Carnival Legend cruise ship evaluate: Outsize enjoyable on a midsize, made-over ship

The ship was not with out imperfections, nevertheless it definitely had a clear and glossy look to it general.

What I beloved about Carnival Legend

The meals

We loved a mixture of eateries included within the cruise fare in addition to for-fee specialty eating. Each have been above common in meals style and presentation.

Dinner in the primary eating room (Truffles Restaurant, decks 2 and three) featured sufficient number of meat, poultry, fish and pasta to fulfill the three of us most nights. In truth, we discovered ourselves checking the menus within the Carnival Hub app nicely forward of time to schedule specialty eating choices round dishes we needed to strive in the primary restaurant.

We additionally headed to the eating room for breakfast just a few instances, afternoon tea as soon as and Seaday Brunch twice. The brunch menu is a little more elaborate than the breakfast menu, that includes 12-hour French toast and a Skillet Cake — form of a thick pancake. Brunch additionally included lunch specialties like a chicken-and-waffles combo.

The Lido buffet (named the Unicorn Cafe, Deck 9) was a bit skimpy on selections, however issues like the perfect cinnamon swirl pastries at sea, a number of customized egg-cooking stations and sizzling chocolate machines slightly than do-it-yourself packets locked within the Lido as our favourite breakfast spot. Auntie was even in a position to get her morning latte on the Espresso Bar proper there in the course of the buffet space.

Within the added-fee class, Carnival Legend shines. We loved dinner at Fahrenheit 555, The Chef’s Desk and the Seafood Nook.

The abundance and number of seating

On a ship with a lot squeezed right into a small footprint, I used to be happy to search out greater than sufficient seating, each indoors and out. Early within the cruise, we had just a few days of inclement climate, forcing everybody to hang around indoors. I by no means as soon as walked by way of the ship with out seeing a spot to sit down.

As soon as the climate warmed, it was even attainable to search out seats open air in most locations. I used to be thrilled to search out vacant clamshell daybeds in surprising locations, notably on Deck 10 above the pool decks. The exception appeared to be the Serenity sundeck, the place chair hogs typically descended on the primo spots early within the day and held their floor till late afternoon. With only some youngsters on board, it was ironic that the realm drew such a crowd, making it far much less serene than different spots on the ship.

Different fascinating sitting areas we took benefit of included the Enchanted Forest inside walkway on Deck 3 ahead, which we loved for each indoor strolling laps and as a super-quiet spot to sit down and stare out the home windows. The Odyssey Lounge on Deck 3 aft exterior the primary eating room turned our go-to spot to fulfill earlier than dinner. Even on crowded evenings, we virtually all the time discovered seats for the three of us straight away.

At mealtime, we particularly loved the booth-style seating in the primary eating room and the buffet restaurant. It offered a extra intimate eating expertise, enhancing our potential to converse over the chatter of a crowded eating area.

The dome roof over the primary pool

I really like an indoor-outdoor pool as a result of you may benefit from the sea breezes on a heat day and nonetheless take a dip when it is raining. Previous to our stretch of seven sea days, the crew closed the primary pool’s dome midway, offering a considerably sheltered area.

Throughout an open Q&A session, the resort supervisor defined that the roof can’t be moved whereas the ship is underway, and whereas it was chilly at that second in time, the forecast was for heat, sunny days and rising temperatures. By the third day, it was clear that company would have been roasting round that pool had it been totally closed. Because it was, the half roof offered a windbreak, a little bit of shade and a stunning solarium really feel.

What I did not love about Carnival Legend

Pizza, doughnuts and bacations

I do know this falls underneath the heading of first-world issues, however this ship lacked just a few of the enjoyable cruise options that make mass-market cruising really feel indulgent.

A cruise that doesn’t serve fast slices of pizza, whether or not throughout mealtime or as a snack, is an issue for me. Even my optimistic aunt was sad in regards to the lack of ability to stroll up and get a slice on Carnival Legend.

The pizza counter, positioned within the buffet space on this ship, was manned by only one crew member. Friends might order a pie from a listing on a menu board. Behind the counter, one buffet pan underneath a warmth lamp was supposed to supply slices, however solely twice throughout our whole cruise have been any of us in a position to procure a single slice of premade pizza. And after I say single slice, I imply a single, lonely, dried-up slice was sitting within the metallic pan once we handed by. No different pizza existed on the buffet.

We ordered half a pie as soon as and obtained a snarly look from the pizza maker, who cooked our pie and served us half however clearly felt he was solely there for whole-pie orders. Our different half was snapped up by a passerby who clearly couldn’t imagine his luck. Whereas I am thrilled that made-to-order entire pizzas can be found, I do not perceive why Carnival wasn’t providing slices of not less than pepperoni and cheese pizza within the buffet throughout lunches on our cruise.

I hardly ever deal with myself to doughnuts, however I like to indulge on a cruise — when the doughnuts are free. Alas, Carnival Legend provided no free doughnuts on any of the 15 days of our cruise. The one doughnuts I discovered on the ship value $4 on the Espresso Bar, and so they have been solely out there within the afternoon and night, not within the morning.

Lastly, we come to what fellow cruisers (and the onboard comedians) referred to as “bacations.” Bacon was solely out there on the buffet each different day on our cruise. Southerners love their bacon, so there have been complaints.

My aunt and different frequent cruisers assured me alternating bacon days had been normal process on their earlier cruises with Carnival, nevertheless it nonetheless got here as an disagreeable shock to many vacationers.

On the plus aspect, when bacon was out there on the buffet, it was crispy and scrumptious. I appreciated that it was served by employees members, which appeared to maintain it from quickly breaking right into a pile of crumbles. Bacon was additionally out there on each the usual breakfast menu and the brunch menu in the primary eating room, so should you wanted a each day repair, you can get one. You simply needed to sit down and order the breakfast meat at any time when it was a bacation day within the buffet.

Carnival Legend eating places and bars

For a midsize ship, Carnival Legend has a stable vary of restaurant and bar choices. It is attainable to skip paying an extra payment to eat on the specialty eating places and have loads of nice meals, however on any itinerary of per week or longer, they add a pleasant change of ambiance and menu choices. In addition they supply a step up in presentation, even to the purpose of spectacle within the case of The Chef’s Desk.

Eating places

Included-in-fare eating

Carnival Legend’s principal eating room is Truffles Restaurant. Friends choosing early (5:30 p.m.) or late (7:45 p.m.) set eating instances are seated on Deck 2. Those that e-book Your Time Eating are served on Deck 3 between 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. and use the Carnival Hub app to verify in.

Breakfast and lunch have been served in the primary eating room on port days and each different sea day throughout the Atlantic crossing. On alternate sea days, the ship would host Seaday Brunch from mid-morning to early afternoon.

The Unicorn Cafe on Deck 9 midship is the ship’s pool deck buffet. The area is split into two principal areas, every with a self-serve central drink station surrounded by seating and multipurpose meals counters. Hand-washing stations are offered. Some meals is plated by servers, whereas different dishes are self-serve.

At breakfast, there are 5 stations serving cooked-to-order omelets and eggs. Different counters serve breads and pastries (however no doughnuts), fruit, cold and warm cereals, meats, potatoes, pancakes, French toast and typically waffles, and precooked eggs (scrambled and types of Benedict). Meals high quality was good aside from the sausages, pancakes and waffles, which all wanted an improve. The massive hits for us have been the cinnamon swirl Danishes, sticky buns, the recent chocolate machine (which could possibly be used so as to add a splash of mocha to a daily cup of espresso) and recent omelets.

Throughout lunch and dinner, search for sizzling dishes, greens, cheeses, chilly cuts, salads and carved meats. The night fare mirrors among the menu selections being served in the primary eating room.

Chopsticks, open for lunch, is a self-serve Asian hot-food counter on the port aspect inside the buffet close to the midship elevators. The choices differ each day however all the time embrace a soup, fried and white rice, egg or spring rolls, and a number of meat and vegetable selections.

The Pizza Pirate counter is inside the buffet space on the starboard aspect, nearest the midship elevators. Throughout our cruise there was no ready-made pizza buffet permitting you to stroll up and seize a slice. All pizza was cooked to order in roughly 10-inch pies. The menu board lists 4 pizzas, however you may combine and match components in order for you and request additional sauce, cheese or toppings. Prolonged hours made this a sizzling spot late into the night time, assuming you had the time to attend for pizza to be cooked.

Carnival introduced following our cruise that Pizza Pirate hours throughout the fleet would finish at midnight, changed by a late-night snack buffet with a very completely different sq. pizza served by the slice. We didn’t expertise that pizza on our cruise however did see a snack buffet that included chips and salsa, which have been additionally talked about as a part of the brand new late-night snack lineup.

The deli counter was my favourite lunch spot all through the cruise. As at any deli, you stand in line, give your order to the counter employees, and so they make your sandwich to order. The menu board options 11 sandwiches, sizzling canine, a veggie burger and a wrap, however company use these as a beginning place to construct any sandwich they need. For instance, the turkey and Swiss on a pretzel bun is listed as a chilly sandwich, however belief me after I let you know to have it toasted for a gooey delight. I realized issues from different company each time I stood in line, like having something you need made right into a wrap, or asking for a aspect scoop of the rooster salad sans bread.

Man’s Burger Joint is simply exterior the Unicorn Cafe buffet on the starboard aspect of the Avalon pool deck. There is a cause this counter-service hamburger joint is legendary throughout Carnival’s fleet: It has among the best burgers at sea. The menu consists of 4 burger choices, together with the Plain Jane, which lets you construct your burger your manner utilizing the topping and sauce bar. The burgers have been thick, juicy and undoubtedly higher than your common cruise ship hamburger.

BlueIguana Cantina is reverse Man’s on the Avalon pool deck. Breakfast choices embrace burritos, arepas and huevos rancheros. The burritos come along with your alternative of cheese, bacon, sausage, potatoes and both common or Mexican scrambled eggs, wrapped in a plain flour tortilla or a jalapeno model. The lunch menu is a alternative between burritos and street-style tacos. With both, you select your filling, then gown it up on the close by topping and salsa bar.

Whether or not you favor frozen yogurt or ice cream, cups or cones, a single taste or a combination, you may discover your deal with with two pairs of soft-serve machines, one subsequent to Man’s Burgers and one other simply past BlueIguana on the pool deck. Each supply a alternative of frozen yogurt or ice cream. We grabbed cones in any respect hours of the day and night time.

Room service presents a continental breakfast of fruit, bread, pastries, yogurt and drinks at no cost from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. You may place your order over the cellphone or within the Carnival Hub app. Breakfast sandwiches can be found for $5-$6 (plus an 18% gratuity).

Between 10 a.m. and 6 a.m., the in-room-dining menu consists of salads, sandwiches, desserts, pizzas, burgers and varied rooster finger meals (wings, quesadillas and tenders), all with a la carte pricing from $3-$8. A number of the room service menu objects will be delivered to your location wherever on the ship by way of the app.

Added-fee eating

Throughout dinner, the Chopsticks counter on the buffet turns into the Seafood Nook, that includes counter service and a la carte menu pricing. We loved a variety of steamed snow crab legs, large peel-and-eat boiled shrimp, and the sort of crabcakes goals are manufactured from. Each chunk was scrumptious. Different choices embrace fried calamari, oysters and fish-and-chips. Every meal is cooked to order. You may be given a pager to return to the counter when your meals is prepared.

The Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse is the ship’s date night time restaurant. The expertise begins with its location underneath a crimson glass dome, simply ahead of the acquainted Carnival crimson, white and blue whale-tale smokestack.

The meal features a alternative of starter, entree, sauce, sides and dessert. The chef stunned us with an amuse-bouche of a half-dollar-size, totally decked-out hamburger. It was a decadent begin to the meal. My aunt and I selected the filet mignon, whereas my husband ordered the surf and turf (filet mignon and lobster tail). The meal will be ordered with a chef-selected wine pairing for every course for an additional cost, which we did, in fact.

The one factor prone to outshine the steakhouse for meals and presentation is The Chef’s Desk. The newly created area on Deck 1 subsequent to the galley offered a quiet and chic escape from the remainder of the ship. The area accommodates 14 company who’re handled to a seemingly endless array of small gourmand programs.

After a short introduction of the cooks and sous-chefs who have been serving us, and some fast bites to get us began, we have been ushered by way of an entry door straight into the bustling galley. I’ve been on galley excursions on different ships prior to now, however by no means throughout the crush of the dinner hour. It was eye-opening. Our tour ended with an illustration of learn how to make the road’s well-known chocolate melting cake by the dessert chef. The tour, the meal and its presentation surpassed expectations and related experiences on different cruise traces — proper right down to the final sip of port wine.

The one specialty eating venue we didn’t pattern was Bonsai Sushi. It’s discovered proper exterior the on line casino on Deck 2. The menu contains a la carte selections of sushi, sashimi, saki and Japanese beer. Our cruise didn’t characteristic a Inexperienced Eggs and Ham Dr. Seuss Breakfast, most probably as a result of there have been so few children onboard. When it’s out there, there’s a nominal per-person cost to attend.

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Bars and lounges

Whether or not you might be on the lookout for an herbal-infused cocktail for what ails you, a chocolatini shaken and drizzled excellent, or an Irish spiked espresso, you will see that a bar serving it on Carnival Legend.

The Espresso Bar on Deck 2 between the on line casino and the Follies Essential Lounge presents specialty and spiked coffees, specialty teas, milkshakes (the Black and White Chocolate shake is delish, full with a chocolate sweet straw), bottled water, sports activities drinks and canned Coke merchandise.

The espresso counter additionally serves because the Legend Cafe snack counter, that includes free croissants and cinnamon swirl pastries throughout the primary breakfast hours. Snacks — doughnuts, cupcakes and yummy soft-baked giant cookies — are offered for an additional payment within the afternoon and night. A second Espresso Bar location is contained in the Unicorn Cafe, serving specialty and spiked coffees till late night.

The RedFrog Pub (Deck 3) on Carnival Legend has an informal Caribbean ambiance with sport tables, a private-label home beer referred to as ThirstyFrog Crimson and a rum-laced drink menu to make the rolling of the ship indistinguishable from the roll in your step. Throughout daytime hours, the pub is the spot for trivia and guess-that-song competitions, whereas nighttime enjoyable ranges from dwell music to karaoke. The scaled-down model is the RedFrog Rum Bar on the primary pool deck, which is precisely the place you must search for a fruity, frozen rum drink on a sizzling afternoon within the solar.

Different pool bars are the BlueIguana Tequila Bar, in your drink-all-the-margaritas sea days, and the Serenity Bar, for a mango Kiss on the Lips and different thirst-quenching concoctions.

The Legend Foyer Bar is the rocking, swaying, swooning spot to bop, chuckle and drink most evenings. Dwell performers and DJs deliver the tunes from the stage perched above and behind the bar. It is the place to be after darkish till the late-night crowd shifts to Billie’s Piano Bar and Medusa’s Lair Dance Membership. Daytime actions like dance classes maintain sea days hopping across the bar as nicely.

The bar staff on the Firebird Lounge retains the juices flowing for the Punchliner Comedy Membership performances and grownup video games like Liars Membership (which was a belly-aching hilarious present on our cruise).

The 2 most fascinating bars on Carnival Legend proved to be the Alchemy Bar and Heroes Tribute Bar. Alchemy options potions and cures handcrafted by an entertaining duo of mixologists. Alchemy matches properly into an open area on the way in which to the primary eating room entrance on Deck 2, making it a night sizzling spot, typically with tender dwell music. We additionally observed it offered a enjoyable day-drinking and cube hangout for these so inclined.

Apart from its designed function as a hangout for veterans and repair members once they sail on the ship, Heroes is the go-to sports activities bar, with screens tuned to soccer, System One racing and tennis throughout our cruise. The decor options real navy mementos, together with the Military boots of Deshauna Barber, godmother of Carnival Vista and a captain within the U.S. Military Reserve. It was the one bar we visited the place the ambiance obtained rowdy, however that was on the one Sunday of the cruise once we have been in a time zone that made NFL video games viewable — and the Cowboys have been enjoying.

Carnival Legend actions

Outside enjoyable on Carnival Legend consists of pickleball (free play and tournaments), basketball, desk tennis, a brand new minigolf course, swimming pools, waterslides and a splash park. On our cruise, the water sights have been enjoyable to have a look at, however few folks used them till the ultimate sea day once we have been again in heat Bahamian waters.

We gave the minigolf a strive on a relaxed sea day and would rank it as a median cruise ship course. It’s a good excuse to benefit from the view from Deck 12. Motion pictures on the newly put in seaside theater have been a nightly attraction for the handful of teenagers onboard.

We additionally loved strolling and viewing sailaways on the wraparound promenade on Deck 3. It has been a very long time since I sailed on a ship with a midship promenade that encircled the ship. The bow portion on Carnival Legend is enclosed by the Enchanted Forest. Exterior doorways lead into the forest straight from the promenade, however they have been closed all through our cruise. The workaround is to step inside on the most ahead set of doorways, stroll the forest loop and are available out on the alternative aspect the place you may step again exterior.

Indoors, the go-to enjoyable on our lengthy cruise appeared to be each day dance lessons and trivia of every kind. The ship had a resident caricature artist offering his drawings for ideas. We additionally attended a few nature lectures in the primary theater, and my aunt watched a cooking demonstration.

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Carnival’s on line casino, on Deck 2, gained flooring area and new slot machines throughout the ship’s latest dry dock when the on line casino bar was eliminated. No worries, although: Bar servers can be found all through the on line casino for service on the machines and tables.

Carnival has a wholesome Gamers Membership program, and Legend had on line casino hosts on obligation for many hours of operation throughout our cruise. They held nightly video games and drawings for prizes and will trade membership factors for present playing cards for specialty eating, picture packages or the Cherry on Prime sweet retailer. I notably appreciated that there have been nonsmoking sport tables and slot machines and loads of employees members who saved busy cleansing all surfaces.

Carnival Legend exhibits

Carnival Legend places on a variety of huge song-and-dance productions. Whereas these aren’t my favourite sort of leisure, we attended just a few. My aunt beloved the homage to the ’50s. Hubs was decidedly not a fan of the exhausting rock efficiency — however actually, any try by any manufacturing solid to hit Freddie Mercury’s excessive notes is considerably futile. We applaud the manufacturing staff for its unbelievable units and costumes. A magician, a juggler and “Household Feud Dwell” offered good breaks from the musical exhibits.

We discovered leisure that suited us higher within the smaller, divey, underground-feeling Firebird Lounge on Deck 1, which doubles because the Punchliner Comedy Membership. Regardless that we had the identical three comedians for all seven sea days crossing the Atlantic, the exhibits have been hardly ever repeated and all the time full of snickers. The membership turned our go-to spot following a little bit of after-dinner enjoyable within the on line casino.

Crusing from Tampa, Miami and Galveston, the ship presents four- to 14-night cruises to Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. From San Francisco, Legend visits Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii and transits the Panama Canal. European sailings embrace Northern Europe in addition to the Mediterranean.

On the time of writing, fares for four-night cruises from Galveston to Cozumel, Mexico, begin as little as $539 per particular person for an inside cabin and $739 for a balcony room. Seven-night Caribbean cruises from Tampa begin at $734 for inside cabins and $999 for balcony cabins. Twelve-night Mediterranean cruises from Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome), begin at $1,384 for an inside cabin or $1,924 for a balcony.

What to know earlier than you go

Required paperwork

When cruising from a non-U.S. port, U.S. residents should have a passport that doesn’t expire inside six months of your journey dates. Some international locations might impose further entry necessities. It is best to all the time verify the Carnival web site for up-to-date info.

Gratuities

Every day gratuities that cowl cabin attendants and eating room employees will be paid upfront on-line. The quantity ranges from $16 to $18 per particular person, per day, relying in your cabin class. When you have not paid upfront, the quantity can be added each day to your cabin’s onboard account. You’re free to tip further quantities; envelopes are offered on the Visitor Providers counter.

Bar orders, room service orders, spa and salon companies, and meals at The Chef’s Desk have an automated 18% service cost added. It’s possible you’ll alter it at your discretion, both on the cost slip if you signal it or in money.

Wi-Fi

After including Starlink Web, Carnival Legend has all-new Premium Wi-Fi out there on the worth of $23.80 per particular person, per day for a single gadget. I examined the Premium service and located it sooner and extra dependable than what we have been used to on most cruise ships, notably in the course of the Atlantic Ocean, the place many previous cruisers have reported a complete lack of service. I used to be not, nevertheless, in a position to make Wi-Fi calls as anticipated.

Slower and decrease bandwidth packages are additionally out there, together with a Social plan with entry to social media channels and messaging companies. The Worth plan supplies a bit extra entry, together with the flexibility to surf the Web and obtain emails. Solely the Premium plan is appropriate for streaming and Wi-Fi calling, after which solely the place sign energy is on the market.

Carry-on drinks coverage

On most cruises, Carnival permits passengers to deliver one bottle of wine or Champagne of their carry-on baggage on embarkation day solely. In any respect different ports of name, beer, wine or liquor can be confiscated and returned on the ultimate day of the cruise.

On our transatlantic crusing, the crew didn’t restrict beer, wine or alcohol introduced on board in European ports so long as we consumed the drinks in our cabins (or not less than poured it there). Bringing a bottle to any restaurant incurs a corkage payment.

Carnival doesn’t enable any water, sports activities drinks or tender drinks to be introduced on board in plastic bottles at any time. It’s possible you’ll deliver as much as one dozen standard-size cans or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks on embarkation day. You may be requested to get rid of plastic bottles at safety earlier than you board.

Smoking coverage

Smoking, together with the usage of e-cigarettes and vape units, is allowed solely in designated areas of Carnival Legend. Smoking is allowed on the starboard-side out of doors promenade on Deck 3 and on the starboard-side principal pool space on Deck 9. Smoking is allowed at designated sport tables and slot machines within the on line casino, however just for lively gamers. The on line casino just isn’t a smoking lounge the place anybody can sit and smoke with out enjoying. (I am quoting from the frequent overhead bulletins.) Smoking just isn’t allowed in cabins or balconies.

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Laundry

Self-service laundry amenities can be found on cabin decks, every with a pair of washers, a pair of dryers, a merchandising machine with detergent, and an iron and ironing board. Self-serve laundry on our cruise value $3.50 for every load of washing or drying and $2.50 for detergent.

Ship-out laundry service is priced by the piece until you’ve got Platinum or Diamond VIFP standing, which comes with complimentary wash-and-fold companies.

Electrical retailers

The newest updates on Carnival Legend included including USB and 110-volt retailers on the bedside lamps. Loos have low-voltage retailers for shavers solely. The dressing desk has a 110-volt outlet and a European two-prong outlet.

Forex

Carnival Legend makes use of the U.S. greenback as its foreign money. The ship makes use of a cashless system the place fees to your Sail & Signal card (additionally your cabin key) go on to your cabin’s account, which will be settled both with a bank card on file or money.

Consuming age

Solely company age 21 or older might eat alcohol on board.

Costume code

Carnival has a relaxed gown code, however with advised apparel for every night’s meal and actions. Shirts and sneakers are required in all indoor consuming institutions. Swimsuits with out coverups aren’t allowed in indoor eateries.

Acceptable apparel for the primary eating room and specialty eating places is primarily informal, however not sloppy or offensive. The night’s advised apparel is on the market within the Hub app and on the entrance of the each day FunTimes schedule. On our cruise, most nights have been listed as cruise informal, with three nights listed as cruise elegant. We noticed shorts, flip-flops and T-shirts within the evenings, even in the primary eating room and even on elegant nights.