While Legend of the Seas might not be that different from Royal Caribbean's other Icon Class ships, it does a few things differently and it's a win.
No matter how many cruise ships Royal Caribbean builds, each new one comes with a few tweaks and adjustments. New shows and specialty dining are always going to be different, but other changes also get included.
I've scoured the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship for everything on Legend of the Seas that is new or updated to see which ones truly stand out as being better than we saw before.
I think it's great that even if this is the third Icon ship, it's not a carbon copy of the ones that came before it. It keeps things fresh, even if they didn't remove the screechy wire baskets in the staterooms yet.
Here are 6 improvements Royal Caribbean made on Legend of the Seas that are better than Icon or Star of the Seas.
The Pearl is what we always wanted from it
As soon as you board Legend of the Seas, you will instantly notice The Pearl here is very different from what you've seen on other ships.
Inside it's brighter, more colorful, and animated. It's stunning, and I dare you not to walk in front of it and not take a photo or selfie.
Earlier versions of The Pearl were impressive, but this one is on another level because of how beautiful it's interior is. I think this version is the vision for this space all along, but it took a few iterations (and time) to get it right.
I remember there was a lot of hype for The Pearl when it first opened on Icon of the Seas, but now we have a version of it that lives up to it.
Expanding the casino to two decks is a big win
There is a two-deck casino, which adds an additional non-smoking section to deck 3.
The lower level isn't as large as the main floor, but it does add quite a lot of new slot machines and tables.
There's a staircase in the middle that goes between both decks of the casino and a new casino bar at the base of the stairs. It reminds me of the stairs that lead to the casino on the Freedom and Voyager Class ships.
Royal Caribbean has prioritized more gambling space over the last few years, and in the case of Legend, the expanded casino replaces the ship's conference center.
Considering how popular Casino Royale has become in recent years, more slots and tables means less competing for them among fellow passengers.
Unlike the expanded casinos on the Oasis Class, this new area is connected to the main area so it feels less disjointed and you don't have to play the game of "I wonder if the other section is less crowded".
The rubber ducks carousel is undeniably cute
I never expected the new carousel design in Surfside to be as adorable as it turned out to be when a rubber duck themed design was revealed.
Everything in Surfside is meant to be for kids, but I can appreciate the carousel here has a cutesy look that fits so perfectly in.
In fact, Royal Caribbean has gone all-in with the rubber ducks on cruise ships idea with this new ship. The carousel embodies it, and there are plenty of duck shopping opportunities around the ship.
Each rubber duck on the carousel has a name and a backstory to it. It's going to be a challenge for children, when given the choice, of which they want to ride first because inevitably I think they will have favorites.
As an adult, I might not be as infatuated with each individual duck. But I do recognize this carousel is a step-up from the previous versions because there's clearly been more thought in how to make this one stand out.
Removing the comedy club is a miss, but Royal Railway looks incredible
I think every cruise ship should have a comedy club, however, there's no question Royal Railway is a very impressive replacement.
Royal Caribbean sought to build an immersive experience that makes you feel like you're dining on a classic train. Now it really looks and feels like you've stepped onto a real train station with cars ready to whisk you away.
I was blown away by the platform design, both in size and scope. There's even a bar on the platform, which I'm told will be open to all guests to stop by and enjoy drinks there.
I have yet to experience dinner onboard (look for my review later this week), but there's no doubt the Product Design folks went all out to make you think you're really on a train.
There are so many little details, including some very creative newspaper clippings near the bar. As a fan of quality design, I love how this new space really does make it feel like you've stepped from cruise ship to train station.
The crystal blocks are such a smart idea
Royal Caribbean shared a fun idea for their loyal members that reach a loyalty milestone while sailing on Legend of the Seas.
After getting 140 Crown and Anchor Society points, you're eligible for a crystal block gift. You'll get another every 70 points thereafter.
For Legend of the Seas, someone at headquarters got creative because there's a limited-edition Legend of the Seas Inaugural Season Crystal Block.
It features the all-new Legend of the Seas on the front and the original Legend on the back. It's a wonderful homage to the legacy of this ship's name, and I think loyal cruisers will appreciate the connection to Royal Caribbean's past.
There are so many more shops with things you might actually buy
I'll admit I usually breeze past most shops on a cruise ship because they're more or less the same, but they've re-thought some of the retail spaces on Legend.
While there will always be fine jewelry shops on cruise ships, I think Royal Caribbean rethought some of its shopping spaces to be more practical. I think people on a cruise vacation are more likely to be inclined to buy a fun souvenir than an expensive one.
Instead of Royal Bling, there's now a Sol & Sea shop that has more everyday clothing to purchase. In Surfside, there are shops with fun souvenirs to browse.
On the Royal Promenade, you'll find Jellycats, blind boxes, Funko collectibles and more. If you don't know, these are really popular among kids and collectors alike.
