8 Days on the Carnival Legend in the Western Caribbean

[poptart]

Hey Poptart, we sailed on the Legend 10/21/13 and the weather was perfect, smooth sea, daytime temp. upper 80's, water temps low to mid 80's. The Legend is truly awesome, we love the spirit class and we are sad she will be leaving us next year for adventures in Austrailia. Wish we could travel on her again before she leaves, hopefully it won't be a year round assignment for her. Have fun and BTW how's the DH? Hope he's doing good....I did my cancer markers a week before we sailed, needless to say we had a great vacation celebrating 26 years of marriage.:)

 

 

He just had a 6 months check up in October...perfect! Cancer free and feeling good!

 

My sister just celebrated 5 years cancer free the fall too. And she just finished her last round of chemo pills that she has had to take for almost 5 years since her surgeries and radiation. (Breast cancer.)

 

I hope you are cancer free too! It is such a good feeling to get a good report.

 

We were on the Legend in 2008 and we wanted one more turn on her before she goes down under. The Legend is our favorite ship...we love the spirit class ships.

 

Deebee,

loving your review and pictures. Are you the one in the cowboy hat?

 

Happy sails!!

[crusinpsychRN]

Legend has a different chef, Fabio, than I've sailed with before and the food was so much better than before!! Even buffet was hot.

 

Staff was wonderful, ship was so clean all the time. Didn't care for Brent, the CD. He added nothing and was only around when he had to be.

 

Halloween was a hoot!

[Lovefuninthesun]

Legend has a different chef, Fabio, than I've sailed with before and the food was so much better than before!! Even buffet was hot.

 

Staff was wonderful, ship was so clean all the time. Didn't care for Brent, the CD. He added nothing and was only around when he had to be.

 

Halloween was a hoot!

 

I have heard that about Brent by several posters.....

[debee1015]

 

 

Deebee,

loving your review and pictures. Are you the one in the cowboy hat?

 

Happy sails!!

 

Yes that was my cruise hat this cruise. :)

[debee1015]

Day 4

 

Roatan Honduras

 

When we were here 2 years ago the entire time we were in port it was rainy and overcast until 30 before sail away and the skies cleared. Today it rained off and on. We didn't have anything planned so we went and had breakfast in the MDR (MMMMM Eggs Benedict).

 

At some point we made our way off the ship. I walked along the nature trail which runs parallel to the ship. You get some pretty good views of the ship through the foliage also there are benches and picture spots along the trail There are some low hanging branches so if you're tall like me beware..

 

We decided to bypass the chair ride as we did it 2 years ago. Once was enough. Its a little expensive though, and my legs work fine. We make it out ot the beach and the skies open up. We head under the protective covering of the Fat Tuesday where I have an attitiube adjustment full of margarita.

 

We head back to the ship later after going through some of the shops in Roatan. We played some trivia for a bit and then headed up to the room for a nap and some last minute pictures before we pulled out of port. At some point I believe I went down the water slide. The rain was coming in from the north. This would come into play shortly after we leave port. It was like Florida rain, you can see where the rain cloud is because the moisture is visible from the bottom of the cloud to the ground. We leave as scheduled.

 

Brent the cruise director comes on and tells us all Cave Tubing excursions in Belize have been cancelled as they have flooding and the Government has shut down the cave system. I am glad we did cave tubing 2 years ago and didn't plan anything in Belize as I would be hugely disappointed.

 

Tonight is also the deck party.

 

We head down to dinner but stopped to have a Mini Martini Tasting. We had all 8 martini's and got the charm to signify our victory in the Carnival/Stoli Martini Challenge.

 

My favorites were the Spicy Chipotle (it has a lot of pineapple flavor to take the bite out of the heat) and the Melon (it tastes like a watermelon Jolly Rancher)

 

For dinner I have the Duck and the spinach salad to start and the lamb shank as my main course. Tonight is also Bitter and Blanc so I have that.

 

We head up to the lido for the deck party. I don’t know why I go to the deck party every cruise. Its like a bad wedding reception, all those terrible line dances. Of course its much better since they stopped Color Wars. I really don’t like the electric slide. After 5 cruises and countless weddings I still do not know how to do the electric slide. I would like to keep it that way no matter how much others conspire against me. Or that one cent 5 cent 10 cent dollar song.

 

The Mexican buffet is also tonight and while I didn’t stay for it, but I have pictures. The ice carvings, the desserts and the fruit sculptures looked amazing.

Edited November 6, 2013 by debee1015

[debee1015]

Roatan pictures are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/debee1015/sets/72157637284397833

 

IMG_1152

 

IMG_1249

 

IMG_1259

 

IMG_1297

There's dolphins in there...

[debee1015]

Legend has a different chef, Fabio, than I've sailed with before and the food was so much better than before!! Even buffet was hot.

 

Staff was wonderful, ship was so clean all the time. Didn't care for Brent, the CD. He added nothing and was only around when he had to be.

 

Halloween was a hoot!

 

I have some pictures of you from Halloween, a few are a little, dare I say, Cheeky. LOL

[deepdish1082]

do you happen to have the funtimes for view.. will be on ship jan 19:)

[debee1015]

do you happen to have the funtimes for view.. will be on ship jan 19:)

 

I do, but this wasn't the typical Legend 7 day sailing, the itinerary was reversed (we did Grand Cayman first, typically the first port day is Cozumel). And we hit also Costa Maya.

 

But I will do my best to scan them this weekend. :D

[debee1015]

Belize

 

We decided to stay on the ship today. I wanted to go to Caye Caulker but decided against it, Mom didn't want to get off the ship because she'd heard "too many things about Belize".

 

We head to the Serenity deck which is uncrowded, and I start my day off with a Bloody Mary. I move from a hammock to a shell chair. I then realize minimal children on board means the water slide is open for use. YEAH! I head down it 3 or 4 times.

 

There is a beautiful rainbow over Belize city hopefully this signifies that the rains are coming to an end.

 

We have lunch on the lido and then head down to play trivia where I win a much coveted 24K Gold plated plastic ship on a stick. I won Carnival trivia. Although I am disappointed Willard Scott is not an answer for what celebrity has appeared in a carnival commercial. I saw that commercial on youtube.

 

We are scheduled to leave Belize at 5... But people are missing. Tenders keep coming out to the boat until around 5:15. Finally around 5:30 the final 2 people arrive. We watch from our balcony as they come aboard. Most of our section of the ship is watching these folks and I start clapping loudly as they arrive, others join in. I announce to this side of the ship that we are the smart @SS section of the ship.

 

Tonight's dinner is

Oysters Rockefeller

Lasagna bolognese <-AWESOME

 

Today is the day Halloween decorations start appearing around the ship. Lots of inflatables. For a cruise ship that has 1 outlet in your cabin, they have lots around the ship to plug in inflatable decorations in.

 

IMG_1534 edited

 

IMG_1500

 

IMG_1508

[debee1015]

Belize Photos are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/debee1015/sets/72157637299579636

[poptart]

I do, but this wasn't the typical Legend 7 day sailing, the itinerary was reversed (we did Grand Cayman first, typically the first port day is Cozumel). And we hit also Costa Maya.

:D

 

 

Yup! A member of our roll call was watching the web cam and we couldn't figure out why you were going backwards!! :D Now we know.

 

I'm planning a spa day for Belize. We've been there several times.

 

I LOVE the line dancing!!! :D:eek::D you'll always find me out there tangling up the lines!

 

 

mmmmm wonder if I'm too old for a cowboy hat, that was so cute.

 

Thanks for the review and pictures!!

[estebofarr]

I will be joining the others on the Nov. 10 sailing! Also, from 30 minutes west of Tampa. Wonderful review. Love the pictures.

[AMisplacedCNuck]

Belize...

 

We are scheduled to leave Belize at 5... But people are missing. Tenders keep coming out to the boat until around 5:15. Finally around 5:30 the final 2 people arrive. We watch from our balcony as they come aboard. Most of our section of the ship is watching these folks and I start clapping loudly as they arrive, others join in. I announce to this side of the ship that we are the smart @SS section of the ship.

We had a 4th floor balcony on this side. You could hear this couple going at each other for quite a distance before their water taxi arrived at the ship. If you're going to have a screaming match with your spouse on a boat, keep in mind that sound travels pretty well over water. :eek:

[Lovefuninthesun]

we had a 4th floor balcony on this side. You could hear this couple going at each other for quite a distance before their water taxi arrived at the ship. If you're going to have a screaming match with your spouse on a boat, keep in mind that sound travels pretty well over water. :eek:

 

lol!

Edited November 6, 2013 by Lovefuninthesun

[debee1015]

We had a 4th floor balcony on this side. You could hear this couple going at each other for quite a distance before their water taxi arrived at the ship. If you're going to have a screaming match with your spouse on a boat, keep in mind that sound travels pretty well over water. :eek:

 

I'm sure I helped that relationship. :rolleyes:

[debee1015]

 

 

 

Yup! A member of our roll call was watching the web cam and we couldn't figure out why you were going backwards!! :D Now we know.

 

I'm planning a spa day for Belize. We've been there several times.

 

I LOVE the line dancing!!! :D:eek::D you'll always find me out there tangling up the lines!

 

 

mmmmm wonder if I'm too old for a cowboy hat, that was so cute.

 

Thanks for the review and pictures!!

 

My first cruise on the Glory the women in the cabin next to us went line dancing on the lido deck. One of the woman Boot scooted and some random person boogied knocking my neighbor down and dislocating both of her knees in the process. Yes both knees. :eek:

 

I helped carry her at one point from the balcony into the cabin.

 

She disembarked in St Thomas and was flown home for knee surgery.

 

I swore at that moment no line dancing on a cruise ship for me. Bad dancing in the lobby by myself is one thing.... line dancing close to other strangers and someone (most likely me) is going to get hurt.

[debee1015]

Day 6

Costa Maya

 

We were advised due to daylight savings time changes that our port times in Costa Maya and Cozumel would be adjusted. So our days were a little longer in these ports than scheduled because we're now 2 hours ahead of their local time. Mexico still adheres to the old US Daylight Savings time versus the new time in November.

 

Also if you get a letter from the Captain, entertain yourself by trying to read like he is reading it to you, in a bad Italian accent.

 

We arrive in Costa Maya around 6 am local time. We're going to Tropicante so there's no rush to get off the ship.

 

Our old friend the Carnival Dream is also in port.

 

Mom goes up to the Lido for breakfast and I stay in room to get our stuff together to get off the boat.

 

Finally we're off the boat.

 

If you want to go to Tropicante you can e-mail Steve the owner in advance and he'll reserve a lounger for each member of your party. He also gives you very specific directions on how to find the Taxi stand outside the port where you are charged $2 a person instead of $3, its a bit of a walk but it was nice to get out on land and walk. It wasn't too hot yet either. Oh and Steve’s directions say the International Diamond Store, well this is no longer there its the Columbian Emerald Store.

 

We head to Tropicante and drive through Mahahual, my exposure to Mexico so far in my life has been the tourist trap of Cozumel. Mahahual to me is a more authentic Mexican town. The poverty is very obvious, the shacks are made of scrap wood but every one of them has a satellite dish. By 8:30 am local time we're at Tropicante in a lounger enjoying a margarita. A good margarita, not full of sour mix.

 

The wait staff is very attentive I shortly will have some chips and salsa in addition to another margarita and a shot of reposado tequila. Someone said that the beach in Mahahual is like a corona commercial. Its true. A guitarist is playing tunes in an "authentic" mexican outfit. I ask him to play "La Cucaracha"(its an inside joke in our family) and he does I give him a tip and he also sings a Mexican Love song.

 

Its very relaxing here I don't want to leave. The water is clear and you can see the ships in the distance from your lounger..

 

I have an enchilada for lunch it was really good, Mom had a hamburger and french fŕies. I settle up the bill, we had between 7-10 drinks chips salsa and 2 entrees for $44. I also buy a bottle of their house tequila (El Compadre) for $15. Jorge our server gives us "good luck" necklaces before we leave. We're told by both him and Steve the owner that it will help you win a million dollars in the casino. I don't know about that, but I did win $19.

 

We get back in time to watch the Dream leave for Pt Canaveral. We heard there was a couple who were supposed to sail on the Dream, but missed the ship due to time conversions. Carnival put them on the Legend to head back to Tampa instead of heading back through Mexico via bus. Allegedly a few people on the Legend remained behind in Costa Maya. I felt this entire cruise if you contacted the ship to let them know you were on your way they would wait for you. It just felt like we were in no rush to get to the next port.

 

Did I also mention today was also the past guest party. In a bit of peculiar planning, I guess before the time change situation was changed we were still docked at Costa Maya when the Past Guest Party occurred. It was nice. The drinks and were very plentiful if you were at the back of the Follies lounge, but if you were at the front, unless you got there early, you waited and watched the servers come out with trays of drinks and serve the last 3-4 rows of the lounge and then head back with an empty tray. But they did serve drinks as people were leaving, I didn't see them bring out an special orders (I’d read that on here recently they were allowing you to order your own cocktail) a lot of Funship Specials, beer, white and red wine.

 

It was halloween night so we got back to the cabin and got ready for dinner and to wear our costumes. I was a fifties waitress with a black bouffant wig. My Mom went in her work uniform (she works for a grocery chain here in Florida that Starts with a P). Some of the costumes were simple, some were elaborate. The ship also was decorated, the Casino staff went all out with Spider webs and inflatables everywhere. There were inflatables everywhere else throughout the ship as well.

 

There was a special drink menu and a special dessert in the MDR.

 

Dinner tonight was:

Escargot

Spanakopita

 

Even though I did nothing all day I wanted to sleep, but I wanted to see the costume contest more. We went to the comedy club and saw I believe William Troxler. He was very funny. H made a joke about the ship on Halloween looking like a bad episode of Let's Make a deal. Randomly, if you go to an Adult comedy show and get offended, its your own fault there are enough disclaimers before the show that you sensitive people should know better.

 

After this we walked around and headed into the follies lounge and saw the costume contest. People are really creative. And sometimes just because you have the most elaborate costume if your personality doesn't back it up you don't win.

 

A guy wearing his wife’s bikini top and a sarong type skirt with his hair in cornrows and effeminate hand gestures name “Misty” won over the zombie family who spent 3 hours on their make-up.

 

IMG_1762

A Magnificent sunrise from cabin 8232

 

IMG_1800

Oh hey its just the Carnival Dream....

 

IMG_1808

Waves breaking against the port. I guess this is typical in Costa Maya?

 

IMG_1841

Our Cabin door

 

IMG_1904

Mahahual a little drinking town with a diving problem.

[debee1015]

Day 6 pictures are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/debee1015/sets/72157637326723163

 

IMG_1985

Special Halloween drinks...

 

IMG_2014

Special dessert in the MDR

 

IMG_2145

Brent and "Misty" (yes I posted this on JH's FB page).

 

IMG_1950

Past guest party.

[Swayde]

I talked with your Mom a few times! A long conversation up on the Serenity deck one day =) She was very friendly. I know I briefly met you as well, she introduced us, but we didn't really speak. My name is Barbara and hubby is Keith. This was such a fun cruise! Love your review =)

[debee1015]

I talked with your Mom a few times! A long conversation up on the Serenity deck one day =) She was very friendly. I know I briefly met you as well, she introduced us, but we didn't really speak. My name is Barbara and hubby is Keith. This was such a fun cruise! Love your review =)

 

I remember you. :)

 

Thank you for the kind words. :)

[debee1015]

I know people are interested in Halloween on the ship so I'll post some of the photos.

 

I really enjoyed Halloween on the ship. There were not a lot of children so it was like adding a whole other layer of crazy to your vacation, because people seemed to cut loose.

 

I didn't bring a bowl or a bag, so I shoved some Candy into the mailbox:

 

IMG_1844

 

IMG_1958

 

IMG_1955

 

They went all out in the casino. The staff was dressed up.

 

IMG_1983

Matey(?) was wearing his Spongebob costume.

 

I thought they could have done more with the costume contest. I think the natives were a little restless by 11 PM (that and my wig itched like a....)

 

Here I am, I joined the Pink ladies in a celebration of the 1950's:

IMG_1997

Although I wasn't even thought of in the 1950's....

[debee1015]

Day whatever....

 

Cozumel

 

Cozumel

We were going to Nachi Cocum today but since our ship rolled into pot at 6 AM port time we took our time. We ended up getting off the ship around 10 am/ The Legend ported at the International Pier (next to the Freedom of the Seas) the Carnival Conquest and Carnival Magic were at Puerto Maya. We paid $16 to get to Nachi Cocum and there were maybe about 10 people there at that time. Nachi Cocum is limited to 100 people per day and my understanding was it was sold out today.

 

We were lead down to the beach and I went in the water, it was crystal clear, I saw a horseshoe crab and a lot of fish in the water at my feet. around 9 am local time (ship time was 2 hours ahead at this point) our waiter Manuel took our first drink order of the day, I had a mai tai, I would then get in no particular order a Bloody Mary a Margarita a Whatthehell (a creation by the bartender) and a Ticket to Fly (the folks from the Magic had taught the bartender to make this on previous trips to Nachi Cocum).

 

I chatted with people around us, most of them from the Carnival ships (I have rarely been on an excursion when we're in port with Royal Caribbean ships where folks from the RC ships take an independent excursion, why is this?). People really like the Spirit class ships, and Carnival should try and use the things people like (elevators that go to every floor, easy to navigate, etc) and incorporate it into their new class of ships.

 

Sooner rather than later we head back, I told Manuel we needed a taxi and one was ready.... Or so they thought.

 

One of the Nachi Cocum guests had a party of 8 and this taxi driver refused to take us for about 5 minutes because he wanted this party of 8 (all of the party was not ready to leave) so we got in his taxi and another couple were going to ride back to the Legend with us, the taxi driver was not going to let them in the cab, then he said its $16 per couple. Um no. IT's $16 for 1-4 people. The sign is right there. He FINALLY relented and was the most unpleasant taxi driver ever. You could just tell he was pissed that A) he couldn't get the party of 8 and B) the gringos can read. On occasion I can also throw out a few words of espanol.

 

We get back to the port and I find a Lucha Libre NY Jets mask that would make a great gift for my brother. And at $15 its the right price (he has a history of giving me crappy gifts I'm going to start returning the favor, although he likes the Jets so it might not be that crappy). We stop in the duty free shop where they have Cointreau (not available on the ship) for $20 a bottle!!!! The 1 L bottle in the states can set you back a cool $48 a bottle. Also the have Hendricks gin which I haven't seen in ports before (and is not available on the ship) 1L for $39 (at home its $49). My Mom purchased the Villa Vanilla for 3 bottles for $13 (we bought 6 bottles). VIlla Vanilla is Coumarin Free. They also have vanilla beans 5 for $11.

 

We head back to the ship and somehow I forget to drop off my liquor at the Liquor drop off. It was crowded and I wanted to get back to my cabin. Oops. Sorry Carnival.

 

We get back and tonight is elegant night (they delayed it from Thursday night due to Halloween) so we get ready.

 

For dinner I have the "crepes" to start and the Tilapia as my main course. "Crepes" to me have always been a thin batter pancakes, but on Carnival a crepe is made from filo dough.

 

What the French?

 

I didn't really like it, I’ll be honest.

 

The tilapia was very good, cooked very well. Tonight mom has the WCMC and I have some filo filled almond straws. What is it with filo dough?

[kruisecat]

Day whatever....

 

Cozumel

 

Cozumel

We were going to Nachi Cocum today but since our ship rolled into pot at 6 AM port time we took our time. We ended up getting off the ship around 10 am/ The Legend ported at the International Pier (next to the Freedom of the Seas) the Carnival Conquest and Carnival Magic were at Puerto Maya. We paid $16 to get to Nachi Cocum and there were maybe about 10 people there at that time. Nachi Cocum is limited to 100 people per day and my understanding was it was sold out today.

 

We were lead down to the beach and I went in the water, it was crystal clear, I saw a horseshoe crab and a lot of fish in the water at my feet. around 9 am local time (ship time was 2 hours ahead at this point) our waiter Manuel took our first drink order of the day, I had a mai tai, I would then get in no particular order a Bloody Mary a Margarita a Whatthehell (a creation by the bartender) and a Ticket to Fly (the folks from the Magic had taught the bartender to make this on previous trips to Nachi Cocum).

 

I chatted with people around us, most of them from the Carnival ships (I have rarely been on an excursion when we're in port with Royal Caribbean ships where folks from the RC ships take an independent excursion, why is this?). People really like the Spirit class ships, and Carnival should try and use the things people like (elevators that go to every floor, easy to navigate, etc) and incorporate it into their new class of ships.

 

Sooner rather than later we head back, I told Manuel we needed a taxi and one was ready.... Or so they thought.

 

One of the Nachi Cocum guests had a party of 8 and this taxi driver refused to take us for about 5 minutes because he wanted this party of 8 (all of the party was not ready to leave) so we got in his taxi and another couple were going to ride back to the Legend with us, the taxi driver was not going to let them in the cab, then he said its $16 per couple. Um no. IT's $16 for 1-4 people. The sign is right there. He FINALLY relented and was the most unpleasant taxi driver ever. You could just tell he was pissed that A) he couldn't get the party of 8 and B) the gringos can read. On occasion I can also throw out a few words of espanol.

 

We get back to the port and I find a Lucha Libre NY Jets mask that would make a great gift for my brother. And at $15 its the right price (he has a history of giving me crappy gifts I'm going to start returning the favor, although he likes the Jets so it might not be that crappy). We stop in the duty free shop where they have Cointreau (not available on the ship) for $20 a bottle!!!! The 1 L bottle in the states can set you back a cool $48 a bottle. Also the have Hendricks gin which I haven't seen in ports before (and is not available on the ship) 1L for $39 (at home its $49). My Mom purchased the Villa Vanilla for 3 bottles for $13 (we bought 6 bottles). VIlla Vanilla is Coumarin Free. They also have vanilla beans 5 for $11.

 

We head back to the ship and somehow I forget to drop off my liquor at the Liquor drop off. It was crowded and I wanted to get back to my cabin. Oops. Sorry Carnival.

 

We get back and tonight is elegant night (they delayed it from Thursday night due to Halloween) so we get ready.

 

For dinner I have the "crepes" to start and the Tilapia as my main course. "Crepes" to me have always been a thin batter pancakes, but on Carnival a crepe is made from filo dough.

 

What the French?

 

I didn't really like it, I’ll be honest.

 

The tilapia was very good, cooked very well. Tonight mom has the WCMC and I have some filo filled almond straws. What is it with filo dough?

 

 

We are headed to Nachi on Tuesday (so excited), I'm just curious...1) did you feel like there were actually 100 people there and 2) if yes...did it feel crowded?

 

There will be 5 other ships in port with us which is why I chose Nachi and from everything I've seen it looks "roomy" but I just thought I'd double check!

 

I hope your review finishes before Sunday so I can have the complete picture :p Thanks again!!!

[debee1015]

We are headed to Nachi on Tuesday (so excited), I'm just curious...1) did you feel like there were actually 100 people there and 2) if yes...did it feel crowded?

 

There will be 5 other ships in port with us which is why I chose Nachi and from everything I've seen it looks "roomy" but I just thought I'd double check!

 

I hope your review finishes before Sunday so I can have the complete picture :p Thanks again!!!

 

No it didn't feel crowded at all.

 

It was better than 2 years ago, a storm had been through recently and the water wasn't as clear as it was this time.

 

I was AMAZED at the difference.

 

There is a lot of room there, some people stay at the beach some stay by the pool, it didn't feel crowded at anytime. The Texans from the Magic were loud, but that's Texans. :)