I recently cruised on the Carnival Legend with a large group of relatives. It was everyone's first time, and it was a hit. Some of us live in Tampa, so everyone stayed with relatives before the cruise and relatives drove us to port. During the cruise, I (24) spent most of my time with my two sisters (22 and 20) and cousin (29).

We each bought watches before we left land. A cheap, preferably waterproof watch is essential if you are used to telling the time using your cell phone; there are very few clocks on board. Gratefully, I was able to leave my purse and phone practically untouched in my room during the cruise. It was such a relief to not have to worry about those small day to day realities. We like to travel frugally, so everyone made an effort to stay away from things on board that pack an additional fee- including alcoholic drinks, photographs, and activities. It didn't impair our fun at all.

I shared a balcony room with my two sisters, and found that Legend's staterooms were much more spacious and luxurious than I expected. The pillows, mattresses and linens were of excellent quality and extremely comfortable. There was more than enough closet space for the collected clothing and shoes of three girls, and the bathroom was small but impeccably clean. Next time, I would bring a power cord to extend the room's one outlet. Apparently the king size beds are made by pushing two singles together, and my parents noted that there was nothing to cover the seam in the middle of their bed. Read more