Thoughts on the Legend and best time for Alaska?

[shutuph]

We went to Alaska on Legend . We thought it was a once in a lifetime but we will return. There are ways to save some money. I think any trip you decide what you can afford and do it. We had a French door interior -4k and was nice as we had light and fresh air and cost half of what a balcony cost. We spent so much time on deck that we didn't miss it. We did pay for the small boat in Endicott (our ship did not go into tracy arm but Endicott was substituted.) We also rented a jeep in skagway and drove into the Yukon on our own. (this was the cost of booking the train for 2-if there are more than two people this is a cheaper way to go.)

 

Glacier bay would be nice but Legend does not often go there. We were perfectly happy on Legend especially since they have 4k rooms that, if carefully choosen you can have a view.

 

I think you have more scenery leaving from Vancouver but Seattle for the ship was nice and really enjoyed our 2 days in Seattle. (We are from Canada and think it was still cheaper to go from Seattle then Canada.)

 

My vote is to do Alaska as soon as possible and decide your budget. If you need to do all the dog sledding and flight seeing you can spend the cost of a cruise on that. If you go for the scenery and pick and choose what is important you do not have to remortgage your house to see Amazing Alaska.

[cocacola86]

Where in Canada are you from? We're just outside of Hamilton

 

 

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[Missileer]

We are just off the Legend last Tuesday. The weather was best ever (6 Alaska cruises) warm and sunny everyday. As for excursion expense. You can spend a lot of money but you can also do things like the Mt Roberts Tram in Juneau for about $35.00 and it is spectacular. There is also a free hop on / hop off bus ride in Ketchican that makes a circle of town every 25 mins or so. We have done helicopters and the train ride in Skagway. I recommend both if you prepare for the cost.

Enjoy.

[cocacola86]

Just not sure about the Legend and if there's enough dining options and is it good for Alaska?

 

 

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[mumtopugs]

We did the last cruise of the season on the Legend through Glacier Bay last year. It was amazing. We spent about $250 pp on excursions and saw incredible sites. If you book early it's reasonably priced. I can't imagine no matter what line or what ship that you could be disappointed with Alaska.

Edited August 12, 2016 by mumtopugs

[cocacola86]

Was that 250pp for all the ports or total? Is there a certain month that they've got 24 hr sunlight

 

 

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[nealstuber]

Was that 250pp for all the ports or total? Is there a certain month that they've got 24 hr sunlight

 

 

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We also found a 250pp package for the 3 AK ports on line. The tours in SK and KN were more or less Starter tours, but the J day included what watching and a trip the the park with Medenhal glacier.

[boopsahoy]

We were wondering if the casino is open at all while in Alaska or only on the sea days?

[kcbbq]

You should check out the Alaska forum in the Ports of Call section of this website. There is a wealth of information there of all kinds, from the best routes to the best shore excursions.

 

Alaska is the most wonderous place I have ever experienced. We did a land vacation in the Kenai Pennisula followed by a southbound on the Coral Princess in 2012, and loved it so much we have returned twice. In 2013 we spent three weeks on a circuit from Anchorage to Denali, Fairbanks, down the Richardon to Valdez, across Prince William Sound on the ferry to Whittier, then on to Kenai sites like Homer and Seward.

 

In 2015 we used the Alaskan Marine Highway to visit more places in the southeast than we had been able to visit on our Princess cruise. I especially loved Haines, and would urge anyone porting in Skagway to consider an excursion that takes you there. While I enjoyed the White Pass rail and Chilkoot van tour of the Yukon in Skagway, the town didn't offer nearly as much as Haines does. Check out the Mules tour from Skagway (fast ferry to Haines). It was an awesome excursion!

[cocacola86]

My only thing is I'm the only one who works so can't afford lots.

 

 

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[kctwinmommy]

My only thing is I'm the only one who works so can't afford lots.

 

I agree with the other person who said to look around on the Alaska board. There are tons of posts about the excursions, gives you a better idea of what you could potentially afford to do. Also, look on Carnival's website for the different excursions and prices, then read the reviews. So if there is a cheap one, with bad reviews, it may not be worth the money.

[mikayla73]

When we did AK, we had an OV room. We spent so much time on deck 3 (Atlantic deck I think). It allowed us to walk back and forth on the ship and we were closer to the water. As a bonus, there were hardly any people down there, most everyone was on the top decks. So while a balcony is nice to have, it's not a requirement.

 

We went for my parents Anniversary. Since they were married in May, we were on the 2nd cruise of the season. Being at the beginning of the season, it was also a little cheaper. We ended up with great weather, there was still snow around, but we didn't have to wear coats. Of course weather can vary widely, so plan to wear layers.

 

As for the excursions, go through the list of what's available and check out the port of call boards. Then choose what your must do's are in each port. You don't have to spend the cost of the cruise on the excursions to enjoy the ports. If you don't take a helicopter to a glacier and get pulled around by sled dogs your experience will not be any less, just different. There are plenty of things to see/do that don't cost an arm and a leg and you'll enjoy your time in AK just as much.

[cocacola86]

I think because my DW has severe anxiety and being on a helicopter isn't a good thing with what happened with Holland America. What month has 24 hr sunlight?

 

 

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[mikayla73]

There are no months with 24 hours of sunlight. June would be the month with the longest day at just over 19 hours.

 

The summer solstice always happens in June, so June would be the month with the longest day.

[cocacola86]

Gotcha! I knew there was one day that was longer.

 

 

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[mikayla73]

Enjoy whatever you decide. Anything we tell you here on the boards in relation to our experiences are only our opinions and preferences. You have to decide what's most important to you. :)

Edited August 13, 2016 by mikayla73

[jebhoward3]

Is there metal in the cabin walls? I like to use magnets to hang various papers on the wall to help stay organized. Also, is there a wall that has a large amount of space to hang deck plans that I print up - usually at least 6 pages taped together?

 

Does anyone know when the Legend is scheduled for her next dry dock? We will be on her May 8, 2017 for Alaska cruise.

 

Thanks for the information.

[nealstuber]

Is there metal in the cabin walls? I like to use magnets to hang various papers on the wall to help stay organized. Also, is there a wall that has a large amount of space to hang deck plans that I print up - usually at least 6 pages taped together?

 

 

 

Does anyone know when the Legend is scheduled for her next dry dock? We will be on her May 8, 2017 for Alaska cruise.

 

 

 

Thanks for the information.

 

 

Legend's next dry dock is not till May of 2018. Last was in 14.

[jebhoward3]

Thank you nealstuber for information about when the Legend's next dry dock is. Now I'm hoping someone has the answer to my question about putting magnets on the walls.

[cocacola86]

Do you have an idea what's it's getting

 

 

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[JaniceB]

What's the best side of the ship to see the scenery? Is it better to go out of Vancouver or Seattle? Tracy Arm Ford or Glacier Bay. We're not outdoors people, don't like seafood will we still like Alaska but more going for the sure beauty. When's the best time to go for wildlife, weather and prices. Other than that what is your opinion on the Legend.

 

 

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I did the first of the season Carnival cruise that left from Vancouver and went to Glacier Bay and ended in Seattle. I would pick Vancouver and the inside passage along with Glacier Bay. I have not been to Tracy's Arm so I can't say which is better. Also, the first cruise didn't have a lot of other ships in port and the people in the ports were so happy to see us. It wasn't that cold (first week of May) and there were no bugs. I would do this again in a heartbeat.

[CindyLouWho2]

I'm not too far from you, live in London, On. I did not do Carnival but did just get back on Saturday from Alaska with NCL. we did Seattle, I would definitely do Vancouver...we sailed on the West side of the island going out when leaving from Seattle and from what I could see typically ships leaving from Vancouver you do the East side which has better scenery and less motion felt. Seattle was a beautiful city but so is the Vancouver area. We had a balcony but there were four of us in the room so the cost was significantly less (3&4th sail free) as we divided total cost amongst us. Balcony was great during glacier sailing but even more so for the 4 am sunrise that was spectacular! That alone was worth it. In terms of Alaska ports you can definitely do things cheaply and still have a great time. In Ketchikan we took the city bus (Silverline Southbound) to Totem Bight park and saw the totem poles there and at Potlach Park. The park itself was beautiful to walk around in. Total cost 2.00 round trip. Ride was about 25 minutes so saw some sights on the way out. Walking along creek street was free and nice to see, also saw the Salmon swim upstream, it was neat to see those big fish battling the Rapids. Ketchikan cost 2.00 beyond our shopping in some of the local stores. Juneau I did whale watching with Harv and Marvs 200 Canadian and it was awesome! But my sisters did the 30.00 round trip shuttle to the glacier and waterfall, they saw a bear on their walking path. Also a cheap but good "excursion"! Lots of details but my point is it is totally possible to do Alaskan excursions cheaply. I am not an active person but with just a little walking there was lots to experience.

Too much ice has prevented pretty much most ships from going to Tracy Arm this year so we went to Endicott and it was stunningly beautiful. Either way you would be fine, it's all beautiful.

Weather was pants and tshirt for the most part, except the glacier day which required a thick sweater and hat and mitts. Otherwise it was great weather all around.

Whether you go now or a little later GO! It was an amazing trip and I recommend it to everyone.

[mondello]

We were wondering if the casino is open at all while in Alaska or only on the sea days?

 

Yes, the casino is open when not in port. I gave them my money as often as possible.

 

The big difference was the early closing the last evening; I'm used to having the casino open real late every night. Unlike the Carribbean, they closed down several hours earlier the last night.

 

They have slots and blackjack tournaments; seems it was $25/entry and $500/win.

[BuckeyeCruiseGuy]

Do you have an idea what's it's getting

 

 

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It will be interesting to see what they decide to give Legend during her Dry Dock: 5/01/18-5/14/18

 

Here are the dry dock additions to the other Spirit class ships. As you can see there is no real consistency, so we won't really know until the first cruisers return with a report.

 

 

 

Pride

 

Completed during dry-dock: 10/19/14-11/09/14

 

Routine hotel maintenance Cosmetic enhancements such as new carpeting and tiling, etc. in lounges and public areas Revamping midship pool to be resort-style pool

Fitness Center – new equipment and flooring

Guy’s Burger Joint

Blue Iguana Cantina

Blue Iguana Tequila Bar

Red Frog Rum Bar

Bonsai Sushi

Water Works

EA SPORTS Bar

Alchemy Bar

RedFrog Pub

Cherry on Top

Seaside Theater

HASBRO, The Game Show

Playlist Productions

 

Miracle

 

Completed During Dry-Dock 3/07/15-3/21/15

 

Routine hotel maintenance Cosmetic enhancements such as new carpeting, tile work, new furniture and new fabrics in lounges and public areas

 

Alchemy Bar – located Deck 2 aft (replaced Jeeves Lounge)

 

SkyBox Sports Bar – located on Deck 2 forward (replaced Maguire’s Sports Bar)

 

Cherry on Top – located Deck 3 forward (replaced Special Occasions)

 

edFrog Pub – located Deck 2 forward (replaced the Jazz Club)

 

 

Spirit

 

Completed during dry-dock: 8/16/15-8/30/15

 

Routine hotel maintenance Cosmetic enhancements such as new carpeting and tiling, etc. in lounges and public areas

Pool area renovated and following added:

Guy’s Burger Joint

Blue Iguana Cantina

Blue Iguana Tequila Bar

Red Frog Rum Bar

Seaside Theater

Bonsai Sushi replaced forward atrium area

Skybox Sports Bar replaced Champions Sports Bar

Alchemy Bar replaced Artist's Lobby

Red Frog Pub replaced Club Cool Jazz

Cherry on Top replaced Special Occasions

Camp Ocean replaced Camp Carnival and moved to a new location

Club O2 moved to a new location

Hasbro, The Game Show added

Playlist Productions replaced Production Shows

Edited August 17, 2016 by BuckeyeCruiseGuy

[shutuph]

Where in Canada are you from? We're just outside of Hamilton

 

 

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Hi

We are from Windsor Ontario....so I know where Hamilton is!

 

I saw some of your concerns about cost. There are many alternatives to excursions. Yes, you can spend hundreds in port or you can spend little. It is always good to look to book yourself rather than through the cruise line. (However carnival does pricematch if you find the same excursion.) We have been back now for almost two months and Alaska was one of the most amazing trips we have taken. Our favorite thing was renting a green jeep for 200.00 and going back into Canada. (Skagway).

Hope you get to Alaska some time...it is amazing.