I have just returned from the June 7th sailing of the Carnival Legend out of Tampa. The "family" consisted of my wife and myself (age 47), two 18 yr old boys and two 17 yr old boys. It was  a post graduation cruise for the 18 ys olds.The wife and I were in  an extended balcony on the starboard side forward, and the boys were in a quad balcony port side forward. This is the fourth cruise for us, having been on Carnival Glory, and twice on the Mariner of the Seas, all out of Port Canaveral. Drove down to Tampa Saturday night from N.C. Stayed per the advice on this board at Chase Suites out on Rocky Point. Rooms a little dated but clean and very roomy. Staff at hotel very pleasant and accommodating. Shuttle to port a breeze.  They put 2 shuttles on Sunday. Arrived at ship about 1130 AM. Major traffic congestion and generalized chaos greeted us. Poor design of terminal likely because of space limitations. Port Canaveral much better. greeted at door by some  mean and brusque old lady who lectured me about how one of the boys names were worded. After getting upstairs things went much better. Pleasant staff checking you in. On to the ship by 1230 or so.We got into our cabins by 130. Cabin was very clean, needed the beds put together and told the steward and was done at the nighttime turndown.The Ship: Interior areas were typical Carnival in garish decorating style, but very cool, makes you feel like you are in another world. Some details showed age as in rust spots loose balcony dividers etc.  they were painting our side of the ship at port, paint all sprayed on balcony furniture. It looked like teak oil had been put on balcony rail, yet was also smeared all over plexiglass as well. The 17 yr old would have likely done a better job! Just was something I had to look at the whole trip and it bugged me as I am detail oriented( can't you tell?). While this was the smallest ship we had been on, it really wasn't that different than the Glory, plenty of room and neat bars and common areas of ship. Its really for us the perfect size. My only complaint is that there are not many quiet areas on deck to sit and read. I used my balcony for this, but on the Mariner, for example, there were lounges on the lower decks that were off to the side and quiet. I missed that on this ship.The staff: Usual hard working but for me irritating cruise director. She means well but I can't stand the repeated announcements. Captain was Italian like most of the Carnival Skippers. Spoke pretty good English. Extremely punctual. We are sailing at 4:00, we left at 4:00. Ship weighs anchor at 5:00, we weighed anchor at 5:00 even if still off loading tenders. he will not wait for you so you better be on board! Had a few run ins with security staff, but generally handled the situations well. Teens  do seem to like flaunting the rules for some reason. They did put one person we met off the ship, Chris from Alaska for some unknown type of craziness late one night on the Lido deck. Never did get the full story, but  they did escort him off the ship in Roatan(so don't do crazy stuff or they will put you ashore). Bartenders very pleasant but you could tell they had reduced their numbers. Measured every drink poured, but an extra dollar on the check might get you an additional 2 seconds of additional pour time. Housekeeping staff also seemed fewer in number, but not completely sure about that. Dining room staff was excellent. maitre d Yusef involved, personable, came by table each night. Usual Carnival dance routines but staff actually seemed to enjoy themselves.True professionals! Dining: we ate at 815 late seating. Did not miss a meal.  We thought about doing the anytime dining, but I really enjoy bonding with the waitstaff. To me its one of the great things about cruising.  Food was generally pretty good. Portions just the right size, they will always bring you more. I has forgotten about the chocolate melting cake, wow! If you are an espresso or cappocino drinker, don't be afraid to ask. there is no charge for this in the dining room. As  I said earlier, "Showtime" was great at the end of dinner. Went to the Golden Fleece specialty restaurant. You must do this once. Truly a good if not better meal than you could get in the finest restaurant in your town. One of the finest steaks I have ever had, great appys, salad and desserts. Has a sommolier as well. Service was unbelievable!  Wine list. I am a wine lover and there were really many good selections on ship, priced similar to what you would see in restaurant at home. Carnival has really done a great job improving their cellar from the last time I cruised with them in 2003. they have  awine package, both premium and regular, but I did not want to be restricted on my choices so I did not get it and I was glad I didn't. Many good selections to choose off the list! And I tried most of them! Lido deck food well organized. many small buffets rather than one large one. I liked the asian buffet the most. Burgers were also very good, much better than Royal carribean.Shows: I don't do shows so nothing to report here.Musicians: Uniformly great. Excellent guitarist, Piano man in piano bar not to be missed. That was the place to be from 1000 until 1200 every night. Rock and roll band also played great dancing music in Satchmo's. Also has an instrumental pianist that was outstanding. A few other guys that were really good performners as well, esopecially the guy with the synthesizer that could do Culture Club one minute and Ozzy Osbourne the next! Didn't hear the reggae band as I stayed off the main pool area most of the time.Magician: Ram, a guy from India who could make anyone laugh or smile with his magic. We loved him and the teens loved him.Casino: This was best run casino I have seen on a cruise ship. Most of the dealers knew what they were doing and most pleasant to deal with. They had some trouble keeping up at the craps table, but largely due to the stickman returning the dice to the shooter too quickly. Plenty of $5 blackjack tables as well. They gambling types seemed to enjoy themselves here.Pools: didn't spend alot of time around the pools. has an adult pool  in the stern. Heard rumors from my boys of some sex acts occuring in both the main and adult pools in the middle of the day, but can't say for sure. Keep an eye on your surroundings if you have little kids (there is a kids area and pool on the sports deck). While alot of lounge saving was going on around the pools, you could always find a lounge chair up on the sun deck.Gym and Spa: This were I met the only rude crew member on board. The Spa people aren't interested in you if you just want to work out. The guy (?) at the desk was just dismissive when I asked about the gym equipment. Gyn is small, machines cramped. Really no view fromn the treadmill because the curtains are in the way. TV cannot be seen from most off equipment. Weight area crowded. No room to move. Very disappointed in this area of ship.. Disembarkation: Fairly smooth. If you want to get off self assisted be ready at 0750 and at 0800 you will get right off. Same irritaing old ladies to greet you. If you don't have a free hand you will be forced to wait in line for elevator, rather that zipping down escalator. Customs quick efficient, no searching bags that I saw, but they gave you a good once over, so they might have searched some. Shuttle pick up across the street in bottom of parking deck. Fairly quick response from the Chase suites, offered us breakfast at the hotel when we got back there, but we just got int he car at 0900 to start the long drive home.