Legend Review - 6/15 - No Pics - Ask Me Anything

[NCTattoo]

I found some time to write a quick review on our Legend cruise (6/15-6/22). Hope it might be helpful to future Legend cruises. Feel free to ask me anything and I'll try to answer your questions.

 

For starters, we cruised with our family - a group of 9 - me and my wife, our five kids, and my grandparents (mid-70s and first time cruisers). This was my eighth cruise - 7 on Carnival and 1 on NCL. Our kids ages are 17,16,15,15, and 10.

 

We drove to Tampa from NC over two-days. We stayed in Jacksonville the night before the cruise and drove down on the day of departure so I can't offer any advice on hotels in Tampa. I can offer my highest recommendation for Parktologists (the Parking Doctors) who I booked well before the cruise at half the price of what it would have cost to park at the terminal. Their parking lot is less than a mile from the terminal and they were very responsive on the day of the departure and on the return. Highest recommendation!

 

We bought Faster to the Fun for all four cabins and I definitely think it was worth it. I love getting on board early and going straight to the room to drop off our carry ons. Because we tendered twice on the cruise, it was comforting to skip the lines, go to Guest Services, and be escorted down as a group. I also enjoy skipping lines at Guest Services. FTF is not for everyone, but it is worth it to us.

 

The embarkation process at the Tampa Port was flawless. Bear in mind our last cruise was out of Charleston which I found to be a hassle. Unlike Charleston, the workers at Tampa did not open every twelve pack of sodas to inspect for alcohol or shake water bottles, etc. For what it's worth, I did not sneak on any alcohol, but it's a bit frustrating to get backed up by port workers checking for alcohol like a high school teacher would.

 

We were at port by 11:00 and we were onboard by 11:30, bearing in mind we had FTF. I met a few people from the Roll Call while waiting to board so that was a bonus. After dropping off our bags and pouring a few drinks from our supply that we ordered from Bon Voyage, we headed up to the deck for lunch and the Sail Away party. While it's pretty expensive to pre-order liquor through Bon Voyage, I would definitely do it again for the ease of having a drink in your room and not having to go to bar all the time. I constantly carry a Tervis thoughout the cruise and I don't mind going back to the room to refresh a few times a day.

 

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

 

Our family always choose Anytime Dining since it's difficult to round up seven to nine people to make a specific time every night and (again) Anytime Dining worked great for us with a group of nine. We ate at varying times each night, but always requested the same table. We only had to wait one night, but only for about ten minutes. If you want great service at dinner, ask for MINDA, she was terrific. I've never really had a bad experience with service on Carnival, but every so often we run across someone who goes over and above what is expected for excellent service. MINDA is one of those people. She was awesome.

 

Food overall was above average. We are not food snobs and cruise food has never been an issue with us. A good meal and good service is what we expect and we were not at all disappointed with either during our cruise. We did the Main Dining Room each night and did not eat at the Speciality Steakhouse or Sushi Bar at all. We all like sushi, but never found time to try it out. It was dead (with very, very few diners) every time we walked by.

 

I thought the entertainment on board was fantastic, starting with Brad Calabrese, the Cruise Director. We've had Brad before on the Freedom and he is our favorite CD, always engaging, funny, and takes time to talk with everyone. The Assistant Cruise Director, Adam Cornes, was also great. He interacted with our kids every time we saw him.

 

We enjoyed all the shows that we attended....the Welcome Aboard Show, Motor City, Epic Rock (the best), and Justin Illusion. We were too busy and missed the Brits (seen it before) and Studio VIP. I do miss the band, but the dancers did a great job and all shows were entertaining. We never miss the Game of Love (corny, I know), but it never disappoints..and it didn't this time either. The Hasbro Game Show was fun to watch. The had the game show twice on the cruise. Our oldest son went the first day and was chosen to participate. None of us made it to watch him, unfortunately. Everyone went to the second one, none of us were chosen to participate, but it was still fun to watch.

 

On cruises, our family loves to play trivia and the Legend is definitely the cruise for trivia fans. We played several times a day, won five ships on a stick and four medals. The trivia categories ranged from music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s to Country Music to Beatles to General Knowledge. Lots of fun.

 

We did not go watch any of the comedians which I regret. We just had so much going on that we had to skip something. Can't offer any thoughts on this, unfortunately.

 

If you do one thing on the Legend, please attend the Adult Game, also known as Quest. We've done it two times before and it is just as funny each time we do it. Not to be missed.

 

All of our kids enjoyed their clubs, particularly the older kids (Club o2). The met a lot of friends and hung out with them most of the cruise (except for dinner which is reserved for family!). Our 10-year old enjoyed the activities of her club as well.

 

With four rooms, we had four different cabin stewards. All of them were great!

 

Debarkation process was a bit slow even though we had FTF and had group 2 tags. Maybe it was because we had a 10 hour drive ahead of us, but I thought we would be off the ship by 9am and on the road. Unfortunately, we we didn't get off the boat until after 10.

 

I'll post more on each port of call in subsequent posts, but feel free to ask any questions. I apologize for the length of the first post.

[NCTattoo]

COZUMEL:

 

We booked the Amazing Race excursion through Carnival after reading the reviews and I am so glad we did. My parents didn't participate and chose to shop, so it was just the seven of us. We're big fans of the television show, but had no idea how they would pull off the AR concept in just a few hours, but it was a success.

 

Without giving away their secrets, the Cozumel Amazing Race is a GREAT way to see parts of the city that you normally would not. The locals were great at helping find the next locations and encouraging you throughout the race. Despite our oldest child nearly drowning finding a clue (scary), the excursion was so much fun. Was probably a bit to windy and choppy to be looking for a clue out in the water but we survived.

 

We finished 5th out of 20 teams and we were delighted. The winners were mid-20 runners (3 of them) and they only beat us by about 15 minutes. The ending point is at a local bar with free drinks and cheap food. The kids loved it. I would definitely recommend it to all.

[NCTattoo]

BELIZE:

 

We did the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins excursion through Carnival. While the actual ruins site was amazing, I wouldn't necessarily recommend the excursion to anyone. You are on a bus for four hours (two hours there and two back) and you only get to stay at the ruins for about an hour and a half. The ride to Xunantunich was very depressing as outside of Belize City, the country is very poor. We saw lots of malnourished animals (dogs, horses) and the living conditions of the people were deplorable.

 

The bus does stop at a open air pavilion for lunch where we had some of the best food of our trip...chicken, rice and beans, etc.

 

Not sure what else in Belize might be a good excursion, but our experience with the Mayan Ruins tour was less than ideal.

[NCTattoo]

MAHOGANY BAY:

 

This was our first time to Mahogany Bay so we elected to rent two cabanas on the beach for the day. Keep in mind that one of favorite places on earth is Half Moon Cay so we were hoping that it would be at least half of the experience of HMC. Unfortunately, it was not.

 

First the beach is man made with exposed sandbags in the surf. The cabanas were supposed to be on a private part of the beach, but the security was very lax and anyone could just walk up and down the private beach and drag chairs wherever.

 

The hammocks were enjoyable and the kids had a blast, but I think I had my expectations to high.

 

If I had it to do over, I would just find chairs on the beach and avoid spending as much money on the cabanas as I did. Live and learn.

[NCTattoo]

GRAND CAYMAN:

 

OK, my complaining is officially over....Grand Cayman is always one of favorites. The kids have never been there so we wanted them to experience it in grand style...with FAT FISH ADVENTURES.

 

We've done a number of tours on our past six cruises, but our absolute favorite is Fat Fish in the Caymans. We rented 3 Sea Doos (2 two-person and 1 3-person) and visited the stringrays, went snorkeling, and visited Starfish Island.

 

In all, it's about a three hour excursion with most of the time spent wide open on the water on the Sea Doos. Needless to say, the kids loved it and they all said it was the best part of our cruise. If you are looking for a fun (affordable) excursion outside of Carnival, Fat Fish is the absolute best.

 

On the way back to the boat, the driver stopped at the Cayman Brewery for about 45 minutes where they let us sample all their beers (for free)! Needless to say, we slept well when we got back to the boat.

 

Fat Fish gets our HIGHEST recommendation! Do it.

[NCTattoo]

SEA DAYS:

 

We try to make the best of sea days by staying very active. No Serenity for me and the wife with five kids. I must say that the Red Frog Pub is a GREAT addition to the ship. We visited there many times for music and drinks. And the kids loved foosball and the shuffleboard table.

 

I entered the Mixologist contest on the first sea day with my specialty "Granny's Yoga Pants". Unfortunately, I did not win....was told that there was not enough alcohol. Hint to anyone entering the contest...add more alcohol that normal. The judges want a strong drink.

 

The Green Thunder waterslide is a lot of fun for all. The lines were not long and the drop at the top is a doozy. The yellow waterslide sucks, in my humble opinion. The children's area Waterworks was great, as well. Nothing like a big bucket of water dumped on you when you need to cool off.

 

The putt putt course was in great shape, unlike some of the past cruises we've been on. The table tennis stayed busy throughout the cruise.

 

The two pools were fantastic....best on any cruise we have been on.

 

The hairy chest contest is always fun to watch.

 

We went to all the dance parties on deck. A few hard drinks and you'll learn to Wobble, Cupid Shuffle, and Electric Slide.

 

Medusa's nightclub is pretty neat. We only went for a few hours on country music night, but the place had lots of people there and it was fun.

 

Always. Do. The. Martini. Tasting. Plan for a nap afterwards.

 

That's it for now. If you have questions, I'll try to answer.

[erewhon]

Thanks for your interesting review.

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the report!

[SkyMaster]

Where was KARAOKE held, and did you attend any sessions?

 

"SKY"

[NCTattoo]

Karaoke was held in different places around the ship throughout the week - the Lido Deck, Red Frog Pub, Firebird Lounge, and the Atlantis Lounge. I'm pretty sure they had karaoke every day except the final day at sea.

 

We went to karaoke three different times. Our ship was not blessed with very many great karaoke singers, which makes it even more fun. The less talented the karaoke singers are, the braver the shy ones become and are more willing to get up and try it.

 

Overall, karaoke on the ship was great. Was shocked at how extensive the song list was.

[4myguys]

Thanks for nice review. We drove all the way down yesterday and boy, that was a long drive. Slept like a rock last night though. We are also doing ruins tour so thanks for warning. I'll be prepared. Did they provide water on the bus ride and did you have trouble with insects?

 

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Forums mobile app

[NCTattoo]

No trouble at all with insects and I'm a notorious insect magnet. You might want to take bug spray with you. We didn't and it wasn't a big deal.

 

Once you get to the ruins, there is a place to buy cold bottled water ($1). That's a must.

 

If you want water on the bus ride over, you'll have to buy it on the ship.

 

Didn't mean to be a Debbie Downer on the ruins tour, just be prepared for the bus rides. Once you get there, the scenery is amazing. All seven of us climbed the ruins and I was terrified the kids were going to fall off (no handrails, etc.). The absolutely loved it, but I was a nervous wreck. We got some unbelievable pictures.

 

Enjoy your trip!

[4myguys]

No worries. Glad to know facts. I pre-purchased water and small cooler so I'll just take that with us.

Last question, i promise: How were the chair hogs?

 

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Forums mobile app

[SkyMaster]

Karaoke was held in different places around the ship throughout the week - the Lido Deck, Red Frog Pub, Firebird Lounge, and the Atlantis Lounge. I'm pretty sure they had karaoke every day except the final day at sea.

 

We went to karaoke three different times. Our ship was not blessed with very many great karaoke singers, which makes it even more fun. The less talented the karaoke singers are, the braver the shy ones become and are more willing to get up and try it.

 

Overall, karaoke on the ship was great. Was shocked at how extensive the song list was.

 

THANKS for the info. I LOVE karaoke, and the last time I cruised on a Spirit Class ship, they held karaoke in the passageway, just outside the dining room, because the comedy show had taken over the forward (Firebird) lounge. Horrible place for any kind of entertainment. So happy to hear that they've started moving it around again. :cool:

You're correct about karaoke, however. You go there to see the REALLY good singers, and the REALLY bad singers. :eek: In any case, it's lots of fun.

 

"SKY"

Edited June 29, 2014 by SkyMaster

[Keith1010]

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

 

Keith

[NCTattoo]

The chair hogs were not bad at all, probably fewer than any other time we have been a cruise. Serenity was always fairly packed, but I saw very few empty chairs with only towels. The Legend staff do a good job with being chair police, too. They post signs saying that they will remove towels if left unattended for a certain period of time, can't remember how long.

 

We never really had trouble finding chairs. Hope that gives you some encouragement.

[triciasrv]

COZUMEL:

 

We booked the Amazing Race excursion through Carnival after reading the reviews and I am so glad we did. My parents didn't participate and chose to shop, so it was just the seven of us. We're big fans of the television show, but had no idea how they would pull off the AR concept in just a few hours, but it was a success.

 

Without giving away their secrets, the Cozumel Amazing Race is a GREAT way to see parts of the city that you normally would not. The locals were great at helping find the next locations and encouraging you throughout the race. Despite our oldest child nearly drowning finding a clue (scary), the excursion was so much fun. Was probably a bit to windy and choppy to be looking for a clue out in the water but we survived.

 

We finished 5th out of 20 teams and we were delighted. The winners were mid-20 runners (3 of them) and they only beat us by about 15 minutes. The ending point is at a local bar with free drinks and cheap food. The kids loved it. I would definitely recommend it to all.

 

What were the ages that you saw participate in this excursion? It states minimum age is 8, but the picture on Carnival's site are showing a family with children less than 8. I am curious if this was an exception made or if it is allowed.

 

Thanks!

[nycfa]

Thanks for the review! We leave in less then three weeks... :)

[NCTattoo]

Tricia - We definitely saw kids younger than 8. Of the 20 teams that competed, there were about 5 teams that did not actually race. They just took their time and strolled/walked through the race figuring out the clues and going to the different places at their own pace. Most of those had smaller kids or older participants. While they weren't actually "racing", they had just as much fun as those of us who were running furiously from place to place. In fact, the teams that did not run actually got the loudest cheers from the other teams when they reached the final destination. I suppose it had a lot to do with the fact that we were into our third margaritas when they arrived. It's just an all around fun excursion for everyone.

Edited July 3, 2014 by NCTattoo

[Jay Sam]

Thanks for your review. Legend and Carnival, both amazing. Great food and great service on a great ship.

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for taking the time to write and post a review of your cruise. Sounds like the family had a good cruise.

[GROUCHPUSS]

Did you go to the Piano Bar?

[Morgsmom]

Thanks for the review - will be on the Legend in a few weeks!

[NCTattoo]

Grouch - We did not make it to the piano bar. We passed it a few times and it was lively. Sorry I can't provide any input.

[triciasrv]

Tricia - We definitely saw kids younger than 8. Of the 20 teams that competed, there were about 5 teams that did not actually race. They just took their time and strolled/walked through the race figuring out the clues and going to the different places at their own pace. Most of those had smaller kids or older participants. While they weren't actually "racing", they had just as much fun as those of us who were running furiously from place to place. In fact, the teams that did not run actually got the loudest cheers from the other teams when they reached the final destination. I suppose it had a lot to do with the fact that we were into our third margaritas when they arrived. It's just an all around fun excursion for everyone.

 

Thank you! I think we may give this one a try!