Great cruise with 5 adult family members by
A Traveler from Washington D.C. metro area
Sailing date: May 2006 Pros:
Cleanliness of the ship and friendliness of crew
Cons:
Debarkation
I couldn't have asked for a better vacation. It was exciting from the start because 5 out of 6 of us had never cruised. My family members were in amazement from the time we stepped on the ship until debarkation time. The size of the ship, decor, entertainment options, rooms/balconies, amenities, state-of-the art gym, choices for being alone or in a crowd, dining choices were all above anything we could have expected or imagined. I also like the Sail and Sign set-up. You were able to keep track of your spending and I'll have a good idea of how much money to take next time! Dining options couldn't have been better. Soundproofness was great. The only thing we ever heard was moving furniture in the early morning? as we were right under the Unicorn Cafe. My sister didn't hear it but I'm a relatively light sleeper so I heard it most mornings. I found it hard to stay awake for the shows, but with the second seating ending between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM, it seems that it wouldn't be feasible to start the show earlier.
Ship Quality There is absolutely nothing that I can complain about. Cleanliness is my pet peeve - I was left speechless!
Dining/Food My only suggestion would have been a basic "can't-go-wrong" for the Dining Room dinner selection. Sometimes you just aren't in the mood to experiment or have all "fancy" options, but would rather have a good old hamburger. With that said, I'm sure if I had asked for a hamburger, they would have brought it to me, as someone at the table across from us did just that - it just wasn't listed as an option! The only other thing that could be improved was the Grand Gala midnight buffet. The line was extremely long and I was at the end of it. When I got to the food, there were little options left, including dessert. Before traveling, I was under the assumption that all beverages had to be purchased. There was an abundance of fruit juices to select from so purchasing soda is not necessary.
Stateroom Quality Next time I'll know to pack less. With the abundance of fresh towels, the soft robe for use, the large, soft bathing towel and the supply of toiletries, I could have taken one less piece of luggage! The beds were amazingly comfortable. All 6 of our family members agreed. The laundry room was very convenient and the iron/ironing board was a plus.
Ship Staff Quality Maybe we lucked out but our room steward/staff and our dining room team were excellent, as were all of the other crew members we came in contact with. And, it wasn't as though people were being nice and friendly because they had to be. It came across as genuine.
Entertainment & Activities There was usually something to do if you wanted to be doing something aside from relaxing and lounging, oh, and eating!
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Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I. This was my second time to Road Town. I could vacation here every year. The laid-back, calm atmosphere was awesome.
Don't Miss: Cane Garden Bay Beach - from someone who's not a "beach person"
San Juan, Puerto Rico I was very comfortable in purchasing a tour for $20 at the port after getting of the ship, as opposed to the ship tour prices of $40 pp and up. It was a reputable company that we purchased with. Our driver was courteous, flexible, accommodating and gave a good history of San Juan. Great bargain!
Don't Miss: I just loved seeing the town of San Juan.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas You get a real feel for the culture. Don't think that all of those Cab drivers are struggling - do the math!
Don't Miss: Coki Beach
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Fabulous experience by
A Traveler from new york
Sailing date: Aug 2006 Pros:
Practically everything.
Cons:
We arrived in St Thomas on a sunday and everything was closed except for a flea market and some small stores in the vicinity of the pier.
The ship was beautiful. It took a few days to become acquainted the many areas on the ship. I was upgraded to an outside stateroom with a balcony. That was fabulous. The entertainment was par excellence. The costumes, singing, dancing and set changes were excellent. Hats off to the show hosts. They were warm, friendly and so full of energy that one could not help but enjoy onself.The staff in general was very personable and any questions or problems were handled efficiently and quickly. I will definitely sail again on carnival. It is truly the "fun ship". I had a wonderul time. The food was delicious, well prepared and fabulously presented. If the menu in the dining room did not have anything u liked, the wait staff would have something else prepared for you. That's customer service!!!
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Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I. It was a sunday when we arrived and everything was closed except the beach
San Juan, Puerto Rico We took a tour organized by the ship and that was a waste of time. However we also did some walking around on our own and liked what we saw in the limited time we had
Don't Miss: senor frogs
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas This was also a short stay of 7 hours. The shopping was great. We missed the beach.
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A Great Time by
Donna R from Rhode Island
Sailing date: Jun 2006 Pros:
St. Thomas was gorgeous with friendly people and LOTS of fun things to do.
Cons:
not enough help cleaning buffet rooms (bfast and lunch) - too much time waiting for cleaned spaces lead to cleaning it yourself or having cold food
The Legend is a beautiful vessel! On the whole, it is kept immaculate. The staff is very friendly, however, there are not enough to keep up with the demands of the breakfast and lunch rooms during peek hours. There also seemed to be less than needed cocktail hostesses during shows. However, there were plenty on deck during sailing hours. The cabin steward was very good and tended to basic needs well. My 11 year old son attended 3 events at Club Carnival that were marked for 6-11 year olds. He wasn't happy with the counselors who kept telling then that they were spoiling the time of the 6 year olds. I think they need to separate the groups further into 6-8 year olds and 9-11 year olds. The counselors spoiled those times for my son. The restaurant food was good, but we opted for the buffet style food 5 out of 8 nights. There was an abundance of fish served in the main dining room (not our preference) and we were having too much of a relaxing time on deck to go get properly dressed for the dining room. Evening entertainment went from fabulous some nights (Broadway style shows) to not so good (comedian and musician). Two nights of entertainment was from passengers, so that was quite interesting. All in all, the cruise was a good one, but the ports of call were by far the highlights.
Ship Quality Only problem here was the dining area not being cleared fast enough.
Dining/Food Too much fish served in the main dining room added to us opting for the buffets most of the time.
Stateroom Quality Next time we will pay the extra money for a balcony - it was crowded with 4 in a stateroom, but that was our fault, not theirs. Very clean and very good showers considering the size of the bathroom.
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Children's Programs I had only 1 child that fit into the Club Carnival activities, and he was not pleased with the attitudes of the staff. Perhaps they prefer younger children (he's 11) as many people with the younger children were pleased with this program.
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Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I. We went on the "Jeep Safari". We went up mountains in a Jeep made for 8, however there were only the 4 of us, which made the trip very comfortable. Our guide was wonderful. He stopped in many places for photos and history of the area. DON'T FORGET YOUR SNORKEL GEAR for this one because they dropped us off at a beach for about an hour. This is where this trip got a little messed up, because the beach was absolutely gorgeous, however, the small walk to the beach was totally cluttered with trash although there was a dumpster right there. The guys that were stationed at the beach were doing nothing but serving rum punch and not at all bothering to clean the mess. (this is a small area that could have easily been cleaned within 1/2 hour). There were others there that were elderly, but there was no place for them to sit in shade, which was bothersome to them. However, the snorkeling was the best on the trip, even though they didn't suggest bringing snorkle gear, we're glad we did.
Don't Miss: I recommend the Jeep excursion, but be aware of the negative points.
San Juan, Puerto Rico We went to the El Yunque rainforest - it was an excellent excursion with unbelievable views. However, there are no animals in this rainforest (except birds) which was unexpected. It was a bit rushed, but it was worth the trip.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas Morning we "snuba"ed, which is snorkling with air attached. It was unbelievable and well worth it, however, again, rushed.
In the afternoon we went on the "Seablaster". DO NOT MISS THIS EXCURSION!! Our guides were awesome, the trip was relaxed, they served punch and cookies (rum punch for those that cared to drink). They brought us out to an unbelievable place to snorkel off the side of the boat. Absolutely unbelievable and relaxing!
Don't Miss: SEABLASTER - don't even hesitate to do this activity!
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A wonderful cruise by
Gloria F. from St. Augustine, FL
Sailing date: Oct 2008 Pros:
The location of the cabin was quiet and conveninet to restaurants.
Cons:
Debarkation was not propertly implemeted.
We have been on Carnival before and knew what to expect. This is a wonderful cruise line. Everyone is wonderful to you. The food is exceptional. You are not wanting for anything at anytime. Being an older couple we did not partake in a lot of the activities and there are many. But there were many things set up for "us" in the afternoons that were so much fun. We absolutely fell over laughing at the newly-wed, older-wed game. The Cruise Director was fabulous negotiating the right answers to give the best laugh. All the shows were very commendable, comedians and music. There gazillions of shore excursions for the "young folk". We just toured the towns and were very happy with that. The room was just wonderful. The bed was a dream. We loved the balcony so much. We are plannning another trip this coming spring. We can't wait.
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Belize City, Belize We took a tour of the city and what an eye opener. We had never been in a third world country before. How sad.
Don't Miss: The Anglican Church buiilt by slaves from bricks used as ballast in the mahagony trade ships.
Cozumel, Mexico Don't miss the Best of Mexico museum. This visit was worth going on the whole cruise.
Don't Miss: see comment
George Town, Grand Cayman Did not like the shore excursion. It was a waste of time outside of the turtle farm.
Don't Miss: nothing
Roatan (Isla Roatan), Bay Islands, Honduras Another very poor country. Nothing very much to see except the poverty.
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Great time by
Candi & Dave from Washington, DC
Sailing date: Apr 2007 Pros:
Lots to do with no requirement that you do any of it
Cons:
A little bit of nickel and diming for onboard stuff. Not bad, but it adds up.
Room was great! Food was great! Service was great! Excursions were good. Be sure to go to the orientation things on the various ports. They save a lot of time and frustration when you get there. Warning: Don't count on Costa Maya for souvenirs. We did and were disappointed by prices, selection, and vendor aggression.
Ship Quality Heaven! Get a map the day you arrive or you'll be completely lost.
Dining/Food The drinks those roving waiters offer are not free. Don't accept one and start drinking until you find out how much they cost.
Stateroom Quality Bring your own clock and pads of paper. Ship doesn't provide these. Amusingly, they do provide free playing cards at the purser's desk.
Ship Staff Quality EVERYONE was friendly and helpful. Waiting staff, entertainment staff, infirmiry staff, pursers, casino staff, even the ship maintenance people were great.
Entertainment & Activities Warning: Ask about the cost before you get excited about activities. $20 for bingo was not what I was expecting when I left the pool to go play.
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Belize City, Belize MUST SEE the ruins at Altun Ha! If you can do the river excursion that teams with it, take it.
Costa Maya, Mexico We didn't do any exsursions. The shops were expensive and the shop keepers pushy. I literally had a panic attack from their swarming.
Cozumel, Mexico Take a taxi to the Forum shops and work your way back. The shops right around the pier are not all there is.
George Town, Grand Cayman Swimming with the sting rays isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Do it once if you want to be able to say you did, but it's really more of "stand in waist deep water and have your guide take silly pictures of you with the rays"
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A Great time had by all by
David Y from Strongsville Ohio
Sailing date: Jun 2008 Pros:
The excursions we did and the dining experience
Cons:
The cost of tokens in game room
Ship was very good everywhere. loved the availability of beverages all day. The hows were great although the times were pressing at vtimes with other events ie dinner, other planned events etc. Sometimes bothersome with all the picture taking, although pictures looked great.Some of the excursions were a bit pricey for what you got. The staff was great. Probably the best i ever had. Thank you look forward to sailing with Carnival again.
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Stateroom Quality little small but cozy
Ship Staff Quality the best. Everyone was great
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Belize City, Belize The submarine was great. would like to have seen more large sea life
Cozumel, Mexico Didnt care for the constant buy this buythis
George Town, Grand Cayman Very interesting tour guide. Gave history of island. The turtle farm was interesting but not worth the value
Roatan (Isla Roatan), Bay Islands, Honduras Roatan was the best . Great restaurant. The monkeys were fun
Don't Miss: Monkey trip
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"Legend" says it all by
Chris S from Cape Cod, MA
Sailing date: Sep 2007 Pros:
Great service from the room to the food and everywhere in-between.
Cons:
Whats not to like about getting pampered hand and foot for 7 days?!
A great job top to bottom. Ports durring the day and"Vegas" style shows at night, always something to keep you busy. Good services and smiling faces make the time that much better.
Ship Quality Such a grand layout. Carnival went all in to creat an amazing ship, forward to aft.
Dining/Food 4 course meals every night in a fun yet elegant atmostsphere and a rotating buffet most of the day. Plus 6 star optional dining that defines "fine food".
Stateroom Quality Cleaned twice a day and towel animals to look forward to each night!
Ship Staff Quality It's one thing to be served, it's another to be served for 7 days with smiles on everyones faces, and to be called by name.
Entertainment & Activities Vegas style shows, ice sculptures, FOOD sculptures,full spa/gym,casinos. A WATER SLIDE, I mean cmon what else can you cram into a boat?!
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Belize City, Belize Did a jungle walk & zip line tour. Hour and a half bus ride is bad, but great jungle life here.
Don't Miss: Jungles!
Cozumel, Mexico Did some scuba here, a must do for any diver.
Don't Miss: Cozumal has tons of things to do, good luck makingi tback to the boat!
George Town, Grand Cayman 7 mile beach break was amazing!
Don't Miss: Don't miss the white sandy beaches, and try to make it to hell!!
Roatan (Isla Roatan), Bay Islands, Honduras This place is going to be a huge hot spot soon. We did another beach day here and OH MAN, what a beach. I was breathless as we walked to the water.
Don't Miss: Tabyana beach!!!!!!
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Treated like Royality by
A Traveler from Garfield, NJ
Sailing date: Jun 2006 Pros:
The service from all staff was exceptional. The shows were first class!
Cons:
Nothing comes to mind.
The ship was beautiful, the staff were friendly and made sure you were taken care of. Food was abundant and they made the best cheeseburgers we've ever had!
The captain always advised us ahead of time of passing showers, so we were prepared to "move" quickly from the sun decks.
The shows were first-class and thoroughly enjoyable, except for the show that featured a "one man band."
We would definitely travel on the Carnival Legend again.
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Stateroom Quality We booked an Extended Balcony room which was at the back of the ship. The "extended" part didn't matter since the guard rail was slanted, so the space really wasn't available to use.
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Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I. Booked the Lambert's Beach Lunch excursion. The excursion was very nice, but the ride to and back was an adventure. Traveling on roads with no guardrails and bob-wired fences was nerve-racking. Everyone was talking about their "ride" when we got back to the ship.
San Juan, Puerto Rico It was very hot the day we arrived. Traffic was terrible and our shopping time with the excursion I booked was limited.
Don't Miss: We dined at Senor Frogs at night which was lots of fun.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas We booked the Castaway Girl snorkeling excursion. It was fantastic! We saw lots of fish and even a shipwreck. They provided free rum punch as we headed back to the ship. Have to get their recipe!
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Truly enjoyable cruise! by
Carol C from Norwich Ct
Sailing date: Apr 2009 Pros:
The service was fantastic. The food was great. The staff was very friendly. My 10 year old daughter realy enjoyed the Camp Carnival
We just returned from our cruise. It was our first and we had a great time. The ship is very clean. The service was excellent. The staff was very friendly and went out of thier way to make the cruise enjoyable.
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Belize City, Belize We took the excursion up the Wallace River then visited the Ruins. We loved the boat ride. We saw Monkeys, bats, manatees and crocodiles.
Cozumel, Mexico We rented a car and toured the island. Very pretty beaches.
George Town, Grand Cayman We took a cab to 7 mile beach cost 5 dollars per person each way. The beach was nice. We heard later that there was another beach better for snorkeling right off the dock within walking distance from the ship.
Roatan (Isla Roatan), Bay Islands, Honduras This was our favorite port. We went to the beach Tabyana on the west side. It was beautiful. We enjoyed the music and snorkeling.
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Wonderful Experience by
A Traveler from Altamonte Springs, FL
Sailing date: Jun 2008 Pros:
Crystal Clear Waters
Cons:
Seeing all the poverty in Belize
The Carnival Legend lived up to its name as a Fun Ship. There were plenty of activities to keep everyone busy and entertained on sea days. Of special note was the "entertainment" provided each night in the dining room. Each evening waiters and servers would entertain us with song and dance and of course, we were invited to participate. We never knew what type of props would be worn by the maitre'd. It made for a fun evening of dining. The food on the Lido desk had plenty of choices from hot to cold from American to cultural dishes. There was something for everyone! The various bars and lounges on ship offered music to fit everyone's taste. The service on board was always friendly and outgoing. It was a very positive experience.
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Belize City, Belize Be prepared for the poverty of this island and police checkpoints with rifles.
Don't Miss: Xunatich ruins. The view from the top is beautiful
Cozumel, Mexico If you like shopping there is plenty to choose from in this port. You have to put up with everyone trying to entice you into their particular shop.
Don't Miss: Snorkeling
George Town, Grand Cayman Don't Miss: Stingray Sandbar
Roatan (Isla Roatan), Bay Islands, Honduras Don't Miss: Tabyana beach offers the best snorkeling of all the ports
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