Legend of the Seas?!?

[jamiski]

I went and saw my honey over his lunch hour today we walked around the cruise ship pier here in Vancouver, we talked about tipping in different countries. He found it very hard to believe what they paid waitresses in the US and understood why tips tend to be more generous south the border. He was in London last summer for 3 months, he was explaining to me some of what you said in your last post.

 

My first cruise was on Carnival with my Mom, we will NEVER again cruise with them. Since the gratuity was automatically added to your charge on everything, cabin steward, waitstaff, assistant waitstaff etc...the service was awful. I don't agree with slipping the staff (I believe in the US it is up to, from what I heard) $50, because I never have and have had great service from everyone on every ship except the Carnival.

 

I understand what you mean about them encouraging you to pay the staff salaries. Since, I have lived with a former Celebrity Staff member for the past year, I've gotten to know what the different staff salaries base at, some of the tip based people really need the tips because it is highway robbery what they are paid, where some of the optional tip people ie: the head of the Wait Staff are real estate mogels in their home countries.

[justaknucklehead]

The salaries paid to waitstaff in the U.S. is highway robbery also. It's way below minimum wage.

[BiggerBob]

Carol and Ruth,

 

Thank you for your positive remarks about LOS. My family and I are sailing on her Dec 3rd. I had been having second thoughts from some reviews I have read. However I think we will enjoy the atmosphere and service on LOS. It will be My DH and my 2nd cruise, first one 10 yrs ago. My DD and DS will be experiencing their first flight on a plane and cruise!

 

Now we just have to decide on our excursions:rolleyes: .

[Firefighterhoop]

I was on the Legend last winter. For a 10 year old ship she was in great shape, and that was BEFORE drydock.

 

The only problem I had with people was customer service. They had the "I don't have time for you" attitude. All the tipped employees (Room stewards, and dining room staff) were great!

 

If you like smaller ships, it is a great ship to go on! I prefer the bigger ships however.

[jamiski]

Thanks for the input.

 

My wedding cruise is still up in the air, I know RCI fans will run me off the thread but....the other cruise I am considering is the HAL Veendam.

 

I am a fan of the small ships myself, so its been a hard choice to make. Quality of staff is a big factor for me.

[cruiser_carol]

I was on the Legend last winter. For a 10 year old ship she was in great shape, and that was BEFORE drydock.

 

The only problem I had with people was customer service. They had the "I don't have time for you" attitude. All the tipped employees (Room stewards, and dining room staff) were great!

 

If you like smaller ships, it is a great ship to go on! I prefer the bigger ships however.

 

Hi firefighterhoop...(that's quite a name.).jamiski and all dicussing the Legend here. When the ship sailed from the Uk, the first 2 cruises had some niggles due to changing to pounds..automatic tipping..and service. the complaints coming across the board, were if you looked closely, by the same people. There were equally happy people at that time..but the complaints stood out and were led to infer a very unhappy cruise experience by ALL. A lot of the complaints were actually very solveable. Three courses at dinner, instead of 5. Three was fine for me, however, for those that it wasn't..it was simply 3 groups they had arranged everything into. But there was NO LIMIT on What or How Many you asked for. eg. soups, shrimp cocktail etc,and salads were all one cat.. But there was no problem asking for a soup and shrimp or salad. TIPPING.. we were led to believe that the tips at RCI's suggested rate were added to your seapass immediately at check in and that you had to stand in line onboard at the pursers to change it and sign forms, which were embarassing. This could possibly have been the case then..I had previously understood that you could say No at check in.. if that policy were in practice. In our case Nothing was added and we actually went to the Pursers desk to inquire on day 3. The suggested amount was £5.55 (about $10) a day each that covered all the dining room services and the cabin. As we felt this was fair and had little cash, we chose to accept this and add it onto our credit card. This seemed to please the staff at the desk,the fact we willingly wanted to tip, and advised us a letter of options would be put in our cabin at the end of week 1..which it was. A signature on the form and returning it to the post box (anonymously) set up outside the pursers, released you from any committment.I actually passed ,unrecognized ,the receptionist from the pursers who had assisted me..She made a special point of coming over to greet me and ask if everything was alright. We were just about to have dinner in the Windjammer. From June onwards, there seems to have been some sort of a major overhaul of personnel..bits and bobs of conversation regarding this were heard on our cruise which departed July 30th. We had the most amazing service and respect and friendly response From absolutely everyone... from the cleaners on the stairs, to the purser, the entertainment staff, to the stewards and waiters that you WOULD expect it from..to the security control going on and off the ship that you wouldn't.. to the photographers (2 of them) who spent endless time helping me understand my digital camera..fixing it when I messed up the settings and doing the same with my video camera that I had borrowed. They had all the time in the world and patience for me and smiled and greeted me every time I saw them. BEST OF ALL? of course, A captain that walked the decks chatting with the passengers..had a question and answer session in the Centrum allowing Passengers to ask ANYTHING about him, his life in Greece,or the ship. And many announcements telling us with brilliant humour eg. about the gale force winds that were about to hit.."You will be appreciating that you are on a ship for a few hours..I will be promising you sunshine again very soon" that meant all the decks closed, heavy seas, force 7 wind and a wave that came all the way up to deck 10. But we were fine and the captain kept his word and we had some lovely sunshine, as well as more winds ,and many more funny stories from him as well as helpful information. I DO THINK there was definitely a problem with money conversions initially..The dollar sign was simply changed to pounds..making drinks very expensive...but not for long..the message quickly spread and heads obviously rolled. Our experience was FIRST CLASS...Hope Everyone else enjoys the same experience. Carol

[3redheads]

We certainly don't want to hear you crying like the couple that never made it to Bermuda on the VOS due to weather. Missed her Bermuda wedding.

 

The first portion of your post was useful, but you always lose me with the "tongue in cheek" comments. Must you always try and impress us with your witty repartee?

[justaknucklehead]

I couldn't care less about impressing you or anyone else.

[settingsail]

Hi girls

 

Did you notice any changes on the Legend Carol ? I guess it was just in drydock . Apparently the Windjammer cafe was redone , some carpeted ares and the bedding ?

We are looking forward to a well decorated ship that represents ships of days gone by :)

Jamiski , thats wonderful that you met our hubby on a ship ! It seems that the Bride that just lost her husband on Brillance cruise met someone to , the casino manager :eek: LOL .I'm sure whatever you chose the wedding will be beautiful !!!

Have a wonderful day everyone !

[jamiski]

It's rare to meet someone on the ship with good intentions. My mom tried to hook me up that same week with our waiter, who I found out later was married with 3 kids. Luckily I fell in love with my honey!

 

Thanks for the kind words :)

 

 

 

 

 

Carol: Will read your post later, only got 1/2 way thru and must run :)

[ewheelock]

I have read somewhere that in the dry dock they added a Ben & Jerrys and a Lati-tudes. Does anyone know about that?

[settingsail]

Hi

 

No I haven't heard that , I tried to search under Legend od the Seas and Ben and Jerrys but I couldn't find anything . Sometimes I call them but they are probally sick of hearing from me LOL .

I think we will just be coming off our cruise when you board . You are going the first week in December right ?

Which stateroom did you choses ? You may want to see about an upgrade if you didn't get the Junior suite , I see many opened up on our cruise and I have heard they may give you the upgrade . I now wish I booked an outside window room .I think we did good thou , it was about $2600.00 for the 4 of us :O).

Let me know if you find outr about the Ben and Jerrys .

[cruiser_carol]

Hi girls

 

Did you notice any changes on the Legend Carol ? I guess it was just in drydock . Apparently the Windjammer cafe was redone , some carpeted ares and the bedding ?

We are looking forward to a well decorated ship that represents ships of days gone by :)

Jamiski , thats wonderful that you met our hubby on a ship ! It seems that the Bride that just lost her husband on Brillance cruise met someone to , the casino manager :eek: LOL .I'm sure whatever you chose the wedding will be beautiful !!!

Have a wonderful day everyone !

 

Hi again everyone, there definitely were improvements in the ship after drydock. It had been in Lisbon for refurbishments in April. Obviously, I'd been judging her looks in my mind from what photos I'd seen and what people on the boards had said...and some commented on tired looking, worn, ragged sofas in cabins etc. The first thing I observed was how fresh everywhere looked..no threadbare or even marked carpets..spacious stairways and public areas...clean paintwork...stairs and railings polished till they gleamed..corridors leading to cabins bright and cheerful with pictures and statues every so often to add interest. Deck 2 to deck 11..attention to detail was very much noticed. Lovely artwork on every stair landing.plants in the centrum. Glass, which is in abundance on the Legend..kept clean for a wonderful view. The Windjammer had extra serving counters added so either port or starboard side of the restaurant, will offer the same choices of food so no need to cross in and out of lines which cause congestion. Supposedly, as a result of this, tables were lost and we were advised there'd be waiting or sharing required..for a table. Well,That never happened..not even on departure day when Everyone on the ship were virtually there and we were in the height of school holidays with a completely Full ship. We simply ate at various times. The seats have been changed to shades of blue with a little print.I watched endlessly as the display of carved fruits and veg were changed prior to each mealtime to create a bright cheerful entrance..each meal a different design. I had expected this to be a pool cafe and was so surprised how lovely it was to eat here,there was also an outside area,but we loved it inside looking right out over the bow. Dolphins were leaping as we ate lunch our first day at sea.The Romeo and Juliet dining room was beautiful..I couldn't stop staring at the winding staircase joining the 2 levels and as we were seated by the huge windows, we had wonderful sunsets to watch and looking upwards..I could enjoy the reflections of the balcony above.. reflected in all the mirors and lites and the glass windows. really a beautiful room and one that set off the special chocolate midnight buffets nicely. The chairs had been changed in the dining room..compared to photos I'd seen. Carpets were being changed all thru the ship as I understand..they looked new. The soft furnishings also were either replaced or upholstered. the sofa in our cabin was a pale orange and in mint condition. In fact, Our entire cabin appeared to be freshly decorated. Instead of plain walls as in the photos, The bottom half was covered with a forest green color material similiar to suade..the top half cream color paint. The bedspread had a gold valance ..with a printed spread over top of forest green and gold..plain gold curtains at the window. The pale orangey color sofa with green and pale orange cushions. There was alovely framed picture over the sofa and another on one wall alongside the bed. The other wall by the bed had a very large mirror and several fan shaped art deco lights were either side of the bed and by the sofa. It really was a lovely room. Also, forgot to mention..A Ben and Jerrys' ice cream was added.(didn't really notice it.not sure if it was by the card room on 7) I did make use of the new Latte tude coffee bar..across from the photographers on deck 6..some of his display area was used for this purpose. My DH and I Sat there in very comfortable chairs.. sipping my mocha latte, his coffee..watching the sea thru the glass at the end of another wonderful day..just as night set in..and while the dvd of the previous cruise was playing on the screen beside me.What a wonderful life. I sincerely Hope that when All of you sail with Legend of the Seas..there will be no dissappointments ..and that it will be as lovely for you as it was for us. I can only judge by our experience..and we found a beautiful happy ship..I am hoping next year when we return with our daughters, the atmosphere will be Just as Good.

[jamiski]

First I want to say I am amazed how well this thread took off, I had it up for a few days with no response I was nervous no one had anything good to say about the Legend.

 

Carol: I thank you for everyone one of you detailed responses, I think RCI should be paying YOU! One thing I learned about the review section of this website is generally, not always, about 60% of people that write them just want to complain about something. It drives me nuts people that let one bartender or cocktail server or blackjack dealer or cabin steward destroy their cruise experience. I always give people the benifit of the doubt, if I don't service with a smile at the coffee bar I'll think 'maybe that person is having a bad day', before 'oh my god service on this ship sucks'.

 

I hope they worked out all the conversions before your next cruise, it sounded like RCI had no clue the pound and the dollar are different on the world market!

 

You mentioned how lovely the dining room is, did you sit on the 1st or 2nd level? Which would you recommend :)

 

I am glad to hear that Ben and Jerry's is now part of RCI, considering I am lactose intolerant :( :( :( WhaaaaaaH!!! At least my quest will enjoy it!!

 

 

 

SettingSail - We are sailing Dec 2, 2006. I have not booked yet, I'm giving people about a month to decide if they are going or not. I may book our room now though, so we can have a better chance of upgrades. We have a pretty tight budget, I know we can spring for lower ocean view rooms. When should I start bugging RCI for upgrades?

[jamiski]

You mentioned about the 3 course dinners instead of the 5. Is that a new thing, a Legend thing or a Europe thing?

[cruiser_carol]

Hi

 

No I haven't heard that , I tried to search under Legend od the Seas and Ben and Jerrys but I couldn't find anything . Sometimes I call them but they are probally sick of hearing from me LOL .

I think we will just be coming off our cruise when you board . You are going the first week in December right ?

Which stateroom did you choses ? You may want to see about an upgrade if you didn't get the Junior suite , I see many opened up on our cruise and I have heard they may give you the upgrade . I now wish I booked an outside window room .I think we did good thou , it was about $2600.00 for the 4 of us :O).

Let me know if you find outr about the Ben and Jerrys .

 

 

Hi guys, you are really going to get sick of hearing from me. as I said in my above message, there definitely were both. We were given a discount coupon for ice cream and coffees when we boarded. I had forgotten about it until now ..I couldn't remember ever seeing Ben and Jerry's., but had seen and used Latte tudes. I have found the answer. 2006 brochure for Legend was given to us onboard at the C&A desk and I have just had my first look at it. This is the first time I have seen a brochure on.. just the Legend .. and there are lots of photos. Checked the deck plans and Ben and Jerry's is part of Latte tudes ....which is on deck 6 across from the photographers. Hope this helps.

[jamiski]

Hi guys, you are really going to get sick of hearing from me.

 

You are a wealth of Legend knowledge!!

[phantom728]

Hello to all -

Thanks so much for the wonderful reviews on this ship. We changed our ship from the Grandeur to Legend leaving January 21, due to the uncertain conditions in New Orleans. I have also read mixed reviews, but was told my TA that Legend is a beautiful ship and that we would really like it.

 

Someone mentioned about cabins 3032-3034. I don't have info on them now, but we are booked in these cabins for our cruise, so I'll have more information then. Can't find on the link where I saw this.

 

Jamski - we met 3 couples on our cruise this past January that got married. One on the ship and 2 at the ports. From the conversations we had, they all had great luck and no trouble with weather:) Good luck, we're celebrating our 10th anniversary for this next cruise.

[WenD]

Hello jamiski!

 

I was married on the Legend last year 9-26-04. We did the Mexican Riviera because it was close to our home. I also booked a package thru Royal Romance. I enjoyed the whole experience. I can try to answer any questions you have. Good Luck!!

[cruiser_carol]

You mentioned about the 3 course dinners instead of the 5. Is t

hat a new thing, a Legend thing or a Europe thing?

I think the 3 courses were definitely started for the european market.I don't know if it will change when the ship returns to the US..obviously dollars will return..and I think the understanding of the pound vs dollar was possibly something they thought might slip past. However, there were far too many pasengers that cruised with them before and quickly observed the overpricing. I for one am very happy with the 3 courses.. as I saw No wastage what so ever in the dining room..No plates like mountains in the Windjammer.. that were later left half eaten. I am American myself, and remember well the days of the ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFETS when I lived in florida... and portions in restaurants that could feed 4..but I always hated the mountains of wasted food. The British for the most part..have a very patient, well mannered behaviour towards food..There were certainly people asking for more than what I had, but with buffets for lunch, breakfast and an occasional snack..It seemed like we were always eating..Everyone onboard our cruise seemed very happy with the 3 courses.We preferred late sitting so I could see all the sailings from port which were mainly. 5 -6 pm and I didn't lose any of the day rushing to get to an early meal. We were on the lower level of the dining room..deck 4 starboard..table 142 ..by the window.. seating 8. We shared with a couple from near our own home town ,onboard with their daughter and husbands parents.Our meal started at 8.45pm and we normally finished around 10-10.15pm (10.30 -10.45 on specialty nights.) at 11.30 on several occasions they had a midnight buffet, including a whole roasted pig, on the pool deck. It was wonderful the night we sailed from the French Riviera at midnight and everyone was on deck dancing and eating..the harbor lites shone all around us..the ship looked fantastic all lit up. and fireworks were going off from Monte Carlo in the distance. It was amazing. We also had 2 chocolate midnight buffets in the dining room, with ice sculptures and food carvings.It was all wonderful. Just in case RCI are listening, I'll happily accept any discounts from you towards my next cruise for all my recommendations to cruise on the Legend. However, I am more likely to be billed by them, for taking up too much time and space on their board . All the best Carol

[jamiski]

WenD - Thanks for the offer, I can't think of anything specifc at the moment. I will let you know when I do. I am glad to hear someone had a good experience with them, I was getting worried.

 

 

Carol - I've always enjoyed the long dinners on cruises, but I agree with you on the 3 courses less waste and honesty, who needs that much food after you've been eating all day!!

 

I always try to pace myself, but I am sucker for the breakfast buffet!

[settingsail]

Hi Carol

I love your review , take as much time as you like :) . I just told DH that he is going to have to read your wonderful review on the Legend . Which room did you stay in ? I have twin 4 year olds and we are booked for the late seating , did you hapopen to see any young children at this seating ? I heard many cruise ship have done away with midnight buffets . I am so happy to hear they have a few . I hope the oceaneers club is open at those times , or they have a sitting service onboard . If not DH and I will have to take turns going .

Jamiski - You probally can't ask for an upgrade till you arrive at the terminal , when we got married off the Westerndam they gave us a free upgrade because they had rooms available . Make sure you point out your getting marrried on the ship .

[settingsail]

Oh , I hope this picture works . We just lost our Samoyed on Thursday and I always wanted to post of picture of the girls with her but have never been able to figure it out . I'm keeping my fingers crossed :) The girls of course are not this little anymore thou , they are now 3 and their Bday is Halloween .

 

Jamiski , where were you originally from ? We are in NY , I saw your posts say former East coaster .

[jamiski]

Thanks for the tip on the upgrade, I'll be sure to milk the wedding thing for all its worth then I check in. I would feel guilty though not giving the better room to my mom, since she is helping out a lot with the wedding.

 

I am orginally from the Pocono's, Tannersville to exact. I met my honey on the Zenith leaving out of NYC. Obviously I am in Vancouver with him now, but I have to go live with my mom (who has left the Poconos for warmer weather and is in Tampa) for a few months soon so my work visa paperwork can be completed. So that's the long and the short of it.

 

Your picture worked fine, your little girls are so cute!! My b-day is close to their Nov 3. Good luck you have two Scorpio's on your hands!!!

 

You lost the Puppy in the photo? Soory, that is always so sad, we had to put down my childhood cat two weeks ago she was 18 :(

[cruiser_carol]

Oh , I hope this picture works . We just lost our Samoyed on Thursday and I always wanted to post of picture of the girls with her but have never been able to figure it out . I'm keeping my fingers crossed :) The girls of course are not this little anymore thou , they are now 3 and their Bday is Halloween .

 

Jamiski , where were you originally from ? We are in NY , I saw your posts say former East coaster .

 

The photo has come thru beautifully, what lovely children. So sorry about the loss of your gorgeous Samoyed. At the moment our dog is litterally on her last leg, her back legs have gone due to a nerve deterioration common in german shepherds and shepherd mix which is what she is . At age 15 she has had a good life but it is still hard to give her up.

We also have twin daughters that will be 21 in Feb. There were children in the dining room at late sitting..not sure what ages or how many..as I couldn't see across the room or the balcony above..but A family group were seated directly behind us with several children...the youngest I would think was about 8. There were others further along a bit older. The childrens club onboard was called Adventure Ocean I believe...and I think you could have your child eat there, or take them to eat earlier at the windjammer and then return for an evening Adventure Ocean session that began around 7pm.If you chose to eat without them in the dining room. Not sure of all these details for accuracy, will check it out my end to see if I can clarify it for sure and let you know.

 

PHANTOM 728 Hope you have a great time onboard Legend. I am the one asking for information on cabins 3032 and 3034, we have booked them for our twin daughters and their boyfriends for next August and they are supposed to be connecting. Hope you can tell us about them. We are in 3038 nearer midship than we were this year (3024) We loved the cabin we had...these are supposed to be the same.. However there is a door somewhere. I read on the boards that on one of the ships, the connecting door is in place of the sofa in the cabin. So I am very curious to find out if this is the case here and if it makes the room any smaller. Any info you have would be appreciated. I am hoping the girls will have fun being able to hang out between the 2 rooms. They are wonderful daughters and have never had any special vacation. We are all trying to come up with the money..the hard part.

 

BIGGER BOB Hope you and your family have a fantastic cruise. I am sure your kids are going to love the flying and especially the cruise..there is so much for them to do..they'll love the rock climbing wall and the mini golf and the swimming pool. There's a special kids zone for older kids with video arcade,disco and there own rec room to hang out in.The Adventure Ocean club is for the younger kids with all sorts of activities.They will have a ball. It was my husbands very first cruise at age 60 and a return for me after many, many, years before I was married. I have never known my husband to be so happy and relaxed. I was afraid it would be a once in a lifetime experience, but my husband and I are determined to get back onboard as a family next year. Wishing you all the Best..keep in touch. Carol btw..it is brilliant talking across the ocean to All of you..I tend to forget you guys aren't in the UK. The weather is changing to autumn here..much cooler. How is it with everywhere else? We are a country known for our lack of sun and our lack of summer..but for plenty of rain. So glad things seem to be improving after Katrina... Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those that lost their homes and familiy members. It was awful.