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

[Eeyoregon]

I've probably lost most of you with my lengthy delays in between posts...sorry. Combine working full-time, single parenting teens and the holidays and I'm having trouble finding time to blink.

 

Last Sea Day - Saturday: We all slept in that day. Noelle and I strolled around and then stopped for a bloody mary while they were still on "sale". I didn't have one but Noelle said it was one strong bloody mary! We decided to have lunch in the MDR. Sadly, I can not for the life of me remember what I ate! Must not have been fantastic. The other girls caught some sun on deck but I had enough of the sun the day before! Which reminds me: how is it that I am an extreme overpacker and remember everything except the aloe gel???? I ended up paying...hurts to even say it...$13 for a bottle of aloe gel with lidocaine in the gift shop. It seems to be the one item I always forget and always need because when I got home and put it away, I found the other 5 partially used bottles from other trips/cruises, lol!

 

This day went by soooooo quickly and the thought of packing up was lingering and I was feeling downright sad. Just before the show, our alcohol purchases were delivered to our cabin (around 7:00pm). We all went to the show that night and were very proud of our fellow passengers who performed in the show. That takes a lot of guts and now that I know more about it, I will definitely audition on my next Carnival cruise! The show was fun and we all had a great time.

 

Off to dinner one last time, sniffle, sniffle. We had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed one last night of fun with our wait staff and Ken. Lot's of hugging and goodbyes to Edgar and KK and some extra tipping for the amazing service that they provided to us all week.

 

After dinner we strolled out on deck and just enjoyed the sea breeze and star filled night. There is just something soooo peaceful about the sea as the ship glides through it. Priceless.

 

We had stalled long enough and needed to get our suitcases packed and out in the hallway. The little elves quickly wisked them away.

 

Noelle and I spent a few hours just lounging on the balcony. At one point we passed another cruise ship going the other way that was just starting it's fun. It looked so amazing all lit up in the dark of the night. Cracked me up cuz you could see people on the other ship flashing their balcony lights on and off to say hello. And a ton of camera flashes going off as they took pictures of us and we took pictures of them. Just two ships passing in the night.

 

It was time for bed. Put our last room service hanger on the door (coffee and juice), set the alarm for 6:30 and drifted off to sleep. Morning came early. It was time to say goodbye to the Legend, sigh. We vacated our cabins and made our way to the dining room for one last breakfast. What a nice surprise when we looked up and realized that Edgar and KK were our wait staff that morning! We enjoyed a nice breakfast and then headed for the future cruise desk where Jennifer and Maggie each purchased future cruise certificates...YEAH!!! That means I got them hooked!

 

We hung around in the lounge area just outside the casino and waited for our groups #11 and #12 to be called. With one last "bing" and "bong" our cruise was over. I was seriously choking back the tears. It had been such a magnificent week with wonderful friends and I couldn't have asked for a better birthday trip.

 

Our luggage was quickly gathered and we made our way through the customs line and were officially back to reality. Since our hotel did not provide return transportation to the hotel (where Jennifers car was parked) we needed to find a ride. There was NO way 5 people and 15 pieces of luggage were fitting in any taxi! We made our way across the street to the shuttle area and found a shuttle that would take us for $10 each...not a great deal but wasn't in the mood to search for something cheaper because it was pretty chaotic.

 

There were some other people on the shuttle who apparently were going to the aiport because the driver took us there first even tho we passed right by our hotel?? Since we were already at the airport it made sense for Noelle, Maggie and Chrissy to get out rather than go back to the hotel and then take the free hotel shuttle back to the airport. It's probably good that we didn't have much time to say our goodbyes because I was quickly becoming and emotional volcano. Jennifer and I hugged the gals goodbye. I was staying in the Orlando area for some post-cruise Disney fun. Jennifer kindly drove me to Orlando on her way back home. No traffic and a quick 45 minutes from hotel to hotel. I got checked in at Disney and said my goodbyes to Jennifer.

 

This is when the sadness really kicked in. Disney World is such a special place to me and my sons and when the reality hit that I wasn't with my sons and that my friends had all left, I was a blubbering mess!! I sat on my bed and cried for quite some time. I was spending 3 nights/4 days at Disney World alone. I have a dear friend that lives in Orlando so I met up with her the next night and we attended the Halloween party at Magic Kingdom which was a blast! I dressed up and everything!

 

In my short stay I managed to visit all 4 theme parks and downtown Disney. It ended up not being too lonely and I enjoyed doing some of the things that my boys never want to do when we visit together. On November 3 I flew back home to Oregon.

 

Here are some final photos:

 

Me and Freddy

 

The castle at Disney World

 

My hotel at Disney World

 

 

Me as Snow White at the Halloween party

 

Dressing as Snow White turned out to be a dream come true! So many little girls waving at me and asking for a hug and pictures. If I could turn back the clock and do it all over I would without a doubt apply for a job as Snow White at Disney World. Too old at 40 and way too "pooh size" these days :(. Suppose I could be the Fairy Godmother??? LOL!!

 

Happy sailing to everyone!!

 

Gina

[Eeyoregon]

I must say, you age very well!! I would have guessed very early 30's not 40!

 

Awe...you are too kind. I can assure that I don't act 40!!

 

Gina

[mariamherrera]

FANTASTIC REVIEW! We did soooo many of the same things on our trip!!!! wow really ironic!!! :) as you keep reading my review you'll find our two trips keep getting more similar!

[Eeyoregon]

FANTASTIC REVIEW! We did soooo many of the same things on our trip!!!! wow really ironic!!! :) as you keep reading my review you'll find our two trips keep getting more similar!

 

We just might have to cruise together some day cuz I got some serious junk in my trunk and could give Beyonce' a run for her money on the dance floor, LMAO!!! Medusa's Lair was unfortunately quite dead the entire cruise. The two story dance floor is just awkward! I think I did most of my dancing in the dining room :D!

 

So, do you have a cruise planned for next years anniversary? Some of my new cruise converts and I are planning one for early October or mid November. Really want to do an Eastern or Southern Caribbean and would LOVE to do an 8 nighter!

 

Gina

[beach410]

The other girls caught some sun on deck but I had enough of the sun the day before! Which reminds me: how is it that I am an extreme overpacker and remember everything except the aloe gel???? I ended up paying...hurts to even say it...$13 for a bottle of aloe gel with lidocaine in the gift shop. It seems to be the one item I always forget and always need because when I got home and put it away, I found the other 5 partially used bottles from other trips/cruises, lol!

 

 

I have done the same thing, now I have a travel size aloe that I keep packed in my toiletry kit so I cant forget it anymore! Nice review, good times, thanks for sharing!

 

And you look lovely as snow white btw!

Edited November 27, 2010 by beach410

[mariamherrera]

We just might have to cruise together some day cuz I got some serious junk in my trunk and could give Beyonce' a run for her money on the dance floor, LMAO!!! Medusa's Lair was unfortunately quite dead the entire cruise. The two story dance floor is just awkward! I think I did most of my dancing in the dining room :D!

 

So, do you have a cruise planned for next years anniversary? Some of my new cruise converts and I are planning one for early October or mid November. Really want to do an Eastern or Southern Caribbean and would LOVE to do an 8 nighter!

 

Gina

 

 

YES!!! we are planning on going again next November for sure!and realllllly want to so a southern as well!

 

we either want to do the 8 day to panama,costa rica, cozumel

 

or the 8 day to aruba, curacao, domincan repebluc, grand turk

 

or the 8 that goes to st. thomas, st martin, st. lucia. and one other stop I forgot!

 

:D hmmmm. I'm thinking we should join each others future roll calls! LOL and we can both shake the junk in our trunks!

[quickrate]

YES!!! we are planning on going again next November for sure!and realllllly want to so a southern as well!

 

we either want to do the 8 day to panama,costa rica, cozumel

 

or the 8 day to aruba, curacao, domincan repebluc, grand turk

 

or the 8 that goes to st. thomas, st martin, st. lucia. and one other stop I forgot!

 

:D hmmmm. I'm thinking we should join each others future roll calls! LOL and we can both shake the junk in our trunks!

We will be doing the 8 night on the miracle going to Aruba the beginning of Jan. and I promise to report back. I cruised with Gina on the legend even tho we never met. We made it to the sailaway meet and greet but not to the atrium the next morning. Was a fabulous cruise!

Pat

[mariamherrera]

oh PS- you looked ADORABLE as snow white!!!

[Eeyoregon]

oh PS- you looked ADORABLE as snow white!!!

 

Awe, thanks!!! I, like you, am my own worst critic and avoid the camera most of the time. But I decided to take that photo with my cell phone while I was waiting for me friend to arrive. I am so glad I did because it's a great memory of a fantastic time!!

I'm actually contemplating doing my real hair dark like that.

 

YES!!! we are planning on going again next November for sure!and realllllly want to so a southern as well!

 

we either want to do the 8 day to panama,costa rica, cozumel

 

or the 8 day to aruba, curacao, domincan repebluc, grand turk

 

or the 8 that goes to st. thomas, st martin, st. lucia. and one other stop I forgot!

 

:D hmmmm. I'm thinking we should join each others future roll calls! LOL and we can both shake the junk in our trunks!

 

Seriously, drop me a line and let me know when you choose a cruise. The two that you mentioned are the EXACT two itineraries that I'm looking at!

[jabberman_76366]

I enjoyed your review. Would love to go to Rotan. Did you have any problems doing the zip line?

[Eeyoregon]

I enjoyed your review. Would love to go to Rotan. Did you have any problems doing the zip line?

 

No problems at all. If you have never zip-lined, this is a great 1st time zip! If you have zipped before and are looking for more extreme/adventure, I would look into one of the other companies/locations on the island. It was an awesome experience with my friends and our two guides were a lot of fun and would do tricks as they zipped from platform to platform.

 

Gina

[Eeyoregon]

Yeah, I have something to look forward to!!

 

I am getting closer to picking my cruise for next fall. Here is what I have it narrowed down to and I would LOVE any input from those that have sailed on these ships and/or itineraries!

 

Option #1: 7 day Eastern from Miami on the Liberty on October 1. Stops at Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, San Juan Puerto Rico and Grand Turk.

 

Option #2: 8 day Eastern from Ft. Lauderdale on the Freedom. Stops in San Juan Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antiqua, Tortola and Nassau. Either the October 8 or November 5 sailing.

 

Option #3: 7 day Eastern from Miami on the Glory on November 6. Stops at Half Moon Cay, St Thomas, San Juan Puerto Rico and Grand Turk.

 

Thoughts, comments, suggestions and opinions are welcome!

 

Gina

Edited November 29, 2010 by Eeyoregon

[snow bunny]

Did you stay at the TownePlace Suites or the Springhill Suites? I'm curious to know if the TownePlace had a shuttle service to the port.

 

Snow bunny

[bbt7244]

We are staying at the TownePlace Suites in March and they have a deal with Veterans Limo (not really a limo) shuttle service for $10pp or $8pp for groups of 3 or more. They have a complimentary airport shuttle and also will take you to the International or WestShore mall.

[snow bunny]

We are staying at the TownePlace Suites in March and they have a deal with Veterans Limo (not really a limo) shuttle service for $10pp or $8pp for groups of 3 or more. They have a complimentary airport shuttle and also will take you to the International or WestShore mall.

 

Thank you for the quick reply to my question. We are a group of six so that seems reasonable for us. Any idea what a cab would cost for the trip back when we return from the cruise as we are staying pre and post cruise here.

 

Snow bunny

[bbt7244]

I had called and spoken with the hotel and they told me the limo company would pick you up after the cruise also. You make arrangements at the hotel to get to the port and with the limo company to pick you up after. Sounded like a really good deal to me. I thought the room price was great too!!!

[LuvinDisCruiser]

Loved, Loved, Loved the report.

 

Great pictures. Looked like you and your friends had such a great time. I would LOVE to do a girls cruise with my friends some day.

 

The funniest part was when you girls all had too much to drink, and stumbled back to the ship. Had me giggling ................. Especially when you friend only had her long t-shirt on, OMG Hilarious.

 

I bet there was a lot of giggling going on during this trip !

 

The BEST part was when you ended your trip in WDW. Awesome ! I would so do Disney all by myself and would enjoy it SO much.

 

Hey, by the way, are you also on the DIS boards, your screen name looked familiar. And, being a disney fan I thought you may be the same person.

 

Anyway, thanks for a great report. Thoroughly enjoyed it !!

[Eeyoregon]

Loved, Loved, Loved the report.

 

Great pictures. Looked like you and your friends had such a great time. I would LOVE to do a girls cruise with my friends some day.

 

The funniest part was when you girls all had too much to drink, and stumbled back to the ship. Had me giggling ................. Especially when you friend only had her long t-shirt on, OMG Hilarious.

 

I bet there was a lot of giggling going on during this trip !

 

The BEST part was when you ended your trip in WDW. Awesome ! I would so do Disney all by myself and would enjoy it SO much.

 

Hey, by the way, are you also on the DIS boards, your screen name looked familiar. And, being a disney fan I thought you may be the same person.

 

Anyway, thanks for a great report. Thoroughly enjoyed it !!

 

Yes, I am Eeyoregon on the DIS boards too! I'm glad that you liked my long-winded review! Yes, we definitely did a lot of laughing and are already planning another one for October!

 

Did you stay at the TownePlace Suites or the Springhill Suites? I'm curious to know if the TownePlace had a shuttle service to the port.

 

Snow bunny

 

We stayed at the Springhill Suites Westshore Airport. Shuttle to the port was $5 per person.

Edited December 13, 2010 by Eeyoregon

[ciship]

More pictures at Victor's:

 

 

 

 

We loaded back into the van and headed for the West End where Derek took us to a wonderful restaurant right on the water. We dined on the open air deck and enjoyed the water. Due to our unexpected ziplining and monkey stop, we were running out of time and had to make our way back to the ship :(.

I truly loved Roatan and am so thankful that we took a chance with Victor Bodden tours and experienced Roatan. This was my farvorite port and I can't wait to return someday. Oh, the cost per person for the tour was $25 and we tipped our two amazing guides extra (also tipped our ziplining guides!).

 

All aboard was at 5:30 and we made it back with about 30 minutes to spare...boy was the line to board the ship long! We split up and returned to our cabins to clean up. During this time the captain made an announcement that we would not be going to Belize the following day. Oh no!!!! I was soooooooooooooo looking forward to Belize as that was my actual birthday and we had a day of cave tubing planned. It had also been Noelle's dream to visit Belize for as long as I can remember and I broke down. The tears started flowing...mostly out of sadness and disappointment for Noelle. She was totally fine but I was crushed. I knew when I booked a cruise during hurricane season that anything could happen and it did. Hurricane Richard swept through Belize just the day before. The buoy's that mark the narrow/shallow channel for the ships had been ripped out of place and it would take dive teams to reset them so the Legend could not safely visit Belize. Understood.

 

We were going to Costa Maya, Mexico instead. I will tell you that the speed and level of efficiency by the staff of the Legend was impressive. By 8:00pm alternate shore excursions were in place for Costa Maya and Wee Jimmy was broadcasting live on the tv with information about our new port. Our funtimes that night had Costa Maya information and we were in route for a 9:00 am arrival.

 

We opted for the all day jungle beach break which included unlimited drinks for $49 per person (the main reason for choosing this excursion!). We stopped by the excursion desk after dinner and reserved our spots.

 

To be continued.....

 

If you HAD been able to stop at Belize, what Cave Tubing company had you booked with?

[Eeyoregon]

If you HAD been able to stop at Belize, what Cave Tubing company had you booked with?

 

We had a reservation with Vitalino Reyes (just do a web search and you will find his website). I was sad for him that our ship didn't port because that was a huge loss of money for his business that day :(.

 

Gina

[lovermonkey]

Thank you very much for the review. Love the pictures and your review. Happy belated bday by the way. My birthday cruise is in April. Going to turn 43. I might have to get one of those birthday cakes. Thanks again for taking the time to write this review.

[Eeyoregon]

Thank you very much for the review. Love the pictures and your review. Happy belated bday by the way. My birthday cruise is in April. Going to turn 43. I might have to get one of those birthday cakes. Thanks again for taking the time to write this review.

 

Thanks...glad you enjoyed it :D.

[Sargent_Schultz]

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

 

Me thinks they are replacing the duty free shopping gauntlet that was blown away by Wilma.

[freddymale]

awsome review, I'm going on the legend may first and cant wait.

and I will agree 40??? I always thought most women when they lie about their age, the say they are younger,

 

not that it matters what I say or think, but you look real good for your age.:D

 

I hope I can have at least half of the fun on my cruise that you had on yours

[Eeyoregon]

awsome review, I'm going on the legend may first and cant wait.

and I will agree 40??? I always thought most women when they lie about their age, the say they are younger,

 

not that it matters what I say or think, but you look real good for your age.:D

 

I hope I can have at least half of the fun on my cruise that you had on yours

 

:o Awe, shucks...thanks! I certainly don't act 40 :p!

 

You will have a great time on the Legend. Please have fun in Belize for me!!

 

Gina