Carnival Legend Review, March 30, Spring Break

Welcome to my review of our Spring Break cruise on the beautiful Carnival Legend, cruising out of Tampa from March 30 to April 6. We are a family of 4 plus 1 extra traveler – my mom joined us because she won’t let me cruise without her!

Introductions:

Me, Erin, mom to two great boys and wife to Dave. This is my 7th cruise. My first cruise was Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas followed by Triumph, Legend, Fascination, Fascination, Ecstasy, and now Legend again.

Dave, husband to the best wife in the world :D. Dave has joined us on the Triumph and Legend (2x).

(Dave on left, me on right)

Next up is Carter, 13 almost 14, in the 8th grade. Carter loves to cruise because of the unlimited food options and Camp Carnival activities. This is his 4th cruise including Triumph, Legend (2x), and Ecstasy.

Drew is 12 and in the 6th grade. Drew is very similar to his brother. Cruising is about the food, water, and activities. On occasion, Drew gets grumpy, and I have lots of grumpy face pictures to share.

(Carter on left, Drew on right)

Finally, my mom, Mary Ann, who thought she would hate cruising due to motion sickness, but turned out she loves it! She also has been on 7 cruises—all the same trips as me. I told you she won’t let me go without her.

How this trip came to be:

I always said I would not cruise over Spring Break because the ship would be too crowded with other people’s kids. Our first cruise on the Legend was over Thanksgiving 2012 and the number of children seemed manageable. I have to give praise to the Camp Carnival staff for keeping the kids busy.

Back to fall 2013, we were planning our spring vacation. Both boys have very demanding school classes and really needed a vacation to kick back and relax. Disney seemed like too much work over Spring Break, and as much love the beach, I also love visiting a variety of beaches while on a lovely ship with wonderful staff taking care of me. So cruise it was!

This past October, I booked us on the Dream for a 7 night cruise leaving Port Canaveral over our Spring Break dates. Around Thanksgiving, I had heard that the Legend was going into dry dock and getting some neat additions like Green Thunder, Red Frog Pub, and room updates. Plus, I also saw that the price of the Legend cruise was $200 less expensive per person. Needless to say, I switched us to two 7A Obstructed Balcony rooms on Deck 5 on the Legend. We were next to each other, and I checked on goccl.com to make sure we could get the dividers open.

I faithfully checked for price drops so I could upgrade us to extended balconies but never saw anything low enough to justify it. As a family of four, I have to keep in mind the cost of everything x4 like gratuities, shore excursions, trip insurance, etc.! I pre-booked other things like parking and shore excursions, but I will cover those as they happen. So, off we go!

Chapter Links

I'm looking forward to your review. Our family of 9 is sailing the Legend in June.

Travel Day:

Travel day was uneventful thankfully. We left Atlanta early Saturday morning to beat all the Spring Break traffic. We dealt with rain showers most of the way to Tampa, but were very grateful that we were headed south. The traffic headed north on I-75 was bumper to bumper for a good portion of our trip. We said a prayer that we would not be dealing with that in a week’s time.

Hotel:

We stayed at the Embassy Suites Airport. I had tried to book 2 hotel rooms in Tampa through Priceline, but nothing was working for my maximum bid. Two years earlier, I had won the Hilton Downtown for $42 per room per night. No such luck this time, so I booked the Embassy Suites through the Hilton Honors program.

On the way to the hotel, my phone GPS gave us a major trouble with directions to this hotel. At some point, the road came to a dead-end and the GPS lady kept telling us to continue straight. Well straight was through a barbed wire fence and across the runways of the Tampa airport! I don't think so. Dave rescues us with the map on his phone, and we get turned around and back on route. We saw at least one other car having the same problems.

I don’t have many nice things to say about the Embassy Suites. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. The rooms are spacious. However, the entire hotel including the rooms is old and stained. The beds were rock hard. The balcony sliding doors are screwed shut but not weather sealed so you hear the planes and the whistling wind. It was only for one night, and we partook in the Manager’s Reception of free beer, soda, chips & salsa, and chicken noodle soup. Really, they served chicken noodle soup! Breakfast was okay as I had cereal, but the donuts and meats looked very dangerous as if they had a shelf life of 100 years!

We checked out Sunday morning to clear skies and the promise of a beautiful day. The hotel was the worst part of our trip, and it was not really all that bad. I just think there has got to be better options in Tampa.

Faster to the Fun and Parking:

Both of our rooms had Faster to the Fun, so we wanted to get to the port early. A sweet person on our Roll Call had called The Parking Doctors to see if they would be ready for those with FTTF. They advised that one person in the group drop everyone and the luggage at the port, then proceed to the parking lot, and they would shuttle the driver back to port. This seemed easiest as my family can get a little chaotic with those shuttle vans and being packed in with a bunch of other people and luggage. Plus, it would give me a moment to myself.

We made a quick stop at CVS for my mom, and headed down Channelside Drive. The Carnival area was very busy with passengers leaving the ship pulling luggage, and a few headed towards the ship. I though the drop off area was under the covered area, but everything was blocked off by orange cones with officers directing people down Channelside. But we needed to drop passengers and luggage off! I had Dave pull up to the officer. Here is the conversation.

Me: “Tell him we need past the cones to drop off.”

Dave: “We are dropping off.”

1st Officer motions for us to proceed down Channelside.

Me: “Really, tell him we need past the cones to drop off.”

Dave, louder and motioning this time: “We have passengers to drop off.”

1st Officer: “Dropping off passengers?”

Dave: “Yes.”

1st Officer motions us to the right, but 2nd Officer waves us away.

1st Officer to 2nd Officer: “They are dropping off.”

2nd Officer: “Dropping off?”

1st Officer to us: “You are dropping off right?”

Dave and me: “Yes! Dropping off.”

Finally 2nd Officer moves the orange cones and Dave squeezes the minivan through. We head toward to covered area but a 3rd Officer motions us to the circular area on the left. I tell Dave to quickly park, so they don’t try to move us! The whole process was comical and a reminder to be persistent when dropping off.

Here is a picture of where we were minus the orange cones blocking the whole area. Basically, stay in the right hand lane but don't get behind the far right taxi line, proceed to the cones, and let the officer know (several times) that you need in there to drop off. Also, the door to enter the Carnival Terminal is under the gray awning in the picture.

The porter had bright orange FTTF luggage tags, and he had me write our room number on each one. I tipped him and sent the family across the street to the terminal. Taking a deep breath, I got back in the car and headed down Channelside looking for The Parking Doctors.

Thanks for the updates and pictures!

Subscribing! Can't wait to read your review!!

Wow, I love reading your review! Subscribing for the rest!

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Sorry to sound stupid but how do you subscribe? I would like to as well.

Thanks,

Subscribing as well. Was on the Legend at the end of February so can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Looking forward to hearing more and about the changes made in the recent dry dock. How was the slides for your boys?

We are sailing on the Legend in 16 days. Can't wait to read more of your review!!!

Almost all the way down Channelside, you will see this.

I had booked my parking about a month before the trip and found a 10% off code on their Facebook page. It’s not pretty or covered, but the staff was some of the nicest I have met. I definitely recommend them.

Goodbye minivan (upon return, it was in great shape)

View across street

I parked, checking the van for any forgotten items, and they quickly had me on a shuttle to the port. It was a quiet and peaceful ride with a mom and her son who were headed to the Norwegian ship in port that day.

I arrived back at the port and was dropped off in the same area. There was a very short line to get in the doors where the Carnival rep checks your boarding documents and passports. I always print out individual boarding passes, fold it over, and paperclip it to the passport page with our pictures. Also each passport has a white label with the person’s name on it. I do this because I am paranoid about losing a passport, and if everything is labeled it makes my OBSESSIVE passport checks very quick.

Someone in front of me was missing something important like boarding pass or proper ID. That held up the line for a minute while the Carnival Rep had them sit in some chairs on the lower level to be helped. Very quickly, I was waved through, on my way up the escalator, and approaching the security area where no one was ahead of me.

Two side notes:

1. Dave had told me that they were held up for a little while outside and security took some time for them. I suppose I had an easy time since a big group had just been processed. Loving that I dropped off the family first!

2. My beach bag carry on was loaded with stuff including a bottle of wine and a small box (3 glasses) of wine. I had brought the box for our pre-cruise stay but we did not use it. Both items sailed through security without a glance. I guess I don’t cause much suspicion.

FTTF for check-in:

The FTTF check-in line was confusing, so remember to ask where to go once you get your items off the conveyer. They were using the first few stations on your immediate right for FTTF. A sweet lady checked me in and told me where to find my family. It was very easy!

I found my group, caught up, and promptly moved them to closer seats for a prime boarding spot. They had been given a Boarding Pass “Priority FTTF”. We did the usual waiting stuff like play on our phones, meet our neighbors, compare cruising stories, and stalk the gangway. The Carnival Rep said it would be a while over the intercom, and then two minutes later announced boarding would begin. They took Wedding Parties, then Platinum-Diamond-Suites, and then FTTF. The Priority Boarding Passes are different for the groups, and the Carnival Rep will not let you through with Priority FTTF until it is called. I might have firsthand knowledge of this!

We took what turned out to be a great group photo and were on our way. First up, Guest Services to request our balcony divider be opened. I have pictures for this. Then to our rooms to drop our luggage. I LOVED this feature of FTTF. As a mom, it was great.

Cabin 5178, Port Side, Category 7A obstructed view

Balcony with divider closed

Our View

We ate lunch, visited Guest Services to get extra room keys, and played shuffleboard in the Red Frog Pub. Drew found his friend from school—which he hung out with all week—and they went swimming then we all toured the ship before Muster.

Shuffleboard

Checkers

Carter already on his 2nd cone

Muster was outside and even though we hung back, it was so crowded. There was not enough room on the deck. It’s a necessary but important pain. Certain people in my group were complaining even though they have done several!

Drew just knew that the slides would be opened and he was right. He tried to chicken out. We encouraged him, and he came out with two thumbs up and proceed to ride it several times.

Not open yet!

Drew in the launch

The Green Thunder slide is very fast, and it's quite a thrill when it drops you. Dave and I enjoyed it the next day, and also the yellow slide which is fun too!

It was a beautiful afternoon for sail away.

We are so mature.

Next up is dinner!

FTTF Note: I forgot to mention that our luggage arrived very quickly, probably by 1:00 pm. I unpacked my suitcase, Carter & Drew, and then helped my mom. She can’t start vacation until she is unpacked, so FTTF was again worth it.

We had anytime dining, but tend to eat early so we can see the family comedians and shows. We were seated at an eight person table at the very back of the ship. The view out the window was beautiful. It was usually still sunny so some of the pictures did not turn out great. I don’t remember what everyone ordered. Drew definitely got the shrimp cocktail, hamburger with fries, and warm chocolate melting cake. He had to be encouraged to try different things. I typically get the Indian Vegetarian and had Crème Brule tonight. Everyone enjoyed their meal.

Carter

Dave and Drew. Like on an airplane, you have to be quick to get the window seat.

Our wait staff team was Henry, Nur (female), and Mantas.

They were so much fun, remembered our names, and were great with the children. We sat in their section every night except one when we arrived later, and they were already full. The other cruisers around us were nicely dressed, respectful, and we had a pleasant experience each evening. We have been on other cruises with children running circles around tables, really loud talkers, and general disrespect. We had none of that this cruise---even with it being Spring Break!

Approaching the bridge

Here we are back in the Red Frog Pub. Foosball this time.

We accompanied my mom to Bingo. No bingo win this time. She did win $7 in pull tab tickets.

We played trivia in the Pub and then we saw the Welcome Aboard show where we met Mike, the Cruise Director, and his staff. The boys had ditched us for Circle C and stayed out late.

I need to scan in the Funtimes to see what other mischief we got into tonight.

Looking forward to hearing more and about the changes made in the recent dry dock. How was the slides for your boys?

The slides were great, and we never saw long lines. Drew went several times the 1st day. Dave and I both went down on the 1st Sea Day. Carter had to be convinced to try it on the last Sea Day. He thought it would be lame--he's 13 what can I say--but ended up loving it. They have you cross your feet, and I got blisters on my heels but no one else did.

I liked the yellow slide. It's slow but you have a great view the whole time. There is also a tipping water bucket feature that was fun to watch.

I like the Spirit Class ships because they have 3 pools plus now two cool water slides.

Sorry to sound stupid but how do you subscribe? I would like to as well.

 

Thanks,

Nathalie,

I am not an expert! Try clicking Thread Tools towards the top of this page, and then Subscribe to Thread. Good luck.

Come back! Sailing next Sunday!

Here is a picture of Drew exiting the Green Thunder slide. He loved it.

Below are the Fun Times for Day 1. Dave and I stayed for Motor City after the Welcome Aboard Show. My mom and I had seen it before, but I still think it is a good show with some really fun songs!

Day 2 – Sea Day

Dave and I had coffee, worked out, and waited for the sleepy heads to wake up. We headed to the Sea Day brunch. I had grits and raisin bran, Dave the Funny French toast, Carter eggs and corned beef hash, and Drew pancakes and bacon. I would advise ordering the French toast plain as the cereal makes it taste really bad. I redeemed my drink coupon for a Foster’s Oil Can, unopened, and we headed to find some deck chairs.

The rest of the day was relaxing by the pool, playing chess and ping pong, as well as mini golf and basketball (not me) plus this:

Drew with 2 cones

And this

Dave reading

And this

We got dressed for dinner and took a few photos. My mom was not feeling up to joining us for dinner, but we had a pleasant meal anyway. No lobster for our group but everyone enjoyed the meal. We changed and then hit the evening activities.

A crew member had come around in the morning on this day to open our balcony divider. Here are some pictures.

We loved having it open. It gave me easier access to the boys who were sharing a room with my mom, and all five of us could enjoy the balcony together.

Picture of the four of us before the formal dinner For some reason, it did not show up in previous post.

My mom met us at the Family Friendly Comedy Show which was great. Afterwards, Carter and Drew headed for their Circle C activities. My mom wanted to try her luck at the Casino, so Dave and I headed to the Studio VIP show. We were a bit late but found seats up front on the left side. Oh my! This show is over the top, cheesy, but still fun.

It turns out my mom could not figure out the Slot Machines and setting up an account. At least she did not lose any money! We headed to the Red Frog Pub and played more shuffleboard. We waited up for the kids and got ready for Cozumel.

Thanks for the updates! Especially love the Fun Times postings.

I would love to see some of the circle C or camp carnival times if you have them. My 13yr old and 11 yr old will be on the may 18 sailing.

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