a multi-talented three-member cruise staff. A quiet spot is the forward-facing Midnight Sun observation lounge for its unimpeded views, afternoon tea, drink before dinner and electronic chart to check the ship's positon. The lido offers wind-protected deck chairs both in the sun and under cover, and the mezzanine above is available for open-air seating and jogging. The two whirlpools are more popular than the pool, though redesign has reduced its once-constricted feel. Weather and seas permitting, a stern marina is lowered for watersports. A third and very private whirpool is sited ahead of the superstructure at the bow.
An indoor or under-cover outdoor breakfast and lunch take place in the casual Veranda Cafe. A bar overlooking the lido serves soup and a single specialty at lunch. Evenings in the restaurant are dressy indeed, with up to four formal evenings on a two-week cruise. Other evenings, a jacket is required. Seating is open, including an adequate number of tables for two. Some passengers let the maitre d'hotel know that they would be happy to join others or have others join them. Bowing to today's tastes, Seabourn now allows a more casual dress code—jackets for men, and dresses, skirts or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women—for those dining in the Veranda Cafe. It is open most evenings as Restaurant 2 with a tastings or themed bistro menu such as Asian, modern Mediterranean and steakhouse. Reservations are required and there is no supplemental charge. Throughout, the food and service are superb, and selected table wines and spirits are included in the fares. Room service runs round the clock, offering selections from the restaurant menu served course by course.
The 277-sq-ft suites come with blond-wood cabinetry, picture windows, coffee tables convertible to dining tables, flat-screen TVs, CD and DVD players, stocked minibars with fine glassware, fresh fruit and flowers, safes, walk-in closets, personalized stationery, and marble baths with robes and dual basins (in higher categories). The 36 suites offer French doors in place of windows, allowing passengers to step ever so slightly out to a railing. In foul weather conditions, the doors may be closed remotely from the bridge. These suites command premium fares and yet are now the most popular of all and sell out quickly on most cruises. Only six suites have true private balconies.
A boutique ship offering every luxury in food, service and suite spaciousness, the Seabourn Legend should please those looking for an intimate social cruise or, if preferred, a completely private one.
