Acting as the heart of Legend of the Seas, the seven-deck high Centrum is of jaw-dropping proportions. Designed by brilliant architect Njål R. Eide, the Centrum is truly a window to the world - there is glass everywhere! Daylight filters in from all angles, which makes the area feel alive at all hours of the day. Focal point of the Centrum are the twin glass elevators, and the enormous stainless steel work of art that spans some three decks in height.

Other than Legend of the Seas' younger sister Splendour of the Seas, the artwork is not suspended from the ceiling, but is mounted on the elevator walls - which makes for some interesting observations. Looking up from the marble floor on deck 4 the stainless steel and plexiglass creation looks like two birds of paradise; viewed from above it most resembles something created by Edward Scissorhands. Don't miss the large framed black & white photos of the artwork on the Centrum's lower level!

A successful atrium should be the hub of shipboard life. And Legend of the Seas' Centrum is most certainly living up to its name. From deck 5, electric doors lead out to the wide open Promenade Deck, while indoors guests can lounge in comfortable seating areas, overlooking the sea through larger-than-life glass walls. On higher decks, we find the Guest Relations Desk, Shore Excursions Desk, Library, Photo Gallery, Internet Cafe, Card Room and Crown & Anchor Room. A talented band plays nightly on the lowest level of the Centrum, where during our cruise one very hip grandma' was stealing the show on the dance floor. Cheered by a crowd of fellow passengers that lined all levels of the Centrum, she was not only stealing the show; she also stole our hearts.

As said before, Legend of the Seas is the trendsetter for a series of 6 Royal Caribbean ships, referred to as the "Vision class" ships. The interiors of all ships in this series are adorned with multi-million dollar art collections, countless live green plants and acres of glass, making them amongst the most photogenic cruise ships afloat. The attention to detail is astounding. Ceiling treatments are true works of art, just like the ship's directories. Signage is excellent, and the ships does not feel crowded, except perhaps in the huge two-deck high dining room at dinner! In typical Royal Caribbean fashion, the stairways are covered in a very thick neutral gray carpet, which is beautifully offset by the colorful, eye-catching works of art that adorn all stairway landings. I really feel Royal Caribbean should introduce guided art walks on their vessels!