Carnival Splendor Review (overdue!!) OV 7 day Western

Well, this review has been a long time coming. I really apologize for the delay. Life tends to get in the way!

We had a wonderful cruise on the Splendor leaving from Miami January 4, 2015.

This review will be pretty detailed, however, if you do not want to view pictures and read a play-by-play then I will give a quick recap below. If you do want to read on and ask any questions, please do! My review will be pretty family oriented, so those cruising with children may find some interesting nuggets! I do these reviews because I have learned so much from others in reading reviews, plus- it is a way for me to re-live our wonderful cruise all over again!

Short Review:

• 7 Day on the Splendor was relaxing, fun and full of wonderful people!
  
• First time in an ocean view, and I liked it enough to book another in September! Didn't really even miss the balcony!
  
• No 2.0 upgrades on the Splendor; We did miss Guy's burgers, but loved the Indian section within the buffet.
  
• The staff was very friendly, even though we hardly saw our room steward.
  
• We went to 5 comedy shows on this cruise! The family shows were far less crowded, and in my opinion just as funny.
  
• I want to live in Roatan Honduras :D
  
• I could skip Cozumel- again.
  
• Dr. Seuss breakfast is well worth the $5 if only to look at the decor!
  
• As always, we enjoyed time as a family, time as a couple and time to ourselves on this relaxing cruise vacation!
  

Long Review:

Stay tuned, I will be posting an overview of the ship, our room, food, service, ports and overall day-by-day coming up! Full review with pictures coming up.

Sneak peak:

Room with a view

That is one big Ray!

Just monkeying around

3 Things on Splendor

Another fish in the sea

Will start the long review shortly!

Thanks in advance for reading and any questions, just ask and I will try to answer the best I can!

Kim

Can't wait to read your review. We will be on the Splendor in April.

Ok- on with the full review!

First, I like to give some background and introduce the cruisers! My family of 3 really enjoys cruising.

I am Kim and my husband is Steve. We even got married on a cruise :) Luckily, our son, Kerian, loves cruising even more than us and will be a “gold” cruiser on our upcoming cruise later in 2015. We have found it to be a wonderful and economical vacation that allows that mixture of family time and needed adult time all wrapped into one! We live just outside of Tampa, Florida- which is convenient for cruising. My husband and I both work, and often have to travel for our jobs; however we are fortunate to both work from home, so still get lots of time as a family too! We also own two rental homes (about to close on our 3rd!) so we are part-time landlords as well. When not working, you can find us at a hockey (go Lightning!), minor league baseball game, Busch Gardens, the pool, beach or we are just playing with Keiran who turned 4 in December.

We had just gotten back from a 7 day cruise in September... when... Carnival sent us an offer we couldn't refuse. (well, sent Steve an offer) One of those- pay $100, get $100 onboard deals. So, it cost a bit more since we upgraded to an ocean view room and brought a third person (Keiran). But, again... we couldn't refuse a second cruise and booked the Carnival Splendor leaving from Miami January 4, 2015.

I don't think we actually had a moment to breath between Thanksgiving and this cruise between the holidays, Keiran's birthday, my sister got married and work. However... somehow we got our bags packed, hotel booked, e-gift cards purchased for onboard credit (thank you Verizon and PLEASE get more in stock so I can buy so more!!), and ourselves completely excited to get down to Miami a couple of days after the New Year!

Again, I do apologize about the delay in writing this. Life has been just as crazy since we returned and I finally got my pictures uploaded onto my computer a couple of weeks ago and thought... better late than never for a review!

And... here... we... go...

Pre-Cruise & an evening in Miami

Once we booked, my father-in-law & mother-in-law decided that they wanted to cruise as well! They also talked FIL's brother and wife into booking their first cruise. It was turning into a family cruise! Unfortunately, my FIL had a sciatic nerve pinched and ended up with back problems... long story short, he had surgery scheduled for the day after we were getting back from the cruise and per Dr's orders, couldn't cruise. My husband's aunt & uncle still were coming, so we would have cruise newbie's with us, which was fun!

Although it only takes 4 hours from our house to port, we like to leave if possible the day before as we like to start our vacations early :) We stayed at a little “boutique” hotel “Hotel Indigo Miami Dadeland”. Near Dadeland Mall and about 20 minutes from the port. Not our first choice, but by the time we decided to get a hotel, it was the best option we had. The hotel was nice, clean and the people who worked there were incredibly nice.

We lucked out again on this trip and got FTTF two weeks before we embarked! In my opinion, $50 well spent. With FTTF, we definitely wanted to get to port and get on the ship as soon as we could to start the fun!

Our room with an Ocean View

This was our first time with an ocean view room. We have had balconies on our past 4 cruises but decided to give an OV a chance based on price! We loved it. Keiran especially loved sitting up on the window and looking out to the water.

We were a bit nervous about being on deck 2, but loved the location for debarking to ports & dinner! Getting on an elevator up to the Lido was never a problem and it was easy to take the stairs if needed to the Lobby or Promenade.

Here are some pictures of our room.

Keiran likes to decorate and I confess, I do too! We bring that blue tacky-stuff and take off everything before we leave the room. Also number magnets as Keiran is really into adding, etc lately! We also decorated our door & brought a little white-erase board for both our door and my husband's uncle's room to let each other know where we were/what our plans were.

I will never cruise without this. Great to stuff sunscreen, band-aids, extras, Camp Carnival weekly schedule, etc. in the over the door clear shoe holder.

First thoughts on the Splendor & first sea day up next!

Kim

OK- a few more OV room pictures- we really loved this room!

That window was wonderful to look out, served as a great spot to put room service tray, acted as Keiran's awesome seat to look out and view the water and I really did notice the “extra” room in the room. Don't get me wrong, I love a balcony... but we never used it as much as we should have and with Deck 3 one level up- we had a HUGE balcony virtually all to ourselves whenever we wanted!

A window seat!

An extra shelf! We moved the table & little chair under the window and had room service breakfast in here multiple mornings!

A full room view

Will try to get the first evening, overall observations of ship & sea day done tonight or at latest tomorrow!

Kim

[*]No 2.0 upgrades on the Splendor; We did miss Guy's burgers, but loved the Indian section within the buffet.

Slight correction. Kim and Keiran missed Guy's burgers. I prefer the burgers the Splendor has. Eating one of Guy's burgers is like eating a ball of grease on a bun. Not for me.

Everything I had from the Tandoor was awesome, with the exception of the "naan." Naan is in quotes because the bread was more like the really cheap pita bread that you get from the grocery store. That part was a little disappointing because I really like naan.

Excited to keep reading!! Thanks op

Don't get me wrong, I love a balcony... but we never used it as much as we should have and with Deck 3 one level up- we had a HUGE balcony virtually all to ourselves whenever we wanted!

 

Totally agree with you! Deck 3 is our favorite spot on Splendor! Never crowded and makes for a great picture spot. We were definitely disappointed when we got on the Breeze and found out there was no outside deck on level 3.

The Splendor!

The first afternoon on a cruise is always full of excitement and exploring! We had never been on the Splendor before, but were ready to explore! We boarded just after 11am with the FTTF and were able to drop off our bags in our room. We then waited for Johnny & Sharon (Steve's Aunt & Uncle) to board in the lobby. We allowed them to drop their bags in our room and then we all headed up to the Lido deck to grab some lunch!

I truthfully do not remember what we ate & when... but, I can tell you that our favorite places on the Lido deck for lunch was the Tandori Indian food place, the Asian Wok, and the grill with the burgers. (Steve actually liked these burgers better than Guy's burgers. They were less greasy, which was nice- but they lacked the “toppings” bar.)

After lunch, Steve, Keiran, Johnny & Sharon went off to explore and I went to see if our luggage had arrived in our room. Our luggage had arrived and so I got to unpacking! Not too much later, I was nearly done putting everything away and Johnny & Sharon could get into their room, so they came to grab their stuff and relax for a bit.

Keiran & Steve played mini-golf while I went exploring the ship after unpacking.

The layout was pretty familiar to me as we had been on other ships in the same class as Splendor.

Cards! I really liked the “look” of the casino with the big cards all over the place.

Pink. I know everyone said that the Splendor was crazy-pink... but we didn't think it was too bad. We actually kind of liked it. Sure, it was the same over-the-top décor as other Carnival ships, but nothing very different. Everyone has their own opinion though :)

Carnival Insulated Mugs -We also picked up these great cups on the first sea day that we used throughout the rest of the cruise for iced tea, water, etc.

I met our Cruise Critic meet-up at the Serenity Bar for sail-away. Kids aren't allowed in that area, so Steve explored some more with the little guy while I chatted and had a drink with fellow CC members. I only stayed about 45 minutes but it was great to meet everyone. We also set up the time for the "slot pull" the following sea day.

We had early dinner at 6pm and sat with Johnny & Sharon. I wasn't a big fan of how they fit our party of 5, but, it did work. They had us at a 4-person booth with a chair at the end. We didn't ask for a change, and it worked, but poor Sharon (and me!) who happened to get kicked by Keiran a few times throughout the week. Dinner service the first night we have found is always slow. But, our dining team were very nice and accommodating throughout the cruise. This first night dinner was good, and all other nights were great as well. Personally, I liked the menu on the “new” American Table menu on the Glory better than the Splendor for the variation of meals and options.

After dinner the first night, there was Camp Carnival 5 & under family party. This was a lot of fun for all of us, but especially the kids! Keiran ended up winning a “best boy dancer” and a medal. He was quite excited about that! After the family party, Steve took Keiran to bed and I went to the casino and had a few drinks & played some slots and blackjack.

We usually do a “every other night out” thing between Steve & I taking turns getting to bed at a reasonable hour with Keiran. A couple of nights throughout the cruise Keiran did stay at the “late night parties” so Steve & I could spend a bit more time out together!

First night & exploring done... next up... Sea Day 1!

Kim

Slight correction. Kim and Keiran missed Guy's burgers. I prefer the burgers the Splendor has. Eating one of Guy's burgers is like eating a ball of grease on a bun. Not for me.

 

Everything I had from the Tandoor was awesome, with the exception of the "naan." Naan is in quotes because the bread was more like the really cheap pita bread that you get from the grocery store. That part was a little disappointing because I really like naan.

FYI, this is my husband Steve :) Thanks honey for the clarification! And, I agree that the burgers on the Splendor are less greasy; but, they do not have all of the great toppings that Guy's does!

Kim

Excited to keep reading!! Thanks op

Thanks! I will try to write the next couple of days by tomorrow evening!

Totally agree with you! Deck 3 is our favorite spot on Splendor! Never crowded and makes for a great picture spot. We were definitely disappointed when we got on the Breeze and found out there was no outside deck on level 3.

Oh no! We are going on the Breeze for the first time in September. Bummed to hear that as we got an OV Deluxe on that cruise. Any other decks like it on the Breeze if deck 3 is out?

Kim

Can't wait to read your review. We will be on the Splendor in April.

Thanks for reading! I am sure you will have a great time! Just a few weeks away for you :)

Kim

I'm excited to read this, too! Thanks for taking the time to post your experiences, thoughts, and pictures! We're sailing on May 2 on her with the same itinerary (I think), and we are cruise virgins!

Thanks! I will try to write the next couple of days by tomorrow evening!

 

 

 

Oh no! We are going on the Breeze for the first time in September. Bummed to hear that as we got an OV Deluxe on that cruise. Any other decks like it on the Breeze if deck 3 is out?

 

Kim

Unfortunately, not really. They have the promenade on deck 5, but it's not the same. Much more crowded, but still a great place. Despite not having that deck, the Breeze is our favorite ship. You will love her. We also had an OV on the Splendor and loved it. We actually love deck 2 for the reasons you mentioned. On the Breeze, we had a cove balcony on deck 2 and really enjoyed being so close to the water, so booked another one for our cruise on the Magic in June.

Love your review so far!

Exciting so far, we are on her in June, 1st time w/o balcony for us too, we have room oceanview in front of ship, which was good till I read they don't allow you to go out the outside doors on deck 6 forward, so your tip on a quiet outside deck is very helpful.

I was thinking of booking a cruise on the Splendor. I have been on the Glory and the Valor, any thoughts on how the Splendor compares?

I was thinking of booking a cruise on the Splendor. I have been on the Glory and the Valor, any thoughts on how the Splendor compares?

I haven't been on the Valor, but I have the Glory. We loved the Glory. It was our first 2.0 upgrade ship and so it was "new" to us compared to the previous Carnival ships we had been on. However, the Splendor was a great ship too. I did like the food better at dinner on the Glory, but I think that all ships are now getting the American Menu rolled out. Plus, that is a personal preference.

Overall, the Splendor is really a great ship. You can never go wrong a cruise vacation!

Kim

So excited for a Splendor review! We sail on her in October so I am gobbling up any information on her that I can get. Thanks for taking the time to post this!

Steve & Keiran had ordered room service the night before for this morning! Keiran absolutely loves that about cruising, room service for breakfast! After an early breakfast we went and walked around the ship a bit and then did a morning trivia as a family (even with Keiran!). Steve & I really enjoy trivia on our cruises and Keiran likes games in general, even if he doesn't know the answers to the questions! But, he can draw or write with the mini-pencils and paper!

We went to the Dr. Seuss parade & story time this morning as well. This was really cute. You met at the aft (where they have the comedy club) on the promenade for the start of the parade. Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 & Thing 2 were there along with a lot of the entertainment crew. They got the kids pumped up about the parade, handed out tambourines and pom-poms to the kids, adults got the character signs and we all went on “parade” down the promenade deck past the casino, down the stairs to the lobby deck and into the theater. It was cute and lots of people waving and cheering on the side as we walked by. Keiran really felt like he was in a “parade”.

Keiran & kids getting ready for the parade

Kim & Steve in the parade too!

After the parade, all of the kids go up to sit on stage and the Cruise Director talks for a bit and asks for some parent volunteers. They selected a Dad from the audience to play the “Cat” and wouldn't you guess the mom was ME to play the “fish” in the acting out of the story “The Cat in the Hat”. He also picked two kids to be Thing 1 & 2. Keiran was really in shock when I walked up on stage.

As he read the story, “Cat” and “Fish” (me) had to act out our parts. It was very cute and he did a great job and ad-libbed quite a bit. I know that I got scolded a few times for being a bit too “animated”... “Fish, you don't want to HIT the Cat”! Haha. It was cute. The REAL Cat & characters also made appearances on stage and gave high fives to the kids.

Keiran wanted to go to camp after this, so he went for an hour and Steve & I went to the Sea Day brunch. Yummy. I really love the bacon mac-n-cheese. Steve had the cheerio encrusted french toast. They were both yummy and we had a nice meal and met some nice people at our table for brunch.

We had our slot pull with the CC group at noon today. Lot's of fun and everyone put in $15 and we ended up walking away with about $30 each! Of course, we had no wins for most pulls, but then... hit $500 on one guy's spin when we got the Wheel of Fortune! Yeah! It was fun and a fun group of people. We ended up running into a lot of the people from our group throughout the cruise and they were all very friendly...one of the things I enjoy about cruising, meeting new & interesting people!

We picked up Keiran and took him to get a hotdog and fruit for his lunch. If I remember correctly, after lunch he wanted to go back to camp but we insisted that he had a bit of “quiet time” to try to take a nap. I know that he did take a nap some days (usually due to sun & swimming!) but I think today was just quiet time.

After quiet time, more Camp Carnival for Keiran and trivia for Steve & I. We ended up with two ships-on-sticks and 3 medals on this cruise. Keiran also scored 3 medals from Camp Carnival for various “awards” including a family scavenger hunt (I will get to that later in review!).

Tonight was formal night. Will review that & evening next!

Kim

I sailed on the Splendor in August 2013 out of NY which was so convenient as I live on Long Island. My first Carnival cruise! I had an ocean view on the 2nd level and loved it. I also have only had balconies and this was fine. I'm enjoying your review!

Exciting so far, we are on her in June, 1st time w/o balcony for us too, we have room oceanview in front of ship, which was good till I read they don't allow you to go out the outside doors on deck 6 forward, so your tip on a quiet outside deck is very helpful.

Yes, the deck 3 both sides (port & starboard) have large decks with usually no one or very little people on them. One of them is also a "smoking area" and I can not remember which one. So do remember that if it bothers you. Have a great time in June!

So excited for a Splendor review! We sail on her in October so I am gobbling up any information on her that I can get. Thanks for taking the time to post this!

October should be a really nice time to go as well! We had never sailed in January, but the weather was nice. Not "hot, hot" but very nice! Have a great cruise and any specific questions, do not hesitate to ask!

Kim

I'm excited to read this, too! Thanks for taking the time to post your experiences, thoughts, and pictures! We're sailing on May 2 on her with the same itinerary (I think), and we are cruise virgins!

oops! I guess no where did I mention the ports of call yet! I will get to it in my review, but we went to Cozumel, Costa Maya, Isla Roaton and Grand Cayman!

You will LOVE cruising! (I hope, never met someone who didn't!) Just go into it with an open mind and remember that you can do as much or as little as you want!

Kim

I sailed on the Splendor in August 2013 out of NY which was so convenient as I live on Long Island. My first Carnival cruise! I had an ocean view on the 2nd level and loved it. I also have only had balconies and this was fine. I'm enjoying your review!

Thanks for reading and I am glad that you are enjoying it! I think that taking a ship out of the harbor in NYC would be amazing. However, since we live in FL- too many options close by to do that just yet!

Kim

When is Splendor getting 2.0? I'm thinking about sailing her next Spring Break or for summer vacation...but I want the upgrades.

When is Splendor getting 2.0? I'm thinking about sailing her next Spring Break or for summer vacation...but I want the upgrades.

Sorry, one question I can not help with! Hopefully someone else can. :)

Kim

Loving your review! I only just discovered Guy's burgers last November on the Freedom and did enjoy them, but I did miss the Tandoor grill that once was there.

Splendor is a ship that I would like to sail on. In fact I was briefly booked on it for a Canada New England cruise later this year, but the dates interfered with something I need to attend here at home, and only other time I could get away was end of October. So for me even as a Canadian:D too cold for that itin.

Now doing the Victory out of Miami, but I would love to cruise on the Splendor.

Thanks for your review, I am looking forward to reading more.:)