As mentioned in the title, this is our 2nd time with the Legend and the Western Caribbean itinerary. We liked it so much the first time, we decided to try it again.

My wife and I flew into Tampa the day before (Saturday) to avoid being exhausted at dinner time on the first cruise night (anyone that has gone on a cruise and traveled by air knows what I mean). We stayed at the Crowne Plaza and bought their bon-Voyage Package that included port and airport transfers. The Crowne was fine, but the name Crowne Plaza name isn't what it was 10 years ago. The desire to expand has watered down the quality a bit, IMHO.

Embarkation was made a lot easier because of the fact we had VIP check-in because of our room selection, which was a Vista balcony, room 4237. BTW, if you ever get a chance book one of these, DO IT!! It is worth the extra cost. On our last cruise, VIP check-in meant being escorted individually by a staff member once the documentation phase was done.. this time we waited with about 100 people and were brought on board together..not a big deal, but a hint of many slight changes Carnival has made. Call it bad luck, or whatever, but just before the elevator door closed to bring us up to the lido deck for lunch after boarding, a elderly woman walked in the elevator sneezing, wheezing and coughing without covering her mouth. Read more