New review Legend July 6 - no pics!

[terryde]

Sorry, no pics, but a review anyway!

 

About the ship - we really enjoyed the layout. Nicely done in every room and cabins were nice. In better shape than some ships. (we have been on several Carnival). There were a lot of kids as you would expect in the summer, but we didn't have any with us, so stuck with the Unicorn pool area which was adult only. One kid came and did a cannonball in the adult pool and a guest talked to him and his dad and we really saw no more kids in that pool or hot tub again. Always found lounge chairs available all days and at all hours.

 

The food was very good, but we usually love it on Carnival. The split buffets on the lido allow for a lot of people in many short lines and a wide variety. Always a good salad bar (but mostly the same each day), Oriental buffet, the sandwiches were always good, burgers always popular, and often the same main dishes on the buffet and in the dining room.

 

We really preferred the dining room for dinners and traditional dining. Met a great couple from NC and it was just the four of us. We never ran out of things to talk about! Our servers were not up to par but we talked to other guests who had the same ones and loved them! They kept mixing up our food or just forgetting it and didn't socialize with us a bit.

 

The shows were mixed - we felt there were good broadway shows and one exceptional one. Comedians/magicians were so-so.

 

The casino did have smoke but an entire section of no-smoking slots, so you didn't have someone right next to you smoking.

 

Entertainment was pretty good - the deck party was fun but not many wear the bathrobe because it is too hot!

 

Ports:

 

Grand Cayman is always good- especially for snorkeling and sting rays. We had done the sting rays before, so took a short island tour from the pier - approached by very polite guides and for $20 each joined a van. There were 8 of us and we went to Hell, a few points of interest, and Turtle farm (no-one got out there but we could have). We took about 1 1/2 hours. My DH felt it wasn't worth the $20 each really, but we had never taken a tour there before.

 

We then snorkeled on our own. Eden Rock is a great area but we went to the Paradise Bar next door where they didn't charge to use the loungers on the beach and Eden Rock doesn't have a beach or anywhere really to sit. At Paradise the food and drinks were expensive though. Good fish here.

 

We did a little shopping on the main street - the best buy was in a little mall where they have Cayman Islands caps and visors and will embroider your name for $5 total. They were nice and were selling a lot.

 

We then tried to find the shipwreck Cali - the directions on this board were good, just next to the area where they clean and sell fish not far to the left of the pier, and behind Hammerheads bar. The server was great - told us to leave our gear there on their deck and walk down their ladder into the water. What we didn't know was that the wreck is actually about 200 yards out by the far yellow buoy - we tried to swim it but gave up before we reached it. The bar is a microbrewery with good lunches. there was only one microbrew available that day and was about $6 US each for a pint including tip. We also made a stop just off the main street to a small blue outdoor restaurant for patties - $2 each and they are great! (I had the beef and had to share with DH - they are like the jamaican meat pies).

 

Cozumel - we took the Fury Catamaran deluxe snorkel and beach party. It was about the same price to book it privately, but the website won't let cruise passengers book directly. The others get the lunch included. Our boat was cruise only - I think the others go too late in the day for our schedule. We had about 68 on board and went to a reef very close to shore. The fish were great - one school was about 10,000 fish, not brightly colored but so many of them! We had about 45 mins there. We then sailed with free margaritas, beer, water, and soda to a private beach where we had use of the iceberg, trampoline, floats, kayaks, shade, and hammocks, as well as drinks again. We could purchase a burger lunch for about $9. Some did and said it was very good. We had an hour there. My husband was the oldest to make it to the top of the iceberg! (A personal thrill for him at 57).

 

Then another 45 mins or so sailing back - more drinks, dancing, and a nice ride. Half of our group was from a church in NC and many were kids - no-one drank too much or got out of hand in the entire group.

 

Belize - we booked again with Carnival, which we rarely do, but this was a 6 hour excursion and we didn't want to return late. We had a great guide again on the Altun Ha/River Wallace trip. First a bus ride over an hour to Altun Ha. The guide talked the whole time about the culture, history, food, plants, people of Belize. Then at Altun Ha she explained every structure and even the ones you couldn't see as well as the people and history of the excavation. It started raining when we were standing on top of a temple, but we broke out our 88 cent Wal-mart clear plastic ponchos that we have carried for 8 years and never used, and were able to continue to explore as others ran for the bus. A short ride (30 mins?) to a lunch stop. It was a small "resort" with a limited lunch menu, bathrooms, and a talking bird. We opted for cold soda and ice cream bars. (The bus offers cold bottled water included). There we caught our boats and traveled down the river for 1 1/2 hours or so. The guide and two helpers pointed out crocodiles (we saw only small ones), plants, trees, and animals as we went along. It was a very pleasant ride. Probably because of the rain and clouds we didn't feel hot but after we returned we wished we had used sunscreen. We did use bug spray with DEET because we saw some mosquitos/flies at the ruins.

 

Where the river emptied out into the Caribbean Sea there were dophins and manatees - a lot of them and we spent a while looking for them.

 

We were back at the dock with over 1 1/2 hours left to shop. We like the area outside the fence, where some will give you great deals and some won't. A little girl sold me a bag of banana chips for $1 and they were delicious - I remembered buying a bag from a guy on a bicycle in the same location three years ago. There are some bugging you outside the fence, so stay inside if you are really uncomfortable there. We did also buy a bottle of cashew wine for $6. Our guide warned us that it is stronger than it looks, but no hangover the next day! I will serve it to my bunko babes.

 

We did walk around the area inside the fence and looked mostly.

 

Roatan - it really is beautiful, but a rough area for now. Right off the ship at 6am their time we walked into town - tons of people hustling us. Lots of stalls selling things and really good prices. We went to the recommended stores in town and it was the exact same merchandise only higher prices, but we did like Yabba Ding Ding - better merchandise, really clean, etc. Good items to buy - wooden bowls, etc. A lot of sets with huge salad bowl and six small bowls, fork and spoon - one set was $70 in Belize and we could choose from many for $27-35 in Roatan. We found Honduran coffee for $6 a pound, but one other passenger paid $5. Lots of nice tees for $5 each. All in the stalls.

 

We then took the boat to Fins and Flippers, which we had booked in advance (took our email confirmation but no-one asked to see it - they just asked us if we reserved in advance). We were met at the dock by Cindy, an American, who is the manager. This is the best deal in the Caribbean for $20 a person. It is a beautiful resort with gift store (we bought nothing), bar and restaurant, great pool, beautiful beach (they rake the sand, often it appears), beautiful landscaping, loungers everywhere (nice ones), and a pier. The snorkeling off the pier is great if you want to see beautiful huge coral - but the key is to get in and go left first, we are told. We tried to go straight out and you really need to find a path through the coral - it is that huge. Once you get out to the edge of the dropoff I guess there are even more fish, but we gave up before that - maybe 30 feet. We saw two people that day who were cut up by brushing into coral - by the waves. It is really worth it to try because of the excellent coral. (Fish were fine, but we didn't see a huge number). Great place to relax too - and feel like you were in paradise!

 

Tampa was a great port both ways - easy on (we got there about 10:30 - no lines, but then had to wait about an hour before boarding), and they blocked access to the cabins until about 3:00. But the buffet, pools, etc. are all open on the lido. Getting off we did regular and it was quick and easy to find our luggage and go through customs.

 

Would be happy to answer any ques.

[snc421]

Thank you for your review! I loved my time on the Legend as well, so I love reading about other's adventures.

[terryde]

Carrie - I loved reading your review too before I went on the Legend!

[snc421]

Carrie - I loved reading your review too before I went on the Legend!

Thank you!

[jessandpaul]

Great review! We leave in two weeks... other than rain in Belize, how was your weather otherwise?

[rebeljohn]

Nice review................Thanks for posting it..............

[benicehavefun]

How was the open seating in the dining room?

[cruisebie]

We love ya even without pictures! Great review!

 

On the boat ride back from Altun Ha what were the boats like? I think I have read that they are uncovered? Were there plenty of seats?

[terryde]

The weather was perfect other than the spot of rain in Belize. The seas were very calm too - looking out at the moon shining on the water was great from the balcony - looked as smooth as glass. Snorkeling was rougher in Grand Cayman but smooth with few waves in all other stops.

 

The boats in Belize were not covered, but due to the clouds we didn't feel hot. Most wore hats and sunscreen was needed, but often the guide said they were going to go fast so hang on to your hats. Boats were in good condition and our guide Mel was very learned with perfect English (as they would be in Belize). She did speak a local dialect with the two boat operators - a type of Creole language.

 

What I love best about Belize is the adventure - cave tubing, three different mayan ruins, and of course we have never yet done the water activities or visited the Cayes. A friend of mine rents a small cottage on Caye Caulker each year for the past 6 years or so - I looked them up and they are cute painted cottages running from $35 a night up and air-conditioned. This Caye (pronounced "key" by two Belizian students that work in my office) is inexpensive compared to Ambergris Caye, and has only a few restaurants, bars, and stores - very laid back. I can't wait to go there next time.

[cjkumbaya]

Excellent review - thanks so much for sharing. Wewillbe on the Legend in a few months and always enjoy reading other people's experiences on the ship. How would you rate the quality of the food? I have read so many reviews (of various Carnival ships) that have indicated that the food was not what it should be. Thanks again!:p

[terryde]

The food was good- we really usually like the food on all Carnival ships - and have our favorites, of course. I always get a steak when in doubt and my DH loves the seafood. All of the seafood he ate was good for him. This time I also had the lobster/crab cake appetizer and salmon - I can really recommend both and wish I had about three of the lobster/crab cakes! We ate breakfast only once in the dining room, so I could have my eggs benedict once and he could have corned beef hash. The eggs benedict were great but so rich that I wished I had had a half portion! The other thing everyone ate a lot of was fresh fruit - a lot of it available. I also ordered a lot of SPA cuisine items - on the left bottom of the menu are at least two SPA items, and they were good. (Paired them with a big old steak..........). I also like the diet cakes - in addition to the chocolate melting cake, of course. The quality is always good, I feel it looks and tastes fresh, and we never go to the additional charge dining room. The buffet food was also good. Second sea day they had a chocolate buffet at the dessert buffet at lunch time - they didn't tell anyone about it but our server mentioned it. The best was to go to the fruit buffet and get fresh fruit (esp pineapple) on skewers, and the guy at the end of the fruit buffet has the chocolate sauce for the fruit (no sign for the sauce!) At the sandwich bar the corned beef and pastrami were always good and people loved the paninis.

 

I gained three pounds (have lost it already.......) and my DH eight (he is a skinny guy so he can afford it!) so if that tells you anything!

 

Last year we took a Hawaiian cruise through NCL and the quality and service was awful. The food in the dining room and buffets there was much worse than any Carnival food. We were glad to be back on Carnival this year and plan our next Carnival for January 2009.

[DG2004]

9 weeks

[cat26]

Nice review. We really enjoyed the Legend as well.

We can't wait to back to F&F! I just wish we had more time there.

[TakeMeAway1001]

Nice review, thanks for sharing! We had an awesome time on the Legend last year :)

[popsec]

Did you have to pre-pay at Fins and Flippers when you booked it?

[terryde]

no prepay for reservation at all - the guy didn't even look at the confirmation email that I printed and brought and Cindy didn't either.

 

By the way, Cindy did tell my DH that she hopes to get hooked up with Carnival in the future - oh nooooo! That will surely change the price.

[terryde]

Since we did traditional dinners, and no-one we talked to on this cruise was doing the open seating, we can't tell what it was like. They did that on the second floor and the first floor was all assigned.

 

Our experience on NCL last year with open seating will make us avoid it whenever we can! We really love eating with new people and getting to know them throughout the cruise. Once on Carnival we were seated at a table for two and had it changed - we were reassigned to a large table and loved it. Once we were assigned to a table with a couple and their five children. The five year old twins spent the first dininer under the table and we thought - oh no! But we ended up having a great time and even snorkled with them on St. Croix. (I miss that stop.........). So you learn something trying it out, but if you jump from table to table you don't really get to know them at all!

 

We are not afraid to talk to strangers, though - at lunches at the buffet, my DH was usually the first to find a table and by the time I got my food, he had several others joining us at the table for new folks to talk to!

[mumofsons]

We were on this sailing as well - the weather was great. We love the Legend this was our second time on her.

I thought the staff were really great - our room stewart was just ok. Our wait staff was very good especially our drink waiter Iaman.

Anyone thinking about getting connecting rooms - we had them for our teenagers and found them to be very convienient when any of us wanted privacy.

One of the best things I can suggest is don't overpack and use the fill the bag for $15. I had 12 tee shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, 3 golf shirts and several pairs of boxer shorts. I thought this was a great deal and saved me from going to the laundry room. I did twice when they offered it in Cozumel and Roatan.

Sorry Terryde - wasn't meaning to take over your thread. I am glad you had fun - we really enjoyed ourselves.

[FrannyK]

We were on this sailing as well - the weather was great. We love the Legend this was our second time on her.

I thought the staff were really great - our room stewart was just ok. Our wait staff was very good especially our drink waiter Iaman.

Anyone thinking about getting connecting rooms - we had them for our teenagers and found them to be very convienient when any of us wanted privacy.

One of the best things I can suggest is don't overpack and use the fill the bag for $15. I had 12 tee shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, 3 golf shirts and several pairs of boxer shorts. I thought this was a great deal and saved me from going to the laundry room. I did twice when they offered it in Cozumel and Roatan.

Sorry Terryde - wasn't meaning to take over your thread. I am glad you had fun - we really enjoyed ourselves.

 

Thanks Mum! These are the details that are so valuable on these boards :) I was wondering what days they offered the $15 laundry special! On our last cruise it was only offered one day :( Do you send the laundry bag they provide you with in the a.m. or p.m.? Forget how that works.

[poptart]

oops!

[poptart]

Thanks terryde for the review.

I was especially interested in Belize and Roatan since we haven't made a firm decision for those ports. Waiting to hear from our cruise buds.

 

I know my bunco babes would love the cashew wine--so I hope yours will too!

 

Happy sails and many buncos!!!!:D

[geopa]

great review Terryde,

We also were on the Legend that same week and had a great time. This was my first time on Carnival ( 20+ cruises mostly on Princess, Celebrity and Cunard) and found that any concerns that I might have had were unfounded.

Kids on this cruise very much better behaved than those last year on the Crown Princess out of NYC.

Our room steward and the Pursers desk were great, when we arrived I noticed that the mattress on our bed was very soft and had a large dip in the middle. When informed that my DW had back surgery a few years ago they had a new, firm mattress on our bed the next day. Now that is customer service.

 

Geopa

[mumofsons]

Laundry day was offered twice - Cozumel and I can't remember if it was Belize or Roaton - used it both days and thought it was great!