Just off Legend

[fair-winds39]

 

We recently returned from our September 17 Legend 8 Day Eastern Caribbean cruise. However, due to Hurricane Fiona we were rerouted from HMC, Grand Turk and Amber Cove Dominican Republic to HMC, Nassau and Bimini keeping everyone safe. The change brought us perfect weather with one exception, a little bit of rolling seas one day, which didn’t really bother me or DH.

 

A little background…We’ve been cruising since the late 80’s, and for the past 10 yrs. on CCL and RCCL. All of our cruises have been enjoyable. That being said, we decided to book the Carnival Legend way back in early 2021 for a short cruise in May 2022 to Bermuda. We canceled that one and switched it to the 17 September cruise. We were on Legend in the nineties, but when she took the place of the Pride, and we love leaving from Baltimore, we chose the Legend again. I miss the Pride.

 

This cruise was our 26th, so all we wanted to do was relax, which we did. I have mobility issues MS related, so I bring my travel scooter. We’ve always booked AFT, Main Deck, standard balcony on Pride and did so on this trip. Closer to MDR, and elevators are no problem at all. We are only 1 1/2 hrs. From Baltimore, so this trip we drove to pier the same day. Ordinarily we would go a day ahead and do a Park and Cruise pkg. the night before, as we always did Pride in Feb. and weather can be iffy.

Embarkation was great. Our boarding was 1:00-1:30. We arrived about 12:30 and we were through check-in and on ship about 1:00 (no line). 

 

Okay, no issues with our cabin. Our cabin steward (Jani) was terrific.  We requested once a day service after 11 or noon. He would always ask when he saw us before dinner if we needed anything else. 

 

Our waitstaff in MDR (late seating) we’re great. Now, onto food. The food was just okay; I mean, we enjoyed our meals, but they need to change the menu or give more choices. I suppose there are still supply issues, but I felt like menu was repetitious. The buffet was another area that for us, was just okay. Room service was great. DH would call, and within 15-20 min. It was delivered. It was just coffee, cereal, yogurt sort of continental breakfast. If we wanted something late night it was usually pizza (yum) or a sandwich and DH ran up to Lido for those. We didn’t do the Steakhouse, but we did Bonsai Sushi which was very good. Of course we had Guy’s burgers a couple times and they were good. Bacon we only saw twice but we weren’t in buffet every day. 

 

Can’t speak on excursions as we didn’t take any. Scooter was problematic from day 2 through the remainder of cruise. Tried to see the comedian, but scooter wouldn’t go up the ramp. That was a big pain in the neck. Violin players and duo in Alchemy and Atrium were real good. Like I said we went to relax, and as it turned out, because of scooter, we were limited. 

 

We spent a little time in Casino, but it was pretty busy every night. We had “drinks on us” in the casino and used that a couple of times, but my favorite was the chocolate martini(s) in Alchemy.

 

All in all the cruise was pretty much what we thought it would be. We don’t go with high expectations so we’re not disappointed. We’re easy going. I will say although it was nice to be on the Legend again, smaller vessel, easy to get around…it wasn’t the Pride which is probably my favorite. 

 

Forgot to mention, crew were masked. We brought along masks, but we didn’t need them because we really weren’t around crowds for an extended period. We came home healthy. 

 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I’ll try to answer.

 

[cruisingguy007]

Great review! 

[pacruise804]

My mom suffered from MS for ~35 years 😞 

 

I'm sorry your scooter caused you issues, but I'm glad you had an otherwise good cruise and stayed healthy.

 

We area about 3 hours from the port and love cruising from Baltimore.  Sailing this month for our first Journey's and first Legend.

 

 

 

[fair-winds39]

4 hours ago, pacruise804 said:

My mom suffered from MS for ~35 years 😞 

 

I'm sorry your scooter caused you issues, but I'm glad you had an otherwise good cruise and stayed healthy.

 

We area about 3 hours from the port and love cruising from Baltimore.  Sailing this month for our first Journey's and first Legend.

 

 

 

Thank you. Have a great time on Legend. Good news; ordered new scooter and it was delivered today. Geez, guess it’s time to look at another cruise.🙂

[Abr155]

22 hours ago, fair-winds39 said:

 

We recently returned from our September 17 Legend 8 Day Eastern Caribbean cruise. However, due to Hurricane Fiona we were rerouted from HMC, Grand Turk and Amber Cove Dominican Republic to HMC, Nassau and Bimini keeping everyone safe. The change brought us perfect weather with one exception, a little bit of rolling seas one day, which didn’t really bother me or DH.

 

A little background…We’ve been cruising since the late 80’s, and for the past 10 yrs. on CCL and RCCL. All of our cruises have been enjoyable. That being said, we decided to book the Carnival Legend way back in early 2021 for a short cruise in May 2022 to Bermuda. We canceled that one and switched it to the 17 September cruise. We were on Legend in the nineties, but when she took the place of the Pride, and we love leaving from Baltimore, we chose the Legend again. I miss the Pride.

 

This cruise was our 26th, so all we wanted to do was relax, which we did. I have mobility issues MS related, so I bring my travel scooter. We’ve always booked AFT, Main Deck, standard balcony on Pride and did so on this trip. Closer to MDR, and elevators are no problem at all. We are only 1 1/2 hrs. From Baltimore, so this trip we drove to pier the same day. Ordinarily we would go a day ahead and do a Park and Cruise pkg. the night before, as we always did Pride in Feb. and weather can be iffy.

Embarkation was great. Our boarding was 1:00-1:30. We arrived about 12:30 and we were through check-in and on ship about 1:00 (no line). 

 

Okay, no issues with our cabin. Our cabin steward (Jani) was terrific.  We requested once a day service after 11 or noon. He would always ask when he saw us before dinner if we needed anything else. 

 

Our waitstaff in MDR (late seating) we’re great. Now, onto food. The food was just okay; I mean, we enjoyed our meals, but they need to change the menu or give more choices. I suppose there are still supply issues, but I felt like menu was repetitious. The buffet was another area that for us, was just okay. Room service was great. DH would call, and within 15-20 min. It was delivered. It was just coffee, cereal, yogurt sort of continental breakfast. If we wanted something late night it was usually pizza (yum) or a sandwich and DH ran up to Lido for those. We didn’t do the Steakhouse, but we did Bonsai Sushi which was very good. Of course we had Guy’s burgers a couple times and they were good. Bacon we only saw twice but we weren’t in buffet every day. 

 

Can’t speak on excursions as we didn’t take any. Scooter was problematic from day 2 through the remainder of cruise. Tried to see the comedian, but scooter wouldn’t go up the ramp. That was a big pain in the neck. Violin players and duo in Alchemy and Atrium were real good. Like I said we went to relax, and as it turned out, because of scooter, we were limited. 

 

We spent a little time in Casino, but it was pretty busy every night. We had “drinks on us” in the casino and used that a couple of times, but my favorite was the chocolate martini(s) in Alchemy.

 

All in all the cruise was pretty much what we thought it would be. We don’t go with high expectations so we’re not disappointed. We’re easy going. I will say although it was nice to be on the Legend again, smaller vessel, easy to get around…it wasn’t the Pride which is probably my favorite. 

 

Forgot to mention, crew were masked. We brought along masks, but we didn’t need them because we really weren’t around crowds for an extended period. We came home healthy. 

 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I’ll try to answer.

 

Thank you for your review!  Sail this Sunday on the Legend with my husband, our 2-year-old daughter, and my mother-in-law.  My MIL is very worried about getting sick on board, so happy to hear you came home healthy!!

[kentuckyluckyguy]

We were on this same cruise.   It was my 11th on Carnival and DW's 7th.   

 

I went with really low expectations after having taken the  Liberty on a 3 night Memorial Day weekend cruise this past May.

 

THE PROS

 

This was our first cruise on a Spirit Class vessel and we absolutely loved the layout of the ship.  Far better than the Conquest class.   Service was excellent by both the wait staff and the cabin steward.  The shows were typical but decent.   Nano in the piano bar was a lot of fun and we stopped by there 3-4 evenings.

 

We had no issues at all with the change in the ports due to Ian.   We'd just been to Bimini on the Liberty in May so we knew where to go and what to expect.   Nassau was way more of a madhouse in town than I remember but we did the excursion to the Blue Lagoon Island in the afternoon and loved it!

Embarkation at Baltimore is a BREEZE.  It is so easy and I've never had that easy of a time anywhere except with Princess in FLL.

THE CONS

 

Serenity isn't really serene anymore.  With the addition of live music in the afternoon it isn't very peaceful, even though it is a steel drum with a backing track.   It was also very crowded because it seems to be the largest area for people to be on deck during sea days.

 

There is no dress code or enforcement of whatever dress code exists.  I witnessed a man without a shirt eating in the buffet.  No one said a thing.     There were also men with cut off/sleeveless tshirts and baseball caps eating in the dining room.      If Carnival is going to permit this that's fine, but don't publish a dress code and then not abide by it.

 

Multiple times we smelled marijuana and also cigarettes being smoked on balconies near us, despite a sticker on the balcony door stating there is a $500 fine for smoking on the balcony.  Again, if Carnival isn't going to enforce the rules why have them?

 

CONCLUSION

 

This will probably be my last time on Carnival after 11 cruises with them.   I really found in 2019 that Princess is far more preferable to what I'm looking for in a wide variety of ways.   Mostly we've outgrown the loud drinking all night kind of crowd (if that's your thing no judgement from me, just not us as we approach 60) and things were a bit more serene/subdued on Princess so we are going back with them in February.

 

I guess I'm turning into a fuddy duddy old man so take my review for what it is worth LOL😁

 

 

 

[fair-winds39]

1 hour ago, Abr155 said:

Thank you for your review!  Sail this Sunday on the Legend with my husband, our 2-year-old daughter, and my mother-in-law.  My MIL is very worried about getting sick on board, so happy to hear you came home healthy!!

Thanks. Have fun on the Legend.

I’m overly cautious, probably to a fault, even more-so nowadays. We just steered clear of very crowded areas.

 

[fair-winds39]

1 hour ago, kentuckyluckyguy said:

We were on this same cruise.   It was my 11th on Carnival and DW's 7th.   

 

I went with really low expectations after having taken the  Liberty on a 3 night Memorial Day weekend cruise this past May.

 

THE PROS

 

This was our first cruise on a Spirit Class vessel and we absolutely loved the layout of the ship.  Far better than the Conquest class.   Service was excellent by both the wait staff and the cabin steward.  The shows were typical but decent.   Nano in the piano bar was a lot of fun and we stopped by there 3-4 evenings.

 

We had no issues at all with the change in the ports due to Ian.   We'd just been to Bimini on the Liberty in May so we knew where to go and what to expect.   Nassau was way more of a madhouse in town than I remember but we did the excursion to the Blue Lagoon Island in the afternoon and loved it!

Embarkation at Baltimore is a BREEZE.  It is so easy and I've never had that easy of a time anywhere except with Princess in FLL.

THE CONS

 

Serenity isn't really serene anymore.  With the addition of live music in the afternoon it isn't very peaceful, even though it is a steel drum with a backing track.   It was also very crowded because it seems to be the largest area for people to be on deck during sea days.

 

There is no dress code or enforcement of whatever dress code exists.  I witnessed a man without a shirt eating in the buffet.  No one said a thing.     There were also men with cut off/sleeveless tshirts and baseball caps eating in the dining room.      If Carnival is going to permit this that's fine, but don't publish a dress code and then not abide by it.

 

Multiple times we smelled marijuana and also cigarettes being smoked on balconies near us, despite a sticker on the balcony door stating there is a $500 fine for smoking on the balcony.  Again, if Carnival isn't going to enforce the rules why have them?

 

CONCLUSION

 

This will probably be my last time on Carnival after 11 cruises with them.   I really found in 2019 that Princess is far more preferable to what I'm looking for in a wide variety of ways.   Mostly we've outgrown the loud drinking all night kind of crowd (if that's your thing no judgement from me, just not us as we approach 60) and things were a bit more serene/subdued on Princess so we are going back with them in February.

 

I guess I'm turning into a fuddy duddy old man so take my review for what it is worth LOL😁

 

 

 

Well said, and I wholeheartedly agree about Serenity and other points. I could go on and on about some things I observed.  It’s funny to us how much cruising has changed throughout the years; way different for sure. Sorry this cruise may have been your final CCL cruise. Hope you have a nice February cruise.

Edited October 4, 2022 by fair-winds39
Moved para.

[sgttami]

I haven't been on Legend yet (booked for January) but sailed on Pride 7X from Baltimore.

 

The port is the reason I keep going back.  Easy parking and embarkation/debarkation.

 

Ships are nearly identical and I love the layout and size.

 

Change is constant so I'm sure I'll see differences since my last cruise in 2020.  Friends are on Legend this week and have already messaged some things that are "different."  It is what it is.

 

I'll eat, drink, sleep, gamble and be entertained so that's a good thing!

 

[cruisingguy007]

4 hours ago, kentuckyluckyguy said:

We were on this same cruise.   It was my 11th on Carnival and DW's 7th.   

 

I went with really low expectations after having taken the  Liberty on a 3 night Memorial Day weekend cruise this past May.

 

THE PROS

 

This was our first cruise on a Spirit Class vessel and we absolutely loved the layout of the ship.  Far better than the Conquest class.   Service was excellent by both the wait staff and the cabin steward.  The shows were typical but decent.   Nano in the piano bar was a lot of fun and we stopped by there 3-4 evenings.

 

We had no issues at all with the change in the ports due to Ian.   We'd just been to Bimini on the Liberty in May so we knew where to go and what to expect.   Nassau was way more of a madhouse in town than I remember but we did the excursion to the Blue Lagoon Island in the afternoon and loved it!

Embarkation at Baltimore is a BREEZE.  It is so easy and I've never had that easy of a time anywhere except with Princess in FLL.

THE CONS

 

Serenity isn't really serene anymore.  With the addition of live music in the afternoon it isn't very peaceful, even though it is a steel drum with a backing track.   It was also very crowded because it seems to be the largest area for people to be on deck during sea days.

 

There is no dress code or enforcement of whatever dress code exists.  I witnessed a man without a shirt eating in the buffet.  No one said a thing.     There were also men with cut off/sleeveless tshirts and baseball caps eating in the dining room.      If Carnival is going to permit this that's fine, but don't publish a dress code and then not abide by it.

 

Multiple times we smelled marijuana and also cigarettes being smoked on balconies near us, despite a sticker on the balcony door stating there is a $500 fine for smoking on the balcony.  Again, if Carnival isn't going to enforce the rules why have them?

 

CONCLUSION

 

This will probably be my last time on Carnival after 11 cruises with them.   I really found in 2019 that Princess is far more preferable to what I'm looking for in a wide variety of ways.   Mostly we've outgrown the loud drinking all night kind of crowd (if that's your thing no judgement from me, just not us as we approach 60) and things were a bit more serene/subdued on Princess so we are going back with them in February.

 

I guess I'm turning into a fuddy duddy old man so take my review for what it is worth LOL😁

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the observations, Serenity was a madhouse on our recent Miracle trip as well. I also seen some behavior of some groups trying to use their own speakers and being told they couldn't but ignoring staff, also some vaping & pot use back there and folks drinking and carrying on. I actually like a party atmosphere so it was fine by me and solidifies that Carnival is my kind of cruise lol but I can see how others may like a more subdued option. I suspect I may too when I get a little longer in the tooth but I'm trying to squeeze out every last drop of fun out until then 🙂. Thanks for sharing. 

Edited October 4, 2022 by cruisingguy007

[groundloop]

7 hours ago, kentuckyluckyguy said:

 

 

Multiple times we smelled marijuana and also cigarettes being smoked on balconies near us, despite a sticker on the balcony door stating there is a $500 fine for smoking on the balcony.  Again, if Carnival isn't going to enforce the rules why have them?

 

 

 

Did you let Security or Guest Services know about this?  They can't possibly do something about someone lighting up on a balcony if they don't know about it.

 

I once had a nasty letter shoved under my door suggesting that I'd been smoking on my balcony and was in danger of that $500 fine.  I was livid because none of us smoke so went to Guest Services to find out what the hell was going on.  Apparently that was a standard letter that they give out to all cabins in the vicinity of a reported smoker if they can't accurately identify the source.  

Edited October 5, 2022 by groundloop