Let me start by saying we really had no idea what to expect. This was a graduation trip for my daughters from their grandparents. My daughters both 18, me and the wife, and her parents. My wife's parents are VERY experienced cruisers. My family, on the other hand had never seen a big Cruise ship, so the approach in Tampa was breathtaking. Seeing the Legend dwarf the buildings around it got us even more excited than we already were.

We arrived at the port sometime around 11:30. Unloaded our bags (Tip # 1: get a sky cap...it's worth the tip for him to take the bags), parked the car and got in line. The line was long, but no more than the security line at the Airport. Once we checked in and had our sail and sign cards, we took a group picture...and off we went. Once on board we went straight to the Lido deck for lunch. Our rooms weren't ready until about 1:30 or so, but by the time we finished lunch, they were open. (Tip # 2: Pack your bathing suit and some clothes for dinner in a small carry on bag with wheels since the luggage sometimes doesn't arrive till later.) We explored the ship a little and went up on deck for the sail away. You got to be on top for the pass under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the ship only clears it by about 6 - 10 feet it is unreal, looks like you're going to hit it.

Back down to our rooms and ready for dinner. Dinner was really a highlight for us. I've seen many people complain about having to dress for dinner, come on folks, 7 nights out of your whole life? You'd be surprised how good it feels to dress a little, eat good food and have a real conversation. My daughters LOVED it. Adrian was our Head waiter and Gedde was his team waiter. They were awesome. Desi, the Maitre D', was awesome as well. Dinner was definitely an affair to remember. "It's Showtime". I'll just leave it at that. Read more