Tell me about the Splendor

Hi everyone. Could you tell me whether a Brit would like the ship? Although I take reviews with a large pinch of salt they make for 'interesting' reading as there appear to be lots of grumbles, some recurring eg dirty cabins.

 

I've always thought of Carnival as party ships with lots of childish competitions (I'm sure I read about bellyflops in the pool type of thing) but would be happy to be corrected.

 

The Splendour is part of a larger holiday package including Navigator of the Seas and the Queen Mary 2 so very different. Carnival part is November to the Caribbean. Presumably at that time of the year there wouldn't be many children?

 

We've just come off the Breakaway which I actually enjoyed more than I expected.

I am a fellow Brit and am travelling on the Splendor in April if you can wait that long :)

I've done 6 Carnival cruises in the past and yes, you will enjoy them. There is definitely an element of "spring break" about it at times, and obviously you have to remember the comedy clubs etc are geared towards American humour which is different to ours as far as stand up goes, but still excellent.

As far as the ships are concerned, ive never ever had a complaint. Spotlessly clean, service impeccable, food amazing.

But, I've had an amazing time on all my cruises, yes it is a "party" ship in the sense that it is not a Cunard or P&O, it is a lot more relaxed (even the dining, men do wear shorts apart from Formal night) but it is still very elegant, and not being funny, put 2,000 brits on a cruise ship around the Caribbean, and there would be a belly flop or two :D

(Never seen a belly flop competition btw!)

Following! On our first cruise, in May on the Splendor!!

Does anyone know if the Splendor has Cabanas you can rent by any of the pools? And if so can you do it online ahead of time?

Does anyone know if the Splendor has Cabanas you can rent by any of the pools? And if so can you do it online ahead of time?

Just off Splendor. This was my 3rd time on her in 3 years.

-No cabanas by the pool at all. If you go on the Grand Turk itinerary, you can rent a cabana for the day at Margharitaville. Or if you hit Amber Cay, they have cabanas you can rent there.

-Splendor is no longer pepto-bismol pink. They have definitely muted the color scheme down since her refurbishment. I actually thought the "grapes" in the dining room looked tannish - kinda dull to me!

-They had a nice selection of dive-in movies playing -Sully, Suicide Squad, Ghostbusters, Central Int., Magnificent Seven, Captain America,Secret Life of Pets, plus more.

-No Guy's Burgers. Was not included in 2.0 upgrades. They now have BBQ upstairs- very good!

-Jocelyn at Mojito Bar was amazing, and so nice. Can make you any drink you desire.

Splendor is a very pleasant ship. I think you will enjoy her.

Question: Does the inside cabins have the mini fridge in them also?

Question: Does the inside cabins have the mini fridge in them also?

Yes.

We were on the Splendor in January for a casino cruise. Weather stunk but the cruise was great. We've been on the Splendor 3 times (4 in June) and I have to say the staff has been the best we've had on any Carnival cruise. Was never asked for morning or night service, got both. Our room steward kept our room spotless. Had clean towels when needed without asking. Bartenders that were still on from our cruise last April still remembered our names before we even got a drink from them. Love the adult aft pool. Always got loungers and the service was good. Really have nothing bad to say about the Splendor.

I love the Splendor & all of her pink ! There are so many nooks & crannies onboard. She never feels crowded. The blue & green tiled aft pool is gorgeous. There are several forward view outside decks. The buffet restaurant done up in copper & pink is probably one of the best I've seen on any ship. Definitely check out Rottiseree ! Cabin corridors have interesting Pop Art. Another favorite is the Atrium Bar. The multi colored lights remind me of that paper backed candy sold in candy stores in the "70's on Long Island. I enjoyed Glory too, but Splendor was my 1st CCL ship & she will alway hold a warm spot in my heart.

Thanks for this thread. Looking forward to this trip.

Can anyone tell me if there is an additional fee for the thalassotheraphy pool? If so, how much and do you pay by the day, hour, or the cruise? And is it worth it? Thanks!

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Can anyone tell me if there is an additional fee for the thalassotheraphy pool? If so, how much and do you pay by the day, hour, or the cruise? And is it worth it? Thanks!

 

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Yes, it is part of the Thermal Spa Package. I don't recall price but I do believe you can do it by a daily price instead of having to get if for total cruise. For me it is worth it as long as I do use it every day. However, on port days I am not as prone to using it.

Can anyone tell me if there is an additional fee for the thalassotheraphy pool? If so, how much and do you pay by the day, hour, or the cruise? And is it worth it? Thanks!

 

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There is a couples 7 day pass for $199 per couple right now on Carnival's website. I think you can buy day passes on board. Port days will be less than sea days.

We just booked the Splendor for August. Thanks to everyone who has posted about her. Can't wait!

I want to post this as a new question, I am missing the new thread, but as it is related to Carnival Splendor, will ask here: 1) How much cash to take on Carnival Splendor trip to Western Carribean? 2) Does anyone recommend any comedy shows (assuming they have some on board) 3) Is the game room crowded all time or is a certain better to go in and play games/ read books?

thanks in advance, first time on a carnival cruise, leaving in 3 days very excited.

I want to post this as a new question, I am missing the new thread, but as it is related to Carnival Splendor, will ask here: 1) How much cash to take on Carnival Splendor trip to Western Carribean? 2) Does anyone recommend any comedy shows (assuming they have some on board) 3) Is the game room crowded all time or is a certain better to go in and play games/ read books?

thanks in advance, first time on a carnival cruise, leaving in 3 days very excited.

The "how much money should I take" question is very fluid. Do you plan on drinking? Did you purchase Cheers? Have you prepaid gratuities and everything else? Have you paid for your excursions already, if taking any? Are you going to the casino?

If you're not drinking/purchased Cheers, not going on excursions/already purchased them, prepaid gratuities and not going to the casino, then you can get by your cruise with no cash on the ship. You will want to tip your porters, $1/bag is customary. You'll want to tip room service if you use that. But all of your entertainment & food (except specialty dining) is included with your cruise fare. You just need to pay for anything you do in ports and the things I've mentioned which are all optional. Some people spend $100+ a day on the ship, some don't spend anything.

The "how much money should I take" question is very fluid. Do you plan on drinking? Did you purchase Cheers? Have you prepaid gratuities and everything else? Have you paid for your excursions already, if taking any? Are you going to the casino?

 

 

If you're not drinking/purchased Cheers, not going on excursions/already purchased them, prepaid gratuities and not going to the casino, then you can get by your cruise with no cash on the ship. You will want to tip your porters, $1/bag is customary. You'll want to tip room service if you use that. But all of your entertainment & food (except specialty dining) is included with your cruise fare. You just need to pay for anything you do in ports and the things I've mentioned which are all optional. Some people spend $100+ a day on the ship, some don't spend anything.

Thank you so much for quick reply. Yes we did prepay our excursions, and don't actually drink so I was just worried about how much cash to take into ports there, and of course worried about thieves ( had read that can be a problem) my spouse wants to casino gamble but maybe you can use credit card to charge that? so can carry less cash?I was thinking a few hundred, your right, onboard, all paid (pre tips too) with credit card.

Thank you so much for quick reply. Yes we did prepay our excursions, and don't actually drink so I was just worried about how much cash to take into ports there, and of course worried about thieves ( had read that can be a problem) my spouse wants to casino gamble but maybe you can use credit card to charge that? so can carry less cash?I was thinking a few hundred, your right, onboard, all paid (pre tips too) with credit card.

If you have a credit card assigned to your Sail n Sign cards you will be charging any money you put on in the casino to the card. That would also be along with gratuities and any spending you do on the ship. As far as ports, it depends what you are doing. I normally take $100 cash and a credit card.

Just booked this ship for next Spring...following...

I literally just finished my review of Splendor today so can read it here and see some pics I took. This was my first ever review so not as detailed as others I've read ;)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2480305