Turning 40 on the Legend Oct 23-31 Review w/ pics

[Eeyoregon]

This is my first review and first attempt at photos! I am Gina and this cruise was to celebrate my 40th birthday. I had 4 amazing friends with me. Two cruise-virgins and two that had cruised once each but many years ago. This was my 7th cruise but 1st on Carnival.

 

We flew from Portland, Oregon into Tampa on October 23. Flights were uneventful and all luggage arrived safe and sound. We spent Saturday night at the Springhill Suites by Marriott Westshore in one suite.

 

The hotel had free airport shuttle and a free courtesy shuttle within a 3 mile radius of the hotel. I wish that I could remember the name of the restaurant that our shuttle driver took us to! It was FANTASTIC and I experienced fried green tomato's for the first time...YUM!

 

We also made a stop at a wine and spirit store to purchase some adult beverages as well as a stop at Walmart to get soda. We filled our rum runners and finally wound down and went to bed. We had reservations for 10:30am on the port shuttle which was $5 per person. I could hardly get thru the free breakfast as my tummy filled with butterflies and excitement!

 

Springhill Suites by Marriott Westshore Tampa

 

 

The drive to the port was under 10 minutes. We unloaded our zillion suitcases, handed them over to the porter along with tips and made our way into the terminal. The port was bustling with people but everything moved very smoothly.

 

 

Five friends waiting to board the Legend.

 

We made our way inside (all cameras had to be off and stored from this point on). The security sreening area moved very quickly. We each had one 750ml bottle of wine/champagne in our carry-ons. I had 2 eight packs of diet pepsi bottles and Chrissy had 1 twelve pack of "soda"...technically there was soda on each end of the box.

None of the staff were saying anything about what to do if we had wine/champagne. I asked what I needed to do with it and was asked, "Is it open?" me "No" them "have a good day" and thru the scanners they went tucked inside our carry ons with NO INSPECTION whatsoever.

Note: lady directly in front of me had her bag pulled and they were confiscating her iron. DUH!!!

 

We filled out the health questionaire and got in line to check-in. We were given boarding group 6. We made our way to some chairs to wait our turn. Cameras were allowed again at this point so I got mine out and ready. We had been sitting for less than 5 minutes when our group was called and off we went. YIPPPEEE!!!

 

My friends as we leave the terminal and board the ship.

 

Stopped for the group welcome aboard photo and then it was time to say cheese for a our sign-n-sail cards. With a Bing and a Bong of our ship cards we officially embarked upon the Carnival Legend. WOOT!!!

 

If you aren't bored to tears, there is more to come.

[cullensmom]

I'm cruising next week with a group for a friend's 40th birthday. Can't wait to hear how yours was!

[beach410]

My next cruise, even though not booked yet, is going to be the Legend...and until then, I am going to have to read all the Legend reviews to keep me happy...look forward to more..

 

Cruised with 4 friends last year on the Fascination...girls cruises are soo much fun!

[sjcruiser]

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Gina, Happy Birthday to you.

 

I'm late but Happy Birthday!!!

 

I'll be joining the club in less than 8 months:eek:

 

Great review, and thanks for the pics

[ItsAllAboutTheSass]

How was the SpringHill Suites? We are staying there for 1 night in March.

[sjcruiser]

I was getting ready to sing to you to Cullensmom, but I see it's your friends birthday next week.

 

Anyway Happy Birthday to Cullensmom's friend.

 

No more DOD's for me today!!! lol

Edited November 14, 2010 by sjcruiser

[Eeyoregon]

Embarkation Day Continued: I just realized I have the wrong date in the title. The cruise didn't start until the 24th but the trip began on the 23rd, oop's.

 

We made our way on board and went straight to the guest services desk so that one of the gals could set up her onboard account. We got our first real dose of urns in the main atrium area. I rather liked them and after a day or two didn't even notice them anymore.

 

Chrissy in the atrium lobby.

 

We grabbed some pocket maps of the ship, hopped in the glass elevator and made our way to deck 9 for some grub. We sat by the pool and dined on the burgers from the grill by the pool. Some folks from our roll-call sat at the table behind us (I recognized the walking boot) so I introduced my group.

 

We explored the adult only pool/bar area and then made our way all the way to the front of the ship.

 

 

View of Tampa from aft and Ryndam in the background.

 

The water slide that we were so excited about but that not a single one of us made it down?! Do over!

 

We all made our last phone calls to family and headed off to find our cabins shortly after 1:15. Noelle and I had balcony 6232 and Chrissy, Maggie and Jennifer had inside cabin 6287. This was my very first balcony and thanks to my friends on CC I knew exactly which one to book!

 

 

Drum roll....TA DA!!! OMG!!! It was everything I thought it would be and more!

 

NOELLE IS THAT YOU WAAAAAAAY DOWN THERE???

 

I literally burst into tears. I was so excited. This day had finally come and the emotions overtook me. A dear friend of mine was not able to come on the cruise but she surprised me by ordering birthday room decorations and roses...more tears as I read the card from her. Photos in next post since only 6 images are allowed per post!

[Eeyoregon]

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Gina, Happy Birthday to you.

 

I'm late but Happy Birthday!!!

 

I'll be joining the club in less than 8 months:eek:

 

Great review, and thanks for the pics

 

Awe, thanks! You are so sweet!

 

How was the SpringHill Suites? We are staying there for 1 night in March.

 

Loved it!! The staff was outstanding as was our room. The free breakfast was very good and with the park-n-cruise package, my friend Jennifer, who drove down from Northern Florida, was able to leave her car at no additional charge.

We had a suite with 2 beds and a "L" shaped sectional sofa bed w/ mini fridge, sink and microwave. The pool was very nice and there is also a hot tub. I would stay there again.

[catzcrazy]

Embarkation Day Continued: I just realized I have the wrong date in the title. The cruise didn't start until the 24th but the trip began on the 23rd, oop's.

 

We made our way on board and went straight to the guest services desk so that one of the gals could set up her onboard account. We got our first real dose of urns in the main atrium area. I rather liked them and after a day or two didn't even notice them anymore.

 

Chrissy in the atrium lobby.

 

We grabbed some pocket maps of the ship, hopped in the glass elevator and made our way to deck 9 for some grub. We sat by the pool and dined on the burgers from the grill by the pool. Some folks from our roll-call sat at the table behind us (I recognized the walking boot) so I introduced my group.

 

We explored the adult only pool/bar area and then made our way all the way to the front of the ship.

 

 

View of Tampa from aft and Ryndam in the background.

 

The water slide that we were so excited about but that not a single one of us made it down?! Do over!

 

We all made our last phone calls to family and headed off to find our cabins shortly after 1:15. Noelle and I had balcony 6232 and Chrissy, Maggie and Jennifer had inside cabin 6287. This was my very first balcony and thanks to my friends on CC I knew exactly which one to book!

 

 

Drum roll....TA DA!!! OMG!!! It was everything I thought it would be and more!

 

NOELLE IS THAT YOU WAAAAAAAY DOWN THERE???

 

I literally burst into tears. I was so excited. This day had finally come and the emotions overtook me. A dear friend of mine was not able to come on the cruise but she surprised me by ordering birthday room decorations and roses...more tears as I read the card from her. Photos in next post since only 6 images are allowed per post!

 

Wow - what a balcony!!!! Happy Belated Birthday. My DH and I will be on the Legend's 12/5/2010 sailing. My 59th birthday will be in day we are in Belize. I hope you had as great a time as we always do on our cruises.

[Eeyoregon]

More embarkation stuff:

 

We had 8 suitcases that were checked with the porter. All of mine arrived very quickly, which was great because I LOVE to unpack and arrange everything. I did a quick inventory and all of my rum runners were safe and sound. I quickly placed the sign I had made on our door, which by the way is NOT metal. Good thing I brought poster tack in addition to magnetic tape!

 

 

Before we knew it we needed to head to the muster drill. Noelle's suitcase had not arrived when we left for the drill. Survived muster orientation and headed back to the room to freshen up and get ready for sail away.

 

 

 

Noelle and I headed up top to watch as the Legend pulled away from the dock. Absolutely beautiful weather!

 

Leaving Tampa with the Ryndam on our tail.

 

Noelle was starting to worry about her missing suitcase but I assured her it would arrive. My group met up and we stake our spot for the SkyWay bridge passing. We were as high up as we could get. Ran into some more folks from our roll-call which is always fun!

 

 

 

The sun was setting at the perfect time...just beautiful! We finally had our first DOD in hand and were enjoying the sights as the bridge got closer and closer.

 

To be continued......

[teacher2cruiser]

Wow - what a balcony!!!! Happy Belated Birthday. My DH and I will be on the Legend's 12/5/2010 sailing. My 59th birthday will be in day we are in Belize. I hope you had as great a time as we always do on our cruises.

 

What is that room with that sized balcony called? Wow!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

[Eeyoregon]

What is that room with that sized balcony called? Wow!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

 

When I booked it I think it was an 8J category. I believe there are 6 of these on the Legend. Most only accomodate 2 people but this one slept 4. Same price as the other extended balconies! There is a service room next door so they just ran the balcony the length of that room too. We never heard a peep from that room. We had 1 lay down lounge chair, 4 deck chairs and 2 end tables with room for more if we had needed them! Truly amazing! Guess I have been spoiled.

 

Gina

[cullensmom]

I was getting ready to sing to you to Cullensmom, but I see it's your friends birthday next week.

 

Anyway Happy Birthday to Cullensmom's friend.

 

No more DOD's for me today!!! lol

Have another DOD! Thanks for the thought. My friend called me today to tell me hubby is taking her. She has no clue that friends are going.

 

OP - Do you have any tips for special things to do for my friend?

[cullensmom]

 

Drum roll....TA DA!!! OMG!!! It was everything I thought it would be and more!

 

NOELLE IS THAT YOU WAAAAAAAY DOWN THERE???

 

I literally burst into tears. I was so excited. This day had finally come and the emotions overtook me. A dear friend of mine was not able to come on the cruise but she surprised me by ordering birthday room decorations and roses...more tears as I read the card from her. Photos in next post since only 6 images are allowed per post!

 

That balcony is AWESOME! Good choice.

 

Loving the review and the pics. Thanks for sharing.

Edited November 14, 2010 by cullensmom

[chrislaurn]

can't wait to read more!! We have this room in May! So excited!

[yoray]

Happy belated birthday Gina.

Great review, keep 'em coming. I'm considering the Legend next.

 

BTW, here's a link to the official 40th birthday song of all cruisers ...

 

.

[Eeyoregon]

OP - Do you have any tips for special things to do for my friend?

 

Well, you could order a cake from the sail away department. $9.99 for a cake with writing on it.

 

Decorate her cabin door!

 

Buy a tiarra that has 40 on it at a party store and make her wear it all day (uh, I did that).

 

Make sure the Maitre D' knows what day and what milestone her birthday is.

 

Knock on her cabin door at 12:01 am the day of her birthday and sing to her...that might end the friendship :confused:. Although, not sure why anyone would be in bed before midnight anyway :D!

 

That's all I've got.

[MiamiSpartan]

Nice review so far...

I also celebrated my 40th on the RCCL Majesty OTS along with a friend who turned 50 the next day with 35 friends....

It's the only way to celebrate milestone bdays!!!

Got 18 months to figure what ship my 50th will be on...!!

:D

[Eeyoregon]

Embarkation Day (still):

 

We made our way under the bridge and I'm glad that we had late seating so that we could watch as it really is quite awesome!

 

 

Not much room for error!

 

 

We lingered on top deck for a bit and then headed back to our cabins to freshen up for the welcome aboard show in the theater. Noelle's suitcase had finally arrived. She opened and found a letter from Carnival stating that they detected a prohibited item in her bag and therefor searched it but were unable to find anything and thank you for your understanding.

 

ROFL!!! Noelle's suitcase was the ONLY one that did NOT have adult beverages packed in it. The other 7 suitcases all made it thru as did the rum runners and airplane bottles of alcohol. Now, for those of you that are reading this and getting your panties all knotted up, I can assure you that we all purchased several drinks on board as well as booze from the duty free promotion on board.

 

The welcome show was Ok but not quite to the caliber of other shows on the lines that I had sailed before. Good but nothing special. We had the 8:15 seating on the main floor at table 140. Our table was allllllll the way to the back, hang a right and go all the way back into a corner with a wall/serving station partitioning us from the rest of the dining room. Our serves were "KK" and Edgar and we adored them!! Due to the fact that our section was empty, we got a LOT of one-on-one attention from our servers. They quickly memorized all of our names but for fun we rotated seats every night. It only thru them off the first few times, lol.

 

 

 

They were a great serving team and everything that I had hoped they would be for the sake of my cruise-virgins! The danced, sang and laughed with us every night.

 

I was not in charge of food-porn pictures so you won't be seeing any. Like others who have written reviews, I truly can not remember what I ate on which night. I can tell you that the frist night I had the ribs and they were melt in your mouth fall of the bone delish! On formal night I had THREE lobster tails (and the shrimp that came with them) and only stopped myself from fear I would get sick. "KK" seemed to read my mind and show up with seconds and thirds without my asking.

 

The two soups that stood out were the chilled strawberry and the hot mushroom. The cucumber soup was GROSS. "KK" says that no one likes it and she doesn't know why they keep making it, lol.

 

The bread pudding creation was my favorite dessert. SO GOOD! No flaming but not a fan of the chocolate melting cake. Tried it, didn't finish it and can live without it. All of our food was great. No complaints from my group.

 

A singing maitre d' in the dining room was a first for me. The first night, because we were blocked from the view, I thought that it was canned music. The second night I realized that Ken was singing live. Bestill my heart. I am a singer and love to sing day and night. Ken rotated over to our table and I told him how much I was enjoying his singing. One of my friends offered up the fact that I love to sing. He asked me what types of songs and before I could respond, another friend said, "Anything Disney!!"

The next thing I know, Ken and I are singing a duet of "I wanna be like you" from the Jungle Book which coincidentally is my all time favorite Disney movie!! Yep, I was smitten with Ken beyond belief.

 

Ok........I have been home since November 4 and still have half unpacked suitcases all over my bedroom. Signing off for now.

 

TTFN

Gina

[Eeyoregon]

Nice review so far...

I also celebrated my 40th on the RCCL Majesty OTS along with a friend who turned 50 the next day with 35 friends....

It's the only way to celebrate milestone bdays!!!

Got 18 months to figure what ship my 50th will be on...!!

:D

 

I'm thinking I need to cruise for every birthday from this point on. What do you think??? Boy do I have the fever. Need to win the lottery or find a rich knight in shining armor that likes to cruise...or at least is willing to fund the cruises :D!

 

Gina

[loltastic]

Looking forward to more!

[CruisinChris412]

Looking forward to more!

 

Me too! More! More!

[racegrrl]

Wonderful review so far!!! And a belated Happy Birthday! :D

 

We are on the Legend in 69 short days......it can't come soon enough! Thank goodness we have the busy/hectic holidays in between to help keep the days moving. Looking forward to more from you!

[Name Of The Game]

I'm enjoying your review and photos!

 

I love chocolate and the melting cake is even too rich for me! :o

[Honeyroastedmelnut]

 

 

 

 

 

 

We all made our last phone calls to family and headed off to find our cabins shortly after 1:15. Noelle and I had balcony 6232 and Chrissy, Maggie and Jennifer had inside cabin 6287. This was my very first balcony and thanks to my friends on CC I knew exactly which one to book!

 

 

quote]

 

I must say, you age very well!! I would have guessed very early 30's not 40!