Carnival Legend has completed its $17 million ‘Aussification’ ahead of her first cruise season down under.

She is schedule to join her sister-ship Carnival Spirit in Australia on 22 September this year.

Prior to her visit the 2,124-passenger ship was sent to 2,000 workers in Freeport, Bahamas for extensive renovations.

This week she emerged for under the knife, with a range of new features including a number of Southern-hemisphere cruising firsts.

Among the upgrades includes the introduction of the Red Frog Pub – a Caribbean-themed watering hole bar; the brand new Bonsai Sushi serving Asian-inspired delicacies; and a Cherry On Top candy store which sells pick-and-mix lolly bags, fun gifts and novelties.

She joins Carnival Spirit as the first in the fleet to receive the Green Thunder waterslide, the SplashZone waterzone for children, Australian power points, Australian poker machines and new coffee machines.

She is also among the first Carnival ships to be equipped with the Dr. Seuss at Sea experience. This includes Seuss-themed play space, a selection of the much-loved books, toys and themed activities for children as well as Dr. Seuss characters to meet and interact with guests.

In addition to physical changes, Carnival Legend will also adopt new onboard entertainment like ‘Playlist Productions’, which is a range of new shows, combining live performances with special effects.

And she will undergo the Bigger Loser treatment, with trainer Shannan Ponton introducing do-it-yourself and group workout programs for the fitness centre and creating nutritious and flavoursome food for the ship’s ‘Freshie’s Corner’.

Carnival Cruise Lines vice president Australia and New Zealand, Jennifer Vandekreeke said the line is excited to introduce Carnival Legend to the Australian market.

“We’ve listened to what Australians love most about Carnival Spirit, and took into account the latest trends in hospitality on shore here in Australia and in the US to design the best upgrades for Carnival Legend,” she said.

“The result is a ship filled with delicious dining destinations, thrilling waterslides, vast spaces to chill out with a cocktail in hand, and a myriad of entertainment options.

“It’s a new and different experience in Australian waters.”

The ship will sail Australian and Pacific Island itineraries during the 2014/15-wave season.