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RhondaPerr

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RhondaPerr

RhondaPerr

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Hello,

 

We are back from the Legend, but my luggage(my husband's made it.) is still on vacation, they think in London. I want to tell you that the lost luggage thing is worse than we have ever seen it. I would say most of the lines were 50 people deep. So beware!

 

Our Journey began at 3:30am to make our flight at 7:30am. The lounge for Virgin Atlantic airlines was nice with a continental breakfast served. This was our first time on Virgin Atlantic. The seats in Upper first class were incredible, they convert into a full size bed. The flight was light, so we had more attention from about 5 different people. The entertainment center was great. Another perk of first class was that we could fast-track through the passport line. Even fast-track though it was 45 minutes.

 

The problems: Although a special meal was requested, they never followed through. I had to eat, and it ended up causing me so much misery that I was sick for 2 days. Our luggage although we were spending the night in London, did not appear. We later found out they sent it to the terminal for our flight to Rome the next day. So we headed to the hotel with no luggage, other then our carry-on. The Heathrow Marriot was nice, except that the air conditioning as other people had warned us, was very noisy.

 

We took a cab the next morning back to the airport, which ended up costing one pound more than the bus (Had we known) and spent a rather lengthy process going through security. Thankfully our luggage did make it on our flight and caught up with us in Rome. Business class on Alitalia airlines was nothing special. I can say the crew though are much more friendly than the customer service I dealt with. Our flight was delayed because of weather, but the pilot kept us informed the whole time.

 

Customs in Rome was a breeze. Rome Cabs was waiting for us with our names, as promised. 50 euros plus tip to the hotel Alberto Del Senato. which was directly across from the Pantheon. Our room was a corner room which overlooked the square. The hotel was very elegant, old europe, and we had a huge room and bathroom. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Our air conditioning was quiet and worked. The windows opened up to the square, and we could watch all the happenings below.

 

We walked to the Trevi Fountain, which took us about 10 minutes. It was so crowded that it was hard to lift your camera to take pictures. Walking there you take your life in your hands, narrow alleys with cars and scooters.

 

We had dinner across the square, and live and learn, because it was in the square of the Pantheon, it was almost 100 Euros. Continental breakfast and Rome cabs was there to pick us up at 11am to get to the ship.

 

Embarkation: We were at the port by 12:30, on the ship by 12:35 and in our cabin at 1pm. Cabin 8578..absolutely spotless. JS....nice cabin. bathroom was big. (anything is big after the pod shower on the Serenade>)

 

 

Dinner 2nd seating..Note@ There are two 2nd seating depending on your table number, one started at 8:30 (ours) and the other at 9pm. We have a great table (140) right by the window. We were the only americans at our table. We had 2 couples from England and 1 from Australia. Dinner was good, Prime Rib cooked perfectly. The best waiter we have ever had on 19 cruises. Tomorrow is Portofino, and our first formal nights.

 

Portofino: A taste of Lingurian...My husband had to go on the tour without me, because I was still suffering from my allergic food reaction and was shakey. I spent the day at the Solarium. The roof was open, which we couldn't figure out since it was so hot outside.

 

Lunch at the windjammer was not impressive. The layout is really awkward, and they didn't have the same stations as on the Serenade...We seldom enjoyed the lunches up there, but with our tours there was no choice most of the time. Dinner tonight Filet Mignon.. Excellent show Jacqui Scott...wonderful singer. 11pm show for 2nd seating. Plenty of seats..seats were never an issue in the theatre the whole cruise. Tomorrow is Florence on Your Own..

 

We made reservations 3 months ago for the Ufuzzi museum...Please note our reservation was 11:15 and we made it by 5 minutes... pick-up from this tour was 3:30...not a lot of time.. We got in within 35 minutes, people who do not make the reservations, have a 3 hour wait, or they are told to come back the next day...we had some people on our bus who were very disappointed... You will not have enough time if you don't make prior arrangements. We were warned that it could be so crowded that you will be moved along by the crowd when you stop to see a piece...we were lucky, and that did not happen to us.. It was 26 Euros each to get into the museum...don't get ripped off online...There was someone standing online who had paid for his tickets ahead of time and paid almost double that...We paid no money and had a reservation and door number to get our tickets.

Tomorrow is our 2nd day in Florence, and we are doing the tour of Lucca..

 

One bad thing about the port intensive cruise is the inability to do a lot of the "ship stuff." Lucca was nice, but we only went into one Cathedral, and then there was a lot of shopping. Lunch was in the diningroom and it was exceptional. Yesterday people had no place to get food after their tour except for room service, which has a very limited menu. We noticed that compared to Celebrity, RCCL or at least the Legend does not coordinate the food with the tour hours very well. For example: tomorrow we get into Sicily at 11am, our tour is at 12pm..but we can't go to the windjammer or diningroom, we have to order from room service, and they don't start lunch until 11am...you have to be at your tour meeting place 15 minutes before your tour time. Dinner tonight was good, but definitely not a wow!

 

The first production show was not that great, and I have to say this is the first time in 19 cruises that I have ever said that. Dancing under the stars was all of a half hour and then it was a rock karoke type thing. Tomorrow Tindiri.

 

Tindiri was interesting, our guide was very good, but it was almost 100 degrees, and a few of the churches were closed because it was Sunday.

The rest of the day was unremarkable.

 

Today is our first sea day, and the schedule is packed with activities. Tonight is the 2nd formal night. We have noticed as night owls, other than the disco there is not a lot to do late at night. I have not noticed them cutting back on live music on the ship though, and according to the people we talked to, they have no plans of changing live music to taped. There were some very good bands on this ship! The other thing I have noticed is we are not drowning in advertisements. The hard sell mentality has seemed to mellow a bit which is nice. Inside and in the Solarium are about the only places to be today- it is expected to hit 103 degrees.

 

Split was interesting, but the heat was hard to deal with. This is the 2nd time in Croatia that we have experienced air that barely worked. It was almost to the point of being unbearable...even the guide couldn't stand it..

The production show was much better... Tomorrow we arrive in Venice at 6am..We will be sitting on our balcony at 6:30 as we enter the canal. We have a tour at 830 and it waill take the water taxi 30 minutes to get to St Marks Square from where the ship is docked. It is $13.50 per person if you are not on a tour one way to St Marks Square.

 

We have been surveyed after 6 days, by the head waiter, room service, windjammer etc...I can't say I ever remember that happening, other than when they are trying to tell you how inportant excellent is..

 

There are marked differences between the Serenade, and the Legend. I would sail the Serenade again in a heartbeat..Its not the little things like the needing my Borders card to open and close the safe,or not being able to do things using the tv.. Its the food, the poorly uncoordinated wind jammer, the choices and availability of food, the lack of night owl activities..None of these things ruined our cruise, but they matter. The one thing I will say is this has been the nicest staff I have ever encountered. There has not been one person who has not been friendly or helpful.

 

Venice totally makes up for Split...What a sensationa day/evening. Today we saw Dodge's Palace and the basillica, and then shopped till we dropped. Tomorrow the Secret Walking tour of Venice.

 

The tour wasn't what we expected. and although it said dress code, we didn't need it. The show last night was a great International Singer from Italy. Last night was also the Venetian Ball.. We didn't go, but our tablemates said that there were a lot of little kids, and that they went around the room and had all the guests give their names and where they were from...

 

Today was Dubrovniak, and we didn't get off the ship..spent the day at the pool.. We had planned on spending the day at the Solarium, but the roof was open, so it was actually cooler at the pool. We just needed a day to relax...and it was a tender port. Tonight is our 3rd formal night and the gala buffet.. Production show was excellent. Tomorrow is our last day at sea..hard to believe that our cruise is coming to an end.

 

Enjoyed our day at sea...since our last port is Naples and we have an all day tour, I packed today... but still had plenty of time to do other activities. I attended the Secrets to a flat stomach, which ended up to be a hard sell for toxcity products. I won several times in the Casino...we had to buy a camera, ours died, and I am happy to say the prices were extremely fair..played Bingo and won...Its a good day!

 

Naples: I am glad I am here to write this...Our driver was absolutely out of his mind...I have never been so car-sick, and scared.. We enjoyed Positano, Sorrento and Pompei, but I have to say that our driver was truly dangerous.. On the way back we think he was drunk...he was weaving from one lane to the other...This was the exclusive tour, and if you are a tall person you had better check out the van, because my husband who is 6ft 2, couldn't sit with his legs in front of him, and I am not nearly that height was uncomfortable.

 

Debarkation: We were off the ship around 7:40 and on the bus about 8 minutes later...one of the smoothest most organized debarkations I have ever seen...

 

Rome airport...UGH! It didn't help that the person on the bus told us all the wrong terminal.. We finally after a half hour found where we needed to check in....The lounge for alitalia offered little, except refuge from the crowds...We were late taking off because of a passenger who never got on the plane, but had luggage on it...Give yourself plenty of time at the airport...It probably took us an hour to get through the security lines, then almost an hour to get through passports, and then there was another security line..then you have to take a bus to the plane...all which takes time....

 

Heathrow...5 hour layover...The Virgin Atlantic clubhouse is amazing! Full menu...full bar, cushy seats, swing seats, beauty parlor, masseuse..deli bar, toys for kids...tv's magazines...etc... Flight...had the seat converted into a bed and slept for most of the flight... Through Customs in 3 minutes...1 hour later at baggage, husband has his...mine not in sight...another hour at claim line...update they don't know where it is as of today..

 

Overall Legend:

 

Food okay..no wows and lunch in Windjammer not great.

 

Cabin: Wonderful

 

Service: Exceptional

 

Tours: Good

 

Ship: In very good shape for a 12 year old ship..we were on her 11 years ago through the Panama Canal...and she has held up well.

 

Captain: wonderful

 

Cruise director No cheezy jokes, but very personable.

 

Activities: fun and organized, but wish there was more to do late night.

 

 

We had a wonderful time..and now have reached the Diamond Category..We are already booked on the Adventure or Next year...

 

Any questions feel free to ask!

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hylasgirl

hylasgirl

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Rhonda.... thank you so much for posting this. This is the cruise that me and my husband want to book as soon as they release the dates for 2009. I sure hope they keep this itinerary. It sounds perfect. We have been to Rome, Florence and Naples and Venice...and Dubravnik (which we loved). We really enjoyed our private guide in Naples and will probably book with them again. We did Pompeii and also Sorrento and Positano... We LOVED Sorrento. I think we would do the same again... spend a little more time exploring different things in Pompeii and then the rest of the day in Sorrento. We are also thinking of getting a cheap place in Florence for the night and for-go the drive into town for a second day. I really think this itinerary is almost perfect... I love the overnight in Florence and Venice... and leaving and returning from Rome is perfect! We have been there twice now on a cruise, but only for a day stop... I think this would be great... a couple days before and after the cruise.

 

What did your husband think of Portofino? We are SOOO looking forward to this stop.

 

What is it like in Split? Similar to Dubravnik? Can you just wander around the town?

 

How was the weather everywhere? And the water... pretty calm?

 

Thanks for any information.

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RhondaPerr

RhondaPerr

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[What did your husband think of Portofino? We are SOOO looking forward to this stop.

 

He liked it, but he said the motorboat ride was a litte choppy.

 

What is it like in Split? Similar to Dubravnik? Can you just wander around the town? Split was a lot like Dubrovniak...Air conditioned busses were the common complaint...or should I say lack of... I know people went to town, but I think it was pretty much like getting to the wall in Dubrovniak..

 

How was the weather everywhere? And the water... pretty calm?

We had a heat wave, so in most places it was near 100 degrees..one day it reached 103.. The ship was smooth like glass..there was maybe one night we could feel a little rocking,and we were in an AFT cabin...We loved the Captain, and the cruise staff was really good! I think you will enjoy the trip, we loved the extra time in Florence and especially Venice..Florence though you have to be back on the ship I think it was like 1pm...so you need to plan very carefully..

 

Rhonda

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RhondaPerr

RhondaPerr

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I loved your review. Can you tell me what tour company you used in Naples. I want to be sure and avoid him. Thank you

Delores

 

We used the ships exclusive amalfi coast tour at something like $375 a piece....my understanding is Drive amalfi is supposed to be a great private tour company.

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hylasgirl

hylasgirl

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We used www.driverinrome.com for the tour in Naples (yes... they do tours in Naples also) and they were terrific. Another highly sought after tour guide is Marcello... www.seesorrento.com but he is usually booked up a year of so in advance, but definitely worth checking out first. They are both great! I think a private guide/driver is the ONLY way to go in Naples. When I hear of people not doing anything in Naples, I almost cry... it is SUCH a great stop! One of our most favorites! But I would not recommend the ship tours. You can get a better deal... and a better day there on your own with some planning. We shared a private, new mercedes mini-van with 2 other couples... and we didn't pay anything near $375 each... I do believe we paid $250 per couple and that included a tip!!! And we saw everything we wanted, just the 6 of us. We had no problems getting 2 other couples to join us before the cruise.

 

Thanks for the answers to my questions. I appreciate it. I sure hope they keep this itinerary. It sounds perfect. Oh... I forgot, what did you do in Messina? Did you go there? maybe not...

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RhondaPerr

RhondaPerr

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Thanks for the answers to my questions. I appreciate it. I sure hope they keep this itinerary. It sounds perfect. Oh... I forgot, what did you do in Messina? Did you go there? maybe not...

 

Yes, I don't have my notes on Messina...they are in my suitcase but we did Tindari and Solona...It was nice, but the heat really made it hard to think about anything but being in the shade.

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stjohnrocks

stjohnrocks

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I am so happy to finally see a review on this itinerary! We are doing this cruise next May. I had planned to do the exclusive tour in Naples because it was a little less expensive than a private tour (there are only two of us) and it included lunch and all entrance fees etc. Now I am thinking maybe I should bite the bullet and book private! A dangerous driver is not a good thing for a ship sponsored tour. I do hope you reported that!

 

Also, we are planning to stay at del Senato for 4 days pre cruise so I'm glad to hear to enjoyed it.

 

One question: how was the tour the first day in Venice? What did it include and would you do it again? I'm wondering if it is more time efficient than trying to do Doges and St Marks on our own with lines etc.

 

Thanks!

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RhondaPerr

RhondaPerr

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[

Hi We did the ships tour for Doges palace, St Marks Square and the Basillica. I think you could easily do it on your own... Just get a good guidebook. The water taxi left us fairly close, it was maybe a 10 minute walk, and the fare for that and the return were included in the tour price. The square is surrounded in shops, and cafes and its fun to just walk around..we did for hours. The launch back to the ship is right near the square, and I believe the last one was 11pm....

 

 

You will love the hotel in Rome, but just a note if you are a light sleeper and face the square its pretty noisy. We didn't mind it, but then again we were comatose from jet lag :) There is no bellman cart, and even if there was it would never fit in the elevator :)

 

We did the exclusive amalfi last year and had a wonderful driver and guide....and like I said this is the first time we have ever had that type of experience..

 

Anything else i can help you with feel free to ask!

 

Luggage update...according to Virgin Atlantic there are over 1400 bags lost in Heathrow...not a comfort!!

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stjohnrocks

stjohnrocks

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Thanks for your reply. On the exclusive Amalfi tour can you give me a few more details, how many people, type of vehicle, how long in each place, lunch details etc. ?

 

Thanks again for all your info. I can't wait for next May, 10 more months but who's counting!!;)

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RhondaPerr

RhondaPerr

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Thanks for your reply. On the exclusive Amalfi tour can you give me a few more details, how many people, type of vehicle, how long in each place, lunch details etc. ?

 

Thanks again for all your info. I can't wait for next May, 10 more months but who's counting!!;)

 

The van had about 12 people in it..but like I said our van was very close quarters and my husband could not sit with his legs in front of him, nor could I comfortably. The first stop was Positano, where you spend a little bit of time, you can walk down to the beach or look in shops..There is a bathroom at the garage where we park, but for some reason they don't tell you that!

 

Next stop Sorrento, where you see a demonstration of how inlaid wood gets made...and then you are on your own for about 45 minutes or a little longer..We were there on Sunday which was great because they close part of the road to cars, and we were able to walk all the way down mainstreet without having to walk on crowded sidewalks.

 

Lunch is next, pretty much across the street from where the bus left us off..Its in a beautiful old hotel...You have mimosa and poppers out on a terrace with a beautiful view...then its downstairs to the diningroom. They did not have the air on, and it was pretty warm while eating..There was a salad, pasta dish, choice of chicken or fish, wine, water, bread, and a sampler of sweets and fruit,and coffee.

 

After lunch its Pompei where we spent about an hour and a half. The first time we took this tour off of Celebrity it was incredible, this time, as I have written not so much.

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RhondaPerr

RhondaPerr

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Who was your captain, and what was your embarkation date

 

Who was the cruise director

 

Hi,

 

Captain information I will have to give you when I get my notes from my suitcase which apparently is still eating pasta in Italy! The cruise director was Jill Tasker... We left on 7/18

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daveky

daveky

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Thanks for the post. Sorry to hear about your luggage but glad you enjoyed the Legend. I was on her Maiden voyage May 1995, out of Miami thru the Panama Canal years ago and have very fond memories of her. She sure has come along way and apparantly still a very nice ship to sail on.

Take care.

 

Dave

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wolfcathorse

wolfcathorse

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I was also on the 7/18/07 sailing. The Captain was Nikolaos Antalis. He lived up to reputation on these boards, he is very personable!

 

Crap! Then my Current Captain thread is all wrong for Legend OTS. I have no idea when they rotated! Or for how long Capt Carl was on!

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