Turning 40 on the Legend Oct 23-31 Review w/ pics

[Eeyoregon]

First Sea Day (Monday): I'm starting to think I should have made notes along the way because I lost track of exactly what we did and on what day! We went to some of the late night adult comedy shows and enjoyed them. We checked out Karaoke one night and I decided that we would come back on my birthday (Friday) and do some singing (more on that later).

 

The first night at sea I slept like a rock! I lug my full-size body pillow, known as Big Blue, on all of my trips and that really makes for a good nights sleep. I slept sooooo well that I was late to our roll-call meet-n-greet, oops! I really enjoyed meeting those that were still there when I rolled in 20 minutes late!

 

After the roll-call I singed up for the slot tournament ($20 fee) in the casino. Hung around until it was time to play. Made it into the finals but didn't win. Got a t-shirt out of it and a 30% off voucher for the spa, which went unused. Witnessed my first hairy chest contest...pretty lame.

 

Found some of the girls soaking up sun on the adult deck so I joined them for a bit. Our first sea day FLEW by! I took a nice nap. This was our first elegant night so we all got spruced up and went to the Big Easy show before dinner. I really enjoyed the show and left more impressed than I had been the night before.

 

We stopped for some formal photos after the show and then made our way to dinner. One word: lobster. YUM!!! I have dined on lobster on all 7 of my cruises and this was by far the best that I have had. Cooked perfectly and melted in your mouth. After dinner we checked out the club. Not much happening that night...or any night for that matter. The 2 story split lay-out is awkward and doesn't really promote dancing, mingling or fun. And who came up with the idea of a rotating door and a spiral staircase on a moving ship in an area where alcohol is being served??? That's one sick sense of humor.

 

Hit the hay because Grand Cayman would come very early for our West Coast body clocks.

 

Grand Cayman: Surprisingly I woke up early. Popped out on the balcony and was tickled to see some new neighbors pulling in.

 

The new Celebrity Solstice. Beautiful ship!

 

We had ordered room service breakfast the night before and dined on that while getting ready. Note: room service arrived 15 to 30 minutes early every time and caught us sound to sleep a few times.

 

This was one of two tender ports. We made our way down to deck 1 all the way forward just before 8:00 and walked right onto the tender.

 

View of a tender boat from my balcony.

 

I booked stingray city independently thru MobyDick tours. We took a short walk to the meeting point and checked in. A few minutes later we were on a bus heading for the marina. Not going to lie when I say that driving on the wrong side of the street stressed me out a bit!

 

Our driver pointed out sites along the way and in less than 15 minutes we were at the marina. We boarded the boat, met our crew, got a stingray anatomy lesson and were off. Very nice ride out to the sandbar. When we approached the bar our captain decided that there were too many boats already there so he reversed our order and we went snorkeling on the reef first.

 

I have attempted snorkeling several times over the past 25 years and have failed miserably. It's a mind over matter thing but as soon as my face hits the water, I panic. I know this but can't overcome it. I put on a mask and snorkel and swim vest (optional...well, not for me!) and made my way into the water. Floated/bobbed/swam a bit. Eventually I did put my face in the water long enough to see some really pretty fish near the boat but never ventured to the reef. One of our guides dove down and found and eel and you could watch him feed it.

 

After about 30 minutes we climbed aboard and found our spot on the sandbar. I could not get over how beautiful the water was! Sorry, but Chrissy had the waterproof camera (more on that later) and was in charge of photos so I don't have any to post at this time.

 

The rays were GINORMOUS and I was slightly freaked out by them. As long as I could see them at all times, it was fine but when they would sneak up and brush against my leg I screamed like a girl. I did pet/touch them but didn't feed them. I even gave one a kiss for 7 years of good luck. Our guides were great and we had tons of hands on time with the rays. Amazing creatures and stunning location. We had to drag Maggie out of the water! She bonded with one ray and held her for at least 15 minutes and was in love. I am 5 feet 3 inches and the ocean was chest high or lower on me.

 

We climbed aboard and made our way back to the marina and back on the bus. Our driver pointed out the iguanas that were sunning themselves. We had the option of being dropped off at 7 mile beach or being taken back to port. We opted for port as the intense sun and time in the water had zapped us.

The driver dropped us off at a restaurant named Rack Um (sp?) near port. By mentioning MobyDick tours we were given a discount. Open air seating on the water with stunning views of our ship. Excellent food...had my first conch fritters.

 

We strolled back to port and checked out some of the shops. I bought some small cans of pineapple juice to go with some of my contraband. Walked right on the tender and back to the ship.

 

I was exhausted and chose to shower and nap. Sorry about the lack of photos but my non-waterproof camera stayed on the ship in this port and I haven't seen anyone elses photos yet.

[RedHeadTexan]

Great review so far! Happy belated birthday, we are celebrating my 40th on the Legend in January 2012. :D

[Eeyoregon]

Cozumel (Wednesday): We all slept in a bit since we didn't dock in Cozumel until 10:00. We started out the day with breakfast at the buffet and then made our way off of the ship and down the long pier.

 

We strolled around the port area and did some souvenir shopping. Some shots from my balcony as we arrived in Cozumel.

 

 

 

Oh, and some new neighbors off my balcony: Carnival Valor

 

 

Say cheese:

 

Let go of my friend!

 

I booked a day at Chakanaab park. Three of us did the dolphin swim and the other two just enjoyed the beautiful resort/property. We left the market area and piled into a taxi van for $3 per person.

We arrived at the park several hours early and had some lunch, played in the pool and explored.

 

It was time for our dolphin swim. Brief training in the hand signals that we would be using and then into the water. We each got to hold, pet, kiss, hug, take a belly ride and a kick-board foot push. There were 7 in our group and we all had lots of fun. After the dolphins we went to the other side of the lagoon and got back in the water to interact with a manatee. We got to feed and pet him and it was an amazing experience...so cute!!

 

I am still bummed at the fact that I didn't know that you were allowed to bring your own cameras during the interactions. I only had a disposable water camera but it would have been better than nothing but sadly it was locked in my locker and it was too late to go and get it once I realized it. Next time.

 

This is the port where my friend Chrissy discovered that her shatter-proof and water-proof camera was NOT waterproof. While in the pool she went to take a picture and realized that the camera had water inside of it and it would no longer power on. She was devestated and it made for a sad day for her. She had all of the stingray photos and food porn, etc. on her camera. We made the best of it and crossed our fingers that we would be able to retrieve the data.

 

We loaded back in a taxi van and returned to port. A fun day with the dolphins and manatees.

[Eeyoregon]

 

Cool yet creepy at the same time!

 

View of our ship and a new neighbor from Chakanaab Park

 

Area where dolphin and manatee interactions take place.

 

Pool on the left and ocean on right at Chakanaab.

 

The Imagination sailed in while we were at Chakanaab.

 

It was a great day in Cozumel.

[Naomi John]

 

 

 

I've noticed this in a couple reviews, are they building more on the actual pier?

[Eeyoregon]

I've noticed this in a couple reviews, are they building more on the actual pier?

 

Yes.

[sjcruiser]

More pictures and reviews, Thanks for posting.

[iwanngonow]

Hi Gina,

Your review is awesome and I'm glad you had a good time. Holly and I are giving Royal a shot in March and I'm going to attempt my first review with pics. You're doing a terrific job.

 

Take Care,

Curt

[Eeyoregon]

Hi Gina,

Your review is awesome and I'm glad you had a good time. Holly and I are giving Royal a shot in March and I'm going to attempt my first review with pics. You're doing a terrific job.

 

Take Care,

Curt

 

Hey, good to hear from you! What itinerary are you going on in March? That's our spring break but airfare is OUTRAGEOUS right now from Oregon!! Can't justify the airfare costing 3 times what the cruise costs, lol!

 

Gina

[boaterette]

Very nice. I am enjoying your reivew.

[iwanngonow]

Hi,

We're doing the southern caribbean Leaving from San Juan . I booked in July and airfare was $438 when I booked. Right now it's between $550 and $650. It's a little crazy. Cruise fare wasn't too bad, so I'm not complaining.

 

19-Mar San Juan, Puerto Rico 8:30 PM

 

20-Mar Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 8:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked

 

21-Mar St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands 7:00 AM 5:30 PM Docked

 

22-Mar St. John's, Antigua 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked

 

23-Mar Roseau, Dominica 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked

 

24-Mar St. George's, Grenada 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked

 

25-Mar Cruising Cruising

 

26-Mar San Juan, Puerto Rico 6:00 AM

[Eeyoregon]

Hi,

We're doing the southern caribbean Leaving from San Juan . I booked in July and airfare was $438 when I booked. Right now it's between $550 and $650. It's a little crazy. Cruise fare wasn't too bad, so I'm not complaining.

 

19-Mar San Juan, Puerto Rico 8:30 PM

 

20-Mar Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 8:00 AM 6:00 PM Docked

 

21-Mar St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands 7:00 AM 5:30 PM Docked

 

22-Mar St. John's, Antigua 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked

 

23-Mar Roseau, Dominica 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked

 

24-Mar St. George's, Grenada 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Docked

 

25-Mar Cruising Cruising

 

26-Mar San Juan, Puerto Rico 6:00 AM

 

Wowza!! That's one port intensive cruise...I need a nap just reading about it. Sounds awesome!! I really am quite bummed because I actually got spring break off from work and this is my oldest sons last spring break at home but the airfare is almost $700 per person to anywhere in Florida that week, sigh. This single mama can't swing $2,100 for airfare :eek:!

 

I'm counting on your review when you get back!

 

Gina

[MSRussell]

I am loving your review..I was on the legend in Sept. and had a wonderful time. Your pictures are gorgeous.

I agree about Ken singing...that was the best Maitre D' I have seen yet. I took my video camera and taped him singing, and the dancing waiters, and put them on You Tube.

Melanie

[crusing48/51]

L-O-V-E, loving this review! Thank you for taking the time to post. More please, as I'm following everything. It's a while until our time on the Legend, so this helps.

[Eeyoregon]

Cozumel Day continued: We made our way back on board and dispersed to our cabins...ok, so some of us swung by the ice cream machine in route to our cabins.

 

Tonight was Halloween on the Legend. While we were in port the Halloween fairies had been busy decorating the ship and getting things ready for the festivities.

 

We had costumes and wanted to enter the contest BUT it was during second seating dinner. What to do??? We freshened up and changed and made our way to the dining room around 6:00 and Ken was at the podium. Before I could say a word he said, "Let me guess. You want to participate in the Halloween festivities and would like to eat early?" Bingo! So we were taken to a table in our same section with our normal wait staff. Dinner was good but we didn't get the one-on-one attention that we were used to as early seating was much busier and our section was almost full.

 

We hurried back to the cabins to get changed. We stopped in the dining room to show our wait team our costumes. My group was going as towel animals. We were bringing to life what is left on your bed each night. We had brought ears, noses and tails and wore white towels. We had a professionsl photo done that turned out great but I don't have a scanner to post it with :( Halloween photos were only $14.99 instead of the usual $19.99. Here are some random shots taken during the evening.

 

Chrissy as an elephant.

 

Jennifer as a mouse and me as a giraffe.

 

Maggie as a bunny.

 

Noelle as a zebra.

 

Our group made it into the top 5 finalists but the prize went to a store bought, out of the box costume but no hard feelings.

 

This fella was at the bar staring at me.

 

We did stop by karaoke for a bit where the KJ was dressed as a well endowed banana!! He loved our costumes and gave us a trophy. It was a great night. We danced our tails off and then strolled around the top deck enjoying the beautiful night.

Edited November 15, 2010 by Eeyoregon

[catzcrazy]

First Sea Day (Monday): I'm starting to think I should have made notes along the way because I lost track of exactly what we did and on what day! We went to some of the late night adult comedy shows and enjoyed them. We checked out Karaoke one night and I decided that we would come back on my birthday (Friday) and do some singing (more on that later).

 

The first night at sea I slept like a rock! I lug my full-size body pillow, known as Big Blue, on all of my trips and that really makes for a good nights sleep. I slept sooooo well that I was late to our roll-call meet-n-greet, oops! I really enjoyed meeting those that were still there when I rolled in 20 minutes late!

 

After the roll-call I singed up for the slot tournament ($20 fee) in the casino. Hung around until it was time to play. Made it into the finals but didn't win. Got a t-shirt out of it and a 30% off voucher for the spa, which went unused. Witnessed my first hairy chest contest...pretty lame.

 

Found some of the girls soaking up sun on the adult deck so I joined them for a bit. Our first sea day FLEW by! I took a nice nap. This was our first elegant night so we all got spruced up and went to the Big Easy show before dinner. I really enjoyed the show and left more impressed than I had been the night before.

 

We stopped for some formal photos after the show and then made our way to dinner. One word: lobster. YUM!!! I have dined on lobster on all 7 of my cruises and this was by far the best that I have had. Cooked perfectly and melted in your mouth. After dinner we checked out the club. Not much happening that night...or any night for that matter. The 2 story split lay-out is awkward and doesn't really promote dancing, mingling or fun. And who came up with the idea of a rotating door and a spiral staircase on a moving ship in an area where alcohol is being served??? That's one sick sense of humor.

 

Hit the hay because Grand Cayman would come very early for our West Coast body clocks.

 

Grand Cayman: Surprisingly I woke up early. Popped out on the balcony and was tickled to see some new neighbors pulling in.

 

The new Celebrity Solstice. Beautiful ship!

 

We had ordered room service breakfast the night before and dined on that while getting ready. Note: room service arrived 15 to 30 minutes early every time and caught us sound to sleep a few times.

 

This was one of two tender ports. We made our way down to deck 1 all the way forward just before 8:00 and walked right onto the tender.

 

View of a tender boat from my balcony.

 

I booked stingray city independently thru MobyDick tours. We took a short walk to the meeting point and checked in. A few minutes later we were on a bus heading for the marina. Not going to lie when I say that driving on the wrong side of the street stressed me out a bit!

 

Our driver pointed out sites along the way and in less than 15 minutes we were at the marina. We boarded the boat, met our crew, got a stingray anatomy lesson and were off. Very nice ride out to the sandbar. When we approached the bar our captain decided that there were too many boats already there so he reversed our order and we went snorkeling on the reef first.

 

I have attempted snorkeling several times over the past 25 years and have failed miserably. It's a mind over matter thing but as soon as my face hits the water, I panic. I know this but can't overcome it. I put on a mask and snorkel and swim vest (optional...well, not for me!) and made my way into the water. Floated/bobbed/swam a bit. Eventually I did put my face in the water long enough to see some really pretty fish near the boat but never ventured to the reef. One of our guides dove down and found and eel and you could watch him feed it.

 

After about 30 minutes we climbed aboard and found our spot on the sandbar. I could not get over how beautiful the water was! Sorry, but Chrissy had the waterproof camera (more on that later) and was in charge of photos so I don't have any to post at this time.

 

The rays were GINORMOUS and I was slightly freaked out by them. As long as I could see them at all times, it was fine but when they would sneak up and brush against my leg I screamed like a girl. I did pet/touch them but didn't feed them. I even gave one a kiss for 7 years of good luck. Our guides were great and we had tons of hands on time with the rays. Amazing creatures and stunning location. We had to drag Maggie out of the water! She bonded with one ray and held her for at least 15 minutes and was in love. I am 5 feet 3 inches and the ocean was chest high or lower on me.

 

We climbed aboard and made our way back to the marina and back on the bus. Our driver pointed out the iguanas that were sunning themselves. We had the option of being dropped off at 7 mile beach or being taken back to port. We opted for port as the intense sun and time in the water had zapped us.

The driver dropped us off at a restaurant named Rack Um (sp?) near port. By mentioning MobyDick tours we were given a discount. Open air seating on the water with stunning views of our ship. Excellent food...had my first conch fritters.

 

We strolled back to port and checked out some of the shops. I bought some small cans of pineapple juice to go with some of my contraband. Walked right on the tender and back to the ship.

 

I was exhausted and chose to shower and nap. Sorry about the lack of photos but my non-waterproof camera stayed on the ship in this port and I haven't seen anyone elses photos yet.

 

Could you tell me a bit more about the adult deck? My DH and I will be on the Legend for the 12/5/2010 sailing and that will be the area of choice for us as we do not have any kids. Where is it located on the ship? Pool? Hot tub? Are kids restricted from the entire area or just the pool and hot tub if there are ones there? Any shade? I heard there is an ice cream place close - my DH loves ice cream. Is this true. This will be my 59th Bday and I am so ready to go. Can't wait to hear about Roatan - only port we have not yet been to.

 

Loving your review. Please keep it coming.

 

Thanks.

[Naomi John]

Yes.

 

Was there any indication of what they were building on the pier? Was there any conjestion because of the construction?

[Eeyoregon]

Could you tell me a bit more about the adult deck? My DH and I will be on the Legend for the 12/5/2010 sailing and that will be the area of choice for us as we do not have any kids. Where is it located on the ship? Pool? Hot tub? Are kids restricted from the entire area or just the pool and hot tub if there are ones there? Any shade? I heard there is an ice cream place close - my DH loves ice cream. Is this true. This will be my 59th Bday and I am so ready to go. Can't wait to hear about Roatan - only port we have not yet been to.

 

Loving your review. Please keep it coming.

 

Thanks.

 

The adult deck/pool/bar is aft on deck 9. There is a pool and hot tub(s), bar and covered area with tables/chairs and the open deck. Very relaxing out there and well enforced re: kids. I believe there was either ice cream right there or at the next pool area. Soft serve and the strawberry was yummy!

 

Enjoy your cruise and happy almost birthday!!

 

Gina

[Eeyoregon]

Was there any indication of what they were building on the pier? Was there any conjestion because of the construction?

 

I am assuming more stores/shops. Not congested at all. Here are some more pics.

 

 

[Eeyoregon]

Oh boy! Chrissy's photos were retrieved from her camera. Here are some of her photos:

 

Some more shots of my ginormous balcony. It was my very first balcony and it tickled me pink!!

 

 

Us on the tender boat in Grand Cayman.

 

The rays were HUGE!!!

 

 

Maggie and her new BFF.

[Eeyoregon]

Can you stand more photos? See what happens when I finally figure out how to post photos??

 

 

 

 

 

Chankanaab Beach:

 

Chrissy hugging a sea lion at Chankanaab park:

[jtdlmc]

Chrissy hugging a sea lion at Chankanaab park:

 

 

Oh my gosh, that is sooo cute! We're on the Legend in February and may just have to go there to find a sea lion to hug :p

 

Loving your review and so glad you got the pics of your friends camera!

Edited November 16, 2010 by jtdlmc

[catzcrazy]

The adult deck/pool/bar is aft on deck 9. There is a pool and hot tub(s), bar and covered area with tables/chairs and the open deck. Very relaxing out there and well enforced re: kids. I believe there was either ice cream right there or at the next pool area. Soft serve and the strawberry was yummy!

 

Enjoy your cruise and happy almost birthday!!

 

Gina

Thank you so much. That area is where we will most likely hang out. I am glad you had a happy birthday, and that balcony was incredible.

[BeccaBecca1713]

I remember walking past your door several times on the cruise! Loved your door decor. Also LOVED your creativity with the Halloween Costumes! Brilliant idea!!!:D:D:D

 

I'm just grateful that the Nacho Libre Need a Waxin' Lifeguard didn't win, LOL!!!:eek:

[Eeyoregon]

I'm just grateful that the Nacho Libre Need a Waxin' Lifeguard didn't win, LOL!!!:eek:

 

OMG! That "costume" was tooo much and just plain disgusting! Trying to forget it :rolleyes:.

 

My door signs are always a bit dorky but at least I know which cabin is mine, LOL!!!

 

Did you have a great cruise?

 

Gina