Legend Review-10/2010-thru the eyes of a 1st time cruiser

[BarleyJack]

Just off the Legend this AM, made it home, unpacked, laundry is going. Organizing pics currently, hope to post some soon.

 

Had a great time overall-fantastic weather (although it did cloud up in Grand Cayman a bit).

 

To say it was an adventure would be putting it mildly. We had a rough start to say the least, but it all worked out in the end. More to follow!!

 

As a teaser, I will lead with this:

 

[billh65]

That is a tease ... about this time next Sunday, we will probably have exited Tampa Bay and head south toward Grand Cayman on the Legend. Looking for more details on whatever the adventure was!

[skings]

Patiently waiting for more. :)

[chadci]

We LOVED our week on the Legend. The CD, MD, ship etc. really made our week just wonderful and I'm almost worried our next one will be a let down :D

[BarleyJack]

Totally random-

 

Just made sure the toilet lid was down and stood back when I flushed LOL

 

Exiting the bathroom I unconsciously stepped over a non existent lip/barrier lmao.

 

Anyone else do this or am I really that weird? Wait-don't answer that

[vacruizer]

Totally random-

 

Just made sure the toilet lid was down and stood back when I flushed LOL

 

Exiting the bathroom I unconsciously stepped over a non existent lip/barrier lmao.

 

Anyone else do this or am I really that weird? Wait-don't answer that

 

Can't wait for your review! :D LOL - I think we all do it with the bathroom! I come home surprised that the toilet flushes without a loud thunking noise. :p

 

Is the room rocking yet? :p Kind of random whether you are afflicted by it. I feel like I'm swaying or rocking for about 4 days after a cruise but DH doesn't.

[Lv2Camp&Cruise]

Looking forward to more of your review. We board the Legend 2 weeks from today! :)

[RMM34667]

Also looking forward to your review.. 5 weeks till my departure:(

[BarleyJack]

So I guess I'll get started!

 

Saturday, October 2nd

 

So we live in the Nashville area. Me, 38 and a nurse. He is 40 and a respiratory therapist. If nothing else, our fellow cruisers were safe and in good hands LOL.

 

Booked this cruise months ago. Had never stepped foot on a ship this size, or been on a boat anywhere other than Lake Michigan, so you can imagine my anticipation.

 

This cruise had to be special-for reasons we won't get into-so we splurged. Booked an Aft Wrap Suite (thanks to you CCers); booked a room at the Sheraton Riverwalk in Tampa (way overpriced but like I said, had to be special :)).

 

So on the morning of our flight, we took the boys (the furry four legged kind) to stay at the "doggy resort"...always sad to leave them behind, but a necessity I'm afraid.

 

Drove to BNA (nashville international), checked in, waited, boarded...and flew on the "greyhound of the skies" (southwest of course). Love Southwest, everyone is always so friendly.

 

We landed in Tampa, and is it just me or is TPA the sister to MCO? Seems exactly the same as Orlando, thought we were going to Disney again! LOL

 

Anywho...took a cab to the Sheraton Riverwalk and a short ride later we were in our room. Being a Starwood customer we were "upgraded" to a king riverview club room. It was nice, but the club room wasn't open the following morning, making the upgrade pretty useless really. The hotel was nice, and we settled in. (looking back would stay elsewhere, wasn't worth the cost).

 

We decided to head over to Channelside for dinner. Fun place, although it was a bit of walk. We opted to walk it rather than cab it--with a week of laziness coming up perhaps the walk would do us good LOL.

 

Had dinner at a place called Stumps something or other. I had shrimp and grits-he had ribs. Both were surprisingly good. We ate outside, people watched and enjoyed the evening, looking at where our ship would be the following morning.

 

Then we decided ice cream would be nice, and this is where the "adventure" begins.

 

We went to the marble slab/coldstone/whatever-creamery for dessert. Don't get me wrong, it was good-but this was the last place the "card" was used.

 

Walked back to the hotel, went to bed (very comfy beds by the way), watched TV and *tried* to sleep.

 

Woke the next morning, and you-know-who (not me) couldn't find his debit/credit card. Holy crap. It was Sunday. Anyone know a bank in Tampa open on a Sunday morning? Yeah, we couldn't find one either. The ice cream place didn't open till noon, no answer when we called to find it.

 

Luckily I read (thanks again CCers) that if one were to use a debit card as deposit, cash might be better as the process can tie up accounts. We had plenty of money, just not access to all of it. Prior to our flight we had each pulled >200 in cash, just to be safe. But we wanted to be safer. With the card being lost we had it cancelled of course, but that left us with fewer funds than planned. Sigh.

 

Walked to the Publix nearby and cashed a check (max 75 as we were out of state). My card was nearly tapped with the hotel charges, but did have some cash too, but would have little, if any, for spending money. Then we sat down to talk.

 

We had booked and paid for excursions for everyday of the cruise, but didn't want to be broke. For Cozumel, we had booked the Playa Mia Beach Break- but decided to cancel it; see, when we booked it I was a drinker, and picked it because it included drinks in the fee; well, as I no longer drink (health reasons), we decided we would cancel it and just wing it in Cozumel (this turned out to be a great decision, more later). We also decided to cancel the Maya Key excursion in Roatan-that was going to be a laid back beach day anyway, and (thanks again to you CCers) I knew we could use the beach at Mahogany Bay for free for that.

 

Later, we also found out that personal checks can be cashed on board, for a fee of 5.5% per hundred--which is cheaper by the way than the $6 ATM fee onboard-thank God he brought checks, but its weird they were there because neither one of us remembered packing any.....hmmmm?

 

Tragedy averted. Tips would be covered. Souvenirs covered. Let the journey begin.

 

Having written all that I guess it doesn't sound so bad; but when one is planning a dream vacation it really was pretty stressful at first-please excuse the drama.

 

Anywho.....next morning off to the port! We had a general idea of where to be, having been there the night before. Got coffee at a candy store called Qaqballs (or something like that) LOL and NO its not pronounced like it is spelled!

 

Went to look at the ship! Amazing! Think back to your first embarkation--was just so amazing to see. Watched dock workers loading/unloading. Painting and window washing going on-a flurry of activity. I couldn't wait!

 

Staying in a suite we got VIP embarkation, even though it was our first cruise. We were escorted to the VIP area (and yes there were beverages available, despite what another thread reports), and were checked in. Cards in hand, we were led to the waiting area and told we would embark after the wedding party. It seemed like forever but it was probably only a few minutes.

 

Next thing we knew, we were onboard. After a whirlwind we ended up in the aft adult only pool area (which was enforced, by the by) and just GaWkEd. Were onboard by 11.15-11.30 at the latest I think, I really don't remember.

 

Then through the doors to Lido for lunch. I have no idea what we ate. But it was good. I remember not knowing what to do with my tray when I was done...I asked a very nice lady who told me, " Just leave it on the table, they will get it, you will be pampered this week". She and her travelling companion were both super helpful, we ran into them many times over the next week.

 

Off to explore the ship. We took the elevators down to deck 2 and just walked, then to deck 3 and walked. All the way up to the exercise room, up to the putt putt course (neither of which we used but it was nice to know they were there LOL).

 

By then our room was ready-we headed to deck 4, went inside, and set sail........

 

Pics::

 

Sheraton Riverwalk 6th Floor King Club:

 

 

View from the balcony at the Sheraton:

 

 

A video I uploaded to youtube of our room (please note I took this our last night at sea, so its a bit out of order)

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/BarleyJack72?feature=mhum#p/a/u/0/iqsbCYE1eD4

 

Please check out the video link, you have no idea how many takes it took LOL

[kittycrusin08]

Will be on the Legend 5 weeks from today. Enjoying your review very much. The video was awesome and would really love to have that cabin!!! Hope to read more of the review tomorrow. Thanks for sharing. ;)

[kjunea]

Hello Fellow Nashvillian! We are going on the Legend this next Sunday! I do have a question -- Where did you park at BNA? Did you use the long term parking or park off-site? Did you use coupons and if so, where did you find them?

 

We are also staying at the Riverwalk Sheraton, but we used Priceline and got a pretty good deal on our room. Looking forward to more of the review!

[BarleyJack]

Hello Fellow Nashvillian! We are going on the Legend this next Sunday! I do have a question -- Where did you park at BNA? Did you use the long term parking or park off-site? Did you use coupons and if so, where did you find them?

 

We are also staying at the Riverwalk Sheraton, but we used Priceline and got a pretty good deal on our room. Looking forward to more of the review!

 

 

Hey Neighbor-thanks for reading-we parked in the long term lot; we tried for A but it was full, ended up in B. 90$ for the week. No coupons, and please don't tell me they are out there--I'd have a fit LOL.

[BOUDREAUX]

Great review so far!!!! Looking forward to the rest, my party will be cruising Dec 5th. As per the last review enjoyed the video. Please do not keep us waiting too long I know your work hours you have plenty of time to write!!!! (LOL)

[whendoweleave?]

Thanks for taking the time!

 

--from a fellow Tennesseean

[BarleyJack]

Better keep moving I guess! After sail away we spent time on deck, exploring, people watching--headed to the cabin to enjoy that balcony!

 

Made it back up on deck to catch going under the skyway bridge! How amazing! I took a video, you can hear Weeee Jimmy in the background:

 

 

 

Eventually we had dinner, and wow is that dining room a sight to behold the first time LOL. Don't get me wrong, the Legend is beautiful and all--there were 2 times I thought to myself "What were they thinking?": the first time I saw Truffles, and the first time I saw the Follies Theatre. Really is a beautiful ship, those two areas just just struck me as odd though, please no flames lol!

 

For example-the pseudo murano chihuly looking chandelier that becomes a disco light!:

 

 

But I digress. Truffles was OK, for the most part. The food was good, sometimes great, and never awful. The service was hit and miss. Our server seemed really sweet, but totally overwhelmed and oftentimes we found ourselves being overlooked. She was busy, I get it. Its just that the service stood out, as everything else was so fantastic, if that makes any sense. Later in the week we got a new server, Wesly, and he was awesome.

 

Speaking of waiters and Truffles, here's a video I took of Ken Byrnes singing, followed by the waitstaff on the first Cruise Elegant evening:

 

 

 

 

So after dinner the first night we caught the Welcome Aboard show-Weee Jimmy is a riot! I had the pleasure of sitting next to him later in the week during "The Big Easy"-we had a great conversation--he's a really down to earth guy, and I really think he genuinely wants people to have a good time! Any way, after the show we headed back to the suite. It had been a long day.

 

Found this lil guy--walrus? seal? didn't care, was just happy to get one!

 

 

And thats the end of day one.

 

[cruise cutie7519]

I leave in 12 days or about 2 weeks from 10/10/2010 Can't wait. I'm glad to hear that you liked the Legend. My family likes the Legend. But i hope i can figure out how to post pictures when i get my photos down loaded:p.

I'm really looking forward to this cruise.

[cruise cutie7519]

Better keep moving I guess! After sail away we spent time on deck, exploring, people watching--headed to the cabin to enjoy that balcony!

 

Made it back up on deck to catch going under the skyway bridge! How amazing! I took a video, you can hear Weeee Jimmy in the background:

 

 

 

Eventually we had dinner, and wow is that dining room a sight to behold the first time LOL. Don't get me wrong, the Legend is beautiful and all--there were 2 times I thought to myself "What were they thinking?": the first time I saw Truffles, and the first time I saw the Follies Theatre. Really is a beautiful ship, those two areas just just struck me as odd though, please no flames lol!

 

For example-the pseudo murano chihuly looking chandelier that becomes a disco light!:

 

 

But I digress. Truffles was OK, for the most part. The food was good, sometimes great, and never awful. The service was hit and miss. Our server seemed really sweet, but totally overwhelmed and oftentimes we found ourselves being overlooked. She was busy, I get it. Its just that the service stood out, as everything else was so fantastic, if that makes any sense. Later in the week we got a new server, Wesly, and he was awesome.

 

Speaking of waiters and Truffles, here's a video I took of Ken Byrnes singing, followed by the waitstaff on the first Cruise Elegant evening:

 

 

 

 

So after dinner the first night we caught the Welcome Aboard show-Weee Jimmy is a riot! I had the pleasure of sitting next to him later in the week during "The Big Easy"-we had a great conversation--he's a really down to earth guy, and I really think he genuinely wants people to have a good time! Any way, after the show we headed back to the suite. It had been a long day.

 

Found this lil guy--walrus? seal? didn't care, was just happy to get one!

 

 

And thats the end of day one.

 

Was that the back of the ship? And what room? We got the back of the ship and the room number is 4241.

[billh65]

Great mix of text and pictures AND video links. Good audio of Ken B. in the MDR. My wife and I board next Sunday, Oct 17.

[gapearl]

Great review so far. Keep it coming. I love Wee Jimmy too. I can't get the image out of my head of him wearing a kilt and singing "All the single ladies!" LOL I'm glad you had a good first cruise and I'm sure it won't be your last. I can't wait to read more!

[CRJ700]

I love Wee Jimmy too. I can't get the image out of my head of him wearing a kilt and singing "All the single ladies!"

 

Oh please tell me someone has that on video! Please post.

[kjunea]

Hey Neighbor-thanks for reading-we parked in the long term lot; we tried for A but it was full, ended up in B. 90$ for the week. No coupons, and please don't tell me they are out there--I'd have a fit LOL.

 

Yeah, I have a coupon for one of the Parking lots on Murfreesboro Road that is for 2 free days. Notice on the BNA website says they will accept other people's coupons, so I'm going to call and make sure if they will take it. I'm used to parking for free since I am handicapped and have the lovely blue tag. But they stopped that a few months ago, so now I get to pay!

 

woohoo! Wee Jimmy is back as CD and Ken is still leading the dining room! Can't wait to read more!

[Lady_Jag]

Great start! Can't wait to hear more!:)

[gapearl]

Oh please tell me someone has that on video! Please post.

 

I wish I did! It was on the Freedom last year at one of the nightly shows where the audience gets involved. I don't remember exactly what happened, but he and a girl were on stage talking, and she must have said she was single, and then he just started singing it. He even did the little wave with the left hand Beyonce in the Single Ladies video. If you blinked you would have missed it, but for those of us who saw it, it was hilarious. I would cruise the Legend just to have him as a cruise director. He was quite entertaining! :p

[YB Nrml]

Also looking forward to your review.. 5 weeks till my departure:(

 

Have you joined us on the Roll Call board yet? Come on over!

[CrusinCyndi]

Did your cabin have flat screen tv's ?