Legend of the Seas sails from Hamburg on Friday at 2 AM, by which time Ilona and I are up in the Viking Crown Lounge with newfound friends. An hour later, we close down the disco and there is really nothing left for us than to head for our cabins. Only six hours later, we are back in the land of the living as we open our balcony door to inhale some of that vigorous North Sea air. Legend is steadily heading north, and when we enter the Windjammer Café for breakfast the Officer of the Watch is just making an announcement to warn us for a ... rain shower!

Showers and sunshine keep playing hide and seek while we enjoy a fine buffet breakfast in Royal Caribbean fashion, which in our case means a ready-to-made omelette, a little fruit yoghurt and a roll. Or two. Coffee and tea are refilled by waiters from trolleys, and service seems to be friendlier and more attentive than what we are used to on Legend's fleet mates. Later in the cruise we discover that RCI has introduced a new service concept for the Windjammer Café. Each waiter has its own station, and his or her name is stated on cards on each table. Right next to the card are piles of little questionnaires that you are urged to fill in. It does seem to do wonders, because the service in the Windjammer is exemplary. Waiters run back and forth with coffee, iced tea and other things us passengers are unable to carry anymore due to our urge for food, food and more food... Tables are cleaned right away, and all staff seems to be friendly and eager to help.

Now, with service in the Windjammer being on such a high level, why is the food served here not equally good? I do like the breakfast in this bright and airy room, but the lunch offerings are on the simple side, with many ragouts and stews. As usual on Royal Caribbean ships, you should time your lunch with precision, as the fire doors (!) close at 2.00 PM promptly. That said, the Windjammer Café is heaven for the lover of sea, sky and the occasional stretch of land. Views from here are simply stunning, and what can be better than sit here with a cup of coffee gazing out over distant horizons? The room is spacious and has a very comfortable, stylish feel to it - nothing like a seagoing cafetaria! A beautiful large mural accentuates the sailing ship theme of this lovely Windjammer Café.