The Legend Review that I never thought would be posted

[emmysmommy]

Michele: THANK YOU for hanging in there and finshing this... with dignity and class might I add. I loved you review, your photos, your beautiful gowns, and of course your toes!! :D Sorry for the disappointments - you deserved better from Carnival and I hope on your next cruise they make up for any shortcomings.

[Mxlady]

Loved all the pics roatan is our favorite port so really enjoyed the pics of there. We were on the Legend last December not our favorite ship but made the best out of the situation we were in. Going on the Liberty in 40 something days and are excited for all of the new 2.0, and we will have a good time, and if needed will make lemonade out of lemons.

[CruisingMouse]

This link is all about informing cruisers about situations that could or could not happen. Its not about free things.. We are not interested in the Princess cruise line since it is owned by Carnival. Since the cruise is the same why should the price be sooo different.

If or when you get to platinum and you don't get what you have earned, I think you would be dissapointed if no one would help get it resolved. That is all the 19 pages were about.

 

I did not disagree with the fact that you should have looked forward to and expect what you earned as I do as well. But to have your whole trip consumed by it was a little overboard, I'm surprised they didn't throw 3 baskets at you just to get you to stop hounding them. Like this is something that could have been handled upon the return home when you didn't get anywhere initially upon asking, but to go as far as emailing people on your first port day etc is like you had nothing better to do and probably just got their back up so they played the rude car with you. As far as traveling on Princess you mentioned that you may try it but then you now counter that by saying why when it's the same and owned by Carnival. You also mentioned you don't like change. So then WHY COMPLAIN you seem hell bent on traveling Carnival. If you tried a brand of coffee and you were not happy and satisfied with it would you keep buying that brand? As for me being negative..It's not me being negative you went on and on about it, it was your negative point. It could have all been said in one simply statement about your mishap, did not need to go on and on being so dramatic for something so trivial.

[cruiserguy11]

Michele: THANK YOU for hanging in there and finshing this... with dignity and class might I add. I loved you review, your photos, your beautiful gowns, and of course your toes!! :D Sorry for the disappointments - you deserved better from Carnival and I hope on your next cruise they make up for any shortcomings.

 

Perfect words. I loved the part "with dignity and class." So true.

 

Michelle and Brad you really are classy people. Part of YOUR classiness Michelle is NOT replying or getting drawn into the garbage posted by the jealous people who never have any good to say about anyone.

 

I even went back and read your other reviews. You should write travelogues.

 

So when are you going to adopt my wife and I? We clean up after ourselves (mostly) and only eat scraps like lobster tail/prime rib. :D

[cookiem]

I did not disagree with the fact that you should have looked forward to and expect what you earned as I do as well. But to have your whole trip consumed by it was a little overboard, I'm surprised they didn't throw 3 baskets at you just to get you to stop hounding them. Like this is something that could have been handled upon the return home when you didn't get anywhere initially upon asking, but to go as far as emailing people on your first port day etc is like you had nothing better to do and probably just got their back up so they played the rude car with you. As far as traveling on Princess you mentioned that you may try it but then you now counter that by saying why when it's the same and owned by Carnival. You also mentioned you don't like change. So then WHY COMPLAIN you seem hell bent on traveling Carnival. If you tried a brand of coffee and you were not happy and satisfied with it would you keep buying that brand? As for me being negative..It's not me being negative you went on and on about it, it was your negative point. It could have all been said in one simply statement about your mishap, did not need to go on and on being so dramatic for something so trivial.

 

 

I am so sorry, because I do not usually comment on such matters, but how in the world did you just read the 20 pages of this wonderful review and come away with the opinion that her whole trip was "consumed" with this one concern? Did you not enjoy the great pictures and detailed comments on each port, excursion, entertainment venues, wait staff, room staff, piano bar, lido deck, breakfast venues, etc? She complained to the immediate staff regarding her concerns, when that did not produce any results, she made one email. The rest of the response was from carnival's reaction. Apparently the incident was so egregious to warrant John Heard to find the need to intracede. I believe that the review became more "dramatic" with each comment such as yours. Why didn't you just move on, if it bothered you so much?

[MsTabbyKats]

I did not disagree with the fact that you should have looked forward to and expect what you earned as I do as well. But to have your whole trip consumed by it was a little overboard, I'm surprised they didn't throw 3 baskets at you just to get you to stop hounding them. Like this is something that could have been handled upon the return home when you didn't get anywhere initially upon asking, but to go as far as emailing people on your first port day etc is like you had nothing better to do and probably just got their back up so they played the rude car with you. As far as traveling on Princess you mentioned that you may try it but then you now counter that by saying why when it's the same and owned by Carnival. You also mentioned you don't like change. So then WHY COMPLAIN you seem hell bent on traveling Carnival. If you tried a brand of coffee and you were not happy and satisfied with it would you keep buying that brand? As for me being negative..It's not me being negative you went on and on about it, it was your negative point. It could have all been said in one simply statement about your mishap, did not need to go on and on being so dramatic for something so trivial.

 

The bottom line is that gambling is a very important part of Brad/Michelle's life...so their status being ignored caused Michelle anxiety/panic/digestive problems.

 

I think that there was a personality clash between Brad/Michelle and the host. The host may have sensed an "air of grandiose" and played some sort of mind game.

 

Carnival should treat these people right....so they come back. The Brads/Michelles of the world are gold mines for cruiselines.

 

Personally....I thank people who spend, because they subsidize my fare.

 

My final thought...UPS must pay very well.

[lovesublime]

I didn't see anything wrong with the OP's review. I also don't think she really cared anything about a silly basket. Instead, I see her trying to make the point that it's the principal of the thing. The one thing I did not like were the pics of Jimmy having lunch without a shirt on. Come on Jimmy...pull a t-shirt on. Is shirtless dining even allowed in the inside buffet area? Maybe so...but stilll.

[RMM34667]

carncruiser1964 I wouldn't dismiss Princess just because they are owned by Carnival. It is a totally different experience, and in many cases worth paying more. And you will still get credit for your play on carnival since they have access to the data.

 

I tried to get confirmation that my parents would each be getting the $25 casino cash as they were told on the phone. SO here is their response:

 

We apologize for our delayed response. Serena is no longer with us but I read the emails below to assist you. After looking at our VIP Guest List for the Dream sailing 11-14-11 under booking number xxxxxx you are receiving the Premium VIP Bon Voyage Package. The $50 cage comp is under your name as well. If you would like, you can collect the amount and then distribute it to your parents. If you have any other questions please contact us.

 

So they want me to simply share my earnings with them.... Seems quite disorganized to me. They didn't even get the ship correct. I think they really need to shake up that department.

[harrodsfan]

I thought your review was very balanced. I don't particulary care for "cheer leader" reviews.

I totally identify with your annoyance. If "perks" are promised for whatever...they should be delivered. And cruise staff should have to have a consistent level of treatment of passengers.

As for changing cruise lines... I think that won't necessarily solve the above problems.

We have had occasional rude staff and occasional perks not delivered on many different lines. (And hotels and airlines etc.)

It is a real problem for service industries.

Sorry it had to impact you at a time when you were already worrying about your mom!

You are in our thoughts:)

[carncruiser1964]

carncruiser1964 I wouldn't dismiss Princess just because they are owned by Carnival. It is a totally different experience, and in many cases worth paying more. And you will still get credit for your play on carnival since they have access to the data.

 

I tried to get confirmation that my parents would each be getting the $25 casino cash as they were told on the phone. SO here is their response:

 

We apologize for our delayed response. Serena is no longer with us but I read the emails below to assist you. After looking at our VIP Guest List for the Dream sailing 11-14-11 under booking number xxxxxx you are receiving the Premium VIP Bon Voyage Package. The $50 cage comp is under your name as well. If you would like, you can collect the amount and then distribute it to your parents. If you have any other questions please contact us.

 

So they want me to simply share my earnings with them.... Seems quite disorganized to me. They didn't even get the ship correct. I think they really need to shake up that department.

 

Just to inform those who do go on multiple cruise lines. Your casino ratings only stay in carnival and not there sister companies. Also carnival only uses your last cruise ratings, they no longer use your last two years!!

PS. Jimmiy is shirtless at the table right next to the pool. Not inside. That means he is less then 12 feet from swimming.

[carncruiser1964]

While I can truly understand where you are coming from, I do not feel that most of the negative posts were "like yours". If you will go back and look, you will find that most were removed by the mods. You can only see the "quotes" that others responded too. Apparently, they were outside of the acceptable. Obviously, they were pretty upsetting to OP. While I agree that complaining about the enforcement of such things as the "smoking policy" being enforced could be considered petty, I don't think that complaining about the action of an employee is wrong unless the complaints are unfounded. I also don't think that complaining about not receiving something that you have earned is petty. Mind you, I am not platinum, do not spend a dime in the casino, and have only sailed Carnival. I don't feel priviledged by any means. OP apparently debated with themselves as to whether or not to post the review, knowing the possible reactions. And from what I have read, doing so is quite time consuming. Again, I think the positive of the review outweights the negative.

 

That is EXACTLY why I named the review as such and took 6 weeks to post it. I don't feel I was ever complaining, just writing a truthful review.

Thanks

PS - Hubby is a bit worked up, can you tell? lol

[jtdlmc]

I didn't see anything wrong with the OP's review. I also don't think she really cared anything about a silly basket. Instead, I see her trying to make the point that it's the principal of the thing. The one thing I did not like were the pics of Jimmy having lunch without a shirt on. Come on Jimmy...pull a t-shirt on. Is shirtless dining even allowed in the inside buffet area? Maybe so...but stilll.

 

It looks to me like Jimmy is sitting in one of tables around the pool directly behind the lounge chairs. When we were on the Legend most people at those tables had their swimsuits on since it was the pool area. No need to get dressed when sitting around the pool having a bite to eat, IMO.

[Peddler&Tass]

Just wanted to say THANKS !!!

[Rainberry]

Thanks for the review! My husband and I are going on the Legend November 27th and can't wait. Sorry to hear your experience in the casino wasn't up to par. We're not big on the casino, but I think your review is justified.

 

When I read when you asked David how he was doing, and then he responded with needing a drink, my eyes bulged out of my head!!! I just can't imagine a Carnival ship employee saying something like that.

[marshhawk]

Thanks Michele. I finally got to finish the review.

I work in customer service-which I refer to as "cussed out service" When people want to say something to us, it's because they are mad, angry, disappointed or frustrated. 24/7- it's what somebody else wants, feels they deserve, feels what they are entitiled to. There is nothing more frustrating to a rep when we can't -WE can't make something right for someone. I bet you ten to one, there was no one in authority who had the power to make something right with you. David probably didn't have the power to have someone in another department get you a basket, maybe he didn't even have the power to get you a drink. Sounds like he was placed in a job, that he didn't understand, most Carnival employees aren't high rollers, they work for peanuts and maybe, he'd just had enough of us "rich" americans and our "wants". Who knows, but it definitly wasn't his best moment, and probably not the right job for him. When I really can't do for someone, I tell them, I can't do, this is what I can do, and if what I can do isn't enough, let me get you in touch with who can do. A lot of "new business" theories are to do as little for a customer as possible(I work with a boss like that) But that is not me, I'm still old school.

Did I read you are a travel agent? Have any of your Carnival trips been free? Carnival owns 6 ship lines-one is the most famous in the world. If you see both sides of cruising, you help your customer more. I don't think of a ship as a casino, I think of it as a way to see points AB and C. Take the Princess cruise, I hear they are wonderful. I'd try it since it is free, compare it over all to Carnival and how you are treated.

I work as an example to that theory. I work in an Arts Center. I work in the box office, I sell tickets, and one of the venues I sell tickets to is the Symphony. I am a patron(buy season tickets) I sell their tickets, and to make sure I understand all aspects of how the whole thing works I usher for them too. From the sale to the seat, and I understand a whole lot more. I'd think as a TA you'd want to be able to know from experience what you peddle.

 

I loved your review. I loved your pictures. I think I may have entirely missed the outcome with Wee Jimmy....or what he could or could not do for you was so insignificant that it just blipped by. I love the fact (hubby does too) that you and your handsome hubby matched when dressing up. Truly elegant.

Thank you for the review, telling us about your "problem" and it's non resolution, and may your seas be calm, and the sun always shine on your island paradise.

[momof3cruisers]

I am so sorry, because I do not usually comment on such matters, but how in the world did you just read the 20 pages of this wonderful review and come away with the opinion that her whole trip was "consumed" with this one concern? Did you not enjoy the great pictures and detailed comments on each port, excursion, entertainment venues, wait staff, room staff, piano bar, lido deck, breakfast venues, etc? She complained to the immediate staff regarding her concerns, when that did not produce any results, she made one email. The rest of the response was from carnival's reaction. Apparently the incident was so egregious to warrant John Heard to find the need to intracede. I believe that the review became more "dramatic" with each comment such as yours. Why didn't you just move on, if it bothered you so much?

 

Considering that John Heald is not exactly shy about it when he thinks someone is being ridiculous, the quick action from him on this issue says a lot to me.

 

And as a whole, I found this review to be very thorough and informative. Lots of detail, lots of pictures!

[carncruiser1964]

We received a phone call from the "Beard" in Miami in charge of all Player's Club for the fleet. He apologized profusely and promised things would be different from now on. We sailed on the Sensation for Thanksgiving weekend and I can certainly tell you that things surely were different. The staff in the casino was expecting us and everyone (not just us) was treated fabulously. This is what we were used to that was not there on the Legend. Not only did we get one basket, but we actually got two baskets, 2 photo coupons, 4 bottles of water and a bottle of wine was brought to our table every night at dinner, not to mention that there was cash waiting for us at the cage. It was a fantastic cruise and we have already booked the Liberty for March. Our new friend has assured us that we will be well taken care of from here on in.

So there you have it....A Very Happy Ending!

[Oskial]

We received a phone call from the "Beard" in Miami in charge of all Player's Club for the fleet. He apologized profusely and promised things would be different from now on. We sailed on the Sensation for Thanksgiving weekend and I can certainly tell you that things surely were different. The staff in the casino was expecting us and everyone (not just us) was treated fabulously. This is what we were used to that was not there on the Legend. Not only did we get one basket, but we actually got two baskets, 2 photo coupons, 4 bottles of water and a bottle of wine was brought to our table every night at dinner, not to mention that there was cash waiting for us at the cage. It was a fantastic cruise and we have already booked the Liberty for March. Our new friend has assured us that we will be well taken care of from here on in.

So there you have it....A Very Happy Ending!

Good for you guys!!!!!!! You deserved some sort of response from Carnival. It looks like they came through for you. Better late than never.

Loved reading your review (even the problems part). The pictures were great. Thanks for all your time and patience. Hope you have many more enjoyable cruises.

[chuckwagon52]

Thank you for your review,I found it very informative. Will be sailing the Sensation this Jan. for my 3rd time,but not since 08. Would love to hear your opinion of the Sensation. Thanks again, Chuckwagon

[Heirloom]

....quick report, we had a great time on this, our third Carnival Legend cruise.

 

Weather was "partly" sunny most days, along with "partly" showery....so we did NOT get sunburned !!! But JUST enough tan to still be able to brag back home about being in the Caribbean again.

 

All positives....from embarking to disembarking. Great steward, waiters, CD (wee jimmy), excursions, casino personnel, etc etc etc.

 

We thought the food was as good as usual.....frankly confused about the recent reviews we've read that suggest that Carnival food has been downgraded. Seems exactly as good to us as before! (except for the prunes....which I seem to need every morning because of overeating....no longer have PITS. YAY !!!!!).

 

Cabin 4237.....what can I say......don't really know how any other cabin could be better. Bedroom, living room, big walk-in closet, 2 LED Samsungs, double sink bathroom with tub/jacuzzi....and privacy ! Never knew we had ANY neighbors for whole trip. Intercomin cabin turned OFF. Yay! Only our second wrap...will be hard to go back to regular......but if need be, we will !

 

No kids on this trip.....maybe 10 or 20 total? Median age a tad "mature" this time....would guess average age to be 60. You know, like they say OTHER cruiselines always have !

 

Most importantly: as it's ALWAYS been on Legend, a fantastic crew. All smiling, friendly, attentive. This speaks well for management. The only DUD seemed to be the Maitre'd. Never saw a smile on his face. And he always avoided eye to eye contact with passengers. BUT.....the food was good, and the wait staff SUPERB......so maybe he wasn't as ice cold as I thought.

 

P.S. Listen to any announcement made by the Captain.......he's very nice, and has the BEST sense of humor we've ever heard. Fantastico !

 

A limited # of pics and 2 short video clips below:

 

http://entertainment.webshots.com/album/581986998mMQpiY

[carncruiser1964]

Thank you for your review,I found it very informative. Will be sailing the Sensation this Jan. for my 3rd time,but not since 08. Would love to hear your opinion of the Sensation. Thanks again, Chuckwagon

 

I actually have written a review from the Sensation, however, if you read the entire review from the Legend, you read that my mom was sick. Mom passed away last week and I'm just not up to doing much of anything right now. We enjoyed the Sensation and would have no problem going back on her. Will try to get the review posted sometime in the near future.

[crusinpsychRN]

In the pier shop in Cozumel a lady was teasing her husband he should buy a particularly ugly orange shirt with flowers all over it. It was XXXL. I couldn't help but laugh. The man told her she was crazy.

 

I went on the Bar Hop there and had a great time.

 

Thanks for posting your review. You're a very good looking couple.

[Heirloom]

Sorry my quick review ended up here......was reading your review, decided to do mine, and half asleep unknowingly wrote in HERE. Tried to edit OUT, but obviously failed to do it correctly. Once again, SORRY ! (and have enjoyed your review).

[Angiet75]

Great pics. thanks our first cruise ont he Legend is Sunday!!

[Teechur]

We received a phone call from the "Beard" in Miami in charge of all Player's Club for the fleet. He apologized profusely and promised things would be different from now on. We sailed on the Sensation for Thanksgiving weekend and I can certainly tell you that things surely were different. The staff in the casino was expecting us and everyone (not just us) was treated fabulously. This is what we were used to that was not there on the Legend. Not only did we get one basket, but we actually got two baskets, 2 photo coupons, 4 bottles of water and a bottle of wine was brought to our table every night at dinner, not to mention that there was cash waiting for us at the cage. It was a fantastic cruise and we have already booked the Liberty for March. Our new friend has assured us that we will be well taken care of from here on in.

So there you have it....A Very Happy Ending!

Interesting story, and great pictures! Thanks for posting your review, and I'm glad you had a happy ending. (I enjoy "happy endings" too!:D)