This was our second Carnival Cruise and our first on the Legend. (Our first was aboard the Carnival Fantasy embarking from Charleston,SC where we had an aft interior room). The embarkation process in Tampa was pretty seamless and we were on board relatively quickly. We were traveling with 2 other parties and were able to meet up with them pretty much once we all were on board. Our luggage was delivered while we were eating so not sure exactly when it was delivered. We had changed our rooms towards the end of our reservation period which was an brilliant move if I do say so myself! We were in cabin 5166 which would have been an "obstructed" view. Let me tell you - one of our party stayed with their original reservation and the obstruction would have been too much for me! You would have to stand in order to see the ocean and my husband and I so enjoyed sitting on our deck and seeing the ocean! So glad we were able to get this room, and, for the same price as the other one! We had been through a very difficult year and wanted to spend as much time relaxing and being with each other as much as possible. And, as much as possible on a large cruise ship! But the balcony room made it special and we were able to unwind and relax and would spend hours in between activities just taking it all in.

The activities on board were ok. We really didn't do a lot of the "sales" programs like - "how to tell what makes your feet hurt" or whatever guru magic they were selling. We did partake of one of the art show nights just to check it out. We saw most of the shows and the talent was impressive. Their interpretation of the 80's was hysterical to us although I think they meant it to be serious. Really, how does a 20 something understand much less try to interpret the meaning of Bahemian Rhapsody in dance? It was funny to see but we did respect the talent! The magic show was crazy good and the comedy show kept us laughing and begging for more as they were very short sets.

As we found out on our first Carnival Cruise, Carnival is all about making sure you eat and drink in excess and the Legend was no different. The drinks were a plenty and we were excited about getting our free complimentary drink until we read the fine print. Apparently you could only redeem the coupon during "brunch hours" (8-1 PM) and only in the main dining room. Try as we might, we finally had to break down and get a Mimosa on our last sea day as it was the only drink we could think of that would be acceptable at that hour and that we could actually digest without feeling like total alcoholics! I give Carnival a thumbs down on that one. I mean, if you are going to give a free drink, then give it. Don't add all these hoops to jump through. I'd rather not have even gotten the coupon and not know about a free drink as opposed to having to go through all sorts of trouble in order to get it. We saw some poor old man after the 5th day literally through his drink coupon at the server at the pool in complete frustration. We understood, however, what a terrible display of impatience! Carnival would have had a better show of appreciation if they had not added those stipulations. Read more