Review: Carnival Cruise Lines - Legend - [July 10 , 2004]

[Net Reviews]

Review By:

Reviewer Comments:

Just returned from an 8 day (7/10-18/04) Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard
the Carnival Legend (this is my 6th cruise, 2nd on the legend). My
review is as follows:

By way of information, I previously sailed on the Royal Majesty (now,
the Norwegian majesty), RCCL's Sovereign the Sea, Carnival's Destiny,
Triumph and the Legend. I am 54 years old, 33 year law enforcement
official (Colonel) and married to a lovely 47 year old insurance analyst.

On previous embarkations in NYC, there have been mass traffic jams,
confusion and congestion at the pier. We decided to take a limo from
Upstate NY near Monticello where we reside to avoid the "drive your own
car" problems. Since we were with another couple, the cost was very
reasonable. This time however, the traffic flowed smoothly and there
was no congestion at any point during the time the Legend was in harbor
(There were 4 ships in all). We wee amongst the first 50 or so to board
and it all went very smoothly.

The ship is still a beautiful, well laid out vessel. For some, it takes
awhile to get over the dark woods, urns and frankly odd paintings and
murals. And of course, millions of lights shining all over the place.
One thing Carnival needs to do, replace to carpets. Some are badly
stained, cigarette burned or just warn out. Otherwise, the ship is in
fine condition.

We had a cat. 8a guarantee. Our cabin assignment was 8218 and was just
fine. The room and bathroom was clean and comfortable. Carnival has
always had more than reasonable sized cabins. Our room steward always
was polite, remembered your face to your room number (pretty good to
boot) and earned an additional tip - above the pre-assigned Sail & Sign
card tip.

We had early dining and again, the staff was competent and very
attentive. The bar waitress always remembered what everyone was
drinking, including the soft drinks using the soda card, and always had
them ready for us as soon as we sat down.

The food ranged from just ok (I even ordered from the children's menu
one night) to outstanding. The waiter was very patient and always was
quick to bring something else out if we were unhappy. The desserts were
tasty and plentiful. There is also a low-carb and weight watchers menu.
The Lido deck buffet was great and of course, 24 hour pizza and Ice
Cream! (Frozen yogurt too). The captain also arranged a tour of the
galley - it was a camera stop for sure.

The shows were entertaining and worth the time going to (typical
Carnival Las Vegas style). The cruise director was good, but very
talkative. During the shore excursion talk, we thought that it would
never end. Same for the last night disembarkation talk - also very long
winded (it was supposed to 15 minutes, it went just under an hour).

The ports of call are San Juan - went to the Bacardi & City tour (so-so,
the guide, Jutta was excellent), St. Thomas - took the Captain Nautica
snorkel dive to two different beaches and an afternoon in Heavensight
and downtown Charlotte Amalie (sic) Just wonderful shopping. Bought a
great watch for myself and jewelry for the wife. Just never enough time
there. Finally, Tortola- did the Virgin Gorda tour (Well worth it!).

One evening, we made reservations for the Golden Fleece supper club
($25.00 each). This is my second time eating there and it was just
superb. The food and service was well above far and the singer was
wonderful. In all, a 2 ¾ hour diner.

Disembarkation was hurried but went well. there was more traffic then at
embarkation. The Limo driver had to make two passes to get to us.
Luggage was easily found.

GOOD POINTS:

The overall ship condition (See needs improvement too).

The staff was very friendly, attentive and always available (See Needs
Improvement too).

Entertainment.

The Golden Fleece Supper Club.

The cabin.

Final Midnight Buffet.

Nice casino (The wife hit the jackpot playing her favorite slot - Stampede

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT:

Carpets need to be replaced.

Some staff have a very limited range of the English language.

Shortened talks by the Social Director.

More monitoring by the hot tubs (children everywhere) and non-smoking
area's.

More time in St. Thomas, less in San Juan.

Very loud sound system during shows in the Follies nightclub.

One further note: There were much less teens on board then previous
summer sailing. Most very well behaved, I did run into a few load
mouthed teenage boys using gross profanities in a public area in front
of the 13 year old boy that was part of our group. I wasted no time
confronting him. He must have sensed that I meant business because they
all apologized and moved away from us. But there was VERY LITTLE
parental supervision for the few rowdy teens. We witnessed a girl of
approx. 14-15 years old getting "felt up" during a midnight buffet at
the lido deck. She stood against a wall while a group of boys ranging
from 12-to 17 touched her between her legs, chest, etc. and they took
pictures of each other doing it. She was encouraging them to continue.
Sorry sight.