13 questions

[croozluv]

Hi Everybody!

 

I'm planning a family cruise for 10 adults (5 cabins) on the Carnival Legend leaving from Tampa on Feb 26, 2012. I know it's far off but I'm super excited and cannot believe all the valuable information I have gotten from perusing Cruise Critic - things I would NEVER have known otherwise.

 

I have previously, years ago, been on a weekend cruise with RCCL but never with Carnival, and not for a full 7 days like we are planning.

 

Some of the information I've read, though, has my confused, probably because of my lack of knowledge on cruising in general.

 

Couple questions, and my apologies if these are stupid questions:

 

1. What type of glasses are provided in the cabin for wine/champagne? If it's simply plastic "gargling" glasses I'd like to bring my own. I understand I must bring my own corkscrew.

 

2. Do the ships ALWAYS have lanyards in the casino for my SS card? I'd hate to get there just as they are giving the last one out and have to keep track of my card all week.

 

3. Are coffees/expressos free in the dining room?

 

4. Will the soda card work in the MDR? Or will I be charged for any sodas I drink there? I'm assuming even with the purchase of a soda card that I will be charged for any sodas delivered by room service, right?

 

5. Can you pay for daily Bingo games with your SS card or do you have to bring cash to these games?

 

6. Do I have to take my passport off the ship with me? Or is my SS card all that is required? Concerned about getting it wet/stolen while off the ship. Can I punch a hole in my passport? Or does that make it invalid?

 

7. How much is tuxedo rental on the ship? Standard cost, I mean. My husband is not big, large or extremely tall. Can we rent shoes as well?

 

8. I understand that the Legend has refrigerator (minibar that I can empty) in suite and balcony rooms. What about oceanview/interior rooms? One couple in our party has booked an interior room - has anyone else sailed interior on the Legend that can fill me in?

 

9. Some threads say that juices are free on the ship along with tea and lemonade. Other threads say juices are included free on the purchase of a soda card. Anybody know?

 

10. I also read that a "Monkeyhead" can be purchased for $14.95, refills $5.95. What *is* a Monkeyhead? LOL! I'm thinking it's a glass shaped like a monkey? What type of drinks does this refill cover? Beer, wine, mixed drinks or just nonalcoholic drinks?

 

11. I've read about lottery tickets on the ship. Is this a ship-wide lottery or lottery tickets for the state of boarding? I'm guessing if it is ship-wide only, chances of winning would increase drastically Anybody know the cost for this, if it is paid for on SS or cash, and how often it is played?

 

12. I've read that most ships only require one card (SS) for charges, room key, dining assignment, etc. I've also seen that a limited number of ships require two cards, one for cabin access and one for charges. Anybody know which applies for the Legend?

 

13. The cabin we've reserved is 7298, port side aft with wrap around balcony. Anybody stayed here? The photo on Carnival.com shows the standard suite photo. Curious about others experiences in this room in regards to noise, space, etc.

 

So very sorry I have so many questions - my "newbie-ness" is showing through! Thank you all in advance for any answers you can give me. Maybe I won't feel so bad if this post can help other newbies too!

 

Thanks again, this site is TOPS and your answers are so much appreciated!

[paul929207]

1. Standard glasses in cabin are not wine glasses. You can ask your cabin steward and some will be delivered.

2. I wouldn't count on them having lanyards. Bring them from home.

6. You will not need to take a passport off the ship, just the ss card.

[Izzblizz]

I can help with a couple just from doing research here! But my first cruise is coming up too. A few of your questions not sure about so will leave those for others to answer.

 

Hi Everybody!

 

Couple questions, and my apologies if these are stupid questions:

 

 

3. Are coffees/expressos free in the dining room? Yes, everyone I have asked has said coffee/expresso/Cappucino is free in the dining room at all meals.

 

 

6. Do I have to take my passport off the ship with me? Or is my SS card all that is required? Concerned about getting it wet/stolen while off the ship. Can I punch a hole in my passport? Or does that make it invalid? DON'T punch a hole in it! They punch a hole through your expired passport when you renew it, etc. So a hole punch means "invalid passport"! I think it is a personal choice to carry your passport or not, if any chance of missing ship then may need it to fly. I personally have laminated copies of the first page (folded over and shrunk down on the printer for a convenient carrying size) that carry around when in a foreign place, but always keep the passport in the safe. I have heard others like to always have their passport with them. It really is a personal choice.

 

 

9. Some threads say that juices are free on the ship along with tea and lemonade. Other threads say juices are included free on the purchase of a soda card. Anybody know? Certain juices are free in the morning at the buffet. In the afternoon, I understand they just take the labels off, but the juice is still in the dispensers, so technically there is free juice. Also juice is on the room service menu. So also "free" from there.

 

10. I also read that a "Monkeyhead" can be purchased for $14.95, refills $5.95. What *is* a Monkeyhead? LOL! I'm thinking it's a glass shaped like a monkey? What type of drinks does this refill cover? Beer, wine, mixed drinks or just nonalcoholic drinks? Pretty sure it is a large carved coconut?

 

 

12. I've read that most ships only require one card (SS) for charges, room key, dining assignment, etc. I've also seen that a limited number of ships require two cards, one for cabin access and one for charges. Anybody know which applies for the Legend? Almost positive it is one card on all Carnival ships

 

 

 

Thanks again, this site is TOPS and your answers are so much appreciated!

[USAF&wife]

4. Will the soda card work in the MDR? Or will I be charged for any sodas I drink there? I'm assuming even with the purchase of a soda card that I will be charged for any sodas delivered by room service, right?

 

Your soda card works in the MDR and at every bar, just not for room service or anything you use out of the minibar in your room. It is a sticker on your S&S card, so be sure to bring your card with you.

 

I found that if I had the same waiter/bartender I didn't have to show it after the first day because they remembered me. Needless to say, that kind of service got them an extra tip at the end of the cruise.:D

 

Tamara

[zoncom]

Your passport is your most valuable possession. To only be used to get on ship and planes. It belongs in your moneybelt and your room safe on ship. Last price on blackmarket I was told in MIA office was $3500 minimum. A stolen PP enables someone who couldnt get into our country to get in , the bad guys.Tell your cruise companions also.

[firefly333]

Iv never once had trouble getting a lanyand in the casino, but you wouldnt have a choice of colors. Im trying to get all 3 colors .. they sell nice beaded ones in the shops for $8.95 in blue or red beads. RCL shops have it in gold which was nicer with clothes to me.

 

I would not bring glass glasses on the cruise. bring as little as possible. Travel light. You want to be able to easily manage what you bring. The only extra i bring is a lighted alarm clock.

 

I bring my driver's license into the ports as a picture ID. I once brought my passport and a bottle of water in my backpack spilled on it .. so now I bring my license. There will be people who say .. what if you miss the ship .. I will for sure never miss a ship. (knock on wood) .. Im careful and get back plenty early.

 

Every person will have their own S&S card and account. Someone may set up the fun pass to pay your account .. but everyone has their own account.

[tak81288]

2. I would bring my own lanyard just in case but its not that hard to keep up with your s&s as u are thinking. Seems as though I always had a beach bag or wrist wallet with me and kept it in that...especially when I was dressed nicely for dinner.

 

3. Yes

 

4. Yes

 

5. Yes

 

6. You only need your sign and sail and a picture id like a drivers license to get on and off the ship. You will find Endless debates on here of whether or not you should keep it on u. A lot of ppl are scared that they will lose or damage it. Others are afraid that if for some reason they miss the ship then they will need it. Its up to you if you if you keep it on the ship though.

 

7. Not sure of tux prices but you may want to rethink if you actually want to rent one...Carnival doesn't have formal nights anymore but "elegant" nights....I saw zero tuxes and only some suits...seems as though most guys just wore nice slacks and shirts....women mainly wore cocktail dresses or even dress slacks with nice blouses....If you want to get all dressed up in tuxes and stuff then go for it but you may be in the minority..

 

9. There will be a couple of fruit juices that are free only at breakfast. They are then switched out just before lunch to lemonade which is free all day. Some people may fill up a water bottle or something at breakfast to have fruit juice all day and others are fine with the lemonade

 

12. You will only have one card.

[kitty9]

1. Your room steward will bring any glasses you need

 

2. They usually have enough, but you can purchase pretty ones in the shop.

 

3. Yes

 

4. The soda card can be used at any bar/restaurant. But you can't use it for room service or from your in room frig.

 

5. Yes

 

6. Make a color copy of your information page of your passport and keep it with you. When you get off the ship in ports all you'll need is you sign and sail card and a photo ID like a drivers license. It's illegal to deface a passport. And why would you want to punch a hole in it anyway?

 

7. Don't bother with a tux, no one wears them and there's not really a formal night in the true sense of the word. Save the $125.

 

8. Never been in an inside cabin, but if you're counting on those fridges keeping anything cold, forget it. Lukewarm is more like it.

 

9. Juices are part of the soda card.

 

10. You can only fill the Monkeyhead with another of the same....not with anything else.

 

11. I've never heard of state lottery tickets on any cruise ship. They are ships registered in foreign countries. I've also never seen lottery tickets on any Carnival ship I've been on.

 

12. There's only one card.

[croozluv]

1. Standard glasses in cabin are not wine glasses. You can ask your cabin steward and some will be delivered.

2. I wouldn't count on them having lanyards. Bring them from home.

6. You will not need to take a passport off the ship, just the ss card.

 

Paul, I notice you comment on many posts. You're a wealth of knowledge. Thank you!

[croozluv]

Iv never once had trouble getting a lanyand in the casino, but you wouldnt have a choice of colors. Im trying to get all 3 colors .. they sell nice beaded ones in the shops for $8.95 in blue or red beads. RCL shops have it in gold which was nicer with clothes to me.

 

I would not bring glass glasses on the cruise. bring as little as possible. Travel light. You want to be able to easily manage what you bring. The only extra i bring is a lighted alarm clock.

 

I bring my driver's license into the ports as a picture ID. I once brought my passport and a bottle of water in my backpack spilled on it .. so now I bring my license. There will be people who say .. what if you miss the ship .. I will for sure never miss a ship. (knock on wood) .. Im careful and get back plenty early.

 

Every person will have their own S&S card and account. Someone may set up the fun pass to pay your account .. but everyone has their own account.

 

Great idea. I'm sure I'll have too much anyway and will have to cut back. Glasses are an easy thing to get on a cruise ship, guess I should have thought of that!:)

Thanks for the tip!

[croozluv]

2. I would bring my own lanyard just in case but its not that hard to keep up with your s&s as u are thinking. Seems as though I always had a beach bag or wrist wallet with me and kept it in that...especially when I was dressed nicely for dinner.

 

3. Yes

 

4. Yes

 

5. Yes

 

6. You only need your sign and sail and a picture id like a drivers license to get on and off the ship. You will find Endless debates on here of whether or not you should keep it on u. A lot of ppl are scared that they will lose or damage it. Others are afraid that if for some reason they miss the ship then they will need it. Its up to you if you if you keep it on the ship though.

 

7. Not sure of tux prices but you may want to rethink if you actually want to rent one...Carnival doesn't have formal nights anymore but "elegant" nights....I saw zero tuxes and only some suits...seems as though most guys just wore nice slacks and shirts....women mainly wore cocktail dresses or even dress slacks with nice blouses....If you want to get all dressed up in tuxes and stuff then go for it but you may be in the minority..

 

9. There will be a couple of fruit juices that are free only at breakfast. They are then switched out just before lunch to lemonade which is free all day. Some people may fill up a water bottle or something at breakfast to have fruit juice all day and others are fine with the lemonade

 

12. You will only have one card.

 

 

TAK AND KITTY: Thank you, Thank you for saving me a lot of money! I was under the impression it was super formal....whew! Probably would have felt uncomfortable.... Thanks again!

[navybaby1113]

I'll answer what I can. My answers are in red.

 

Hi Everybody!

 

I'm planning a family cruise for 10 adults (5 cabins) on the Carnival Legend leaving from Tampa on Feb 26, 2012. I know it's far off but I'm super excited and cannot believe all the valuable information I have gotten from perusing Cruise Critic - things I would NEVER have known otherwise.

 

I have previously, years ago, been on a weekend cruise with RCCL but never with Carnival, and not for a full 7 days like we are planning.

 

Some of the information I've read, though, has my confused, probably because of my lack of knowledge on cruising in general.

 

Couple questions, and my apologies if these are stupid questions:

 

1. What type of glasses are provided in the cabin for wine/champagne? If it's simply plastic "gargling" glasses I'd like to bring my own. I understand I must bring my own corkscrew.: The steward will provide you with the kind of glasses you need. They are the same glasses you would get at the bar or in the MDR. You can also ask for them at the bar if you don't want to bother your steward.

 

2. Do the ships ALWAYS have lanyards in the casino for my SS card? I'd hate to get there just as they are giving the last one out and have to keep track of my card all week.

 

3. Are coffees/expressos free in the dining room?: Yes

 

4. Will the soda card work in the MDR? Or will I be charged for any sodas I drink there? I'm assuming even with the purchase of a soda card that I will be charged for any sodas delivered by room service, right?: Yes, the soda card will work in the dining room. It will not work on room service or your mini bar though.

 

5. Can you pay for daily Bingo games with your SS card or do you have to bring cash to these games?: It used to be cash, but I'm pretty sure they take SS card now.

 

6. Do I have to take my passport off the ship with me? Or is my SS card all that is required? Concerned about getting it wet/stolen while off the ship. Can I punch a hole in my passport? Or does that make it invalid?: You don't have to take your passport, but a lot of people would recommend it in case you miss the ship. I never take mine. All you need to take off the ship with your is your SS card and a photo ID. Do not punch a hole in your passport.

 

7. How much is tuxedo rental on the ship? Standard cost, I mean. My husband is not big, large or extremely tall. Can we rent shoes as well?

 

8. I understand that the Legend has refrigerator (minibar that I can empty) in suite and balcony rooms. What about oceanview/interior rooms? One couple in our party has booked an interior room - has anyone else sailed interior on the Legend that can fill me in?

 

9. Some threads say that juices are free on the ship along with tea and lemonade. Other threads say juices are included free on the purchase of a soda card. Anybody know?: Certain juices are free at breakfast and through room service. You can also get juices for free at the bar with a soda card.

 

10. I also read that a "Monkeyhead" can be purchased for $14.95, refills $5.95. What *is* a Monkeyhead? LOL! I'm thinking it's a glass shaped like a monkey? What type of drinks does this refill cover? Beer, wine, mixed drinks or just nonalcoholic drinks?

 

11. I've read about lottery tickets on the ship. Is this a ship-wide lottery or lottery tickets for the state of boarding? I'm guessing if it is ship-wide only, chances of winning would increase drastically Anybody know the cost for this, if it is paid for on SS or cash, and how often it is played?

 

12. I've read that most ships only require one card (SS) for charges, room key, dining assignment, etc. I've also seen that a limited number of ships require two cards, one for cabin access and one for charges. Anybody know which applies for the Legend?

 

13. The cabin we've reserved is 7298, port side aft with wrap around balcony. Anybody stayed here? The photo on Carnival.com shows the standard suite photo. Curious about others experiences in this room in regards to noise, space, etc.

 

So very sorry I have so many questions - my "newbie-ness" is showing through! Thank you all in advance for any answers you can give me. Maybe I won't feel so bad if this post can help other newbies too!

 

Thanks again, this site is TOPS and your answers are so much appreciated!

[croozluv]

Thanks NavyBaby, I think I will just take glasses from the MDR, seems easier than bothering the steward....I'm sure he/she will be busy enough! Thanks again!

[infoprof56]

The only thing I didn’t see answered was your lottery question. They aren’t traditional lottery tickets. You buy a strip that has lift up tabs that determine if you win. It is a ship thing and as with all shipboard gambling the odds are long against winning.

[kitty9]

OK, now I see what was meant by "lottery". It's nothing like a lottery ticket, it's more like pull tabs. You purchase, if I remember correctly, a strip of either four or five, for $20. It's nothing like a lottery ticket where you pick numbers. And I agree with the above post, your chances of winning anything is pretty low.

[silvercrikhix]

Hello Daleswife......Our first cruise was on the Legend in March 2010....We stayed in 4228 - Aft wrap suite.....You Will Love It!!! I will try to answer some of your questions also:

 

1. What type of glasses are provided in the cabin for wine/champagne? If it's simply plastic "gargling" glasses I'd like to bring my own. I understand I must bring my own corkscrew. Our cabin had a large assortment of glasses.....wine, water goblets, etc..... The room steward will gladly bring you what you need otherwise.

 

2. Do the ships ALWAYS have lanyards in the casino for my SS card? I'd hate to get there just as they are giving the last one out and have to keep track of my card all week. Bring your own if you are concerned about this.

 

3. Are coffees/expressos free in the dining room? Yes

 

4. Will the soda card work in the MDR? Or will I be charged for any sodas I drink there? I'm assuming even with the purchase of a soda card that I will be charged for any sodas delivered by room service, right? Yes, included in Dining Room. Unsure of Room Service charging.

 

5. Can you pay for daily Bingo games with your SS card or do you have to bring cash to these games? We played with the SS card.

 

6. Do I have to take my passport off the ship with me? Or is my SS card all that is required? Concerned about getting it wet/stolen while off the ship. Can I punch a hole in my passport? Or does that make it invalid? DO NOT PUNCH A HOLE IN YOUR PASSPORT.....We make a color copy of our passport and take those ashore, just in case, and leave the original in the safe of our cabin....we also left a color copy at home. Treat the copies importantly as the original.....you don't want some crook using it to "make" a new one!

 

7. How much is tuxedo rental on the ship? Standard cost, I mean. My husband is not big, large or extremely tall. Can we rent shoes as well? Rentals were approx $100. Shoes were like $20.....Check gifts and services on Carnivals website.

 

8. I understand that the Legend has refrigerator (minibar that I can empty) in suite and balcony rooms. What about oceanview/interior rooms? One couple in our party has booked an interior room - has anyone else sailed interior on the Legend that can fill me in? Don't know about interior room. Steward cheerfully emptied the one in our cabin.

 

9. Some threads say that juices are free on the ship along with tea and lemonade. Other threads say juices are included free on the purchase of a soda card. Anybody know? Juice is included with breakfast.....don't believe its free with soda card...someone else may know better.

10. I also read that a "Monkeyhead" can be purchased for $14.95, refills $5.95. What *is* a Monkeyhead? LOL! I'm thinking it's a glass shaped like a monkey? What type of drinks does this refill cover? Beer, wine, mixed drinks or just nonalcoholic drinks? The coconut monkeyhead is a hollowed out and carved coconut with a straw and a drink cup inside.....the refill is for mixed drinks. We bought 2.....there were brawls back home over them! LOL

 

11. I've read about lottery tickets on the ship. Is this a ship-wide lottery or lottery tickets for the state of boarding? I'm guessing if it is ship-wide only, chances of winning would increase drastically Anybody know the cost for this, if it is paid for on SS or cash, and how often it is played? ?? If it's what we played.....they were like pull tabs.

 

12. I've read that most ships only require one card (SS) for charges, room key, dining assignment, etc. I've also seen that a limited number of ships require two cards, one for cabin access and one for charges. Anybody know which applies for the Legend? One card does it all.

 

13. The cabin we've reserved is 7298, port side aft with wrap around balcony. Anybody stayed here? The photo on Carnival.com shows the standard suite photo. Curious about others experiences in this room in regards to noise, space, etc. Loved, loved, loved the room....an actual 2 room suite....and the balcony is the boss of all balconys!!!!! Enjoy your cruise, it's a great ship and crew :+)

 

See my photo bucket link below for pic's of our Legend experience.....there are a couple of balcony shots.

[bobmal99]

There are mixed thoughts of taking one's Passport

on excursions. True you do not need a PP to get back

on the ship. However, if for any reason you get back late

and miss the ship and have no PP then you are in serious

trouble.

 

I suggest you take a color picture of your PP the

page with your picture and all the pertinent information

just in case..This will make it easier to get a new PP...

 

 

 

1. Standard glasses in cabin are not wine glasses. You can ask your cabin steward and some will be delivered.

2. I wouldn't count on them having lanyards. Bring them from home.

6. You will not need to take a passport off the ship, just the ss card.

[croozluv]

More great answers to my questions! Thanks again everyone....and also Silvercrikhix, glad to hear that it's really a great cabin, I was a bit worried that it wouldn't be worth the extra cost. Thanks for the insight!