Carnival Legend - Just Back

[ventigirl]

We have cruised several times - three times on RCCL and twice on Carnival. I have stalked the Cruise Critic Boards in preparation for our trips, but never posted much. I thought I would now share our experience so I could contribute to someone else's trip.

 

We just got back from a 7 day on Carnival Legend and overall it was a great trip.....but only because we made it that way. Honestly, it will be a long time before we take another Carnival Cruise. There were good and bad things about the trip and I will try to share both perspectives.

 

We are mid 40s and were traveling with our daughter (17) and her boyfriend (18). In the past we have always had a balcony cabin, but decided to spend less on the room this time as we didn't think we would be in it much and needed two cabins (one for our family and one for the boyfriend). The room was adequate and although we missed the balcony, it wasn't a huge issue. However, the location of the room was horrible! We were in cabins 1225 and 1227. I was concerned when I booked these cabins for several reasons:

1. Noise from the deck below as the Riviera is the first deck of public space. This proved to be a legitimate concern. There was considerable noise in the mornings and although it didn't last long, it was loud!

2. Noise from above as the lobby, casino, dininig rooms, etc. are right above this floor. We heard nothing from the floor above.

When I booked these rooms I also tried to see what was across the hall, as there were no cabins. I knew it could be a galley or some other place that caused noise, but didn't think it would be a huge deal. I was wrong! The door to the cabin steward's storage closet was directly across the hall from our cabins. There was so much noise in the early mornings from them getting mop buckets, vacuums, etc. that we were woke up every morning by 6:30 or 7:00! They also seemed to congregate and talk in large groups right outside our door. Do not book these rooms ever unless you are very early risers.

 

The food was a huge disappointment. We are not big eaters, but I enjoy good food. I don't think I am super-picky, we just enjoy good, fresh, well-cooked food. The one thing we have enjoyed on previous cruises is fresh watermelon, pineapple, etc. in the mornings. There was NONE! The only fruit available in the mornings was canteloupe, honeydew, apples, oranges, bananas, etc. It was so disappointing. There was a really good salad bar, but fresh vegetables and good cooked vegetables were non-existent. They served vegetables at dinner but they were like mushy, overcooked canned vegetables. On previous cruises I remember having on the buffet upstairs great roasted tomatoes, portobello mushrooms and others. Nothing like that this time. It seriously felt like cafeteria food. We had your time dining, which we loved for the flexibility. However, the food was never hot.....only luke warm. Every night. Very disappointing. I don't know if it was because they focused on the set dining times or if everyone experienced this. Also, the service was not as it had been. We are not ones to like a lot of attention (interruptions) at dinner time, and we were on vacation so didn't mind taking our time at dinner. However, it was difficult at times to even have the needed silverware or condiments.

 

I love me some good coffee and am known as a Starbucks addict. I was quite concerned about being able to get good coffee on the ship. There is a cafe where you can buy specialty coffee drinks and supposedly better coffee than what is served for free. However, we never did that and I thought the coffee was great on the ship.....I was actually shocked!

 

We had never gone to any of the shows on previous cruises as we usually traveled with young children or just enjoyed being away and relaxing and weren't interested. This time we decided to go to a lot of the shows. The karaoke was always fun to watch and they do a good job with keeping it fun and interesting. The comedy club was fun, however, the R rated shows are definitely not for young audiences. I am not a prude and don't get too easily offended. However, these comedians are over the top crude. The one gal used the F word multiple times in each sentence. All comedians were extremely sexually explicit. It was ridiculous. I understand the need to attract adult audiences, however, the level of crude-ness is unnecessary.

 

The ship iteself seemed clean and well cared for, although I am not a fan of the decor. The serenity deck was a new addition and was a nice place for adults to hang out. It is for 21 and over and it is enforced strictly. It was busy during the day, but a nice quiet place to hang out at night. However, the bar on that deck closes at 10.....you can hang out back there after that time, but would need to get drinks from the main pool bar.

 

We had booked the Chef's Table and were excited about that opportunity. However, it was cancelled due to a lack of interest. We were disappointed about that as that was one of the things I was looking forward to the most.

 

We did not book any excursions through Carnival, as I was comfortable doing our own thing to save money. We snorkeled in Grand Cayman at Eden Rock, booked a dolphin excursion at Chankanaab in Cozumel, just shopped and stopped to eat at Belize and then loved Roatan. I had done a lot of research (courtesy of the cruise critic boards) ahead of time and knew what I wanted to do and it worked out beautifully. If you have specific questions about any of the ports let me know....I would be happy to answer them if I can.

 

There is so much to say that I could go on a lot longer. If you have any questions about anything please let me know.....I would be happy to answer them. Overall, we had a great time....however, it was more out of choice than because of the experience provided by Carnival. We just decided to focus on the positives and try to make it a great vacation.

[okwriter]

I'm glad you were able to make the best of it and enjoy your cruise.

 

Your experience is totally opposite of what we experienced in December, but it may be because our cruise experience is limited to Carnival. Also, we stuck to booking a balcony and early dining, although we found EXCELLENT food on the Lido buffet.

 

Too bad you didn't have a knowledgeable Carnival PVP to help you choose a better cabin, as I'm sure that set the tone for your trip. Did you book online or through a travel agent?

 

Better luck next time, regardless of the cruise line! :)

[salty dingo]

It's refreshing to read a review where the writer explains WHY they did not like the food. So many reviews you will read the equivalent of "the food stinks" and when questioned about it, the poster may just add "because I say so" or whatever.

 

A lack of decent fruits and vegetables is a very concrete issue that I can appreciate.

 

I would much rather they run out of bacon than watermelon, grapefruit, pineapple, etc. And the fruit is tastier and better for you.

[Soleil09]

Perhaps they didn't not have certain fruits because it was not in season? We are on her in 1.5 weeks..off to check out the deck plans..lol

[ventigirl]

okwriter: we had cruised with Carnival before and had a great experience....it was on the Pride (sister ship to the Legend). I enjoy travel planning and do a ton of research ahead of time.....to the point where my husband always gives me a hard time, but then appreciates it once we are on vacation. So, I booked online and took quite a bit of time selecting our cabin. I had another option of a room upfront near the lounges, but thought it would be too noisy. 20/20 hindsight, that would have been a much better location. Any noise would have been at night when we were usually still up. I would prefer noise at that time rather than in the early mornings.

 

salty dingo: I had read a lot of reviews about the food before we traveled and always wondered what the issue was, as we had always found an abundant amount and good variety when we had cruised. There still is abundance and variety, but not so much in the way of fresh and healthy! Lots of bacon, hamburgers, french fries, etc.

[mvbrog]

We were also on baord. Had a great time, but would agree on the food situation. I was so looking forward to fresh fruit, coming from the North where there isn't much right now... Sometimes the honeydew and cantaloupe weren't very ripe either... Dinners just ok. Food was probably the biggest downfall.

Great time though!

[NU2Cruise55]

I cruise on the Legend for my first cruise in 18 days, but whos counting. Oh yeah I have been since we booked it. LOL. I'm sorry to hear that your cruise was not perfect, but as we all know life isn't. I am glad that you made the best of it, maybe next time leave your daughters boyfriend at home so you can enjoy ur cruise more and watch them less. I'm sure that this was not your problem though. Wink Wink!

 

We have booked an Ocean Suite on the Empress Deck (6). I have heard that the ship just went into dry dock so I was hoping things would look a little newer. Any other tips or info that you may want to share would be very appreciated. Any pics??

 

Thanks hope your next cruise on whatever cruise line makes up for this one!

[ventigirl]

Soleil09: That is possible. However, we have always cruised at spring break and have always loved the pineapple, watermelon and other nicer fruits (other than apples, oranges, bananas, etc.). They did serve pineapple chunks in the pina coladas. I think it was just a cost saving measure.......at least that is my opinion.

[okwriter]

okwriter: we had cruised with Carnival before and had a great experience....it was on the Pride (sister ship to the Legend). I enjoy travel planning and do a ton of research ahead of time.....to the point where my husband always gives me a hard time, but then appreciates it once we are on vacation. So, I booked online and took quite a bit of time selecting our cabin. I had another option of a room upfront near the lounges, but thought it would be too noisy. 20/20 hindsight, that would have been a much better location. Any noise would have been at night when we were usually still up. I would prefer noise at that time rather than in the early mornings.

 

Oh, I didn't mean "it's your own &%#* fault!" Hope it didn't come off that way. I was surprised when I called my PVP and upgraded from a balcony to an aft balcony for my upcoming cruise. He had some sort of "list" of complaints about certain aft cabins and told me which ones to avoid. I guess they must keep track of stuff like that. :confused:

 

I always "say" I'd like to try something besides a balcony just to see what it's like. But we sure do enjoy them, so I'm not sure if I really mean it or not. :D

[ventigirl]

Good to know we weren't alone on our impression of the food. :)

[ventigirl]

Oh, I didn't mean "it's your own &%#* fault!" Hope it didn't come off that way. I was surprised when I called my PVP and upgraded from a balcony to an aft balcony for my upcoming cruise. He had some sort of "list" of complaints about certain aft cabins and told me which ones to avoid. I guess they must keep track of stuff like that. :confused:

 

I always "say" I'd like to try something besides a balcony just to see what it's like. But we sure do enjoy them, so I'm not sure if I really mean it or not. :D

 

No problem.....didn't come off that way at all! I just thought I had done my research and was still disappointed! Not sure how to avoid it in the future.....other than to double and triple check the location before booking. I wasn't aware that they tracked those kinds of things and could provide feedback. That is good to know. :) Maybe the new interactive deck plans will help with that....and hopefully the "dead spaces" on deck plans will be better labeled.

[ventigirl]

I cruise on the Legend for my first cruise in 18 days, but whos counting. Oh yeah I have been since we booked it. LOL. I'm sorry to hear that your cruise was not perfect, but as we all know life isn't. I am glad that you made the best of it, maybe next time leave your daughters boyfriend at home so you can enjoy ur cruise more and watch them less. I'm sure that this was not your problem though. Wink Wink!

 

We have booked an Ocean Suite on the Empress Deck (6). I have heard that the ship just went into dry dock so I was hoping things would look a little newer. Any other tips or info that you may want to share would be very appreciated. Any pics??

 

Thanks hope your next cruise on whatever cruise line makes up for this one!

 

I can relate about counting the days.....I know I was! You are right about life not being perfect and we did make the best of it. How bad can it be to be on a cruise in the caribbean with beautiful weather. If that is the only thing I can complain about life could get a whole lot worse! Honestly I was concerned about the daughter and her boyfriend....but they had a great time and mostly hung with us.

 

The ship is in very good condition and it did just come out of dry dock. The decor is just kind of crazy for lack of a better term. I have done a lot of interior design work and notice things probably more than most people. There is just a lot going on with the design and fabrics, carpets, etc. clash and are very "busy". It is clean.....just very gaudy.

 

I'm sure you will be very happy with your cabin....balconies are awesome and deck 6 is a good central location. I can post some pictures in the next day or two, although I don't have a ton of the ship itself. I am terrible at taking pictures and kept having camera issues during that week. So frustrating....even for someone like me that isn't good with pictures to begin with. Not sure what to tell you for tips unless you have some specific question that you would like answered. Since everyone is so different it is hard to know what to share that would be helpful. Ask away and I'll give my opinion if it is something I can speak to.

[golfb4cruzing]

Just came off the Legend as well and in my review wrote almost the same on food. It was always just warm at best. I don't believe the melons were quite ready either. They did taste a bit green still.

[raylene5]

I think it must just depend on the particular cruise and ship. We were on the Spirit last month and I couldn't believe how much fresh, ripe fruit they had. I don't think I've ever tasted such amazing pineapple before and there was a TON of it. Also lots of fresh, ripe melon. By the end of the cruise, the bananas started to turn a bit but I don't care for bananas so much anyway so no big deal. Sorry you didn't have the same experience :(

[rwdtgb]

We just returned from the Legend in March and had the same issue with the food in the MDR being cold to warm. We tried to get it fixed but it really never did, we had assigned dining time. Tom

[English Tim]

We are booked on the Magic TA, but we have already decided that we'll probably cruise Princess next time, as we have noticed a steady decline in the quality of Carnival's offering.

 

Many cruisers have a fantastic time with Carnival and we always enjoy our cruises, as we always cruise with a positive attitude, but on recent cruises we have become a little disenchanted with some of the food and entertainment, but maybe Mr Heald and his crew on the Magic, will persuade us to give Carnival another shot.

 

Thanks for the candid review.

[ventigirl]

We just returned from the Legend in March and had the same issue with the food in the MDR being cold to warm. We tried to get it fixed but it really never did, we had assigned dining time. Tom

 

Sooo glad to know we are not alone. We were beginning to think we were overly picky. Sad that it's hard to get good food when you pay that much!

[ventigirl]

We are booked on the Magic TA, but we have already decided that we'll probably cruise Princess next time, as we have noticed a steady decline in the quality of Carnival's offering.

 

Many cruisers have a fantastic time with Carnival and we always enjoy our cruises, as we always cruise with a positive attitude, but on recent cruises we have become a little disenchanted with some of the food and entertainment, but maybe Mr Heald and his crew on the Magic, will persuade us to give Carnival another shot.

 

Thanks for the candid review.

 

We did have a good time....because like you said, we chose to maintain a positive atttitude. However, there were significant changes to when we have cruised in the past. I hope you enjoy your time!

[NHcruisergirl]

My family and I went on the Legend the week of March 27 and though we had a great time we also were very disappointed with the food quality. On paper (menu) it looked great but the actual execution was lacking. Overall we found the food bland and cold. I remember being so impressed by the food on our first cruise and every cruise we have gone on since seems to be just a little less impressive. I suppose they must cut corners somewhere in this economy and though it is rather disappointing I never let it ruin my vacation. Upshot is that I tend to gain less wait then I did in the past :D

[jedimindtric]

What did you do in Roatan? Leaving in a little over a week and we have booked Victor Bodden. Just deciding what activites to add to the tour and where to spend our time.

[Artisticgirl]

I'm on the Legend May 29th cruise. I sure hope Carnival is reading these posts and make corrections before I get on my cruise. My last cruise 3 years ago was a little disappointing. I am giving Carnival another chance with the Legend. Hope it lives up to my expectations.

[Kjudge]

thanks for your review. We are going may 1st. What did you do in Roatan. I have heard Tayabana was good snorkling but I also want to see west bay. I personnally think that with the pricing of the cruises (best deal out there) they are reducing the quality of the food. We usually do a couple cruises a year and have noticed the change in quality and the cost of crusing doing down. I think we will definately try the steak house a night or two. thanks again and welcome home!

[Kjudge]

Nutocruise55 - sorry I should have quoted you.....we have a roll call for yours (and my) cruise. If you are interested we have a lot of people who have been on the legend many times. cant wait!

[blkwel]

Great and honest review! I'd like to hear about what you did on roatan also! We cruise on Legend this Sunday, and have booked Victor Bodden for the day...would love to know what you liked there, what to avoid. Thanks!

[crusing48/51]

What did you do in Roatan? Leaving in a little over a week and we have booked Victor Bodden. Just deciding what activites to add to the tour and where to spend our time.

Thank you for taking the time to do your review. I am also curious about your time in Roatan, we are deciding between Victor Bodden and Rony tours. If you did something else on your own, I'd like to hear your experiences. Also, how was the snorkeling in Grand Cayman? We are looking into going on an independent snorkel excursion, and would love to hear your input on yours. Again, Thank You for a great review!

 

I forgot to ask if you used your own snorkel equipment, or used the company's. Trying to decide whether to buy some or just use theirs. Thanks!