Flew in a day early to Tampa and stayed at Courtyard by Marriott in Downtown Tampa, just minutes from Cruise terminal and about 15 minutes from Tampa Airport. Taxi ride from Airport to town was a flat $25 fee, very reasonable. Downtown Tampa had a bunch of nice places to eat, and Ybor city was minutes away to party the nightlife away. Courtyard Marriott provided free shuttle to ship on sailing day, and free shuttle to take you anywhere within 2 miles of hotel.

Embarkation was pretty standard, took about 35 minutes from shuttle drop off to actual welcome picture.

Immediately booked "Chef's Special" dining option for Tuesday night for a $75 fee per person. This is only offered on 2 nights of the cruise, Tuesday's and Friday's and for foodies like us was a wonderful dining experience. This 3.5 +hour 11 course dinner which was personally hosted by the head chef of the Carnival Legend, Chef Panda. He provided a galley tour during full dinner service where we had 2-3 appetizers and champange followed by a private dinner limited to 12 people that was hosted and setup on the Disco floor. Chef Panda explained every course, the waiters poured us a Pinot Noir and a Shiraz during the meal, and Chef Panda personally cooked and served the food himself. You could see the joy and passion he had in his work. It was worth skipping an excursion to do this dining experience where the food was abundant and spectacular. Read more