Carnival Legend Review June 9-16th

This review is of our trip to Seattle and Alaska on board the Carnival Legend. There were 11 in our party in all age ranges—from 12 to 85.

Most of us purchased FTTF, and all had balconies. Our family had an aft balcony (6262) and all the others had side balconies.

We booked the Small Boat Excursion in Tracy Arm through Carnival. Other vendors that we used were Chilkhoot Charter and Harv and Marv.

Our party flew in two groups: One group of six flew from Atlanta and the other 5 of us from Birmingham. The first group landed about 5 hours before us, and we all had rooms at the Crown Plaza SeaTac, and I can recommend it. Even though close to the airport, we never heard planes leaving or arriving and since it was close, it was less expensive than downtown hotels, yet easily accessible to the downtown attractions via the Link. It suited us perfectly.

We did not do anything special that first day as travel can be a little tiring, and we all wanted to be ready for…..

SUNDAY JUNE 7th

All of us woke up early due to "body time" but got up at 5:50. It was early, yes, but I was ready to see the sights and begin touring Seattle!

We all met downstairs and then walked the short distance to the Rail Link where we boarded the train to downtown at 8:15. Arriving around 9, we then walked to Public Market area, staying there only a short time before walking over for breakfast at Etta’s, and it was delicious.

Following breakfast, we walked along the waterfront and went to the Great Wheel. Most of of rode it and it had spectacular views of the city and Puget Sound.

We had read about the Seattle CityPass, so we purchased the booklets. Our first attraction was on the Argosy Harbor Cruise. The trip lasted about an hour and it sailed Puget Sound. It was a very nice way to relax, learn some of the history of the city, and see it from the water. Towards the end of the tour, we saw Pier 91 from which we would sail on Tuesday.

Following that we walked through the Seattle Aquarium. They have a wonderful selection of sea creatures and it was a fun way to spend the hour.

to be continued.......

We walked through the public market again, looking and shopping in some of the stores and watched them throw fish.

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Then we visited the Seattle Art Museum, and enjoyed the many and varied exhibits that were there.

It was getting onto the mid/late afternoon and we went to

the Crap Pot for dinner, which we enjoyed. It was a little warm in the area, so we thought we would cool off by getting some ice cream. After that we boarded the rail back to the hotel.

We're boarding the Legend in a little over a week, so I'm looking forward to the rest of your review. Thanks for sharing!

TUESDAY JUNE 8

We ate breakfast at the hotel and made reservations for a late lunch at the Space Needle for mid afternoon, the only times available.

Afterwards we boarded the rail again and shopped a little in West Lake Center before boarding the monorail for the Space Needle area.

We decided to first take the EMP museum tour which has an exhibit of original Star Wars costumes and a few props. If you are a movies gan,(like me) and a Star Wars fan (again, like me) It wa a lot of fun to see those as well as other exhibits concerning Sci if and horror films

Next we toured the Chihuly glass museum that had beautiful glass art work. Very impressive and worth the visit! It’s like walking into a Technicolor movie.

At last it was time for the Space Needle! All of us had lunch at Sky City with incredible views of the city.

Then we caught the monorail back to Westlake Center for more shopping before catching the rail back to the hotel to finish getting our packs ready to board the Legend!

TUESDAY JUNE 9

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, we all met downstairs and waited for the shuttle from Seattle Express which arrived right on time. There were a few others on the shuttle but we filled it up and were in our way to the pier!

We arrived at 10:47. then went through security and check in with ease. We were seated in the waiting area at 11:21 and were be able to board at 11:30. Without a doubt, this was one of the smoothest check-in’s we have ever had.

We all met on the Lido deck for a light lunch the went to our cabins. The Bon Voyage cake I had ordered was delivered and I placed an order for ice. We had invited all the others to our cabin for a little party as we left.

At 4:00 we had our muster station drill. It should have been at 3:15 but was delayed which delayed our leaving. Everyone came to our cabin and enjoyed the cake while the ship set sail.

We all met in the Truffles dining room for dinner. I had planned for each night to be a celebration for a couple or individual celebrating a significant event in their lives. That night Tonight we spotlighted my niece for her 11 years as a citizen and upcoming Gotcha Day. We then walked around the shops some and familiarized ourselves with the ship.

At 8:30 we met in the Follies theatre for a 9:30 show. Prior to the show was the usual bingo and my niece won $250.00, making the day even more special for her!

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10

We all met for breakfast around 9:00. On sea days a brunch is served and it is open seating so we did not sit at our usual table.

Following breakfast we went to the shopping area. DW found a ring which we bought as a 30Th anniversary present, and she received coupons to enter for a drawing later on the ship. (Good thing she got those, too—hint, hint.)

We went back to the cabins to just relax for a little bit. We read some (cruise and Alaska books!) and our DS returned from the gym.

Just as advertised, we found the weather in Alaska is very unpredictable. DW and I sat on the balcony and enjoyed the view and sun. Within 20 minutes the sun was replaced with clouds and an overcast sky and even a little mist.

At 2:45 everyone met at the dining room for Tea Time. That was fun since we had never done that before. Finger sandwiches, macaroons, salmon, cakes and of course, tea. Then we returned to our cabins to get ready for the first formal night.

We again had a wonderful meal which was followed by some tries in the casino.

After we changed clothes all of us except DW went to the Follies theater for a Motown review. It was a very good show if it was a little loud!

Te rest of us turned in for the night, ready to tour Tracy Arm on Thursday morning!

THURSDAY JUNE 11

I woke up in time to be at the gym at 6 and looked at the beauty we were approaching.

When I returned to the cabin, we looked out the balcony we saw some beautiful snow capped mountains and a little later some whales. At 10:30 we all met in the Firebird Lounge for the small boat excursion into Tracy Arm Fjord.

At 11 we boarded the small ship and set sail into a truly beautiful part of Gods creation. Having watched videos could not prepare anyone for the majesty and magnitude of the area. And other than the mountains and natural beauty we saw sea lions, eagles, otters, and two bears which we learned was very unusual.

The temperature was VERY cold and being overcast it certainly felt like Alaska, at least what we expected it to be.

It was a wonderful tour and a great way to spend our first day in Alaska

Enjoying your review

Gorgeous pictures of Tracy Arm. We're doing the small boat tour too.

More from Tracy Arm:

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FRIDAY JUNE 12

We woke around 5:15 and began to get ready for a day in Skagway. It is cloudy and cool and perfect Alaska touring weather

We left the ship around 7:00 and found the Chilkhoot tours representatives. We boarded the last car, 267, and the train left at 7:50.

Almost immediately upon leaving Skagway we were surrounded by such beautiful sights. Each one seemed more inspiring than the previous one. It is no wonder this area is called the Worlds Most Scenic Railway.

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Great review and pictures. My family was on the same cruise a week after you. We had great weather.

We left at 11:33 for the test of the tour by bus, stopping at several places for photo opportunities. The weather ranged from very windy and cold to calm and much more pleasant

Emerald Lake (and it WAS, too!)

Other places:

Skagway:

Skagway and Other places:

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One of the couples that did not go with us enjoyed a wilderness trail excursion. Another couple toured the city on their own including the Brothel above Red Onion saloon

After we returned to town we shopped in some of the stores on Main Street, before returning to the ship.

After dinner the younger folks went downtown again, and some retired to the cabins. I went to a show in the Follies theatre that was good. It was not spectacular, but was filled with songs about the history of Alaska, and being a history buff, I liked it.

SATURDAY JUNE 13

We met the reps from Harv and Marv around 7:20 and boarded the van for our whale watching excursion

The ride to the harbor had, again, beautiful scenery and took about 20 minutes. Our boat was basically a private excursion for us as it accommodated 12 and there were 11 of us.

As we were leaving the harbor, we could see Mendanhall glacier, behind us.

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It was a chilly but sunny morning as we set said and soon spotted otters and sea lions. But before long we spotted whales. DW had sharp eyes and she helped locate them and we saw many whales. At one point we saw a mom and baby whale swimming fairly close to our boat. Each time one was spotted our hearts raced a little more at seeing them.

I was disappointed to not have more pictures to show. Even as large as they are, by the time we saw the spray, then located them through our cameras to try to get their pictures, they were gone. But here are a few:

The tour lasted three hours and then we went back to the harbor. Another driver took us back to the ship but before that, we had a 15 minute stop at the Mendenhall glacier.

We had seen it while on the boat and it was beautiful to see it up close.

We had lunch at Tracy's Crab Shack and it was delicious! Following lunch we walked around Juneau and shopped some more.

We joined the long line to get back on the boat at 2:30 for. 3:00 sail time. We were delayed in leaving till around 3:30 but had a great day in the capital city of Alaska.

I forgot to mention that after we finished our Whale tour, we were carried to Mendenhall glacier for a quick stop of around 15 minutes

SUNDAY JUNE 14

We arrived in Ketchikan around 7:00 and got off the ship. Since we had no “official” excursions planned, we started on a walking tour and then decided to just walk on our own with no plan. Some shopped a little while others of us toured

We went toe Creek Street

Dolly's House which was interesting to say the least. She had a “talent” for decorating using unusual items.

We had lunch in a restaurant directly across from the Legend, and enjoyed the halibut fish and chips. Then it was time to head to the ship for 12:30 boarding and 1:00 sail time.

All of us went to our cabins to wait for dinner which was our second elegant night. Afterwards we looked at pictures before going to the Follies theatre to watch The Brits, a show about the British Invasion of rock groups in the 60s.

MONDAY JUNE 15

The day was primarily a sea as we did not arrive in Victoria until 7:00. We used the time to sleep in a little bit, but some went on a Behind the Scenes tour . I had done that two other times, so our family did not do it this time. Instead, we had breakfast in the MDR, them returned to to cabins to pack up for our departure on Tuesday.

We were given zone 15 tags but were able to exchange them for zone 2 since we had purchased FTTF.

When DW purchased her ring earlier this week she was given tickets to be entered for a drawing. The drawing was held today and SHE WON! The prize was an Invicta watch and she was told was valued at $695.00. Also she was told that one of the pictures that we had made last night was on display which meant we could get it free. (Considering all the other pictures we had bought, it seemed we should get at least one free!)

Dinner tonight was 30 minutes earlier than normal so we ate at 5:00. After dinner we all returned to our cabins to place our bags outside for assisted luggage checkout

We left the ship soon afterwards. There was a long line waiting to get off and many folks were doing as we were and just walking around the city. It is a pretty city, very clean with an abundance of beautiful flowers in yards an hanging baskets.

We walked along the waterfront before heading down to the government area. As we were about to leave the lights on them them were turned on and it reminded me of Main Street at Disney.

Everyone retired to the cabins and waited for our last night on the Legend

TUESDAY JUNE 16

Alas, our debarkation day arrived. We ate breakfast on Lido along with I think everyone in the ship. Not long afterwards we were able to debark and it went just about as easily as it possibly could have.

We got a porter to help us with the bags and before long were at the lane to catch a Seattle Express Shuttle to SeaTac. Again it was an easy process with the exception of a LONG line to go through security.

All the others soon arrived at the airport and while we did not meet up in the airport kept in touch via texts. We were back home a little after midnight and the others around 1:30

It truly was a fantastic vacation. Since I was the planner for the group and did the research and booked hotels, tours, etc. I had worried about the tours and hoped the others would enjoy them as well as the vendors. I needn't have worried. I don't think there was a hitch with any of them and they could not have nicer. It was just a fun trip with great friends and family and one that I will look back on with great fondness and memories.

We had looked on this as a once in a lifetime trip, something that many others on these boards have said. But like a great many others, who knows? Maybe a return to that beautiful state might be an option someday. I certainly hope so!!!

Thank you for a great review!

How long was the walk from the ship to anything of interest in Victoria?

What a wonderful family vacation ! You certainly created some great memories. Thanks for taking the time to share the report AND photos!

Please add your report to the 2015 List above ... it will be a great resource for future travelers.

Thanx for sharing, Diz

Ira

Thanks for those who responded and enjoyed the notes and pictures. I hope they can help others who are thinking about or have booked a trip to Alaska. If it will be your first trip, as this was for us, prepared to be amazed by the adventure. It is an incredible place to visit.

Some more odds and ends….

The walk that we took in Victoria was about about two miles, I would guess. As soon as you get of the ship, there are maps available that have a walking tour suggestion, which we followed. We considered signing on for the Buchart gardens, but I had read that of the 3 hours that it took, you spent about 1.5 hours on the bus, so we just opted to do things on our own. I really wish the stop in Victoria was longer than the 5 hours that was scheduled, and also earlier in the day. But it is what it is.

On the way down to the Government area, we passed by some homes and business that were on the water. Out of one of the windows of a home sat this little dog, and he was so cute, I had to take his picture.

I strongly encourage the small boat excursion in Tracy Arm. To me, that day was the highlight of the trip.

You’ve heard other posters mention layers for clothing? They are correct. The weather can change quickly in just a very short time, so layers is the only way to go.

They have also mentioned that there is no need to overpack. We had read that, and still DW and I and 4 checked bags plus two carry ons. Next time, we will know better, but I guess we had to learn for ourselves.

We were very satisfied with the outside vendors, Chilkhoot Charters and Harv and Marv. They gave us excellent service, were on time, delivered what they promised, and had a great staff—both pre-trip and on site.

The only disappointment on the ship was room service. Since we docked so early and had early tours, rather than go to the Lido deck, we ordered room service three days. On the sheet where you place your order, there is a space for the time you would like the service to be delivered. The first day, it was 30 minutes and passed us on the hallway as we were leaving. The second day, I put an earlier time, yet it was still late so we called. The rep said it would be soon be there, but “we had not been there the day before when it was delivered.” Oh, they should not have said that. I am a patient person, but if a time for delivery is requested, THAT is when I expect it. Not 30-45 minutes later.

The service in the MDR was exceptional, and we had no issues there at all. The food was delicious and I had no complaints from any in our group about the meals we received. And I loved it when one night I ordered the Melting Chocolate Cake and they brought two ice creams instead of one. Being a Disney fan, I saw the hidden Mickey immediately.

We had purchased Seabands for seasickness. I have never had an issue with seasickness, but had read about the first day from Seattle being rough sometimes. I have had other trips where the water was more bouncy that this trip, so we just stored the bands away in case we need them in the future.

Our room steward and staff were fantastic. It always amazes me how prompt they are and how effortless they make it all seem, when I know it is anything but effortless!

We enjoyed our aft cabin very much. There were no problems with smokers or noise, and it was great to step out and see amazing views on both sides. Here are some sunsets and views from our balcony.

I enjoyed your review, and your photos are fantastic!

I enjoyed your review, and your photos are fantastic!

Glad you enjoyed it. And it's really hard to take a bad picture with all that beauty everywhere!

Thank you for your review. Loved your pictures.

Thanks for great review! Planning stages for Legend cruise next Alaska.

Thank you so much. I really enjoyed your review. We don't cruise till July 2016, but it's never too early to prepare and learn as much as we can for our cruise. :-)