My Legend Review - 11/25/05

[Catrin]

Hi Everyone....

 

Here is a quick review of the Legend 8 day Cruise. We are Cathy and Steve - late thirties (well, me anyway.. he just turned 40). This is our fifth cruise, all with Carnival. We had great time on this cruise... it was a fun relaxing week. It was different this time, as we left our kids at home!

 

Embarkation - This was the longest I have waited - 2 solid hours. The line was so long! The security guard told me that the ship was one hour late in letting new passengers on, so the lines just built up. Once past security, we were on the ship in 10 minutes. No lines at check in or getting Sail and Sign Card.

 

The Ship -

What a beauty... but what is with all those Urns?? I had read about them.. but it was much more than we even anticipated!

We really enjoyed this ship, but admitted that we liked the layout of the Triumph better. We missed the tables at the back of the Lido deck, watching the wake. We did not like the pool area, although we spent many hours there. We missed the multilayered sections near the pool. The one room we thought was an improvement was the main lounge area. Comfy second level chairs and great views.

 

Our Room -

Who said those beds were comfortable?? They were as hard as a rock!! The bedding itself however was so comfy!

We had an assigned room, because I like being at the center of the ship, and I decided to get an extended balcony. Well, we really did not see the difference.. and next time will just get a regular balcony.

Our room service was just OK... never met the steward until the third day.. and one night our room was not touched - a dissapointment - I missed my chocolate and my capers for the next day, always good bedtime reading.

 

Food and Dining -

Yummy! The best food in 5 cruises. We had a second level table for two looking over the first level - great seats! Our waiter was Frank, and Putu was the assistant. We were usually one of the first served.. it was neat to see the different levels of service downstairs - some were on salads, and some were finishing the main course!

Some Highlights - Flourless Chocolate Cake, Grand Mariner Souffle (first time for both), Sirloin the first night, and the soups! We did miss the Baked Alaska.

We had breakfast on the Lido - eggs, bagels etc... normal fare.

We mostly had lunch on the Lido too - tried a little of everything - Deli Sandwhich good, Burgers fine, Pizza not as good as prior cruises. We did not eat any Asian food and very little from the hot buffet.

We did have lunch the last day in the dining room, and it was excellent. We sat at a table for four, with a couple we did not know. It was very pleasant.

 

The best experience dining, however, was in the Golden Fleece Supper Club. This night totally lived up to our wildest expectations. The only word I can use to describe it is "lovely". From the dark lighting, to the soft wonderful couple who sang, to the impecable service - it was just lovely.

I had the Filet, and Steve had the Surf and Turf. We do not eat like this.. with three kids, a night at Chili's is considered gormet! I think it was the best meal I have had in 10 years!

 

Entertainment

This is where I think the Legend is lacking. The shows were boring - geared towards an older audience. The dancers were not the best I have seen - still very good, but not terrific. We did not see the solo shows or the late night comedy. We did love the Legends show the last day - upbeat and fun.

The Piano Bar was .... well, just terrible. David is new to Carnival, and as described here on the boards is more of a lounge lizard than a piano bar player. By the third night, the piano bar was empty at night.

The Calypso Band, I thought was terrific. I spent a few days on deck listening to them... and they were very entertaining with a good mix of songs.. (although I did hear Brick House many times! )

Lenny Halliday was the cruise director. He was OK.. but grew on me as the week went on. I thought the social staff was just ok (where is Wee Jimmy when you need him!) - very nice kids, but seemed bored at times.

 

The Crowd

Since we have been on the Western Itinerary our last three cruises... this was definately a change. The crowd was an older, quieter crowd. We were the youngsters, even in our late thirties. Very few children ( I think they said 150 under 18). BUT.. saying that, everyone still had a great time.

 

The Ports of Call

St. Marteen - we liked it here. We were going just to go to Orient Beach, but then ended up taking a Taxi Tour for $20.00 each. It stopped at Marigot for a little while, then some scenic views, then ORient Beach for an hour. It was very windy that day, so I am glad we didnt stay at the beach. We then did a lot of window shopping - I couldnt get over the shops! Front Street was hopping! Many good deals too!

Barbados - we loved this place! Our favorite day by far. We took the 4x4 Tour and Paradise Beach excursion - booked online through Carnival. It was basically a pickup truck with 10 seats in the back. We went through the sugar fields, scenic areas, a jungle and then to the beach. A fun fun tour and a great beach. We went to go to the Boatyard, but they wanted a 1200 cover even if we were just going to sit at the bar, so we just went to the bar at the pier.

Martinique - what a waste of time. We should of just stayed on the ship. We took a taxi downtown and walked around.. then came back within an hour. Everyone agreed there was nothing there.

 

Other Stuff-

Internet Cafe - this was well worth keeping in touch with my kids. $55.00 for 100 minutes.. with plenty of specials (free minutes).

Ice Cream! Need I say more!

Laundry - yes, I do laundry! It was $5.00 for the load - wash ,dry and detergent. Never had to wait.

Shopping - same ole, same ole. Poor selection of 2/$20 Tshirts the last day.

Bingo - what a waste of money :(

Casino - Ditto! :(

I miss the comfy chairs on Deck 3 (like on the Triumph)

 

ONLY Real Complaint - why do they make you walk through the cigar bar on the way to the dining room??

 

Debarkation

WOW.. was this easy! Much better than Miami. Found luggage and in the taxi in 10 minutes. Too bad our flight was delayed by two hours! We had a 11:55 flight, so we got VIP tickets. We were at through airport security by 9:40!

 

We had a blast on this cruise! It was a different experience to cruise without our kids.. we were able to enjoy just hanging at the pool, relaxing and having some fun.

Hi to Cruise Critic Friends - Carol and the Gang, Diane (what a Madonna!), Greg and everyone else!

(pics coming soon!)

Catrin

[Guest Mary49]

Hi, I'm glad you had a good time. The Legend is one that I'm thinking about for later next year. Just curious though, could you tell me who the Lounge Band was?? Thanks, Mary49

[sg4crzn]

We are going on the Legend for New Year's with two teenagers and a four year old. Do they still sell the soda mug for the length of the cruise? What nights are the formal nights? We did not purchase transfers through cruise line, will we have any trouble getting a transfer back to airport? We plan to just go to the beaches and snorkle with a little shopping do you have any suggestions?

[Catrin]

>>>> I will check my capers for the name of the band..... I don't know the name, but everyone in the lounge seemed to enjoy them.

 

>>>> We took a Taxi to and from the peir. You can see the ships from the airport - it is THAT close! The taxi was only 13-14.00 for the whole taxi. The transfers are $10 per person. There are plenty available at the airport AND the Ship.

 

The Formal Nights were Night TWO and SEVEN.

 

They do sell the soda card... but we did not get it. We did bring a 12 pk of Diet Coke with us - between that and the free lemonade on deck, it was perfect.

Have FUN!

Catrin

[mwebb]

Cruising Legend 4/2. What night would you recommend the golden fleece?

[Shelley9962]

Thanks for the review! We sail on Dec 27 with our teenagers and it's nice to have a recent review -- did you go to the piano bar? I'm looking forward to St. Martin and Marigot -- glad to hear the shopping was so delightful! I think Barbados will be fun as well - we're doing a catamaran and snorkel tour and probably dinner on the island -- any suggestions? And I'm beginning to wonder if we just shouldn't sleep in for Martinique too!

 

I am a "foodie" so I'm curious to see how the ship's food will compare with my favorite bistro, but I'm not having too great of expectations so I won't be too disappointed! The Grand Marnier souffle sounds yummy!

[AmyMelissa]

We are going on the Legend for New Year's with two teenagers and a four year old. Do they still sell the soda mug for the length of the cruise? What nights are the formal nights? We did not purchase transfers through cruise line, will we have any trouble getting a transfer back to airport? We plan to just go to the beaches and snorkle with a little shopping do you have any suggestions?

 

We have a thread that's been going for several months on the "Roll Call" room for Carnival. There are several more people saying hi now. Stop by and say "Hi". We've gotten a fair amount of info, but would certainly appreciate anything new you can add.

[Catrin]

Thanks for the review! We sail on Dec 27 with our teenagers and it's nice to have a recent review -- did you go to the piano bar? I'm looking forward to St. Martin and Marigot -- glad to hear the shopping was so delightful! I think Barbados will be fun as well - we're doing a catamaran and snorkel tour and probably dinner on the island -- any suggestions? And I'm beginning to wonder if we just shouldn't sleep in for Martinique too!

 

QUOTE]

 

HI Shelley,

We did go to the Piano bar for the first three nights... after that we wanted to go, but each time we walked by it was almost empty. He just was not that good>>> Nice guy though!!

We did not have dinner on the island.... so I cannot comment there!

Have FUN!

Catrin

[Catrin]

Cruising Legend 4/2. What night would you recommend the golden fleece?

 

It all depends what you like to eat at the regular dining room!

 

THey said the most crowded night was the second "at sea" day - that is the night we went.

BUT>> we wish we went the fourth night, because that is the night when we like the dining room menu the least.

 

You can see the dinner menu on your TV each day, so you can decide then. Besides that second sea day, you can book the day you want to eat.

 

I am craving that Onion Soup just thinking about it!

Catrin

[mwebb]

Thank you. I don't want to miss a formal night, nor Lobster or escargot. From

past Carnival cruises the night they have Beef wellington is kind of marginal- but not sure the menues are the same. I'm craving ALL the desserts. What was your favorite in the Golden Fleece?

 

Do you recall if there was a portrait artist on board? Had my childrens portrait drawn several years ago on Triumph and it was wonderful.

[popcorngal]

Sorry to hear you were so disappointed with Martinique. Unless you get out of the city and up into the countryside, it would be a disappointment. We took the St. Pierre Island Tour, and I have to say that I think it was probably the most picturesque place I've ever been! The DePaz rum distillery is perched on the slope of Mt. Pelee, and the views are spectacular. I really didn't think I was going to like it there either, but am oh so glad we went.

 

If you want to see some pics from there, click on the link in my signature.

[Starz723]

Oh, am I the only one that like the Urns on the Legend. Ive sailed her 2 times. I love that ship and wish I could sail her again, but the Itinerary doesnt change during the times I like to sail, which is early July out of New York City. So, Ive opted this time to sail the Valor out of Miami.

 

Thanks for your review.:)

[hillbilly cruiser]

I thought the urns were kind of neat also. idn't know what to expect after reading all the post about them. Sailing her again in June.

[snow to sea]

Hi Catrin...we enjoyed meeting you and Steve along with the others at sailway. Good review.

 

I thought the ship was beautiful and after the second or third day the urns kinda grew on you. And we also had a great time on this cruise.

 

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy Martinique.......we loved it. We hired a taxi for a tour of the island. The driver was wonderful...stopped whenever we wanted to and saw many things. What a beautiful place.

This was my second time to St. Maarten....and once again never made it past the jewelry stores on Front St. :eek: Maybe someday I'll actually see the beaches there.

 

Hi to all the other Cruise Critic friends that we met on this cruise.

[Catrin]

Hi Carol,

It was nice meeting you and the gang too!

 

Yes, in retrospect... I think we did make a mistake at Martinique. I should have researched a bit more, like I did with the other islands.

But at least we got the hottub to ourselves that afternoon! ;) :)

Tell Kent, Angie and Jeremy I said hello!

Cathy