Legend 5/21-29/05 LONG positive review

[Glamourgal]

:) This is the first time I am posting a review so please bear with me!!

 

This was our second cruise. Our first was on the Sunward (NCL)

 

Embarkation--We arrived at NYC port at 11:30. We were dropped off and immediately found a porter to take our luggage. We walked inside the terminal and were given a form to fill out for B.V.I. (Tortolla). We were told to go to the waiting area and await further instructions. We sat there and filled out our Tortolla forms. If we had arrived later we would have had to wait upstairs and along the sides with NO chairs to sit in. We were then called by aisles to get in line for security check, this took about 5-10 minutes. We then went to check-in (In the Fun Pass line) and that took another 5 minutes. We then went to our final line where we had our photos taken, another 5 minutes and we were on the ship by 12:30. As we were in one of the lines I commented to one of the staff about how easy all of this was and he said it was because we arrived early. He said you should either arrive very early or late to basically walk right on.

 

Our Cabin: We were on the Main Deck in cabin 5194 with a balcony. It was very spacious and clean. We met our cabin Stewards Julia and Eri. They were wonderful. We had no problems at all. We ordered room service in the evening for breakfast the next morning and it arrived right on time. We did order in the evening a couple of times for a snack and that was also prompt. There was a refrigerator in the cabin that we emptied and put our own soda, water, wine and beer in. We did inform Julia that we were going to do this and she said that was fine. We were supplied with shampoo and soap in the shower and 2 disposable shavers, body lotion, toothpaste etc. in the bath. The bath had plenty of storage for 2 people. There was also plenty of storage in the cabin. Make sure to store suitcases under the beds, it works out great. And our balcony...It was great and bringing the bungee cord was one of the best things that we packed. Lying in bed at night falling asleep to the sound of the ocean and the slight rocking was heaven!! I don’t remember sleeping this well in a LONG time. Don't forget to pack a travel alarm, as there is no clock in your cabin.

 

After we checked in to our cabin we toured the ship. Took lots of pictures and had lunch on the Lido deck. We were late leaving. I think we set sail about 6-6:30.

 

Tip: Take pictures of your cabin before you get the rest of your luggage; it is a lot less uncluttered that way.

 

Dining: We had late seating for dining and we did enjoy this time. We were at table 238, a round table for 6 people on the first level of Truffles. The first night we were alone at our table. Our waiters were Michael and Henry. They were terrific. Very personable and friendly. We did finally meet our other tablemates and they were all very nice. The food was good and hot. Lobster night was my favorite in Truffles but I will say the dinner we had one night in The Golden Fleece was exceptional!! This was our 25th Anniversary Celebration and it was Lovely!! It was well worth the $30 per person!! I would highly recommend this for at least one night.

 

 

After dinner on the first night the seas were a little rough and I really wish I had taken Bonine or Dramamine. I did wear the sea bands and take Ginger but it did not work. I didn't take the former because I didn't want to be tired but looking back being tired would have been better than being sick and I did get SICK!! My husband went to the infirmary and was given suppositories which I used 1 and it worked immediately. I fell asleep and woke up the next morning feeling fine. I did take Meklazine (?spelling) that we got from the Pursers desk for the next day or so and I did not get sick for the rest of the cruise. Many people did get sick on that first night out.

 

Tip: If you are prone to carsickness I would definitely take some Bonine, at least for the first day or so.

 

First Sea Day: The weather was perfect. We sat by the pool on the Lido deck most of the day. We had no problems getting a chair any day but we were on deck by about 10:30. Chair saving was really not a problem for us at all. This was the first formal night and at the Captains party we found out that we were going to rescue a man alone in a small boat. We later heard that he was sick and his boat was taking on water. We did not get to witness the rescue as we were at dinner but other passengers did and said it was really amazing. Jazz Hot was the show that night and we enjoyed that.

 

Second Sea Day: Pretty much ditto from above. We did have room service for breakfast and that was great having our coffee on the balcony. After we go ready for dinner we went to the main lobby and listened to Germaine play the piano. She is an eccentric lady!!

 

San Juan: Even with the rescue we arrived in San Juan on time, even a little early. This was our first rain of the trip and it was just scattered showers. We were going to go to ElMorrow but decided not to. We just shopped around for a little while and then went to Senor Frogs and then back to the ship. We had dinner reservations at The Golden Fleece for 7. It was wonderful. This was our 25th anniversary and just after we ordered a drink the piano player started playing our wedding song which neither one of us requested…we really felt that we were exactly where we were supposed to be.

 

St. Thomas: We got off the ship around 8 and took a taxi to Sapphire Beach. Round trip taxi for the 2 of us was $32. It seemed a little steep to me but we had a great time so it was worth it. We did have to pay $5 each for beach chairs that we did not use but we’ll know that for the next time. We spent the entire time snorkeling, which was great. We went back to the ship for lunch and then we went shopping in town. I got a great price on a Tanzanite ring. We had to be back on the ship by 5:30 to sail at 6.

 

Tortolla/Virgin Gorda: This was the only place that we did a Carnival Excursion. We took a boat to Virgin Gorda and went to The Baths. It was absolutely beautiful, and again the snorkeling was good. We climbed through the caves to Devils Bay Beach and that was nice too. If you do this trip make sure that you have some type of water shoes. We got back to the ship about 1:15 and were escorted on through a private entrance because the lines were very long to get back on at that time. One advantage of being on a Carnival excursion. That night after dinner we went to the Follies Lounge to play bingo and our tablemates won $500, that was very exciting!! We also watched our first sunset this evening on our balcony, it was so beautiful.

 

Third/Fourth Sea Days: I do really enjoy the Sea days. I know there is a lot of controversy on sea days but it is our time to relax and enjoy the pool and music and just the magic of being on a cruise ship. Several of the nights after the shows we went to Billies Piano Bar. We really enjoyed that.

 

Debarkation: It wasn’t near the nightmare that I heard so many people talk about but maybe it is because I knew what to expect. We got up about 8 went for breakfast at Truffles and had a great last breakfast. We went back to our room for our carry on luggage. We took it to the 3rd floor and sat and relaxed until about 11 when our floor was called to get off the ship. We were off in minutes and found our luggage in about 5 minutes. There were tons of people but there were also 2 other cruise ships besides ours and it was Fleet Week so we expected this. We had our limo drivers cell number and called him once we had our luggage. When you get off the ship you are on the second floor. He told us they were not letting the limos up there at that time because there were over a 1000 cars in line to get up there. He asked us if we could get to the first floor and across the street. We found a porter who took our luggage to the first floor. We got off the elevator went outside collected our bags and crossed the street. This was 50th and 12th Streets. I would recommend this to anyone who is traveling when there is more than 1 ship in port. It was really very easy once we got out of the terminal and across the street.

 

Overall: We enjoyed this cruise so much. It was so relaxing for us and I am truly thankful to so many of the people from this board for all of the GREAT advice. I felt so informed and we really knew what to expect and had all of our port plans all made ahead of time. I even thought the ship was beautiful, I didn’t mind the urns at all. I wouldn’t decorate my house like this but I think the Legend is a beauty, as did many of the others on board that we talked to. One more comment I have to make is that I did not find the waiters at dinner to be embarrassed at all dancing and performing after dinner. As a matter of fact our waiters encouraged us to get up and join in. He wore wigs and such and really seemed to enjoy himself. I felt the staff, waiters, bartenders, stewards were all very helpful. We did run in to one drink server in Billies that was rude, but she was the only one.

 

Tip: I think the best tip I can give to anyone is to ask questions from the board and be prepared. Also try to be patient on embarkation and debarkation days. Take along cold drinks, snacks, and a good book to read.

 

[MrPete]

Now, this sounds like the ship I sailed on! Great review!

 

 

Post pix!;)

[corina27]

What! No chair hoggs,Are you feeling okay?:D :)

[lrizit]

That was a great read! Thank you! I'm sailing on Monday, and it's nice to hear something positive.

[Glamourgal]

Have a great time!! Can I hide in your suitcase??

[lrizit]

Sure, but you MIGHT have to squeeze in with Mr. Pete...lol

[JYeagersGrl]

Thanks for the great review! I'm sailing in about 2 weeks and the one review I just read was horrible compared to this one. Hard to believe you were on the same ship as that reviewer.

 

Glad you had a great time!

[2boyzmom]

I guess everyone can have a difference of opinion. If not- we would all dress alike, drive the same cars, decorate the same, etc.

And hey- I DID have fun. Fell in love with the Mexican Mamas Foo Foo drinks!

[DaisyL]

Glamourgirl, I was on the same cruise and could not agree more. We had a great time and enjoyed the shows, the food, the waiters, the maitre'd,the cabin staff, the lounge chairs, the lounges, etc. Everything was great !!:) We were on the ship in July '03 and had the same wonderful experience.

 

This was the 1st cruise for my son's GF and they both loved it, too. Although they felt sick the first night, they took Bonine and felt fine.

 

Too bad we didn't join up in Billies Bar. My son & GF 'found it' on the 4th night and were there every night sitting at the bar singing with Darin and the 'crowd' ... We joined them every night after that, after the shows ... So much fun ....

 

Thanks for your review, and I agree totally ... :)

[Glamourgal]

That is ashame we didn't see you in Billie's. Actually, I'm sure we saw you, we always sat facing the bar. It was a great place, lots of fun.

 

2boyzmom, we are very lucky that we are not all alike, variety is the spice of life. I am glad that you had fun.

 

Irizit, you may have to take a trunk!!

 

To all future Legend sailers Have a Great Time!!

[K.T.B.]

Glamourgal, glad you had a great time! :) And that's an excellent tip for embarkation.

[CruisefromNY]

We were on that Cruise too! We probably all chatted at one time or another.

 

We also had a great time and look forward to taking the Legend to Bermuda probably in 2007.

 

The rescue was incredible to watch and pretty dramamtic with the coast Guard Helicopters and C130's flying low overhead and there was full moon to boot!

 

We were a group of 7 ranging from 44 to 82 and we all found something or nothing to do!

 

I was surprised at at hot it had gotten by the time we got to Tortola but we just grinned and enjoyed it. :)

 

I start taking mecalizine the night before we leave and have never experienced any discomfort.

 

Anna & Jeff

[mambopalace]

Do you really have to bring snacks ?

[Glamourgal]

Mambo, No, you don't Have to bring anything, but it was in between breakfast and lunch so we were getting a little hungry and brought some crackers with us. Just a suggestion!!

[RatherBCruisin]

I was on the Carnival Legend from 5/21 - 5/29 also!!! The rescue at sea was AMAZING to watch!!! Half the ppl from the ship were in the front of the boat to watch it!! It was definitly awesome. Did all of you who were on the boat get to meet Richard Simmons? I was lucky enough to have the same dinner seating as him.. and he was up on the tables two nights dancing!!! It was my first cruise and it was without a doubt ENJOYABLE!!!

 

I was at the piano bar every night also sitting at the bar!!! I wonder if I was sitting next to any of you?? What do you all look like? lol