Paid too Much for 10-night on Legend?

[dvcmember]

Just finalized my booking today. The itinerary was great in the Southern Caribbean to all new ports we have never sailed.

 

I think I got a great deal with the BOGOHO and WOW Sale ($200 OBC)

The final cost in an accessible outside cabin is roughly $2,100 including a couple of perks my TA threw in with the $200 OBC and trip insurance.

 

Did I get a good deal?

 

Best pat of all is 10 days on vacation. Has never happened before.

[Clarea]

What time of year is the cruise?

[cb at sea]

A "good deal" is what you can afford that seems fair to you....otherwise, I would assume you wouldn't have booked it!

 

Don't try to compare prices...they vary wildly. If you're ok with the price, then the price is fine! Don't "second guess".

[dvcmember]

The cruise departs the very end in February in prime cruise season out of Ft. Lauderdale

[LMaxwell]

I did the 10 Day southern from Fort Lauderdale on Legend just this March. I booked last August, so a bit over six months out. I can say this, prices ONLY went one way UP UP UP (okay, that's a bit of a lie, there was one teeny tiny price drop soon after booking, then they rocketed up).

 

Ended up paying cruise fare $850 per person. With taxes/fees, trip insurance, and gratuities we were right around $2300 total. We received $100 OBC and wine from our T/A. We were in an inside Cat L on Deck 6 (Large Interior cabin, but not an accessible).

 

Oceanview at the time I booked was just over $1K per person, I kept hoping for a price drop to upgrade but they went up, up, up to over $1500 pp and at the end the cheapest balcony rooms were more per person than our entire trip cost.

 

I would say you got a very good deal, especially considering you require an accessible cabin of which there are very few.

[dvcmember]

I did the 10 Day southern from Fort Lauderdale on Legend just this March. I booked last August, so a bit over six months out. I can say this, prices ONLY went one way UP UP UP (okay, that's a bit of a lie, there was one teeny tiny price drop soon after booking, then they rocketed up).

 

Ended up paying cruise fare $850 per person. With taxes/fees, trip insurance, and gratuities we were right around $2300 total. We received $100 OBC and wine from our T/A. We were in an inside Cat L on Deck 6 (Large Interior cabin, but not an accessible).

 

Oceanview at the time I booked was just over $1K per person, I kept hoping for a price drop to upgrade but they went up, up, up to over $1500 pp and at the end the cheapest balcony rooms were more per person than our entire trip cost.

 

I would say you got a very good deal, especially considering you require an accessible cabin of which there are very few.

 

Thanks for your positive words of encouragement. I think we will have a blast. Taking my Mom to celebrate her Birthday onboard.

 

How was the cruise overall?

Did you do a review?

Did you like the revitalization to the Legend?

[LMaxwell]

Thanks for your positive words of encouragement. I think we will have a blast. Taking my Mom to celebrate her Birthday onboard.

 

How was the cruise overall?

Did you do a review?

Did you like the revitalization to the Legend?

 

It was a very good cruise! We enjoyed ourselves. We are not gamblers or dancers, so I found late night entertainment a bit lacking (after 11PM). Ship was in very nice condition after the revitalization. Very easy ship to get around! Not super huge, no weird corners to get you turned around on. Our itinerary was Tortola, St.Maarten, St.Kitts, Antigua, St.Croix. 2 sea days at beginning, 2 sea days at end.

 

Here is my review.

 

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2009956

[dvcmember]

It was a very good cruise! We enjoyed ourselves. We are not gamblers or dancers, so I found late night entertainment a bit lacking (after 11PM). Ship was in very nice condition after the revitalization. Very easy ship to get around! Not super huge, no weird corners to get you turned around on. Our itinerary was Tortola, St.Maarten, St.Kitts, Antigua, St.Croix. 2 sea days at beginning, 2 sea days at end.

 

Here is my review.

 

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2009956

 

Thanks LMaxwell

[Hoopster95]

Thanks LMaxwell

 

I'd like to thank you for your excellent Legend review.... it helped me quite a bit. As of this morning I also have a hold for March 20, 2014 for a 10-dayer. You're one of the CCers who always have great posts and info :)

 

This cruise really fits into my bucket list agenda:

• never been on Legend
  
• superb Southern itinerary 5 ports
  
• I've never been to Dominica nor Tortola, and Antigua was 10 yrs plus ago
  
• great sale price!
  

 

... plus this is the final Caribbean sailing for Legend before it does the Canal a couple of times then off to Australia year round (and likely for many years again). Great ports, and a real active roll call already as I've been reading up tonight.

 

Regarding pricing, it's one of the best of seen for this time of year (spring break). My hold is approx. $2300 for 3 people (incl all taxes!!!!!) in an inside K on deck 6... plus $200 obc from Royal :D:D I believe the breakdown was approx. 1st person $1000, 2nd BOGOHO $450, 3rd $499... then add about $120 taxes each. Great price! not many balconies left it seems so much much higher in price, but a few afts available

[LMaxwell]

I'd like to thank you for your excellent Legend review.... it helped me quite a bit. As of this morning I also have a hold for March 20, 2014 for a 10-dayer. You're one of the CCers who always have great posts and info :)

 

Regarding pricing, it's one of the best of seen for this time of year (spring break). My hold is approx. $2300 for 3 people (incl all taxes!!!!!) in an inside K on deck 6... plus $200 obc from Royal :D:D I believe the breakdown was approx. 1st person $1000, 2nd BOGOHO $450, 3rd $499... then add about $120 taxes each. Great price! not many balconies left it seems so much much higher in price, but a few afts available

 

You are welcome. Some may find some other colorful things to say about my opinions:D, but I do always try to at least be factual and helpful in any ways possible related to ships or ports I've been to.

 

Just to give you insight, on my cruise Cat K originally opened for 969 and fluctuated from a low of 819 to a high of 1219(coincidentally mid summer of 2013 for a March 2014 cruise), with the pricing for the final two months being 1039. To be 3 with taxes paid for 2300 and $200 OBC is as good as it gets I think. A year ago it would have been $2400++ for TWO without taxes!

 

I've had more time to reflect on this cruise and the things it offered and the things it didn't, and have had a chance to get more perspective on things. If you have any questions I'll answer them, and let you know my two cents besides.

 

Edit: One of my favorite areas of the ship is the aft sun deck. A few reasons; it is hidden, it is quiet. You can lay on a chair in sun OR shade and watch the wake of the ship. It still has the original teak decking which, personally, I majorly prefer over the synthetic wood-appearance decks. Real teck is more "shippy" it offers more grip underfoot, and it is far more forgiving to bare feet as far as temperature goes. I just think it's one of the few places on the ship that is totally quiet, and old school. You can get there either going THROUGH the gym (starboard side single door entrance between Park Cafe and Drink Station, kind of a hidden door, or on port side through the spa (don't miss FREE SAUNA on Legend, and I think the relaxation room may have been free too - same view, out the back of the stern sundeck). There is also a staircase from Deck 10 near the rock wall. Probably 90% of people on board will never find it.

Edited June 4, 2014 by LMaxwell

[berylde]

DVCMEMBER:

How lucky you are to have 2 of the best responders to your post, HOOPSTER and LMAXWELL

 

When I was planning our 5/3/14 cruise on the Vision, she was based in Panama. As a result, there were very few posts about the Vision. Their pictures and reviews of the Vision were such a big help.

Hope your cruise on one of the smaller ships is great

[rjrpar]

Just finalized my booking today. The itinerary was great in the Southern Caribbean to all new ports we have never sailed.

 

I think I got a great deal with the BOGOHO and WOW Sale ($200 OBC)

The final cost in an accessible outside cabin is roughly $2,100 including a couple of perks my TA threw in with the $200 OBC and trip insurance.

 

Did I get a good deal?

 

Best pat of all is 10 days on vacation. Has never happened before.

 

We travel in February and usually pay $250-275 per nite for a balcony cabin. I think your $210 for an ocean view is a good, not great, deal.

Have a great vacation

[Clarea]

We travel in February and usually pay $250-275 per nite for a balcony cabin. I think your $210 for an ocean view is a good, not great, deal.

Have a great vacation

I agree with this, seems like a normal price, not bad, not good.

[dvcmember]

You are welcome. Some may find some other colorful things to say about my opinions:D, but I do always try to at least be factual and helpful in any ways possible related to ships or ports I've been to.

 

Just to give you insight, on my cruise Cat K originally opened for 969 and fluctuated from a low of 819 to a high of 1219(coincidentally mid summer of 2013 for a March 2014 cruise), with the pricing for the final two months being 1039. To be 3 with taxes paid for 2300 and $200 OBC is as good as it gets I think. A year ago it would have been $2400++ for TWO without taxes!

 

I've had more time to reflect on this cruise and the things it offered and the things it didn't, and have had a chance to get more perspective on things. If you have any questions I'll answer them, and let you know my two cents besides.

 

Edit: One of my favorite areas of the ship is the aft sun deck. A few reasons; it is hidden, it is quiet. You can lay on a chair in sun OR shade and watch the wake of the ship. It still has the original teak decking which, personally, I majorly prefer over the synthetic wood-appearance decks. Real teck is more "shippy" it offers more grip underfoot, and it is far more forgiving to bare feet as far as temperature goes. I just think it's one of the few places on the ship that is totally quiet, and old school. You can get there either going THROUGH the gym (starboard side single door entrance between Park Cafe and Drink Station, kind of a hidden door, or on port side through the spa (don't miss FREE SAUNA on Legend, and I think the relaxation room may have been free too - same vi.ew, out the back of the stern sundeck). There is also a staircase from Deck 10 near the rock wall. Probably 90% of people on board will never find it.

 

We love sailing Holland America. The itinerary really drew us to this cruise. I'm glad that they have an outdoor promenade and a teak deck for relaxing. The free sauna and steam is a plus too!

 

Was the MDR open for lunch on sea days and while in port? We thoroughly enjoy relaxing and eating in the MDR. I think from what I read from your review, there is a place to eat outdoors. Love that. Sometimes perks like this make me love small ships. Looks like we will not have to worry about finding coffee.

 

Thanks for all the helpful hints!

[Clarea]

We love sailing Holland America. The itinerary really drew us to this cruise. I'm glad that they have an outdoor promenade and a teak deck for relaxing. The free sauna and steam is a plus too!

 

Was the MDR open for lunch on sea days and while in port? We thoroughly enjoy relaxing and eating in the MDR. I think from what I read from your review, there is a place to eat outdoors. Love that. Sometimes perks like this make me love small ships. Looks like we will not have to worry about finding coffee.

 

Thanks for all the helpful hints!

The MDR on Legend is usually open for lunch only on sea days.

Edited June 4, 2014 by clarea

[xxoocruiser]

 

I think I got a great deal with the BOGOHO and WOW Sale ($200 OBC)

The final cost in an accessible outside cabin is roughly $2,100 including a couple of perks my TA threw in with the $200 OBC and trip insurance.

 

.

 

The $200 OBC was more likely from RCCL as part of the WOW sale and not from your TA. The trip insurance was most likely only the real perk extended by your TA.

[PerferWarmWeather]

I booked a JS on this cruise for $1,7,19.00 PP. I think it's a little high, but looks like a great cruise. I'm hoping for a price drop.:)

[Tiss 62]

This is ALWAYS a touchy subject, in our early days of cruising it was a subject of fascination.....but oh boy what a world of difference in the prices that people pay !!!! (and we always seem to end up paying more !!!:mad:) But ah well if you enjoy it DO IT !!!!!!!

[Clarea]

I booked a JS on this cruise for $1,7,19.00 PP. I think it's a little high, but looks like a great cruise. I'm hoping for a price drop.:)

Actually, that's not a bad price for a JS.

[PerferWarmWeather]

Actually, that's not a bad price for a JS.

 

Thanks Bob, you're probably right considering it's a 10 night vs. 7. It just seemed a little high to me.

[LMaxwell]

Serenade has a similar 10 night itinerary late 2015 and early 2016. Oceanview cabins are in the 750 range currently. I am sure that will climb

[Clarea]

Thanks Bob, you're probably right considering it's a 10 night vs. 7. It just seemed a little high to me.

We had 10 day cruise to the Southern Caribbean on Vision booked for Jan 2016, and the initial price was $1700pp for a JS. The BOGOHO lowered that to $1415pp.

[cruiseapril]

This RCI 10 day cruise itinerary (and the 11 day also) look like some of the best deals around for the number of days. We are looking at the Serenade for the future.

[Hoopster95]

If you have any questions I'll answer them, and let you know my two cents besides.

 

I'll take you up on a few questions :D

 

• Looking at the aft of the ship, what is on deck 5 and is it accessible to the public?
  
• Solarium... this may be a general question but I've never sailed with a teenager... is a 17 yr old allowed? What is the "adult only" age?
  
• Was Chop's good? I just got D+ so I'd like to take advantage of my BOGO coupon on the first night
  
• Schooner bar entertainer... any good? I know this is subjective with staff turnover, just wondering if it was typical sing-a-long, some interactive comedy, or strictly pianoman playing the classics.
  
• Viking Crown... nightclub after hours? 10:30pm??
  
• Did they have the typical Love & Marriage, Quest, Majority Rules, Finish That Lyric, etc etc game shows?
  
• Centrum... good dance venue? various music including latin? or mostly ballroom?
  
• Did you notice any cash Poker tables in the Casino in the evenings?
  

 

Thx LMaxwell :)

[LMaxwell]

I'll take you up on a few questions :D

 

• Looking at the aft of the ship, what is on deck 5 and is it accessible to the public?
  
• Solarium... this may be a general question but I've never sailed with a teenager... is a 17 yr old allowed? What is the "adult only" age?
  
• Was Chop's good? I just got D+ so I'd like to take advantage of my BOGO coupon on the first night
  
• Schooner bar entertainer... any good? I know this is subjective with staff turnover, just wondering if it was typical sing-a-long, some interactive comedy, or strictly pianoman playing the classics.
  
• Viking Crown... nightclub after hours? 10:30pm??
  
• Did they have the typical Love & Marriage, Quest, Majority Rules, Finish That Lyric, etc etc game shows?
  
• Centrum... good dance venue? various music including latin? or mostly ballroom?
  
• Did you notice any cash Poker tables in the Casino in the evenings?
  

 

Thx LMaxwell :)

 

• Nothing on deck 5 aft. Deck 4 promenade wraps around the rear; but no public space above it on 5.
  
• I believe the age is 18. I doubt anyone would bother a 17 year old. There is the Park Cafe in there as well as entrance to the gym and spa. Unless you are outside on deck 10 going through solarium is only way to aft sun deck.
  
• Chops was very good. It has a nice view/windows out of the rear of the VCL. They still had the old menu at the time.
  
• Schooner Bar had the regular piano singer, doing requests and some sing along stuff but I am sure plenty of classics. Schooner Bar is sort of a main thoroughfare through heart of the ship. I don't recall any comedy.
  
• Nightclub in VCL after 11PM, but VCL area relatively small due to Izumi and Chops getting a lot of the real estate. There was one 10PM - later deck party during our cruise too.
  
• Yes, plenty of Trivia. We were the newlyweds on Love and Marriage, only time I have seen a CD's jaw drop:D. Quest was alright; the fogeys wanted front row but wouldn't participate or MOVE out of the way. Karaoke too a lot.
  
• Centrum had a variety of music. Light strings during the day, a trio doing cover in the evenings. Some ballroom dance. Good mix. Older crowd on our ship; music seemed to have two flavors - Sinatra and if not Sinatra played very mellow.
  
• I didn't spend any time in the casino really. Sorry.
  
• One night time deck party in 10 days. Some dessert was served ( I think) but not a table of desserts and certainly nothing resembling even a third cousin twice removed from a midnight buffet
  
• Cafe Lattetudes on Deck 6 has free snacks, open until 11PM.
  
• Park Cafe opened late night, like 11-12:30 or so (I guess varies, check cruise compass). One night they had pizza (bad pizza is like bad...pizza), another night burgers. Always one or two snacks and fruit too. Or I guess I should say that was ALL they had, it wasn't the regular Park Cafe menu late at night.
  
• Seating outdoors for dining meant a covered area of the pool deck just outside of Windjammer with its own drink station. Really liked that area. They also did a few cooking demonstrations/sampling in this area throughout the cruise.