Legend cruise 1/9 from 14 to 10 days

[peekinglemer]

On our way to Baltimore now for our Legend cruise and just got notice our 14 day Panama Canal cruise is now a 10 days with different stops and no Panama Canal. We cruise a lot so even though we are disappointed in missing some days, we totally understand and are just happy to be back on a ship.  When you choose to cruise during a pandemic you need to roll with it.  Carnival is giving us 300 obc and refunding days and other charges.   Stay safe everyone.  

[peekinglemer]

IMPORTANT UPDATE CARNIVAL LEGEND – SAILING OF JANUARY 9, 2022 SHORTENED DURATION (NOW RETURNING JANUARY 19, 2022) & MODIFIED ITINERARY

January 8, 2022 Dear Carnival Legend Guest, As we have been carefully monitoring the situation with the Omicron variant, we want to provide you with an update on your cruise.    Given the rapidly evolving COVID-related circumstances around the world, and in an abundance of caution, it will be necessary to modify the itinerary of your cruise.  The voyage will now operate as a 10-day cruise returning to Baltimore 4 days earlier, on Wednesday, January 19, 2022.   Unfortunately, this also means we will not be able to operate the Panama Canal itinerary you were expecting.  We are truly sorry for this unexpected change of plans and trust you understand we are making this decision given our commitment to the safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit. Our team has secured an itinerary which we are confident you will enjoy.  The revised itinerary is below:

We recognize this is a significant change to your vacation plans.  In addition to the adjustment of your cruise fare as outlined below, we are pleased to offer a US$300, per stateroom, onboard credit so that you can enjoy some special onboard experiences on us when you cruise. This credit is in addition to any existing promotional credit already on your reservation.  And, since we’d love for you to come back, we will be extending a 25% future cruise credit* (FCC) to all guests with a confirmed booking on this voyage as of January 8, 2022.  If you decide to sail, here’s what you need to know:  You will receive a 4-day pro-rated reduction in your cruise fare which will be refunded to your original form of payment. You will receive an onboard credit of $245.80, per person, representing an adjustment of the taxes, fees and port expenses. Pre-paid gratuities and pre-purchased beverage and Wi-Fi packages will also be adjusted to reflect the shortened duration and refunded to the original form of payment. Pre-purchased Carnival shore excursions for the cancelled ports will be refunded to your Sail & Sign® account. Please note that up to $200, per person, reimbursement will be provided for any expenses associated with non-refundable air change fees.  Please send your receipts to airreimbursements@carnival.com. If you decide this new itinerary does not work for you, we will be happy to discuss rescheduling you for another cruise, or process a full refund of your cruise fare and any pre-paid/purchased items to the original form of payment, in addition to the 25% FCC mentioned above. Please contact us promptly at 1-800-CARNIVAL, your Personal Vacation Planner, or your travel advisor so we can rebook you or, alternatively, you may request a full refund using our online tool here.  We are experiencing a heavy call volume and you may have difficulty contacting us. If you are opting to cancel, there is no need to call.  We truly appreciate your patience and understanding. As a reminder, all our crew wear masks at all times, are fully vaccinated, and are receiving booster shots when eligible. Nearly all our guests are fully vaccinated and all guests, two and older, must present a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding. As part of our enhanced protocols, guests are required to wear masks indoors at all times, except when in their staterooms or are actively eating or drinking. As advised by health experts, we are recommending guests use higher-grade masks indoors (such as surgical or KN95) that have two or more layers, completely cover the nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of the face and have a nose wire. There is no smoking allowed in the casino. We are working closely with local health authorities in all ports on your cruise itinerary. Unfortunately, the rapid spread of the Omicron variant may shape how they view even a small number of cases, even when they are being managed with our rigorous protocols. We want you to know that local authorities at a destination could limit or deny the ship from entering the port. Some destinations have limited medical resources and are focused on managing their own local response to the variant. Should it be necessary to cancel any or multiple ports, we will do our best to find alternative destinations. However, if we are unsuccessful in doing so, there will be no compensation for missed ports, beyond a refund of any pre-purchased Carnival shore excursions.  Once again, we apologize for this disruption of your vacation plans. We want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to keep you safe and our entire team is looking forward to welcoming you aboard and ensuring that your cruise is fun and memorable.

[mondello]

$300 OBC per cabin and 25% FCC. We got $200 OBC for each of our 2 cabins when they moved us from Horizon to Sunshine for 12/26. At least they're trying to do right by us, given the circumstances.

Missing the Panama Canal completely stinks though for those that might not get another chance later. Reminds me of our Legend cruise to Alaska in 2016: our small boat excursion from the ship to a ride down to an up close look at the glacier was fantastic. However, one of the boats had to cancel due to mechanical problems. The guests that booked last were notified that morning that they'd not be going. Have to think some may not have made it back to Alaska. 

[icft]

You have the attitude necessary to be happy in these times. Having done the Panama Canal and having a lot of cruises under our belts we would also be able to sit back and enjoy. My DW's attitude has always been it's a ride, just sit back and enjoy what comes along. But when I think back to my younger days when we started cruising, I would have wasted too much time sulking.

 

The Panama Canal part is probably the main reason a lot of folks booked the cruise and to find out a day before sailing that it isn't going to happen is going to make for some very unhappy campers. I'm sure glad I have mellowed with age. It makes the covid times much easier.

[CookieShip]

I wonder what prompted the change, especially so late. 

Glad to see OP is rolling with the changes, not sure I could with such drastic changes. 

[peekinglemer]

11 minutes ago, icft said:

You have the attitude necessary to be happy in these times. Having done the Panama Canal and having a lot of cruises under our belts we would also be able to sit back and enjoy. My DW's attitude has always been it's a ride, just sit back and enjoy what comes along. But when I think back to my younger days when we started cruising, I would have wasted too much time sulking.

 

The Panama Canal part is probably the main reason a lot of folks booked the cruise and to find out a day before sailing that it isn't going to happen is going to make for some very unhappy campers. I'm sure glad I have mellowed with age. It makes the covid times much easier.

Yup. I agree. I would have been very disappointed had I never done the Panama Canal before. But honestly, it was kind of underwhelming for what I was expecting.  Lol. At least they are giving people the opportunity to reschedule later.  Honestly, with the masking and the port changes and the testing…cruising right now is not for the faint of heart.  Sad not 14 days but just more money to spend on drinks and casino.   Ha ha

[peekinglemer]

2 minutes ago, CookieShip said:

I wonder what prompted the change, especially so late. 

Glad to see OP is rolling with the changes, not sure I could with such drastic changes. 

Jamaica was one of our stops and I have heard things are really bad there. I also suspect there was an issue with Panama.  I’m also thinking any longer cruises may be adjusted to shorter ones.  The cruise lines want to stay out of the CDC red zone and the longer the cruise the more chances of having positive cases aboard.  Just my opinion though.  

[mondello]

@peekinglemer Thank you for posting, this triggered my memory as I had forgotten we got 25% FCC for each of our 2 cabins when they moved us from Horizon to Sunshine for 12/26. I dug through my email to find the link and will be submitting for the FCC. Thanks again!

[cocomango]

On Legend now. Our server this morning said there's only 900 passengers expected on your sailing. We are at 50% now and it has been great!  The MDR staff have been fantastic along with the rest of the crew. 

I just came back from the Q&A and the cruise director said they are cutting back on his appearances since he doesn't really have a backup in case he gets sick. 

 

Roughest part of the trip was the first sea day. We were going through a cold front and the boat was rocky all day long..didnt get smoother till we woke up the next morning. First elegant night was a bust. Saw some abandoned masks with puke.

 

They've had to make changes on the fly. Just gotta roll with it!  

[Trueblueky]

4 hours ago, peekinglemer said:

IMPORTANT UPDATE CARNIVAL LEGEND – SAILING OF JANUARY 9, 2022 SHORTENED DURATION (NOW RETURNING JANUARY 19, 2022) & MODIFIED ITINERARY

January 8, 2022 Dear Carnival Legend Guest, As we have been carefully monitoring the situation with the Omicron variant, we want to provide you with an update on your cruise.    Given the rapidly evolving COVID-related circumstances around the world, and in an abundance of caution, it will be necessary to modify the itinerary of your cruise.  The voyage will now operate as a 10-day cruise returning to Baltimore 4 days earlier, on Wednesday, January 19, 2022.   Unfortunately, this also means we will not be able to operate the Panama Canal itinerary you were expecting.  We are truly sorry for this unexpected change of plans and trust you understand we are making this decision given our commitment to the safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit. Our team has secured an itinerary which we are confident you will enjoy.  The revised itinerary is below:

We recognize this is a significant change to your vacation plans.  In addition to the adjustment of your cruise fare as outlined below, we are pleased to offer a US$300, per stateroom, onboard credit so that you can enjoy some special onboard experiences on us when you cruise. This credit is in addition to any existing promotional credit already on your reservation.  And, since we’d love for you to come back, we will be extending a 25% future cruise credit* (FCC) to all guests with a confirmed booking on this voyage as of January 8, 2022.  If you decide to sail, here’s what you need to know:  You will receive a 4-day pro-rated reduction in your cruise fare which will be refunded to your original form of payment. You will receive an onboard credit of $245.80, per person, representing an adjustment of the taxes, fees and port expenses. Pre-paid gratuities and pre-purchased beverage and Wi-Fi packages will also be adjusted to reflect the shortened duration and refunded to the original form of payment. Pre-purchased Carnival shore excursions for the cancelled ports will be refunded to your Sail & Sign® account. Please note that up to $200, per person, reimbursement will be provided for any expenses associated with non-refundable air change fees.  Please send your receipts to airreimbursements@carnival.com. If you decide this new itinerary does not work for you, we will be happy to discuss rescheduling you for another cruise, or process a full refund of your cruise fare and any pre-paid/purchased items to the original form of payment, in addition to the 25% FCC mentioned above. Please contact us promptly at 1-800-CARNIVAL, your Personal Vacation Planner, or your travel advisor so we can rebook you or, alternatively, you may request a full refund using our online tool here.  We are experiencing a heavy call volume and you may have difficulty contacting us. If you are opting to cancel, there is no need to call.  We truly appreciate your patience and understanding. As a reminder, all our crew wear masks at all times, are fully vaccinated, and are receiving booster shots when eligible. Nearly all our guests are fully vaccinated and all guests, two and older, must present a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding. As part of our enhanced protocols, guests are required to wear masks indoors at all times, except when in their staterooms or are actively eating or drinking. As advised by health experts, we are recommending guests use higher-grade masks indoors (such as surgical or KN95) that have two or more layers, completely cover the nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of the face and have a nose wire. There is no smoking allowed in the casino. We are working closely with local health authorities in all ports on your cruise itinerary. Unfortunately, the rapid spread of the Omicron variant may shape how they view even a small number of cases, even when they are being managed with our rigorous protocols. We want you to know that local authorities at a destination could limit or deny the ship from entering the port. Some destinations have limited medical resources and are focused on managing their own local response to the variant. Should it be necessary to cancel any or multiple ports, we will do our best to find alternative destinations. However, if we are unsuccessful in doing so, there will be no compensation for missed ports, beyond a refund of any pre-purchased Carnival shore excursions.  Once again, we apologize for this disruption of your vacation plans. We want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to keep you safe and our entire team is looking forward to welcoming you aboard and ensuring that your cruise is fun and memorable.

Good luck. HMC is a tender port, so depends on weather. St Maarten refused a ship this week.

[tw67]

What is the Legend going to do for the additional 4 days in port at Baltimore after this cruise until the next cruise? 

[chesasea]

It is strange we wouldn’t at least have Nassau thrown in… DR or MX.  heck even a stop in Miami.  Rolling with it but is disappointing.  There is a lot of prep w/ making work arrangements, testing, etc.  Will be interesting to see if we do these stops. 

[BroadwayGirl]

3 hours ago, tw67 said:

What is the Legend going to do for the additional 4 days in port at Baltimore after this cruise until the next cruise? 

I’m going to guess a nice deep cleaning and trying to get any crew healthy before next sailing

[retird]

OP You have a good attitude, i dont think i would be as understanding , if I booked a  “Panama Canal Cruise” and at last minute got told I would not be going to the Panama Canal, especially after spending hard earned money to do one of my bucket list cruises.

 

[TalesFromTheCrib]

12 hours ago, tw67 said:

What is the Legend going to do for the additional 4 days in port at Baltimore after this cruise until the next cruise? 

My mom (who is going on the cruise) asked me this as well.  They won’t be able to stay at the dock for that long and will have to go back out in the bay at least.  But I assume actually “out to sea” since they  can’t really anchor anywhere in the Chesapeake to wait it out.  

[TalesFromTheCrib]

My parents are leaving in this cruise today and understandably disappointed about not going to Panama but decided to go anyhow.  They are just happy to be cruising.  I think what they are most disappointed about though is that they were supposed to turn platinum on this cruise, but now that it’s being shortened to 10 days they won’t.  I think that’s the biggest blow for them haha.

 

They are getting an extra $800 OBC ($300, plus $250 a person in port fees), plus refunded cruise far for 4 days and the gratuities for those days too.  Combine that with the bonus OBC that they had from a previous Covid canceled cruise and they have effectively had the cost of their cruise cut in half in the form of OBC.  Now just to find a way to spend it all… 

[nycruise1]

36 minutes ago, TalesFromTheCrib said:

I think what they are most disappointed about though is that they were supposed to turn platinum on this cruise, but now that it’s being shortened to 10 days they won’t.  I think that’s the biggest blow for them haha.

They probably still will get credit for all 14 days and their status will not change.  In the past when cruises were shortened for hurricanes, everyone got credit for the full unshortened days.

[chesasea]

I was fortunate to do a cruise on Fascination out of PR a few years ago in snowy winter.  Loveliest part was that they had live bands outside every evening, making for a truly special cruise- we stayed outside most of the nights, under the stars enjoying music and warm breezes.  I hope they consider this as an entertainment option for us- all we want is lovely warm atmospheres to escape the cold icy climes of January.  Don’t keep us inside if it’s warm… gentle hint. 

[Earthworm Jim]

The port charges/taxes for ports they aren't going to should really be a straight refund, not an onboard credit, in my opinion.

Edited January 9, 2022 by Earthworm Jim

[TalesFromTheCrib]

57 minutes ago, nycruise1 said:

They probably still will get credit for all 14 days and their status will not change.  In the past when cruises were shortened for hurricanes, everyone got credit for the full unshortened days.

That happened once already on board though right?  Not shortened ahead of time?

 

guess we will find out in a few hours when they board.  That would be a pleasant surprise if they were still credited!

[peekinglemer]

1 hour ago, Earthworm Jim said:

The port charges/taxes for ports they aren't going to should really be a straight refund, not an onboard credit, in my opinion.

They did.  The obc is in addition.  

[tw67]

I figured the cost to stay in Baltimore at the port would be crazy for Carnival to pay.  Having to go back down the Chesapeake into open waters and then back again I guess is what they have to do....

[pogoism9]

18 hours ago, tw67 said:

What is the Legend going to do for the additional 4 days in port at Baltimore after this cruise until the next cruise? 

 

based on the last 7 days, repairing things. I have *never* seen so much stuff being fixed during a cruise before. It's crazy because the ship has only been in service for like 7 weeks. Even one of the glass roof panels on Lido got broken. I'll post a review later, just walked in the door and the drive from Baltimore sucked

[chesasea]

And as predicted, half moon cay cxld today.  Let’s see how SMX & Antigua unfolds… rough, lousy weather so far as we remain perfectly aligned within a cold front. 

[cocomango]

oh no, sorry to hear that Half Moon Cay got canceled!