My recent review of Legend 12/2 - 12/9

[sawmillbarb]

Just got back from a wonderful trip on the Legend to the W. Caribbean.

 

I'm sure that many cruisers will disagree with some of my comments and think I'm crazy for not wanting to book another cruise soon.

 

Please don't slam me for thinking differently than some of you.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=35389

 

Barbara

[Chigirlcruzin]

Barbara,

 

Thanks for the review. I really can't see anybody slamming you for not wanting to book a cruise right away. You gave a fair review. Cruising addiction doesn't hit everybody. I hope your next vacation, whatever it may be, is even better than this cruise!

[JaneBP]

I posted a review on the Seabourn BB because for the last 5 years, I have sailed an averaage of 5 weeks on this line. We chose the Carnival Legend for the timing, port of departure, ports of call and the price. I was, at my 60+ years, ready to try 'Camp Carnival." It's my personal philosophy that cruising is like a posh summer camp for adults. And the Legend even had 'color wars'!

 

I was most pleasantly surprised at many things:

The embarkation for 2145 of us in Tampa was smooth as silk (we had e-docs) and from getting out of the cab to the Lido with a drink in my hand, was 45 minutes. We couldn't go to our stateroom until 1:30 which made sense. But we were fed and entertained quite admirably. Disembarkation was equally swift, but finding the luggage took a bit longer, obviously.

 

The best part of this is that I walk with a cane and was immediately offered wheelchair service (via a young man on the waitstaff) and that helped immeasurably with my comfort and ease of processing. But we did not jump any lines to complete the this.

 

The stateroom was not as spacious as a Seabourn, but we had a nice balcony and there was more cabinet storage but less hanging space. We didn't use the overdoor shoe hanger or bungee cord although it had been suggested to bring them. The bed was comfy and the linens equal to Seabourn. And I could stretch out on the sofa, unlike you-know-where. The only drawback was the location (8176), right below the Lido 'fun' deck and it was quite horrid, often so loud that we couldn't use the balcony. I blame my TA for this.

 

I found the service of all the staff equal, yes, equal to that of Seabourn, although naturally, only our steward and evening dining crew knew our names. I was amazed at their solicitous service, especially when dealing of all of us. The Lido food staff were fabulous!!! The ship is kept clean and tip-top. (OK there was one surly Purser who commented that it didn't matter that my Harry Potter movie cut off before the end because 'everyone' knows he lives, but that was just one person.)

 

Speaking of the ship, the layout design was good, the interiour decoration was horrendous. Way too dark and gloomy. The theme was 'Legends' and that ranged from the Unicorn Cafe to Satchmo's Lounge. It was worse than a low-rate casino. Nearly every surface was covered with some image. The decoration of the dining room was after the Royal Copenhagen 'Florica Danica' pattern, which was very nice, until they added flashing red ceiling lights and very wierd chandeliers which looked like Chiluly on speed. I cringed at the 'performances' of the waitstaff in the DR, but again, eveyone had a nice time. I thought the staff looked chagrined at being forced to do this.

 

Food was average, plentiful, and menu choices were varied. We found the beef products very tough and the fish a bit 'iffy', but there was a lot to eat. I did grab the sauceboat from the waiter when he was ready to put a 'dab' of Bearnaise on my prime rib. He seemed to think his job might be in jeopardy! We sat in a booth with one other couple; we were fine with the 8:15 seating. It seemed too much to bother to switch, but a few evenings we had room service dinner (not Seabourn-style). We couldn't see paying $30/pp for the upscale 'supper club' but heard it was very good. The room service menu was available 24 hours, but did not include any hot items. Made sense, imho. Our room service orders were never correct, but the waiters always corrected it. I always had breakfast in the room, terrific bages, cream cheese, and smoked salmon.

 

I never went to a show, but heard first-hand they were a bit 'hokey' although they had good turn-outs. There was a lot to do, but I drew the line at the 'family water wars' and the 'hairy chest competition'. There was something for everyone; and all seemed to be having a great time. I did do Trivia a few times, there were, for example, musical themes and sports questions. We avoided the ubiquitous photographers, but they had facilities for downloading and printing one's own pics and making cards, calendars, etc.

 

There were lots of shore exursions, but since I had just been in Belize and Roatan and never fancied a sting-ray sucking on my shoulder, I stayed onboard. As on the 'Sisters', it's lovely when everyone else is ashore. I did get off in Cozumel to attend a quirky cooking lession and learned the perfect Margarita recipe. I got a diploma in toritlla making, too. That was fun, there were just 3 of us and it was non-hype and low-key. (Thanks to another CC cruiser for sharing this information, which I will post under the Ports section.)

 

I would take another Carnival cruise for the ports and price. I figured we woud have a good time, no matter what, but found that the 'what' was surprisingly good."

[lhc2266]

Great reviews!

[mseldga]

Thanks for the review, Barbara! I'm leaving on the Legend in a few weeks and really appreciated the detailed review. We're doing ziplining and a private tour in Roatan and are booked with your tour operator for caving in Belize, so I particularly appreciated hearing how much you enjoyed those excursions. :)

 

I understand how you feel about wanting more time in the ports. I enjoy cruising because I love being on the water and love the ease of traveling to a lot of places that way. But, when I find a port I really like, I always want to plan a more extended trip there. Cruising is kind of a quick preview of which places would be worth a longer visit. ;)

[Luanne21]

I liked your review. I always would prefer the good and the not so good.

[mseldga]

Thanks for your review too, Jane. May have to try that cooking excursion in Cozumel. :)

[JaneBP]

Thanks for your review too, Jane. May have to try that cooking excursion in Cozumel. :)

 

You can email me and I will send you more about it. I haven't as yet posted the information elsewhere. There is a class sponsored by the ship's activities department, but this was as if we were in the chef's home. Tasting and explaining, it also includes a market trip as well. It's held at a small school and is a sort cab ride to the location.

 

The cost was $69.00 and THE BEST Margaritas were $3.00/drink; I did leave a tip. Because I was on ship's time, I arrived an hour early, but that was no problem, I just sat in the yard and enjoyed the breezes.

 

janepondatprodigydotnet