Carnival Splendor to Canada 9/1/14 ... a ramble (with pics!)

So last June, after our Splendor to the Caribbean cruise, I did a kind of stream of consciousness review/ramble. I decided I'll do the same with our wonderful NYC/Canadian cruise. Feel free to ask questions! I'll answer if I can!

Day One

I woke up early (seems I always do when I don't have to) and was able to catch the Splendor sailing in on the NY Harbor web cam. As we've done for our last few cruises out of NYC we arranged for a limo (Limo Express http://www.limoexpressnj.com/ if you're interested) to take us to the pier. This was only a 5 day cruise (for an 8 day - the limo is cheaper) so it was a bit more than parking at the pier, but so convenient - great way to start a cruise or any vacation!

Heading down the West Side Highway - I can see the SHIP!

I wasn't sure how the traffic would be on the Labor Day holiday, so I told them to pick us up at 9:30-9:45 - the driver was a bit early - no problem. I'd been ready for at least a half hour! We usually cruise with family, but this time it was just DH and I. We were looking forward to having just the 2 of us and not having to keep track of a bunch of people!

People were leaving, and new people were arriving - it was chaos, as I knew it would be! We got inside and went to the right because the sign that said, "Boarding" pointed to the right. As usual we had people telling us that we had to check our luggage - nope! These suitcases were smaller than the ones we usually bring - and we don't check those either. After several tries at finding a place to stand (they wanted us to go upstairs and I didn't feel like taking the suitcases on the escalator, if I could avoid it) - we finally found a pole near the entrance to the cattle chute lines that they use for boarding.

There was a big sign on the far left with it's own chute that said, "Priority - Platinum, Diamond and Faster to the Fun!" That was us - FTTF, baby! Soon, we saw a small group of people being led by a woman in a Carnival shirt. They entered the line to the right of the priority line (a wedding party, I think). We gathered our belongings, and moved over to the priority boarding line. No one stopped us and there didn't appear to be anyone to check, so we walked up toward the Security scanners. About halfway there, another person in a Carnival shirt came over and said, "This is for Priority only." I said, "We have Faster to the Fun." She pointed to the scanners, and said, "Go right ahead up there!" YES!

Through the scanners so fast my head was spinning! No problems. No issues. They didn't give my wine bag a second glance (just 2 750ml bottles as allowed!). There was another Carnival person standing near some more of those ropey lines. I showed her my FTTF logo on our tags and paperwork, and she said, "Go right up to that sign up there."

That sign was alllll the way up at the top of the line of counters - near the door! YES! Another friendly Carnival helper, told us to step right up to the counter - special line for us FTTF folks! Took like 2-3 minutes. We had S&S cards and a Priorty Boarding card. We were in like Flynn!

We went over to where there were some people sitting and got ourselves a couple of seats. We sat there for a few minutes and I noticed that the man who was in charge of the seating area, seating people with Priority cards like ours in an area closer to the door (not like we were far away). I said, "we have Priority cards." He said,"Oh, then you can sit up here too," so we did!

This is what the waiting area looks like. This is from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal web site - http://www.nycruise.com/content/uploads/2012/06/90waiting1.jpg

We observed the people around us filling out Canadian immigration forms. We didn't have any - I don't know where they got them, but DH went back to the FTTF desk and got one right away. By the time we'd finished filling them out, and had them checked (I got an A from the woman doing the checking ) they were announcing the boarding of Diamond, Platinum and Suites.

I heard kind of a rumbling from behind us, and I saw a line of people following another Carnival employee. They filed past, and had barely cleared our chairs, when they announced, "We will now board Faster to the Fun guests! Just follow right behind."

There was a small group and we just joined the end of the VIP line - easy, peasy! Through the boarding photo area (DH steered us around - he was making a beeline for the ship!) and into the lines for the S&S photo, we went. Bing, bang, boom - we were through there, out the door and heading for the gangway! Few steps - uphill - and we were in the Atrium! All right - that's what I'm talkin' about! LOVE FTTF!

We wanted to book the Behind the Fun tour so we checked the Shore Excursion desk - not open yet. Off to test the "room will be ready when you board" promise of FTTF (and the real reason I got it). Up to deck 7. Doors are all closed. Sign says, "Sorry the rooms aren't ready yet, please feel free to walk around the ship, get something to eat or drink and we will make an announcement when the rooms are ready." - or something to that effect ... but then came the magic words, "Platinum, Diamond and FTTF guests, come on in, your rooms ARE ready!"

We head on aft to 7410 (great room BTW - I'll reveal more of this later!) Door is open - room is ready! We dump the bags, take a quick look out the balcony - George Washington bridge all misty in the distance. Weather is mostly cloudy - but no rain. Last cruise it POURED!

These 2 photos are from the Legend, but the standard balcony rooms on the Splendor are very similar. The TV was digital, bigger and on the wall, and we had no chair (DH was not happy about that!) And also minus my sister who is unpacking in this photo!

Room is standard Carnival balcony room. It's only a 5 day cruise and we don't know what the weather will be like going north instead of our usual soutn. We lock up and head for the Shore Excursion desk - which was just opening. DJ Fayder spinning (not that they spin any more - not even any disks to jockey) tunes - VERY good tunes - loved this DJ) in the lobby. We're first at the desk. We book the Behind the Fun tour (which I've done, but DH hasn't) and we head up to the Lido (deck 9) and some food and beverages.

Now, I have to tell you something that will sound strange - one of the things DH doesn't like about a cruise is eating. He's just not into food. I, however, am very much into the food aspect of cruising! I'm headed for the Mongolian Wok.

He's headed for the Liner Bar aft (which is now the Red Frog Rum Bar, but I didn't notice much difference). You could knock me over with a feather! THREE - count 'em only THREE people on the line for the Mongolian Wok - WOW! Thank you FTTF!

I'm up to 6 photos, so I'm on to the next one - follow me down ...

Day 1 Continued ...

I get my bowl (cellophane rice noodles, veggies, shrimp and Thai BBQ sauce). I get a DOD (Funship special) in a Carnival souvenir glass! And we are chilling out by the aft pool just before noon!

(I'm cheating a bit - this photo is from the 2013 cruise - but this is where we were!)

We were supposed to meet some non-CC roll call people at the Liner Bar around 2:30, but it was still early. We did some walking around and took some photos, before heading back to the bar.

Lobby - Atrium Bar

People who didn't have FTTF arriving (I'd insert a smilie but they count as images!)

Main Lido Pool ... They have tables set up for the embarkation/sail away day

Wasn't' raining so the cover was open.

Some kayakers on the Hudson - brave souls!

So after walking around, we headed back to the Liner Bar where we met up with some of our fellow roll call people. We chatted a bit and then it was time to head down for Muster/Safety Drill. We were at muster station H - deck 4. This one (different Captain and many different crew members) went really fast. I was surprised because our last one took forever! And we were moving before we got back to our cabin. No fooling around here!

So we're on our way and that's 6 pics - I'll move along (are you coming?)

Day 1 continued ...

Heading down the Hudson - Freedom Tower on the left - Jersey City, NJ skyline on the right

The weather was cloudy one minute and sunny the next - couldn't make up it's mind. I have a lot more photos than I'm including here. If you want to see them, you can find them here - http://cyberkatkreations.zenfolio.com/p8999177

This is the Intrepid Museum - which is next to Pier 88 (we left from 90 - 88 is the one they expanded to accommodate the NCL Breakaway.

We did the sail away on our balcony with some Zardetto Prosecco. I picked a port side cabin so we would have the NY skyline in view for the first part.

Closer shot of the Freedom Tower

And the Famous Empire State Building ...

And a close up of that NYFD fireboat

And that's 6 so I'm out. I'm also out of time, but don't worry - there's more - lots more!

Doing a great job on this review! Thanks for taking the time to write about your recent cruise...very enjoyable reading...will look forward to the rest of it :):):)

GREAT start Kat:D...I'm hooked!!

So we're on our way and that's 6 pics - I'll move along (are you coming?)

i'm coming! great start, looking forward to it, i've been considering the canada cruises on splendor myself :)

I'm in, too. I would love to sail from NYC someday! :)

Heather

Thanks for your review with photos! I am going on the Splendor in a year, 7 day cruise.:)

Ramble On Kat!!! :D

I just went thru your ENTIRE album.

really nice.

Especially like the pics leaving Halifax with the shadow of the ship being cast onto the trees (that looked like they were starting to change color)

OMG you saw the sun in St John and those bridges w/o fog!

Howdy pal! :D Forgot you were doing this cruise. Can't WAIT to hear all about it. This is the first time in CENTURIES (:rolleyes:) we haven't had a cruise booked and I am feeling way sorry for myself, so I console myself reading great reviews like yours! Bring it on! :p:cool:

Going great! Did this cruise on the Glory last August and absolutely loved it. Always been wanting to try splendor, so I can't wait to see the pics. Thanks for the review, you're doing a great job :D !!

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Great start! Already saving for a Canada/New England cruise for 2017:rolleyes:. Leaning toward Princess right now, but you never know Carnival could win out...got a while before those itineraries come out;)

Neat !!

Loving your review so far. I am doing this cruise in 30 days and cannot wait! Just looked at all of your photos and also booked FTTF tonight. The details you provided are giving me a great idea of what to expect.

One question...how much was the Behind the Fun tour? I think I would really like to do this since it is my first Carnival cruise. Thanks again and keep the details coming!

Deb

One question...how much was the Behind the Fun tour? I think I would really like to do this since it is my first Carnival cruise. Thanks again and keep the details coming!

It was $95pp - but I think it's worth it! We saw so much! You need closed toe shoes, no cameras, no phones, and you can't wear a skirt. There's a lot of walking and a lot of stairs! It's about 3-3.5 hours

We got photos with the Captain, a backpack, cap, lanyard, soap carving, and a choice of a Mimosa, Champagne or something else (I forgot the last) in the Steak house. We didn't get to see the Engine Control room for technical reasons - some kind of maintenance work - so they gave us a 25% discount.

Subscribing:). Sailing the splendor next year..we did Canada on the glory last year...7 days and would love to do it again. Looking forward to the rest of your review

I just went thru your ENTIRE album.

 

really nice.

 

Especially like the pics leaving Halifax with the shadow of the ship being cast onto the trees (that looked like they were starting to change color)

 

OMG you saw the sun in St John and those bridges w/o fog!

Thanks - I think that's my favorite of all the pics I took. The sun was setting on the other side and we were on our balcony - I looked up and I could see that shadow - I thought it was soooo cool! Some of the trees had a little color, but most were still green.

And YES we did have sun in Saint John!

Howdy pal! :D Forgot you were doing this cruise. Can't WAIT to hear all about it. This is the first time in CENTURIES (:rolleyes:) we haven't had a cruise booked and I am feeling way sorry for myself, so I console myself reading great reviews like yours! Bring it on! :p:cool:

Howdy - glad to have you along for the ride!

I'm in the no cruise booked situation, myself. My sister wants to do a family cruise in 2015, so I'm waiting on her. We're going to Bermuda again in July, so I have to work around that.

So I'm just going to let you sail out of NYC with us for a bit ...

Freedom Tower on the site of the World Trade Center Twin Towers (sad to be posting this on 9/11)

No sail out of NYC would be complete without Lady Liberty, of course ...

Down in the bay now ... Staten Island Ferry

The ferry and the Brooklyn Bridge looking up the East River

Manhattan fading into the mist - you can just see the Statue of Liberty above the glass the woman in the next cabin over is holding ..

So that's 6 - goes by so fast!

Howdy - glad to have you along for the ride!

 

I'm in the no cruise booked situation, myself. My sister wants to do a family cruise in 2015, so I'm waiting on her. We're going to Bermuda again in July, so I have to work around that.

Ah, Bermuda....no place like it on earth. :)I have to get back there someday! I am leaning towards Pride out of Baltimore in 2016. LOVE Grand Turk and HMC and LOVE spirit class ships and Pride is the only one we haven't sailed on. Plus she will be getting the 2.0 upgrades. ;) If I win the lottery I want to do a Liberty and/or Breeze cruise. Sure wish they would bring either of those ships to NY, even for a few cruises! :cool:

Day 1 continued (forgot this in the last post!)

We are at the Verrazano Bridge ... (I love bridges - I take LOTS of photos of bridges)

That wake was from a tanker or container ship that passed us coming in. I always recommend that people go up to the top deck as they go under the bridge - its fun to watch. But for this cruise - we just hung on the balcony

Whew ... made it to the other side without losing the Whale Tail

And here's the pilot boat come to pick up the harbor pilot. I love watching this. Tiny boat - great big cruise ship, and they just nuzzle up and take care of business. I admire the skill it takes to do this!

And the pilot boat leaves us in the capable hands of Captain Carmelo Martino to get one with our cruise

We hung out for a bit longer - mostly to see the Coney Island parachute ride and a bit of the coast, but I didn't take any more pictures.

We went in and finally got around to unpacking (always so hard to work that in!), and by then it was time to get ready for dinner.

I'm one of those who likes to change for dinner. I don't want to eat in the clothes I've been wearing all day. Nothing really fancy - mostly clothes I'd wear to work and we dress casual. I wore white pants and a black t-shirt with a beaded design around the neck and a teal shrug that has some sparkly bits.

We headed down to the El Mojito bar for our night cap. We found this bar convenient to the Gold Pearl restaurant on our last cruise so we found no reason to change.

This is a photo I took of the El Mojito on our cruise last June. It's where they do the Martini Tastings. I always get the Prosecco they have there - I don't remember the name, but it's the only one they have. I'd love a martini (Bombay Sapphire, dry with extra olives) but if we're going to have wine with dinner - which we usually do, I'd fall asleep before they brought the entree.

We were very happy to find that - although they were different people, the bartenders at the El Mojito take good care of you! Melody was wonderful. Always smiling, and remembering us - as a good bartender should! I heard from other people at the bar that she made a spectacular martini as well.

We had late seating - 8:15 - I was thinking about trying Anytime Dining aka Your Time Dining - but it seemed like it would be more trouble than it was worth. So we headed on down to the Gold Pearl about 10 after 8.

This sailing was not at all crowded. I can't remember a sailing with so few people. We met a lot of solo cruisers, so I'm thinking that they must have filled the cabins by offering a special rate. There was rarely a line anywhere. So basically when they opened the doors, we walked right in.

We had asked for a table for 2 for this cruise. We usually travel with family, but this was our first cruise with just DH and I and we thought it would be a nice change to have the 2 top. Funny thing is - it was the next table over from the huge table we had the last time. There were a lot of empty tables - I'm guessing that a lot of people who would have done late seating before ATD, are making up many of the ATD diners.

We had Richard as our head waiter. I found it odd that nearly every one of the staff members we met had names I could relate to - none were hard to remember or pronounce. Usually, I'm hiding a piece paper and trying to get the names off the name tags! Anyway ... Richard was great - he took good care of us!

I know a lot of people take pictures of their food, but I'm not one of them. I always mean to, but once they set it in front of my, I'm eating. I usually remember about half way through and no one wants a picture of that. If you want food porn go to http://www.zydecocruiser.net - he has the best food pics!

I do remember that I had shrimp cocktail, the salmon (from the everyday menu) and creme brulee for dessert. DH had the fruit cocktail and fried chicken. He loves the fruit cocktail (he's such an adventurous eater!) and he said the fried chicken was good.

We didn't do much after that - some wandering around. I had a cappuccino from the coffee shop and we listened to the band for a bit - Music Asia (I think - I have to check). They were pretty good and we sat until they took a break, then headed back to our cabin. It was a long day - don't forget, I started at 5am.

So I'll leave you here for now ...

Thanks to everyone who's following along! And for the complements! I will be back!

I'll just sneak our towel animal in here to keep you company ...

Ah, Bermuda....no place like it on earth. :)I have to get back there someday! I am leaning towards Pride out of Baltimore in 2016. LOVE Grand Turk and HMC and LOVE spirit class ships and Pride is the only one we haven't sailed on. Plus she will be getting the 2.0 upgrades. ;) If I win the lottery I want to do a Liberty and/or Breeze cruise. Sure wish they would bring either of those ships to NY, even for a few cruises! :cool:

We are most likely going to end up on the Pride in 2015 - my sister lives in Southern PA and it's closer for them. Always bugs me that when I price out ships from NYC, you get 8 days instead of 7 and the price is higher. I don't get it.

I love the Spirit class, too! And GT and HMC are 2 of my favorite ports!

Lunch is over - got to get back to work and earn my cruise fare :)

We are most likely going to end up on the Pride in 2015 - my sister lives in Southern PA and it's closer for them. Always bugs me that when I price out ships from NYC, you get 8 days instead of 7 and the price is higher. I don't get it.

 

I love the Spirit class, too! And GT and HMC are 2 of my favorite ports!

 

Lunch is over - got to get back to work and earn my cruise fare :)

I've noticed the same thing and I am a bit nervous about the 7 day because the 8 day is just so perfect. Kind of like on day 7 I am going to be getting ready for my last day at sea and packing and instead they are going to be throwing me off the ship! :mad::eek:

I've noticed the same thing and I am a bit nervous about the 7 day because the 8 day is just so perfect. Kind of like on day 7 I am going to be getting ready for my last day at sea and packing and instead they are going to be throwing me off the ship! :mad::eek:

I hate when that happens! :eek: