Legend Trip Report (long)-JULY18. Waves, sick passenger,and a ship on a stick! etc.

[Starz723]

This was my very first cruise ever other than traveling trans-atlantic to England. I live in Brooklyn, so it was a quck trip to the pier. Sunday, July 18. We arrived there bout 11:15AM. The weather was overcast and rain predicted. What else is new for this summer's weather so far. I really have to say that my embarkation was painless. We waited bout 15 min on the ramp to unload the car, unloaded, and the porter took our luggage. We were early and waited bout half hour/45 min to board. We were one of the first to go get our SS card and get onboard. By 1pm we arrived in our cabin that was decorated with Happy Birthday Streamers and a birthday cake. The music celebrate was playing on the music channel when we walked in. WOW, at first I thought they planned that, but it was just a coincidence. I was celebrating on July 23 and my SO was celebrating his 40th. We loved our cabin, Verandah deck, #7279. The couch was made up as a bed for my 12 yr old son. We dropped off our stuff and went straight up to Lido for lunch! We then walked around to explore. We had early seating for dinner. We got a real nice table towards the rear of the dining room and were seated with another nice family. We finally sailed away well after 6pm more like 7pm. Rumor said the Captain was trying to avoid bad weather.

 

We sailed into real lousy weather. There was a cold front from Canada bearing down the entire east coast and out to sea. I woke up saying to myself. "geez, this ship is rocking and rolling". I went out on my verandah and saw one angry sea. I started video taping it. At one one point I thought we were near land and exclaimed to my BF, "Oh look, we are near land". He said.."Thats not land, thats a wave"! That is how high the wave was on the horizon. It came rolling in close and closer. I ran into the cabin. We were getting slammed and at one point a real doozy hit us broadside and the ship listed to one side momentarily. I was up on Lido when that one hit. Dishes went flying off the tables and the person I was talking to got very scared. I didnt get scared. Dont ask me why, but I felt calm. I was in a hurricane on the sea when I was a kid during a trans-atlantic crossingl. I guess after that, nothing can come close. On a humorous note, I heard during bingo, everyones cards went flying. So they had to start over. People were laughing about it. I guess it was a funny site. My son got sea sick. He couldnt hold down any Bonine, so I took him to the infirmary and they gave him a suppository. It helped him alot and quickly. He slept for 12 hours. I did see other people looking green and getting ill. I did not get sick, neither did my SO. Thank Goodness!

 

Following day, better weather!! The seas were calming down. The ship was cleaning up all the lost booze that fell off the shelves. Wow, you could get drunk just by inhaling the fumes as you passed by the duty free store.

 

Port days: Puerto Rico. Nice! we took a local tour operator's A/C bus. $10/each for a tour. I went to El Morro. I found it very interesting and got great pics from atop the fort. I walked around Old San Jaun. I just loved the cobblestone streets. Then had a treat listening to a local salsa band play in front of the information center. People were dancing in the street, so was I. Back on board I went to the Karaoke in the firebird lounge. Im a professional singer with a long and diverse career. So when I sang they asked me if I wanted to be in the competition. Sure, why not. I live to sing thats why I do it all the time and make a living from it. :-)

 

St Thomas/St John. I catch a taxi to Red Hook to pick up my private day sail on the Winifred. We are sailing by 9:40AM to St John. Ahhhh, paradise. I love St John. I spent 10 days there and have snokeled and hiked the best of the best. We moored off Caneel Bay and snorkeled. It was great! Came back and did a bit of shopping in Havensight. More Karaoke that night too, so far no one else to compete with. We also had a great deck party. YMCA, line dancing. weeeeeeeeeee..What a blast. Oh no! I see myself on TV,,LOL. See my post on St Thomas/St John ports of call for more about my excursion.

 

Tortola/British Virgin Gorda. Catch the ferry adjacent to the ship over to BVG and The Baths. What a spectacular place. Excellent snorkeling! I loved it and didnt want to leave. There just wasnt enough time. I plan on going back and staying at Little Dix Bay. I resigned from the karaoke contest because I joined talent show that evening in the Follies Lounge. It was a packed house. Wow..what a great audience. Everyone loved my rendition of "Wind beneath my wings". I received the coveted "Ship on a Stick" for being in the show. I became an instant celebrity. I was thanked so much for singing. I have been blessed with my voice and to share it with as many people as I can, is my purpose. Everyone was watching me sing every 30 minutes on the TV!! Yikes. I impressed Carnival so much that I was asked to sing on Sunday with Melinda Chatman doing her Motown Show in the Follies Lounge. I rehearsed with the 10 piece orchestra earlier in the day and that evening I sang "My Guy" with Melinda. She is a sweetheart and a wonderful performer. I had a blast. Melinda presented me with a bottle of Champagne on stage. So now I know how to become an entertainer for Carnival..But I cannot go on the road again (I toured the USA and lived on the road at one point in my life) until my son is grown. So this is nice to know for future work.

 

All along I am enjoying all the food in the dining room. Swinging my napkin and doing the conga line along with the wait staff. Can you tell I love to have fun. I make my own fun if there is none to be had. But I was on a fun ship, so there was never a dull moment. We had great weather in the ports. Beautiful! I took loads of pictures. Carnival took loads of pictures, LOL! I spent loads of money on the pictures.. Heck, I dont gamble or drink..so that was my vice and I love every single pic I bought!

 

After leaving Tortola and being about 350 out, we took a diversion. Hmm, I said as I looked at the TV and wondered why. An announcement was made that we had a sick passenger and had to get to the nearest hospital. Captain set a course to Bermuda. I was told that the gentlemen had a heart attack. He was having a blast participating in the Hairy Chest Contest. Afterwards that day, he had a heart attack. I felt so sad for him and his family. The Captain implored us all to humanely understand the predicament. (Im sure lots of people lost flights and other inconveniences) The coast guard gave him the orders. Helicopters were out of the question due to the distance we were out at sea. We docked offshore Bermuda. The gentleman was encircled with some kind of life preserver. I guess they took every precaution while passing him over onto the Pilot boat and off to Bermuda. I wish him a speedy recovery. I do wonder how he is? It was overcast that day and we sailed back into lousy weather.

 

Fortunately, the sail back into NY harbor was gorgeous weather. What an amazing sight Ive seen so many times, and never tire of it. We docked at 6pm. I schlepped my own luggage off, so I left around 7:20PM. I head that the ship didnt leave til after 1am that night. Lots of not so happy campers boarding Im sure. Unfortunately, this is out of Carnivals hands. If it was me or anyone in my family, I would surely want to get to a hospital ASAP. We all know that if the first attack doesnt kill you can suffer another attack that can take you, and getting proper medical attention immediately is paramount.

 

Despite the weather and the delay (which didnt affect me). I had a great and fabulous time on the Legend. I loved that ship, urns and all. The staff that I encountered was great. I really have no negatives to tell you bout. I was exhausted the day after I got home..I didnt realize that I was going non stop and having so much fun. I needed a vacation from my vacation.!!

Any questions..Id be happy to answer.

 

Marge

[wenhigh]

Sounds good! What is the cruise terminal like in New York?

[Starz723]

Im a native New Yorker. Im used to traveling with the herds. LOL..its true you know, we do travel in herds in New Yawk. The terminal is packed. I expected nothing less and was not surprised. I did get onboard quick though. Ive read many complaints about the terminal and the congestion. All I can say is get there early and prepare to wait. I really didnt wait that long. So I thought it went just fine. I arrived 11:15 and by 1pm I was in my cabin! It may have even been earlier. Come with that attitude and you wont be dissapointed. If you think you will just breeze in, fahgetaboudit!

 

Truthfully, they need to improve. Not enough room for the many people, cars, taxi's, etc.. My suggestion would be for more piers, and to spread it out.

 

I really didnt have a bad experience. Im used to the crowds, bumper to bumper traffic and waiting. I had to wait for my car service longer when I returned cause he had to go to the back of the line and up the ramp again. They dont let cars stand at all..if you are not there when your car service is they move the car on. Using a cell phone is great communication to your driver, as you can tell him exactly where you are and what your wearing and he can tell you the car to look for.

[Starz723]

Someone also missed this ship!! We were more than an hour out to sea. I have video tape of the pilot boat cruising along side of the ship and the man (just one person) jump on..or leap on..no boarding ramp. People were cheering him on. I wonder if he missed his flight. I never did find out why. Truthfully, I forgot all about till I was writing my trip report and my memories are flooding back. Did anyone else on this sailing see it.

 

Wow..I have video tape of the waves and the man jumpin on board from the pilot boat, the man coming off board onto the pilot boat. Id better get a bowl of popcorn and watch this tape tonight..I may have forgotten something to tell all of you, LOL.

 

You know, when I come to think of it, this was one cruise quite out of the ordinary.

 

Was I in the Bermuda Triangle? LOL.

 

Marge

[cjar855]

Marge sounds like you had a great time. You are a fun loving person. I am sure you ARE GOING TO BE PLANNING YOUR NEXT CRUISE SOON..FOR ME IT HAS BEEN THE BEST VACATION FOR ME.I AM HOOKED.:)

[IKE]

Marge,

Thank you for your great review. I am a Cruise Nut myself, over 40 cruises and will sail on Legend end of Sept. My only concern is sailing out of NY in Hurricaine Season. I always sail Sept. but out of Fla. The Atlantic is rougher down to CApe Hatteras so I am praying The weather will be good when We leave and return. However, its the chance you take when you book in this season.

Were there many table for 2's in the Dining Room? Also how long was the trip to the Baths from Tortola? What did it cost?

Again Thank You for all your Info

Ike

[Starz723]

Ike!

 

I saw tables for 2 in the dining room.. Truthfully, I really didnt notice if there were many. I really enjoyed my table mates and my neighbors at the next table.

 

I booked my excursion to British Virgin Gorda/The Bath with Carnival. We had a very short port time and sailed away by 3pm. I didnt want to take any chances. Carnival had 3 departure times. I took the 8:45AM departure, which was the middle one. The ferry was waiting for us right there as we walked off. The ride is so nice as the scenery is beautiful. I didnt time the ride, Im guessing 35 min. Then we went onto a big open air taxi and it took us to the baths. What a magnificent place, dont miss it. You have to walk downhill on a dirt path. No big deal for me as Im a big walker and hiker. I made sure I was one of the first to go on the path. I walk fast and wanted to get in as much in as possible. I took the trail to Devils Bay..its an adventure and fun going up and down ladders and through amazing rock formations. Give it a shot and make sure you bring your camera..We had to be back by 11:45, so it was a short trip, but worth every penny. Im definetly going back for an extended stay. The snorkeling was outstanding.

 

Check out this website: http://www.thebathsbvi.com

 

I hope you have smooth sailing!!

 

Marge

[dolfinmusic]

Thanks for the review Marge!! I do hope that poor man is OK!! Did you guys have anything to do the day sailing back to NY? How did they work that??

[M.S JAZO]

Hey Marge, I was on the Legend on that cruise. I rememebr you. You first sang in the talent show and you were GREAT. I mean great. I am only 17 and was sailing with my mom. You were the best that night. You were wearing a black pants and black blouse with a pin I think. Well ya you were great and you sounded like a person who would have a cd or something and then you sang with that lady that sang with Lionel Riche. I always saw you in the Truffles. You had early sitting and I was on the Balcony floor or the 2nd floor and looked down. I was always noticed someone who had done something on the cruise. Well ya everyone we talked to in Follies said you were great. The one that did suck big time was a African American Man who played the piano. I think he needed lessons. Well will you be cruising soon. Sounds like you had a great cruise well I did to. A very memoral cruise too. But ya my mom already booked our next cruise. It is far out but its booked plus a land vacation in the july 2005 and the cruise in december 2005.

[jocountry]

Great review Marge...my sister and I are going on the Legend Sept 28th, our plan is to follow in your footsteps and HAVE A BALL....so whats a little hurricane .... just makes the stories funnier when we get back home right...lol

 

Joanne :)

[Starz723]

Carnival gave us an extra day at sea..We had bingo, kamakazie karaoke, another show in follies..Just like a regular sea day. Lots to do. Yes, they fed us Breakfast, lunch & dinner as well.

 

Carnival lost alot of money Im sure.

 

 

MS Jaszo: thank you very much for the nice compliements. I do have a CD with my band and have been signed to RCA Records and had two albums with them.

[MissLil]

Sorry but the next cruise lost that day!!! CCL gave us $20.pp that was an insult. NEVER sail with them again

[dolfinmusic]

Sorry but the next cruise lost that day!!! CCL gave us $20.pp that was an insult. NEVER sail with them again

 

I understand your unhappiness as to not sailing out until way late and losing a day - I would have been bummed also - but what was the reason for the delay - the fact that a poor man had a heart attack. This was not Carnival's fault!!! How would you have felt if it was you or someone in your family that had a medical emergency? You really need to stop and think about that. I could understand you not wanting to cruise with Carnival again if your whole vacation was bad - but to base it solely on losing a day due to a medical emergency then you should really think about this. Good luck to whatever you decide!

 

Just my .02

[steveaaaa]

Why is Misslil not able to be upset at the $20?? If they opted to use the vacation guarantee and gotton off at the first port, would Carnival have refunded the whole cruise fare less $20 for each day prior to arrival at the first port???

NO, they would have divided the fare by "x" number of days.

Steve

[MissLil]

I think you have missed the point of why I was upset. We lost part of our vacation and CCL didn't seem to care. It was not the fact that we sailed late and missed 10 hours, dinner and time in San Juan , it was the feeling that they didn't care about OUR feelings. They could have done a few small things to make us feel better about what happened - have the dinning room open when we came on board - have an open bar till we sailed - at least try to make it up to us. I read a message fron the 7/18 cruise and they were happy to have an extra day with meals and shows That was OUR day and CCL didn't care about us. Of course I was happy CCL saved a man's life but now CCL is taking all the credit for it costing them money when it was our cruise who paid the price which I was happy to do for that poor man but not for CCL. Maybe the crew was stressed fromthe last cruise but they took it out on us

[dolfinmusic]

I got it now!!! Hopefully this can be a learning experience for Carnival for the future!!!!! And I do feel for you - I know I really would have been bummed if that happened to us on our last cruise - which was my first cruise and I was soooo excited!!! Maybe in the future you can give Carnival another try! It's funny how everyone has such different experiences! I was kind of scared that I would not have a great cruise - since I did read some bad things about Carnival - but I had the best cruise!!! Everything was wonderful. However, I know that things will most likely not be great everytime! I hope your next cruise will be better!!! :)

[Jett456]

I thought the 7/18 sailing got the extra day only because that was how long it took them to get back from their detour. I can't believe it was intentional and that they took that long to come back to NY knowing they would be creating an ugly situation.

[Kittymama]

Sorry MissLil, but I think Carnival DID care--I have to disagree with your attitude.

 

They're supposed to keep the dining room open all day! Hey, don't worry about the crew who may need a couple of hours off (they'd been serving food as scheduled, it's not their fault you weren't on board). That's ok, the waitstaff & cooks can just stay there nonstop & churn out food--they don't need any rest.

 

No open bar? Are you aware that there may be rules in NYC not allowing that? Also, to be practical, just how long should they keep the bar open? The ships end up with a lot of total drunks even when they have to PAY for it! There are people who would take free drinks until they made themselves sick. Hey, maybe someone could have drunk themselves into such a stupor that they'd need medical attention too, thus giving you extra time on board.

 

Sorry Carnival didn't prostrate itself enough to apologize to you for taking care of a passenger who might have died. You're right, perhaps another cruise line can do better for you. Or hey, maybe you can ask the man & his family to compensate you--after all, it's his fault. If he hadn't had the heart attack, Carnival wouldn't have had to so rudely inconvenience you.

[Jett456]

Kittymama,

 

You just don't get it. You weren't there to see the situation. If you were you'd have realized that Carnival did not handle it well. No one is disputing that the sick man had to be saved or that there was a good reason for the delay. The fact remains that over 2000 people lost an entire day of their vacation and Carnival's attitude and compensation of $20 pp did not measure up to good customer service. Not to mention the two days of lines we had to stand in and the missed port day. As far as the dining room being open, it never was in the first place. We all had to crowd into the Lido for dinner at 10:30pm. Then again for breakfast at 10am. No dining room. Just lines, lines, lines. It really put a damper at the start of the cruise. Everyone felt for the poor guy who had the heart attack but when your vacation is being cut short and you are spending it in a line something more needs to be done than $20 pp. Its not really about the money at all.

[MissLil]

Thank you Jett - We know how it was because we were there!! Why can't they understand it was NOT about sailing late etc... it was about attitude.