Review: The Suite Life in the RS: Legend of the Seas 3/04/06: (very long!)

[CapeCodGuy]

First, let me say that I understand how fortunate my DW and I are to be in a position to book and travel in the Royal Suite and realize that as such, our experience may not be relevant to many. However, I promised many that helped answer my questions an honest review, so here it goes as best I can.

Pre Sail: Friday, March 3 in Tampa:

We flew from Boston to Tampa a day early as we made our own flight arrangements and wanted protection from any possible delays. I found a great fare on direct flights on Jet Blue that more than saved us enough money to pay for a reasonably nice room at the Wyndham Westshore in Tampa. Located a short hotel shuttle away from the airport, it worked well for us. A Shula Steakhouse on premises provides very tasty fare at extraordinarily high prices. There are plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance for more casual fare.

Day 1: Saturday: Embarkation:

The next day, a $20 cab ride (with stop at the liquor store across the street for provisions) got us to the cruiseship terminal in 15-20 minutes. We arrived at the pier at noon and were greeted with typically genuine RCCL smiles. We were on the ship within minutes as a result of VIP embarkation as a suite occupant. We were not disappointed when no trumpets were blown announcing the RS people are here! No one escorted us to the room which was fine with us as we knew exactly where to go after we first saw the deckplans. We were allowed in the room at exactly 1:00 pm. Within minutes of entering our home for the next week we were greeted by the head of Housekeeping and also the Head of Maintenance, welcoming us aboard and explaining that if there anything we needed to simply call on them. We were told that our suite attendant, Anthony, would not be available until 3 PM and that if there was anything we needed in the meantime, to call on them. We listed a few things we wanted (a few feather pillows and a foam 'topper' for the very firm mattress- tips found on this board!) They were there when we returned from dinner as was ANYTHING else we asked for throughout the week.

The room IS the perk. It is worth every last shekel as far I'm concerned! At 1100 + square feet it's almost 8 times more space than our first cabin. It feels and is very spacious. I'll post some fotos at some point. Nice original contemporary American artwork. White player piano…ostentatious perhaps but wicked cool! Green marble counters everwhere. Great recessed and mood lighting with dimmers on everything. Music in every room, bring your cd's! Separate bedroom with a pocket door on one side and smoky glass door on the other. Separate slider from the bedroom lead to deck. The deck has a teak dining table and chairs for two. It also has two padded teak chaise loungers and side table. Huge two room bath. One with sink, bidet and lav. The other with a nice Jacuzzi tub and separate glass double shower with steam. There is a dozen long stem roses on the dining room table and a bottle of Moet on ice. Awesome.

The first thing we did after seeing the room was to look at our table assignment. We had requested a deuce, as this was our 25th anniversary, and we preferred a romantic setting this week instead of the usual communal social group experience. We had a lovely table (27) on the edge of the balcony looking out to the ocean with the sunset on six of the seven nights (sit on the port side on a western Caribbean cruise if you want this. The starboard side diners had their shades drawn (as did both sides in the late seating) for these nights. Note: although 6 pm is early for us to dine, we were happy with the choice. Many at the 8:30 seating complained that they didn't like going to the shows before dinner, instead of after like we could. Most nights, the late seating didn't finish dinner until 10:30 or so. Too late for us.

Dinner that evening was casual. I won't go into detail about the meals served unless someone has a specific question, but we found everything to be better than expected. Everything came cooked as requested…medium rare was medium rare. Veggies were fresh and crisp, not steam table soggy. Dishes were well presented and the choice was certainly broad enough for most tastes. Our waiter, Sandria, her assistant Maxwell, and the cocktail waiter, Julius took special care of us all week. By day 2 they had our names and drink preferneces memorized. Tip: If you buy a bottle of wine, they will re-cork it for you and return it the next day. Even our Head Waiter/ Maitre-D, Ernesto was fantastic, a first for us on a cruise where they ever did anything!

Although it's our first cruise with RCCL we are invited to all the C&A functions as members.

Day 2: At Sea

We love days at sea even more than most ports. To us, this is the essence of cruising. We do more land based vacations than cruises so these days are truly special. The Legend handles the crowds exceedingly well. Sure, the lounge chair hogs abound, but unless you absolutely have to be next to the pool, empty chairs are everywhere. It's remarkable easy to find a comfortable a cozy spot in many common areas throughout the ship even on sea days.

There are plenty of activities with a fun cruise staff. The cruise director, Gavin, was fun and energetic and was seen each day all over the ship. The pools are sea water so they were a tad cool in Tampa on the first day with both ocean and pool temps in the mid 70s.. As we went south that they warmed up considerably.

Lunches at the Windjammer were plentiful, varied and generally quite good. One exception is the hockey puck burgers. If you like a burger less than well done you're out of luck here. After the first day we pretty much figured out that the salad bar was excellent as was what ever was at the carving station (steamship round, pork loin, strip loin, brisket etc) was also good. Also the station marked "hot and tasty" usually had better items than the steam tables in the center of the room. The room is very comfortable perched at the bow, with glass everywhere. An alternative BBQ buffet was available poolside on sea days.

This is the first formal night. Men dress 10% tuxes, 65% suits or sport coats, 20% casual, and 5% just outta bed. The prime rib was super.

Fruit& Cheese plate is delivered to the room for a late night snack. Nice.

We took in our first show, a production show called From Film to Floodlights. Nice entertainment for many, but we found the song selection a bit old for the younger crowd with songs from Kiss Me Kate, Hello Dolly and the like. This was particularly obvious when they sang a contemporary number from Rent for instance. The singers and dancers were quite talented for what one can expect on a ship. In fact, the only truley bad entertainer was Glen Stevenson in the Schooner Bar. This was the smokiest place on board by our estimation so Frank Sinatra could be playing for all it's worth and we would have skipped it regardless. But he just sounded like a cheezy lounge act to me. ( Oops...my Simon Cowell is showing).

The casino treated us well this night at the blackjack tables. Rules are excellent for a cruise ship with doubles allowed after splits, doubles on any two cards, and decent shoe penetration. Skip the only single deck table for its restrictive rules. Craps is only single free odds so there's no reason to play that as well. A few jackpot winners from the slots were announced each night.

Back in the suite, we turn on the player Baldwin Baby Grand piano, open the huge sliding glass doors to the triple sized balcony, and danced under the stars while the moon reflected over the vast ocean. Living large.

Day 3, Grand Cayman

Following advice we received on this board, we had privately booked a Stingray City tour with Captain Marvins and it was one of several highlights of this vacation. Thanks all! Not only is the tour less than what the cruiselines charge, it is so much more personal.

One of our many perks was VIP priority tender tickets. This comes with all suites I believe and allows you the comfort of arriving at the tenders at your leisure without the wait to be called. The suite attendant leaves them on your bed, sometimes with an adorable towel animal, the evening prior. All nice touches.

There were only 16 of us on board including the young captain and the pretty videographer/diver. The boat was clean and comfortable with a head below and free cold water and fruit punch. The equipment was fine and the level of safety quite comforting. It's a nice boat ride as a bonus! You meander through a mangrove river and canals past nature and mansions out to the calm seas within the reef. The 2 hour tour lasted almost 3 and cost under $40 per person. Their office is an easy walk to blocks left of the tender pier. A comfortable tour bus with a/c takes you on a nice 10 minute ride to their dock on the other side of the island and you motor from there.

Great snorkeling at the reef for about a half hour (away from the big tour boats…It's kinda scary watching those boats with 250 people slapping around the water with 4-5 guides watching.) Compare that to us where the captain spent some time in the water and on the boat feeding fish and the terns above with squid for a show for those that didn't snorkel. A great touch I thought as everyone was included in the fun. From here, it’s a quick hop to the sandbar where you wade on white sand in chest deep water and docile stingrays swim all around and next to you. You won't believe it, but after complete abject fear you will be kissing the damn things and having them rub all over your skin. I do no jest….dumbfounded I was! To me, this excursion is a must do, akin to swimming with dolphins.

Day 4 Costa Maya

Again, thanks to many posters' advice we left the fake Mexican fishing village to go south 2 miles or so to the real Mexican fishing village. Bus ride to it is $3 per and cab ride back is $2 per. And as those posters promised I'd find the same goods that could be haggled down with a persuasion and a smile to a third or less of the quoted cost. A nice white embroidered cotton top and slacks quote at $75 was sold for $ 26 and cheap leather sandals could be had for $12 vs. $30 quoted. Very inexpensive onyx chess sets make good Christmas presents! No deals on booze though. Nice beach and casual atmosphere. Do be prepared to say "hola, no gracias", about a thousand times, however! We decided not to eat at the local village and found the food quite tasty and authentic in the tourist village. Great chips, guac and pico de gallo and fantastic cheviche. Two frozen drinks with fresh fruit, mine with mango, and the bill was under $30.

We're finding the ship absolutely lovely. You really have to look hard for signs of wear in the interior areas. The outside of any iron and steel vessel takes a beating so small signs of rust and whatnot are visible if you look for them. What you are more likely to notice is the constant effort by the crew to clean. wipe, sweep, paint, scrub, scrape and polish all over the ship. Marble shines. Brass glistens. The center atrium is stunning. The amount of glass on the ship is impressive compared to other ships I've sailed and ones we encounter on this trip.

Headline show tonight is Mike Price, world champion juggler. Cute act with a good deal of humor. I learned to juggle in college, probably should have been reading, and trust me he was exceptionally talented.

The featured band in the Anchor's Away Lounge was a very competent Emerald City, a four piece band with a female singer. This was their first week aboard. The breakout set of the week was a Santana medley that showed much better skill than they had exhibited taking requests most of the week. They kept things light and self effacing even while playing to a tiny crowd some times in the vast theater.

Day 5 Belize:

Made the mistake of not booking an excursion here although some would say the tender ride is an excursion unto itself. Shopping village is disappointing and the town a poor Caribbean populated city. There are a few unique items, however, with great deals on wood bowls and housewares made from a variety of multi-colored hardwoods. Nice quality and incredible pricing. Back at the ship it's about a third full so a nice leisurely lunch is followed by a Ben & Jerry's treat and a blissful nap.

Don't be too fast to leave the dining room on days 4, 5, and 6 as the dining staff does a little song or dance or such to entertain on the way out. We found it heartfelt and genuine fun. On the last night be sure to catch the farewell sing-along and parade of flags in the atrium after first seating.

Back at the room Anthony surprises with cutest towel animal yet, an elephant with baseball cap and sunglasses. There's an invite to the Captain's table for the last formal night on Thursday. Life is very good and I'm so glad I opted on the rental tux…lol.

Day 6 Cozumel:

Oh oh. I was up all nite with Montezuma's revenge in a bad way. We opt out of going ashore and instead my DW spends her day nursing me while I sleep and try to recover. Thankfully, she salvaged a small part of her day with a short spa appointment to get her nails done. She said it was very nice. I still can't figure what the cause of my severe discomfort was and I'm so glad I didn't end up like those poor souls on the Grandeur who came down with Norvo, who we were docked right next to in Costa Maya. . I was so sure we'd have to cancel on the captain's invite but luckily I felt much better by late afternoon and we decided to give it a go.

About a half hour before dinner, we met a cruise staff member and the other invited guests (four couples in all) in the champagne lounge for some appetizers and drinks. We were escorted to the dining room and sat at the table by the staff member and the head maitre 'd. We were instructed not to touch anything on the table until the captain arrived and the photo was taken. We were told who would sit where, with name placards on the table commemorating the "event". Of course, the captain is to sit only next to a woman, then boy/girl/boy/girl. The Captain arrives at the top of the grand staircase with much pomp and circumstance. He waves and smiles to the crowd as he's announced and he descends the stairs to join his guests. He shakes our hands upon introductions and invites us to sit and touch any damn thing we want.

As the evening progressed, my initial and distant impressions of a genuinely friendly, easy going gentleman of a Captain is confirmed. Captain Tor Olsen is very witty, charming, informative and sincerely concerned about the wellbeing and enjoyment of all guests onboard. The conversation was very interesting with topics ranging from what everyone did for a living and where they live, to life onboard a cruise ship and how Tor was born north of the Artic Circle and what his journey was like to become Captain. Sitting at his table was clearly a highlight of the trip and a great privilege. He invited us all to tour the bridge the following day.

Of course, the meal was quite special as well with a selection available only to the Captain. The first course was a seafood appetizer of jumbo chilled prawns, lobster, beluga caviar, smoked Scottish salmon, and some other smoked whitefish with side of rosemary sauce. This was followed by a Cream of Asparagus soup and/or Caesar salad.

The choice of entrée was thick cut aged Prime Rib or Fisherman's Plate with twin Lobster Tails and drawn butter and garlicky shrimp with a vegetable medley. A chicken dish was also available. The Chef's selected desert was frozen vanilla custard with fresh berries, chocolate, and liqueur in a peanut and almond brittle bowl. Wicked yummy indeed.

An awesome night. We end with a little bit of the comedian's show in the That's Entertainment Theater followed by a visit to the casino where it taketh away what it previously giveth and off to bed with vacation perilously close to conclusion.

Day 7: Friday March 10: At Sea: Last Day

The sun decks, bars, casino and restaurants seem packed with people who are desperate to squeeze in the last 15 seconds of fun, sun, and libation before reality sinks in and vacation's over. I'm as guilty as the next guy. The day cooperates with another sunny day in the 80s. We were so lucky and blessed with perfect weather. We heard there was only one nice day on the previous week's sailing so it's clearly luck of the draw. It's a fun day at the pool. The steel 2 piece band 'Tropical Duo" are doing their thing on deck and it's a very lively atmosphere with another BBQ cookout going on in addition to the usual lunch offerings.

The bridge tour is as relaxed and informative as Captain Tor. He basically stands at the front of the bridge making small talk, pointing at various items of possible interest and takes questions from the group. There was probably 24 or so of us from every deck and level of stateroom on the ship. A second group about the same size was scheduled after our 45 minute tour.

The shops are doing a brisk business in last minute shopping and a number of fair deals exist on booze and cheap t-shirts and costume jewelry. The final art auction seems well attended, but I, for one, can't understand the attraction of those things. The casino is very busy all day. Not a great day for experienced players, and they were surprisingly many on this ship, as novice players were plentiful and literally throwing money away. Even with all hands on deck, so-to-speak, this ship handles the sea of humanity exceptionally well.

The final dinner is spent at our table, saying goodbye to people that bent over backward to please us and pamper us. A final surprise is a group song of 'happy annivertary

…happy annivertary….happy annivertery…HAPPPPPY anninVERTereeeee! Hugs and smiles all around.

Day 8 Tampa: It's all over but the bills!

Priority Disembarkation is the final, and maybe best, perk of all. We clear customs just before 8 am. We are off the ship, in a cab, and at the airport by 8:30 am. (TIP: take a cab for a flat rate of $20 total vs. a bus outside the terminal for $9 per person or a shuttle from the cruise line at $18 per!) It was a truly painless experience to get the bags, tip the porter a few bucks for baggage help, and go on our way.

It's all over but the memories. But those last a lifetime.

[KamloopsCruisers]

Thanks for taking the time to post such an informative review. We sailed on the Legend from Hawaii to New Zealand a few years back for our 25th wedding anniversary and she remains one of my favourite ships. We truly loved the staff and glad to read that your cruise experience was so enjoyable. (Of course we didn't sail in the Royal Suite).

 

Thanks again for sharing. Where are you sailing to next????;)

[Bargeo]

Great review..........we were with ya all the way !!!! Thanks so much for posting.

[erisajd]

Very very different experience -

 

We were on 2 weeks eariler -

 

Day 1 - no one showed up to welcome us. Anthony told us we would not get turndown service out of tampa. No one from Hotel, beverage, housekeeping or maintenance ever showed up. Other issues are addressed in my blog.

 

Day 4 - glad to hear they fixed the Belize tendering - took me an HOUR to get off the ship at 2.pm and I was second in line. ..

 

Day 5- no invite to Captains table.

 

Day 7 - no bridge tour, despite me asking the Captain personally.

 

Ah well - like Capecod guy sez - memories to last a lifetime

 

(since we are unlikely to ever cruise again)

[CapeCodGuy]

Very very different experience -

 

We were on 2 weeks eariler -

 

Day 1 - no one showed up to welcome us. Anthony told us we would not get turndown service out of tampa. No one from Hotel, beverage, housekeeping or maintenance ever showed up. Other issues are addressed in my blog.

 

Day 4 - glad to hear they fixed the Belize tendering - took me an HOUR to get off the ship at 2.pm and I was second in line. ..

 

Day 5- no invite to Captains table.

 

Day 7 - no bridge tour, despite me asking the Captain personally.

 

Ah well - like Capecod guy sez - memories to last a lifetime

 

(since we are unlikely to ever cruise again)

 

We'll all miss your positive contribution to these boards.

[rubrrick]

Great report. On the Legend,my DW and I normally stay in 8502, the OS right next door. Everything that to OP mentioned about service has been true for us. We have enjoyed co hosting several parties in the RS. The major difference between the two rooms for us is the space, and the fact that you can set mood lighting in the evening. For anyone that can afford the RS or an OS, I highly recommend it.

 

Rick

[erisajd]

sorry cape cod boy - have no idea what I did to piss you off. . .

[fungurl]

Great trip report! Loved hearing about your experience, especially since we leave on April 8 on the LOS and I can't wait! I believe that positive people create their own positive experiences, whereas negativity breeds negativity. Nobody likes a sourpuss!

[HurricaneSally]

We don't all have the same experience, since we all don't get the Royal or Owners Suite.

[cruiser_carol]

We'll all miss your positive contribution to these boards.

 

CapeCod Guy....Thanks so much for the wonderful review of life in a Royal Suite. It was so well detailed..I could imagine and enjoy every part of your adventure.The royal suite sounds amazing. I am so glad that you had such a wonderful time... We sailed on the Legend to the Med last August, and although staying in a cabin at the other end of the market, our experience... and our love of the ship..reflects much of what you said. All we were missing, was your extra wide balcony and the piano to dance to. We did dance once under the stars.... on the pooldeck..at midnight...as we sailed away from Villefrance on the French Riviera. That was one of my favorite moments....something I will never forget. This cruise was like a dream come true for me. We forgot all of our worries. We never felt so relaxed and happy. We were made welcome as soon as we came onboard..everyone was so helpful and friendly. I loved every minute. Thank you so much for reminding me of how great it was!

 

 

Hello Erisajd...Just wanted to say I do feel sorry for your discontent.I have butted in on the posts between yourself and CapeCodGuy on the other thread...originally to support the Legend in general for its' service and style. Just so people will appreciate that standards are generally very good onboard..and that Legend is a lovely ship. Our beds were always turned down...our ice buckets refilled..towel animals regularly..etc. Our steward was readily available, if we needed him. We had no complaints what so ever..and we were only a standard ocean view cabin...on deck 3.

 

This is not to doubt your experience...just surprise and lack of understanding as to why this happened. I have read from another poster..on radiance I believe...of similiar problems when she was in the Royal suite. It is, without doubt, totally unacceptable to have to phone up room service for ice and other basics. the standard of service should be First class. These are things that your money should buy.. whatever category cabin you are in. Good service is part of what is expected.

 

The idea of being escorted onboard and Butlers..are things that would not figure in my requirements. Nor worrying about seasoning in food... or closet space. I appreciate the availability of service if needed...but would hate someone to be standing over me 24/7 tending to my every whim. I don't like the fuss. But Each of us are different. I do also share the opinion.. with CapeCodguy...that the Actual Suite is your Main Perk and what you are paying for. the priviledge.... the location..the space..the extra facilities. I am sorry the captains dinner didn't materialize..or the bridge tour. That I do feel should have been offered to you without hesitation and would certainly be a disappointment.

 

We paid approximately $4600. for 14 days for the 2 of us. That's $2300. a week...or a little more than a 1/3 of your $6000. which I assume was also for 2. This was a lot of money for us.. We didn't have a balcony...a steam bath...a piano...a lounge..or the captain as our neighbor. We had 154 sq ft...probably less than your balcony. But we loved our cabin. I personally, could never bring myself to spend so much money on a room for 7 days. I would rather have more cruises...or bring the kids. But for those who can afford it....or those that save up for the Very Special Occasion...it should be a Once in a Lifetime Experience....and I am very sorry that you felt yours wasn't. regards, carol

 

.

[teddie]

Thanks for the report, Capecodguy.

 

While I will most likely never sail in the RS (unless I win it in a contest!), I have surely wondered about the possible details, which you have nicely provided. Thanks for taking the time to post!

[charm06]

Great review CapeCodGuy..........

I can't wait to get on the ship :)

Just another couple weeks to go.

Doc's in hand

I expect to have a great time and having the RS will only make it better

not make or break the trip.

 

I will try and post a complete review when we return.

 

Thanks again.... :cool:

 

C