Thoughts on the Legend 3/9-3/16

[big_duck]

Not really a review but:

 

Embarkation: Top notch

 

Ships condition: very good.

 

Staff:

 

Steward very good, introduced themselves (2 cabins 2 different Stewards) the first day and were unobtrusive from that point on. They were around, however if you ever needed one.

 

Wait Staff very good, a little slow at times but always eager to please. Glenn the waiter always seemed upset if someone didn't like something and declined his offer to bring something else.

 

Bar staff very good plus, on previous Carnival cruises you would see the dining room maybe once a meal if you were lucky. On the Legend he was always checking back to see if you needed anything else.

 

Food: typical Carnival but to the high side of the curve, supper club outstanding.

 

CD: Meh.

 

Entertainment staff: Outshone their boss.

 

Deck band: Thank god errr Steve Jobs for the Ipod.

 

Shows: typical Carnival. (in fact the hypnotist was the same one as on the Glory 3 years ago, same "bits" too).

 

Now for the part that will get me in trouble with y'all.

 

Ships layout :confused:: Hated it. Whoever designed this thing was on LSD, not a straight line anywhere. Clubs on different decks making "entertainment browsing" next to impossible. You had to know what you wanted to do and where to go to do it. Circle C and video arcade on deck 4 but you could only get to them from deck 3 or 5. Lido deck pool area split in two so only those by the midship pool could see any of what was "going on". And what is up with that enchanted forest thing? On the other ships it may take one or two meals to figure out how to get to diner, but at least you can walk down the promenade deck and stop when something is interesting and not miss much.

 

I understand why they moved the Cigar bar to the sports bar from where it was, but I would much rather listen to some Jazz whilst enjoying my Montecristo then some Italian soccer match. :cool:

 

The Casino (Merlin's club) and the Supper Club (Golden Fleece) need to change names 'cause I was fleeced in the Casino. ;)

 

Rule enforcement: Rules, what rules. (goes for the dress code too, since when was boardshorts a tshirt and flip flops even close to formal?)

 

Debarkation: Customs and Immigration and Tampa is about three years behind everywhere else. Non-US citizens were required to meet in the Follies lounge a 6:45 to be cleared by immigration. At the follies lounge each party was given a numbered tag and you were then told to go down to the Firebird lounge (first time there see section above about layout).

 

We were not allowed to participate in self-assist. We were however given early flight status which allowed us to meet in Satchmos (first time there see section above about layout) early flights left after self assist, and those that used the luggage express service. (still don't know when Platinum left). Because the escalator was broken everyone had to use the stairs. A woman who left just before us actually fell down the stairs and hurt herself badly. :(

 

Once off the ship finding out bags was easy we then had to show our passports to another immigration official and hand in our customs form.

[MikeNKim]

Hey Don, so sorry I didn't get to meet you and your family. Did your DD hang out in the O2 club, our kids could have been hanging out.

 

We also met for the early debarkson, and we also saw the elderly lady who hurt her leg....is that the same one you are taking about??? I actually can't remember if we took the stairs or escalator, but it was just outside the gangplank, she hurt her left leg looked pretty bad. So we could have been jsut taht close and didn't get a chance to meet.....maybe next cruise...:p

[wentworth]

Duck

 

We were on the week before you and I wholeheartedly agree with the

layout of the ship. I much prefer the conquest class. I suppose deck

two was the promenade deck but with some of the bars on the next floor,

it just wasn't the same........couldn't figure out where we wanted to be.

Did not like any of the bands playing; on lido or in the lounge.

 

We took advantage of the luggage express for the first time and recommend anyone who can do this to do it. We left out luggage outside

our room and picked it up in Boston:)

 

So overall, how did you rate your cruise? It wasn't our favorite but getting out of the cold and snowy winter (in NH) and having fun was our

goal and we did have a great time.

[Timmys_mom]

Shows: typical Carnival. (in fact the hypnotist was the same one as on the Glory 3 years ago, same "bits" too).

I had the same thing happen to me, but it was a comedian telling the same jokes.

 

Now for the part that will get me in trouble with y'all.

Nah, what will get you in trouble is a Canadian saying "y'all". Go figure.

 

I understand why they moved the Cigar bar to the sports bar from where it was, but I would much rather listen to some Jazz whilst enjoying my Montecristo then some Italian soccer match. :cool:

It just wouldn't be the same if I had to sit in the middle of a sports bar with you and Allen and lament my inability to meet a nice man on the cruise. But maybe my odds would have been better if we had been sitting in the sports bar.:rolleyes:

 

The Casino (Merlin's club) and the Supper Club (Golden Fleece) need to change names 'cause I was fleeced in the Casino. ;)

And hopefuly you found the food in the supper club, "magical". :)

 

Sounds like a good time was had by all. Welcome home. :D

[L2J]

Welcome back Duckster.

 

Despite a couple hiccups sounds like you had a good time.

 

You didn't report on how many tails you ate or status of funnel deck activities.

[big_duck]

Duck

 

We were on the week before you and I wholeheartedly agree with the

layout of the ship. I much prefer the conquest class. I suppose deck

two was the promenade deck but with some of the bars on the next floor,

it just wasn't the same........couldn't figure out where we wanted to be.

Did not like any of the bands playing; on lido or in the lounge.

 

We took advantage of the luggage express for the first time and recommend anyone who can do this to do it. We left out luggage outside

our room and picked it up in Boston:)

 

So overall, how did you rate your cruise? It wasn't our favorite but getting out of the cold and snowy winter (in NH) and having fun was our

goal and we did have a great time.

 

Overall a very good cruise and a good time had by all. Wish we could have done luggage express, but again not open to non-US destinations. :cool:

[big_duck]

Welcome back Duckster.

 

Despite a couple hiccups sounds like you had a good time.

 

You didn't report on how many tails you ate or status of funnel deck activities.

 

Funnel deck was clear all week (easy to see with the barrier down).

 

The aft pool (adults only) was completely taken over by the college crowd, or so it seems the odd time I was back there.

 

I just remembered, although the Circle C (12-14 y/o) club has it's own space (half of what was dedicated to the arcade) that has be refurbed, it is pretty barren because whoever ordered the video screens for the walls ordered them with the wrong voltage so they are awaiting replacements.

 

Club O2 was giving out free tote bags for that age group.

[krissy72]

Duck

 

 

We took advantage of the luggage express for the first time and recommend anyone who can do this to do it. We left out luggage outside

our room and picked it up in Boston:)

 

 

Can I ask what time you were off the ship in Tampa that morning? Just wondering how early they let you off.

[big_duck]

Can I ask what time you were off the ship in Tampa that morning? Just wondering how early they let you off.

 

On our cruise, the luggage express people got off shortly after 8 AM.

[sixy-six]

SOunds like over all you had a good time. I also agree with you about the deck planes. It's not like I have anything else to compaire it to. But its a good thing I have always been good with maps.

[bobandkelly]

We were on this cruise to and had a great time!

 

Unlike Duck we liked this layout better than the Conquest class. It's just another reason to cruise more so you can find what ship you like!

 

We met many nice people. Carnival did a great job of seating us with 2 other couples for dinner, made for fun conversation and friend making.

 

I agree with you on the cigar bar. When we were on the Valor the cigar bar was one of my favorite spots and it is my husband that smokes not me. The music was always good and it was never smokey like the casino.

 

We loved Tabayana beach! Since we are having freezing rain/snow here today I would love to be back there drinking a monkey lala!

Kelly

[wentworth]

Can I ask what time you were off the ship in Tampa that morning? Just wondering how early they let you off.

 

Things were running behind.......some trouble with customs.........so we

didn't get off till around 9:00. There were MANY doing self assist and

the line was back through the casino almost to the Follies lounge. We

took a seat in the casino and waited.

[bellybutton]

What's club 02 like? Did your teens enjoy it?

[big_duck]

What's club 02 like? Did your teens enjoy it?

 

It's like a mini-disco. I have one in O2 and one in Circle C.

 

The eldest attended events off and on, she had a good time. They have lots of parties, and games and stuff. She even one a medal for a Pictionary like contest.

 

Total haul for the family was 2 ships on a stick and the one medal.

[jessandpaul]

Hi Don. Thanks for the info. Some questions:

 

1. Funnel deck? still topless sunbathing allowed? :cool:

 

2. What did you do for excursions? :D

 

for anyone: this Luggage Express...do you have to have cruise air to use it? If not, how does it work? :confused:

 

Thanks a bunch!

[CFitzRN]

Nice review, thanks Don!

[big_duck]

Hi Don. Thanks for the info. Some questions:

 

1. Funnel deck? still topless sunbathing allowed? :cool:

 

2. What did you do for excursions? :D

 

for anyone: this Luggage Express...do you have to have cruise air to use it? If not, how does it work? :confused:

 

Thanks a bunch!

 

The Funnel deck like all the rest has been stripped of its sign and screen.

 

For excursions we did the Pirate Adventure through Carnival at Grand Cayman. Fun for kids of all ages but very short, which is what we wanted as we had done Cayman before.

 

Paradise Beach and parasailing in Cozumel.

 

Bacob Eco park in Belize - great pool, expensive drinks.

 

Gumbalimba Eco park in Roatan, Monkeys, parrots ziplining and the pool.

 

For luggage express there will be a form you fill out in your cabin. On the form is the list of participating airlines, as long as you are booked on one of those you can use Luggage Express regardless if you booked through Carnival or not. I can't remember all the airlines, but I know Continental wasn't one of them (another reason we couldn't use it). :cool:

[Sunnymom02]

We were on the Legend Feb 24th. I really did not care for the layout either. I like the Conquest better. But we had fun tho. Glad you had a good trip.

[wentworth]

Hi Don. Thanks for the info. Some questions:

 

1. Funnel deck? still topless sunbathing allowed? :cool:

 

2. What did you do for excursions? :D

 

for anyone: this Luggage Express...do you have to have cruise air to use it? If not, how does it work? :confused:

 

Thanks a bunch!

 

Luggage Express. They will give you paperwork in your room. 5-6 airlines

listed who participate, we flew air tran. Fill out your paperwork and take

to pursers desk. Cost is $15pp. We had 4 bags. Think the limit was 2

bags pp. They charge your sail and sign card. Put luggage out before 11 pm Sat nite, pick up at your home airport. We had one glitch..... daughter and 3 yr old gd traveling with us in separate cabin. Daughter

put both pieces of luggage in her name, none for gd. Pursers desk got

everyone there seats on the plane. However, since child did not have

luggage, her name was not LINKED to ours for seating and she was put

in a seat on the plane 11 rows behind her mom by herself. :eek: Pursers desk said they couldnt change the seating, that we would have to check with airline at airport. When we got to airport the plane was over booked and they said they could not guarantee a seat change. Daughter told them fine, put her in a seat by herself 11 rows away from her and SHE

would guarantee them they would gladly get the seats changed. Daughter explained to stewardess once she got on the plane and the matter was handled right away.

 

The was our first time with the express luggage and highly recommend it.

Our flight was later in the afternoon and we were able to tour Tampa with

no luggage hassles.

[vfb2girls]

By chance can you remember what airlines participated in luggage express? If not is there some way to find out what airlines do participate? We are flying Northwest Airlines. Thanks for any info.

[bellybutton]

Luggage Express. They will give you paperwork in your room. 5-6 airlines

listed who participate, we flew air tran. Fill out your paperwork and take

to pursers desk. Cost is $15pp. We had 4 bags. Think the limit was 2

bags pp. They charge your sail and sign card. Put luggage out before 11 pm Sat nite, pick up at your home airport. We had one glitch..... daughter and 3 yr old gd traveling with us in separate cabin. Daughter

put both pieces of luggage in her name, none for gd. Pursers desk got

everyone there seats on the plane. However, since child did not have

luggage, her name was not LINKED to ours for seating and she was put

in a seat on the plane 11 rows behind her mom by herself. :eek: Pursers desk said they couldnt change the seating, that we would have to check with airline at airport. When we got to airport the plane was over booked and they said they could not guarantee a seat change. Daughter told them fine, put her in a seat by herself 11 rows away from her and SHE

would guarantee them they would gladly get the seats changed. Daughter explained to stewardess once she got on the plane and the matter was handled right away.

 

The was our first time with the express luggage and highly recommend it.

Our flight was later in the afternoon and we were able to tour Tampa with

no luggage hassles.

 

 

They book your seat also!? I didn't realize that.

[wentworth]

They book your seat also!? I didn't realize that.

 

 

Yes, we were going to go online to book seats 24 hours before flight home

but didn't need to. Just make sure that each passenger (including children) is listed on the luggage form provided by the cruise ship.

[Sunnymom02]

By chance can you remember what airlines participated in luggage express? If not is there some way to find out what airlines do participate? We are flying Northwest Airlines. Thanks for any info.

 

 

We were on the Carnival Legend on Feb. 24th. Northwest was not on there as that is what we flew;) .

 

Mary

[Ltvscout]

Duck,

 

Did they have the traditional bathrobe party or did they have a Luau party instead?

[Rita/KY]

We are planning on that shore excursion when we go in June. Is there a pool there? Also, is there a beach? Thanks!