Legend of the Seas 6/13 Review - Longer than I had planned!

[suziehmkr]

Hello fellow cruisers!!

 

I waited to post this after the boards were put back in place so it wouldn't be lost. Sorry for the delay. We returned Sunday from the 6/13 sailing on the Legend of the Seas to the Mexican Riviera. I have never done a review of a ship before so I will do the best that I can.

 

Pre-Cruise

We were booked at the Best Western Bayside Inn - as they have Stay, Park & Cruise Package. For $139, you stay the night before and park your car in their covered garage for the entire week, plus complimentary shuttle to & from the pier. This also includes continental breakfast, or a discount on a menu order. The food was pretty good and the hotel staff was wonderful. I upgraded by $10 for a bay view so I could take pictures of the Legend when we woke up Sunday morning! It was foggy, but it was still an awesome sight to see her first thing in the morning. After getting our room, which was ready for early check in, we walked down to the pier and took a gander at the USS Midway which has just opened as a HUGE museum. We didn't take the tour, but just seeing her was a sight. But if you wanted, you could take a audio tour for $13, I think it was. We then walked over to Seaport Village for a late lunch and some shopping. Then headed back to the hotel for some rest, as we had left at 3am that morning to make the very long drive.

 

Cruise

We were in the terminal by 11am, and boarding by 11:30 or 11:45. Check in went very smoothly and there were no lines. There is a little gift shop in the terminal to help you pass the time. The Legend is beautiful and I loved being able to take pictures before alot of guests were on board. Our cabin was ready when we got there. We dropped off our carry-on's, met one of our two cabin stewards and then headed off to lunch in the Windjammer, and then to see where our dining room table was. We had requested a large table, but were assigned a table for 6. We were also on the inside of the dining room next to a pilar. We considered asking for a change, but I am glad we didn't. Our tablemates were wonderful and we would have never met them had we changed.

 

We then headed up to the VCL for an informal CC Meet & Mingle since we didn't have enough people. It was great to finally meet "Mcarnett" & his wife and adorable daughter and "Alansfreed" and his wife -Hi Mike & Alan!!! We ended up seeing them many many times! What a treat! And as predicted, our dining room table was right next to Mcarnett!!! We had joked about it beforehand, but it really happened! We visited and took our pictures and then headed off to unpack, and then get up top for a sunny sail away! Our luggage did arrive before dinner, as we were in the lower levels of the ship. We saw sorting of luggage for the upper decks going on until much later in the evening. So if you are in the upper decks, you might want to pack pool & dinner attire in your carry-on.

 

We were in cabin 3515. I would discourage any light sleepers from booking this cabin. It is an Inside Cabin and is directly below a walking area of the casino. The actual noise from the casino wasn't the problem at all. I only heard one hoot & hollar. That was a latenight jackpot and we didn't mind, as we would have done the same thing if we had won. However there is a soft spot in the walkway that bows and makes an abundance of noise when a heavy footed person walks there. I was able to sleep thru it, however DH was awakened several times due to the noise. As far as being an Inside Cabin - all was good as long as you don't mind waking up at 10am and it being completely DARK! And I do mean dark. I ended up keeping the bathroom light on and the door cracked, so I could check my watch and also find our way to the bathroom in the dark without tripping. In the future I will book at least a cabin with a porthole, as I personally didn't like the darkness. Although if you like to party at night, you might actually like this as you can easily sleep until noon and think it is still nighttime. Just take a travel clock that lights up!

 

Our cabin stewards were wonderful and we definitely tipped them more than the suggested rate. They kept everything tidy in a flash, kept our cooler filled with ice and were ALWAYS around whenever we needed anything - and with a smile! The two sea days that we slept in, we didn't even expect them to make up our room, since it was so late. But none the less, they were done by the time we finished eating. They were both fantastic!!!! The cabin stewards are definitely some of the hardest working people on the ship and deserve more then the suggested tipping rate.

 

The food was pretty good. I was so stuffed by the end of the cruise, that I wasn't even hungry. Just ate to eat! LOL There were some evenings when none of the entree's appealed to me. So, I simply ordered several appetizers and our waiter spaced them out for me. Dining room service was pretty good. Our waiter, Adam was adorable - yet a little bashful when it came to the dancing or parades. We caught him hiding several times. Our asst waiter, Sasha was very new and he did his best - he will make an excellent waiter someday! He was always working so hard either in the dining room or the Windjammer and was so good at greeting us and taking care of us no matter where we ate.

 

Weather was fantastic until the two sea days on the way home. It was extremely windy & cold. We tried to brave the pool area on Friday, watched the belly flop contest and tanned a bit - but it was just too windy. On Saturday, we barely went outside, other than to get to the Windjammer if we had used the mid-ship elevators. But there were several brave people out there anyway! We had a lightening storm on Thursday evening while in port at Puerta Vallarta. I was able to catch one picture of the lightening which isn't easy to do with digital! LOL The rain was nice & warm and after the humid days in port, it was welcomed! Definitely take a sweatshirt or light jacket for sea days.

 

As far as things to do onboard. We rarely DIDN'T have anything to do....and we are not exactly party animals. When in doubt, get something to eat. Would have liked more pool time in the sun, but that can't be predicted. We played miniature golf, layed at the pool, had a few drinks - ok more than a few, played bingo a few times. We attended one of the three art auctions and ended up purchasing 3 pieces, then getting 2 more for free. We had never been to an art auction before. It was a good experience and the auctioneer knows her stuff! Give it a try, you might like it. The entertainment was pretty good. The ship staff singer's & dancers were ok, but the headliners that we saw were much better. If you have Mario & Daniel - Two Funny Guys on your sailing, take your camera. There was a neat bit at the end that I would have loved to have taken pictures of. These guys were very funny! Mickey O'Conner was a very funny comedic juggler. Tony Award winner Michael Maguire was excellent. If you like to hear show tunes done well, he is the man. Late night comedy with Hal Spears was pretty funny, but I enjoyed Mario & Daniel more. There were other shows, that we just didn't catch.

 

Some things that I have seen questions on that I thought I could answer or give more info on.

 

We did put our watches forward one hour because of daylight saving time. We put it back on Friday evening. So, that leaves your clocks one hour off in Puerta Vallarta. If you have independent tours there, remember that when you port - the ships time will be 8am, but the land time will be 9am. Keep this in mind when booking your tours, so that you are not late.

 

We only ate in the dining room for breakfast one morning, so we could get our Eggs Benedict. We didn't eat in the dining room for lunch at all. We opted for the Windjammer just because of convenience & timing. We ate in the dining room every night except the port night in PV. Since we were there so late, it was open seating. We weren't all that hungry, so opted for later dinner in the Windjammer. And we did not use room service. We became accustomed to late night fries & burgers in the Solarium! Yummy! Pizza wasn't as good, reminded me of school lunch.

 

Contrary to RCCL's posted dress schedule, we had a different schedule. We had 2 formal nights, 5 casual nights. The only event that I saw tabbed as Smart Casual was the Captain's party, which we missed. And even though some cruisers frown upon it, some dressed VERY casual on those casual nights. Others dressed up a bit. You wouldn't be uncomfortable either way. So we definitely had clothes that didn't get worn.

 

Those that have issues with children on ships would probably have not had a problem with this sailing. We don't personally mind children, as we are parents. This sailing was loaded with children & teenagers, since it is summertime. We didn't see any incidents and all were WELL behaved and well mannered. We were all very impressed with how unintrusive the children were - they just all did their own thing. The Adventure Ocean program looked great and DH told our 10-year old that she would be joining us on our next cruise, whenever that may be. She loved that idea!

 

Pool chair saving is still a problem.... no matter what they tell you - especially on sea days.

 

Internet service is very slow, so be prepared to spend $3-4 to send one email. We saw good deals on internet service in ports, although we did not use them.

 

Crown & Anchor gift were packs of postcards and fanny packs & a coupon book - just as reported here.

 

I am certain that I have missed something, but feel free to ask questions - I will do my best to answer.

 

Legend of the Seas Photos – Click Here!

[banderboo]

Thanks for the great review. I'm going on the Legend 9/12. Can you provide some specifics about the ports.

[Desertbelle]

Thanks for the review.....we love the Legend and can't wait to get back on her in September!!

[PhoenixCruiser]

Thanks for the review! Great pictures :-)

[cruisldy]

Tina,

 

Nice report. I'm so wordy that I don't post trip reports, as I lose the content in too many details.

 

Our June 6th cruise also had a lot of teens and wee ones, but were a little more roudy, but hey, they are young. One group was of 38 graduating Senior High students, from Utah and their families. I am always amazed at the "casual" dress of these young people. But I did have to mention to one young man, as we were going in to formal dinner that he cleaned up nice, since he had actually chosen to wear a suite and tie rather than his holey jeans and T. I'm sure his Mom has something to do with that, but he went along with the dress code and I admired him for that.

 

We had to eat in the dining room for breakfasts. I had to get my fill of those eggs benedict, each and every morning! We also eat lunches there as Al loves sit down and waited on meals, as do I. Of course he also ate a lot of that pizza in the solarium. I had some one day, and I could see why he liked it. He's a thin cruse type guy, but I'm more of the thick crust type, so I didn't prefer it. Did have the chicken sandwich one day and I loved the fat fries, although Al said that they were different every day. One day thick, next thin.

 

We had inside also. Funny story is that they decided to upgrade us, and not tell us. As I tried to work the key in the door, it wouldn't work, went up and down to Purser twice and finally got security involved, who said they gave me key to another cabin. Finally asked Purser (nice young man) if what I showed on docs was the cabin I had. Nope, had right key, was trying to put in wrong room door! Went to right cabin and Al opens the door. I was fretting that he was walking around deck not knowing what cabin we were in, but smarty pants went to security and told them he didn't know what cabin he was in and they told him. Mystery solved, except for the fact that we were never told when we checked in that we had been changed.

 

I agree that the insides are dark and this was tested when we docked at Mazatlan and I was just pushing the elevator button to ride up to Lido to meet Al, who takes the stairs always. The power went off!!!! I mean off, everywhere in the ship, no elevators, no lights, only exit signs lit. Thank goodness that I didn't get in that elevator and just walked up the stairs. Al though surely I was stuck in that elevator and was clawing my way out. I told him I would have pried that door open with my bare hands and climbed out, as I don't do stuck in elevators! Did talk with a young lady who did get stuck and they rescued her. Anyway we had to go to room for something before we headed out and it was feel as you go into that room, beleive me. Was even a little hairy just going down to the lower decks on the stairs. Now, I have read on the boards to always pack a flashlight, which I normally do, but forgot this time, and now Al says he knows why. Had I had it placed on the night stand, as I normally do, it would have been so much easier that dark cabin. But this will not make me need a port hole next time, just to remember the flashlight and to pack a small one in my purse for those unexpected power outages, which we have never had on any previous cruise. Power was back on when we returned from our tour and never did find out why it went out in the first place, but was sure glad it was while we were docked and not out to sea!

 

I know right where that soft spot in the casino is. I played on some slots and every time someone walked by the back of me, I felt the floor move. Was glad to see that the casino had nickle machines and won $216 on one of them, much to my amazement.

 

Have to go look at your pictures. Once the board settles down, I hope the rest of your group and Barb, checks in.

[suziehmkr]

banderboo - I have my Mexican Riviera review almost ready and will be posting in the the Ports of Call board soon.

 

Shiela! I so enjoyed reading about your escapades! Did you get my email with the sail away photos!

 

I haven't checked our roll call yet on the new boards. Need to get some things done today and will check in a bit later. NO - the laundry is STILL not done! I had to take a break from it yesterday! LOL

[banderboo]

Thanks Suzie.. I'm looking forward to reading it.

[Tatka]

Thank you for great review!

 

We were on Splendour (sister ship) in May and had cabin #3513.

 

Lately I have all kind of problems with sleep but I honestly didn't hear anything at night.

 

I am glad you enjoyed Legend as they are both beautiful sisters!

[suziehmkr]

Thanks Suzie.. I'm looking forward to reading it.

 

Banderboo - it is there now... click on the link in my signature. Enjoy!!

[suziehmkr]

I am glad that you are enjoying the review. We did have a fabulous time!! Feel free to throw any questions my way!

[Jevey]

Thank you for the interesting review...and the photos...my daughter was in one of them! They were on their honeymoon; our wedding gift to them.

[suziehmkr]

Really? Which photo? This was only a sampling! I may have more!!

[Jevey]

She was walking under a large canopy...think it was photo number 11. She has red curly hair, and was wearing a white top and dark capris' in the photo.

[mcarnett]

Tina, you forgot to mention that Elvis was on board. Great review, I will post one soon when I get it composed. I miss it already.

 

Mike (mcarnett)

[123CruiseFever]

Great review! I am so looking forward to our cruise on the 4th of July on the Legend.

 

You said it was windy the last two days but was it cold. Should I rethink my packing and take some long pants and sweaters for these days.

[cruisldy]

123cruisefever,

 

I am not suzie, but we had the cruise right before hers and we have gotten acquainted and I think she had the same last two day type weather that we did. I can tell you this, at the last minute I packed my windbreaker and as always I embarked in a pair of jeans. For the last two at sea days I was glad I had both or I wouldn't have set foot outside! And the wind was soo bad that you had watch your footing when going out by the pool as it literaly swept you along the deck. I must tell you that as many times as I've been on this itinerary, I have never seen it this windy or cold on the last two days. The norm is for the last day to be rather coolish, but not windy. On those two days, the enclosed pool area was crammed full of people!

 

So, in answer to your question, I would pack, at least one pair of warm long pants and at least one warmer, light jacket, if you plan on any outdoor activity.

[Cruzor]

Is the first day (also a full day at sea) rough as well? If not, I wonder why?

[suziehmkr]

You said it was windy the last two days but was it cold. Should I rethink my packing and take some long pants and sweaters for these days.

 

Yes - Sheila nailed it perfectly. It was like we had identical weather.

 

Yes, it was cold - at least last week. Thursday it was a little easier to brave it at the pool, but on Friday only a few brave people were out there. I packed sweatshirts for both of us and used them. As far as additional pants, my legs don't get cold as easy. On Friday, we weren't outside much, as there was so much to do inside - and the Solarium will be packed if it is cold & windy for you. Hope this helps.

 

Tina

[suziehmkr]

Is the first day (also a full day at sea) rough as well? If not, I wonder why?

 

No - Monday was beautiful and we spent MUCH of the day at the pool. On Monday, you are so much closer to land. On the last two days, they seem to swing out more and also go faster. DH & I were out on the deck watching the trail of the water and the fog line. We saw the ship heading for sunlight right around 2pm and I told him - "Let's go get a chair at the pool NOW!" Sure enough about 10 minutes later, the pool was packed and we had prime seats! They navigated us perfectly and kept us in the sunbelt the rest of the day.

[suziehmkr]

Tina, you forgot to mention that Elvis was on board.

 

Ah yes! I did forget! We saw him in the terminal and we got several pics of him all week! What a riot and such a good sport!!

 

Good to finally meet you Mike! I pulled our roll call thread foward a bit so we could all chat. The correct link is in my signature now - with these new fangled boards!

 

Tina

[drunkalot]

Wow Tina!

I can see you put a lot of effort into your two (long) recaps. I'm sure it will be a great help to future cruisers. Also fun to remember our trip. Thanks

 

A couple of topics for discussion...

...we thought the bands (at the pool and in the centrum) were horrible. Sang out of tune, missed notes and were generally amateur sounding. It reminded us of a neighborhood (any neighborhood) garage band. What was up with the woman with the washboard?!? Except for being married to the guitar player, she had little to offer.

...Did you get to schooner bar to hear Noah (last name forgotten) at the piano. VERY TALENTED guy. Almost enough to heal our bleeding ears after a full day listening to the pool band. Also a very cool guy to chat with.

... What did you think of the food on board? The build up about cruise food was a little overdone for me. Turned out to be a bit of a letdown. Same old food day after day in windjammer. Dining room food could have been found in any number of middle of the road restaurants around town. No big deal.

...Our dining room waiter was a real dud. Spoke little english and lacked any type of spark or ability to connect with us at the table. Assistant waiter, on the other hand, was very cool. Classy guy who could easily move from having fun with us to providing professional quality service. Very smooth and nice to have at the table. Saved the evening for us.

 

What do you think?

Greg

[123CruiseFever]

Tina & Sheila

Thanks so much for your input. I will make sure we bring a couple of pairs of warmer clothing.

 

Tina, Again I thank you so much for your review. It's been hard trying to find any reviews for the Legend and the Mexican Riviara. I'm going to try to make every effort in making a review of our cruise but I don't think mine will be as good as yours or Sheila's. The one thing I am planning on doing is getting some good Legend Aft cabin pictures that I can post. I still haven't found one yet.

[suziehmkr]

Hi Greg!

It was great riding with your family in Mazatlan!! What a great day!

 

I complete forgot about the pool entertainment. DH kept cracking up because they didn't even know the words and would do the same songs over & over. What a hoot! I was happy when they went to the piped in music! LOL I didn't get over to the Schooner Bar much, but did see a guy tap dancing to a piano tune. That was pretty good.

 

For me, the food was what I expected. Like the majority say on here - not 5-star, but pretty good. I almost always cleared my plate. But like I said, sometimes I would order all appetizers. We enjoyed our tablemates, so didn't focus on the food as much. DH did send back his "beef whatever it was" the first night as it was too rare, but he enjoyed the rest. The Windjammer can get boring - especially for breakfast, where there truly was no variation. But the bacon was very good and I loved the waffles.

 

Sounds like your asst waiter might make it to waiter soon! Our waiter had been on the Legend since September, so in the middle of his second contract with that particular ship... he was adorable, but a bit shy.

 

123CruiseFever - glad you enjoyed the review. I mentioned over in my Mexican Riviera thread that I wanted to give back to the boards a bit. I planned every excursion, etc based on so many opinions that were posted by CC Members. We had a wonderful time based on those suggestions. So, if I can help others, then all is good.

 

You might head over to our 6/13 roll call (link below in signature) and ask about Aft Cabin photos. Both Mcarnett & Alansfreed had Deck 8 Aft balconies and they may have some photos to share. Alansfreed was a 5 deck FREE upgrade - so they DO exist! They were very lucky!! I was hoping that we would get his old outside cabin, but alas - we did not.

 

Smiles - Tina

[alansfreed]

Good job with the review, Tina! I put mine together here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=45778

 

I had to trim mine back from 13,000 words to 10,000, lest you think yours was long! :)

[alansfreed]

You should find a couple from our balcony among our shots from the trip:

 

http://www.thefreeds.com/misc/legend

 

The aft cabin kicked butt! My only complaint is that one day they had sprayed down the top of the ship, and all of the gunk came down onto our balcony, and it stayed there for at least a day. Other than that, this room was just awesome!

 

 

The one thing I am planning on doing is getting some good Legend Aft cabin pictures that I can post. I still haven't found one yet.