Legend Review June 13th (Long)

[conan126]

The Carnival Legend cruise out of New York on June 13 was a great experience. One in which I would highly recommend to all. Each ship truly has its own personality, some are good and some are bad, the Legend shines for in my view it should be Carnival’s standard bearer.

Having cruised before but not recently it is hard to compare Carnival and specifically the Legend, but from what I have in read in other reviews (published and individual opinions) this cruise exceeded my expectations. Hopefully, this review will provide some insight for others.

The Carnival Legend: Ships outward appearance is somewhat classic as it has the long lines of the famous trans-Atlantic liners. The bow has a sharp curve that looks to cut through the water at high-speed. The balconies flow into the body of the ship and I appreciate the staggered blocks of balconies as they move from bow to stern. It breaks up the blocky, chunky outer shell so often seen in the modern cruise ships. The two standards that support the slide negatively impact the graceful lines, and the glass panes on the lido deck seem to jut out abruptly. There is a slight dent in the forward starboard side, which didn’t seem to impact the ship what-so ever in terms of performance.

The Interior: I feel is a nice combination of elegance mixed with a “Disneyesque” quality. The various public spaces for the most part blend in well except for the fountain stairs linking deck 2 and 3, forward. The various lounges are well done, though the Dream Team sports bar didn’t quite have a natural flow to it like I have come to expect in various sport bars. Satchmo’s is bright and airy though it was very much under-utilized, likewise Billie’s Piano bar. I am curious if the other Spirit class ships like lounges are also empty quite often because the design doesn’t seem to provide the traffic flow toward these lounges. In other words you have to seek out the lounges. Speaking of lounges I have a big complaint for the Odyssey lounge before dinner. Smoke filled, it ruined ones pre-dinner wait. Just go around the side where the doors lead out to the panorama deck. Truffles restaurant atmosphere is for the most part just right. Sitting on the upper part of the restaurant by a window was nice and I didn’t feel like 300 people were looking toward me. I grew tired of the blown glass chandeliers, and in fact by the end of the cruise I felt they looked like warped coke bottles and the show time lights were a little bit hokey.

The atrium I liked a lot. I didn’t mind the mural of Colossus, and the glass elevators added elegance to area. The promenade shops are located along a curved boulevard, and this curved line is graceful and softens the long line of the ship. Follies lounge is airy and except for the couple of seats behind columns, great views of the stage throughout the lounge. I have read some people do not like the décor of the Unicorn café but I liked it and there are plenty of seats that provide views to the outside. The Golden Fleece restaurant, though I didn’t eat there I had to check it out, is very elegant and it seems a dinner there would be very romantic. The fitness room is okay. Weight machines are Life Fitness and they do the job, but Life Fitness cardio machines are terrible. As far as the casino is concerned, didn’t play but it had ample machines and tables, and there were probably 20 people in there at all times (much more in the evening). The place was well lighted, but if smoke offends you stay clear. Camp Carnival is something we avoided. We went to check it out and a lot of the younger children were crying. Place was much smaller than I expected but throughout the week I saw quite a few counselors and the kids seemed to enjoy themselves.

The Color Scheme: throughout the ship is very well done, except I will have to agree with those who do not like the urns. Though I feel it is more the cheap grey plastic appearance than the design. The urn design is carried throughout, so as I looked at these urns that lined the atrium I thought what I would have used instead. A couple thoughts, since this ship is based on “Legends” what about using a white talc clay color to represent the ancient Greeks use of pottery. Or brushed aluminum, which I feel would accentuate the cherry and gold colors.

Rooms: This one is tough, since I would have to be in other cruise line rooms to compare, but they were appropriate in size for our needs. We stayed on the Panorama deck and the balcony did provide solitude and an opportunity for the kids to play inside while the adults read outside. Very nice. Bathrooms are cruise ship small, but very bright and the shower was great. Water pressure and heat were better than home. I was not found of the shower curtain because it had a tendency to stick to your back, but what can you do, put in an acrylic divider? They had Dove shampoo and a body wash, and male and female Bic razors (which I feel are guaranteed to cut you), as well as Crest mouthwash and I believe a packet of Tylenol. The blow dryer is ok; the wife brought and preferred her dryer. Closet space was more than adequate but I wish they had some more drawers for ****s, shorts, etc. I know this is a cost issue but I would high recommend a balcony and I loved the fact we were one floor down from the Lido deck. If one wanted a bite to eat or drink, it was a quick walk up one flight of stairs. For those who question the noise, the only time I was bothered was the party on board leaving Puerto Rico, and sometimes a whistling of wind noise coming from the balcony door. A standout was the pillows and duvets. In fact we are planning on ordering the set from Carnival Comfort Bed.

Pools: Ok, one always wishes for more room. The staff did a decent job of controlling those kids whose parents flunked out of parenting class, but Carnival is going to get socked with a lawsuit if they don’t find a solution for the wet decks. Numerous times I observed people walking (and I emphasize walking) by the entry ways that connect the two pools and boom down they went. Be careful in those areas. Adult only pool was nearly always adults except a few times kids tried to use it and were asked to leave. The slide was popular for all ages and my own kids had fun on it. Deck space was adequate by the pools but the sun deck provided ample space. Down side, no shade what-so-ever when it got too hot.

Cleanliness: Very well kept up except for a few spots here and there. Supposedly the Legend will be going in for a week long dry dock soon and the carpet on the Panorama deck is going to be replaced, which still was not any different from your Hilton or Hyatt hallways.

The ride: The ship did rock a little but I truly feel this is subjective. By the second night I couldn’t feel a thing, but both my mother-in-law and wife swore the ship rocked a lot. Again, different people are going to have different thoughts on the matter. Strange but I felt that when the water was somewhat calm we rocked more than when it was rough. Most likely due to the stabilizers, out when the seas were somewhat rough.

Food: This is one area in which I thought would be just ok, but in fact the food was above average. At dinner is it gourmet, not even close, but the plate presentation and food I would rate above average. Breakfast had your typical scrambled eggs, omelets made to order, sausage, bacon, alternating days of pancake and (very good) French toast. Additionally, one could have cold cut slice of deli meat and cheeses by the fruit station. Lunch was the highlight. The selection was varied and there was not a day in which I had the same thing (except for the reuben, which I usually had for second lunch). Desserts for lunch were quiet good and I found myself eating two-three different ones along with second helpings. Dinner was good except for desserts. The appetizers were nicely presented and flavorful. I usually got two because I couldn’t make up my mind. Soup was quite good especially the chilled soups such as the Strawberry bisque, the chilled cucumber, and mango. Salads were crisp but Carnival could offer another choice, something a little more risqué. Dinner was nicely plated, but I did get sick of the paring of peas with the fish entrees. In fact I would get rid of the peas all together; I feel that fish and peas are not the right pairing. The grouper on the last evening was very good, and though the other fish entrees were good they could be better. Tilapia is not my favorite, and Red Snapper grilled or broiled would be a better choice. I think they steamed the Salmon but this did not do the fish justice. Grilled to sear in the flavor would be better. Lobster, over-cooked. Since I usually had two entrees I was able to compare the entrees. Desserts were a big disappointment, not much of a selection and the taste was bland. Key Lime pie bought from a store is better. On a side note: Tea time and the Sushi bar were very fun and very good. Not restaurant quality (sushi), but give it a try.

Itinerary: To leave from New York and return is something I feel everybody should experience. The history of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island provides for a wonderful experience and is breathtaking. Our first full day was cloudy and rainy but that gave us a chance to really check out the ship. Second day sunny and pools became crowded. We arrived in San Juan an hour early but got hit by showers every 15 minutes, but we still walked up around old San Juan and checked out the fort. I wish the Legend could get there by noon, because I feel like a lot of opportunities to explore are minimized. St. Thomas we rented a car and went to Sapphire Beach. Very few people there and the reef there is starting to prosper. Lunch back on the ship and then off for three hours of shopping. Tortola I liked a lot. Laid back, but it probably could use a little updating. We chartered with Patouche and took a private boat out to the Baths. If you never been there, go it was great and my only regret was that we only could stay for three hours. The ship’s excursion was cancelled due to lightening, but when we arrived at Devil’s Cove, the sun was out. Thanks to the cancellation very few people there. Like San Juan, I wish we had more time there. Another two hours would have been great. I wish the Legend could cruise at 25 knots, which would give the passengers the two hours arriving and departing.

People and Service: The passengers on board were a mix from all across America. The vast majority were great. A couple of people were rude, such as the lady who took three deck chairs at 8:00 am and didn’t show up until 11:30, or one person who grabbed 10 chairs and reserved them for their group. Also some people truly treat the staff as slaves. Come on people is it that hard to clean up among your-selves occasionally. I had no problem taking a trey up to help clear a table, or throwing away garbage. The wait staff were very friendly and were quick to pick up treys. Cooks always had a smile on the Unicorn Café, and our room steward was there when I had a question or needed him, and seemed to know always when we were away. Our waiter Ozay did an excellent job entertaining the children, and always encouraged me to try two entrees (which I did :D ). We really enjoyed Chandra (sp)the Maitre de, and really cracked up by the end of the cruise when he told a joke, and hoped we laughed, else he would be depressed. In fact I get a laugh from the family because I learned to imitate him. Really cool guy.

Embarkation/Debarkation: A word of advice. When you first enter the terminal, find out which section just went, and try to get in the next one. If I understood the process correctly, the left side stood in line, middle had seats, and the right side stood. The staff basically went from left to right. We waited maybe a half hour and then proceeded to get our sign and sail cards, really no problem. Debarkation however, could be better. There must have been close to 1000 people doing self-assist.:confused: Why I don’t know. It was so much easier to get off the ship, find the color coded luggage and leave.

Conclusion: A much better cruise than I expected. I wish we could spend more time on the islands, but leaving New York is special. A ship is microcosm of society, and this cruise I believe accurately represented our current state of human affairs. I wouldn’t hesitate to go with Carnival again, and would like to go to the Southern Caribbean. Enjoy the Legend, and take full advantage of your experiences. :)

[campdaan]

Thanks. This is the kind of review I like to read.

 

The Legend is an awesome ship.

[mac4cruise]

Thanks. This is the kind of review I like to read.

 

The Legend is an awesome ship.

 

I agree we loved our crusie so much we booked another for next Feb on the Legend

[janetz]

Excellent review! :D Just gets me more excited for September. Can you tell me what time you arrived at port and how long you waited to get onboard? :o

[conan126]

Janetz we got into Puerto Rico slightly after 2:00 pm, and we're off the ship by 3:00. On all the ports we got off on A deck foward. St. Thomas was right on time 7:00, we got off at 7:50 (Avis/Budget) didn't open until 8:00 but island time is more like 8:30:rolleyes:. Tortola a little early but again we got off at 8:00 and walked over to Patouche. Embarkation we arrived in the wating area at 12:15 and we were on the Lido deck by 1:00, where I had my first of many Ruebens:D I did notice as we entered the doors to go through security it was starting to get crowded. When we disembarked at 11:00 am there were a least 100 people checking in. So it seems between 11:00 and 1:00 you probably don't have to wait that long.

[CruisinHoneymooners]

Thank you for the wonderful review! :D We leave one year from tomorrow (yes, I'm already counting down) to spend a few days in NYC and then depart on the same cruise. Reading your review has left me even more excited than before, and I didn't think that was possible! LOL

[Jacquelyn11]

We leave in 50 weeks (OK, just under a year!) I too am looking forward to the "sail out" to view the sites. This will be our first trip to NYC. My kids and I can't wait!

 

Jacquelyn :D

[MrPete]

Nothin like that sail in and out of NY harbor!

[janetz]

Conan, you said you disembarked at 11? We are being driven in and not doing the self assist. What time would be a good time to be picked up? Thanks again for all the great info! :D

[conan126]

Janetz if I could pick what I feel would be an optimum time I would say between 11:30 and 12:00. My reasoning is that at least 25% of the passengers will be doing self-assist and will get off around 10:30. The rest of the ship will clear out, taking what ever transportation. The vast majority of embarking passengers have not arrived.

 

As mentioned in my review, once self-assist (struggling with luggage) got off, family and I got up off our seats, calmly walked to the disembarking area, checked out, waited 30 seconds to show staff passport, grabbed one of about 50 idle porters, got luggage, went downstairs, and waited 5 minutes for ride. I would suggest for your ride to go to the opposite terminal from where the Legend docks. For example we docked at pier 90, so have your ride pick you up near pier 92 or 88. There is less traffic, and the busses park closest to ship. Of course if there are other ships this kind of negates that idea.

[janetz]

Thank you. :p For our dates, no other ships will be in port.

[SantanaTto]

We were on the Legend last May and we elected to do the self-assist getting off of the ship because we thought it would be easier....NEVER AGAIN! The elevator areas were just impossible, it was a madhouse..and then standing in lines forever to get off.

 

We sail on the Legend again in September and this time we will sit and wait for our color tag to be called. Much less stress!

[daynab]

Great review, thanks for the info. We are looking at the Legend for Feb.07

 

Dayna

[sweetpea-2]

excellent review.....getting excited to go on another one ;) but have to wait til Feb

[BigGreg]

thanks for the great review as you can see in my counter were approaching the single digits till our Legend Cruise and I cant wait wish it was today..

[nybumpkin]

thanks for the great review as you can see in my counter were approaching the single digits till our Legend Cruise and I cant wait wish it was today..

We're in single digits! Conan, thanks for the great review.

[nanajean]

Thanks for the review of the Legend.Will be taking the legend in october out of FLL.

Again Thanks

[bjm1271]

Thanks for the great review. I've been on the Legend twice & had a great time both trips. Conan126 you mentioned Legend going to dry dock, do you know when? Does anyone know?

 

Thanks.

[conan126]

I made the comment about dry dock based on a conversation I had with the room steward. I complimented him and the rest of the staff on their service and the cleanliness of the ship, and in jest mentioned something about the condition of the carpet, how it is worn out and stained (Panaroma deck). He then said the rest of the decks have had their halls recarpeted, and when the ship goes into dry dock the Panaroma deck carpet would be replaced.

 

I assume the ship would go in between home ports, i.e. New York and Ft. Lauderdale. Of course one could look up the schedule and find a few lost days or a week.

[MrPete]

The Legend just came out of dry dock last April.

[lovacruz]

Great review! Leaving 7/31/06 Enjoyed reading your breakdown. Counting the days

[jpurdy]

We were on the 6/5 sailing and I totally concur with the slippery deck at the main pool. We saw an older man with 2 bandaged elbows and saw more than one child go down too. Yes, they were walking fast, but not running. In my recent review I cautioned parents to really lay the law down about running/walking fast on this deck. It IS that easy to slip.

I agree also that Carnival should roughen up that surface and fast. It's not that slippery out at the adult pool because the floor is wood.

[wiskt]

Hey ! , I also was on the legend June 13th ! I posted my review under teh reviews for the legend. I liked this ship, but the staff seemed a bit "un attached" to me from the passengers. They just didnt seem as "festive" as teh crew on the Sensation from last yr.

 

Just my thoughts

 

Leaving on the Victory AUG 26th with my dad. His 1st cruise so hope it is a good experience!

:)

[lhall85917]

Loved reading this! Thanks so much, we are especially looking forward to the sailaway next year!:D

[Guest YesitDonna]

I'm just curious why the OP stated the cruise was better then they had expected. Why would you have expected it wouldn't be good and if that is in fact what you had expected, why did you go on the cruise in the first place?