Splendor June 12, 2011 Review

I'm new at this so this is a test to see if my pictures show up. You should be seeing My BFF's DD, BFF, Me, DH, BFF's SIL and BFF's GS in front. If it works I will be so happy and I will continue the review.

good picture, let hear more about your trip???:confused:

I'm new at this so this is a test to see if my pictures show up. You should be seeing My BFF's DD, BFF, Me, DH, BFF's SIL and BFF's GS in front. If it works I will be so happy and I will continue the review.

Yay

It worked so on with the review.

Friday June 10th - DH and I decided to start the vacation early and we headed to Carlsbad, CA on Friday. Our Niece has a place one block from the beach and she was out of town so she offered it to us. We arrived around Noon and went to quaint downtown to find some Lunch. Our Niece recommended Las Olafs and boy was she right, it was delicious. Then we took a walk around town and found a place we would come back for dinner. We went back to the Apt to rest as it was a little chilly and overcast and not a good day to walk on the Beach. About 6 we decided to open a bottle of wine and get ready for dinner. We love having a glass or two of wine while getting ready. We arrived at The Fish House and they have a Seafood Case right in front where you can see what you will be eating. I had the best Chilean Sea Bass ever!! After dinner we stopped at a store to get some Baileys for an after dinner Baileys and Coffee. We also grabbed some flowers and balloons to leave for our Niece for the use of her Apt. Then it was off to bed as we had to be up early to pick up our friends at LAX. They were flying in from Austin, TX to join us on the Cruise.

Saturday June 11th - Arrived at LAX a little late due to traffic plus they were a little early but they didn't mind waiting. Everyone was enjoying the anticipation excitement of Cruising the next day. We had all went together on the Conquest last year. Except for BFF's GS, this would be his first Cruise and he was so excited. We arrived a Hotel Maya which is right next to the Queen Mary and the Cruise Terminal. Our room wasn't ready as they were sold out the night before due to the Rock and Ink Festival at the Queen Mary. So we went over to Seaport Village to shop a little and grab some Lunch. We stopped at The Yardhouse for Lunch and a couple Mimosas. Then we took a walk Downtown to find a store to get some Champagne and Water for the Cruise. DH and I always take a 12 pack of water to keep in our cabin. We have a collapsable cart to roll it on and then the cart fits right under the bed. Once this was done we went back to the Hotel and were able to check in one room. The other wasn't quite ready. We put all the luggage in the room and headed to the pool to relax. Then it was time to get ready to go back downtown for dinner. We ended up at Island Burger, we have one here in Vegas but we've never been. Wow was that a good burger, DH and I shared (they'r'e big) the jalapeno crusted burger with chipotle aioli yummy. Then we walked around the shops a little and then went back to the Hotel. We all sat around the outdoor firepit enjoying the view and talking about our cruise the next day. Then it was off to bed because we wanted to be up early. DH and I are early risers so we decided to drive over the bridge and find a starbucks or something. There it was the the red, white and blue funnel. DH says his vacation doesn't really start until he sees it. This picture of the ship was actually taken in Cabo. I didn't get one of it at the Port.

We all walked over to the terminal to see how busy it was, it was about 9:30 by this time. There was just a handful of people walking around and there were no lines at the early checkin. A very nice man asked if we were cruising and if we were traveling together. Yes and yes we said, he then handed us a zone one and told us to go check in as it was about to get very busy. We didn't have our documents with us so he said keep the zone one go get your stuff and get back to check in soon.

We practically ran back to the Hotel, we couldn't get the shuttle because it was full and our reservation was for 12:30. So they called a couple cabs for the 6 of us and all our bags(BFF had 4, shes a heavy packer ;)). We got to the port in about 3 minutes and a porter was right there to take our bags. We gave him $20 for all the bags and he pointed us in the direction of the checkin. There wer still no lines so we were all checked in about 5 minutes later. We found zone one and grabbed a seat. Some of us wondered around the little kiosks and shopped. I was texting with my Nephew in Seattle. He and his GF were leaving for a week in Cabo that day and we would be meeting thme one day while we were there. Before long they were calling Weddings and VIPs, next zone one and we were on our way for 7 fun filled days of Cruising.

Sounds great so far, thanks for sharing. It's hard to keep reading all the reviews when the trip you have planned can't come soon enough. :)

Sent from my Epic Android using Tapatalk

Yay

 

It worked so on with the review.

 

Friday June 10th - DH and I decided to start the vacation early and we headed to Carlsbad, CA on Friday. Our Niece has a place one block from the beach and she was out of town so she offered it to us. We arrived around Noon and went to quaint downtown to find some Lunch. Our Niece recommended Las Olafs and boy was she right, it was delicious. Then we took a walk around town and found a place we would come back for dinner. We went back to the Apt to rest as it was a little chilly and overcast and not a good day to walk on the Beach. About 6 we decided to open a bottle of wine and get ready for dinner. We love having a glass or two of wine while getting ready. We arrived at The Fish House and they have a Seafood Case right in front where you can see what you will be eating. I had the best Chilean Sea Bass ever!! After dinner we stopped at a store to get some Baileys for an after dinner Baileys and Coffee. We also grabbed some flowers and balloons to leave for our Niece for the use of her Apt. Then it was off to bed as we had to be up early to pick up our friends at LAX. They were flying in from Austin, TX to join us on the Cruise.

 

Saturday June 11th - Arrived at LAX a little late due to traffic plus they were a little early but they didn't mind waiting. Everyone was enjoying the anticipation excitement of Cruising the next day. We had all went together on the Conquest last year. Except for BFF's GS, this would be his first Cruise and he was so excited. We arrived a Hotel Maya which is right next to the Queen Mary and the Cruise Terminal. Our room wasn't ready as they were sold out the night before due to the Rock and Ink Festival at the Queen Mary. So we went over to Seaport Village to shop a little and grab some Lunch. We stopped at The Yardhouse for Lunch and a couple Mimosas. Then we took a walk Downtown to find a store to get some Champagne and Water for the Cruise. DH and I always take a 12 pack of water to keep in our cabin. We have a collapsable cart to roll it on and then the cart fits right under the bed. Once this was done we went back to the Hotel and were able to check in one room. The other wasn't quite ready. We put all the luggage in the room and headed to the pool to relax. Then it was time to get ready to go back downtown for dinner. We ended up at Island Burger, we have one here in Vegas but we've never been. Wow was that a good burger, DH and I shared (they'r'e big) the jalapeno crusted burger with chipotle aioli yummy. Then we walked around the shops a little and then went back to the Hotel. We all sat around the outdoor firepit enjoying the view and talking about our cruise the next day. Then it was off to bed because we wanted to be up early. DH and I are early risers so we decided to drive over the bridge and find a starbucks or something. There it was the the red, white and blue funnel. DH says his vacation doesn't really start until he sees it. This picture of the ship was actually taken in Cabo. I didn't get one of it at the Port.

 

 

We all walked over to the terminal to see how busy it was, it was about 9:30 by this time. There was just a handful of people walking around and there were no lines at the early checkin. A very nice man asked if we were cruising and if we were traveling together. Yes and yes we said, he then handed us a zone one and told us to go check in as it was about to get very busy. We didn't have our documents with us so he said keep the zone one go get your stuff and get back to check in soon.

We practically ran back to the Hotel, we couldn't get the shuttle because it was full and our reservation was for 12:30. So they called a couple cabs for the 6 of us and all our bags(BFF had 4, shes a heavy packer ;)). We got to the port in about 3 minutes and a porter was right there to take our bags. We gave him $20 for all the bags and he pointed us in the direction of the checkin. There wer still no lines so we were all checked in about 5 minutes later. We found zone one and grabbed a seat. Some of us wondered around the little kiosks and shopped. I was texting with my Nephew in Seattle. He and his GF were leaving for a week in Cabo that day and we would be meeting thme one day while we were there. Before long they were calling Weddings and VIPs, next zone one and we were on our way for 7 fun filled days of Cruising.

As we were walking across the bridge to board I was so excited. It truly hits me right then that we are finally on our Cruise. We stopped in the Atrium as my BFF had to fix her sail and sign account. Her SIL had booked on his Credit Card but she wanted her own for her sail and sign. So while we waited we sat down at the bar and ordered our first drink, a mojito. It was so delicious and made with fresh mint, lime and simple syrup...and muddled. We then went over and purchsed a wine package and made our reservartion for the Steakhouse for Saturday night. Then we went to the Lido to get some Lunch before it got too crowded. After elarning about it on this site I looked for the Rotisserie above the back buffet line and there it was. Chicken, corn bread, cole slaw, mac an cheese and caprese salad. The chicken was a little dry but I was happy to wash it down with my 2nd Mojito. After Lunch my BFF abd I went to grab a seat on the deck and check out the two guys providing the music. The others went exploring. After about 3 songs we noticed that no one was giving these guys any applause. So after the next song we clapped and gave them a woo hoo. The lady in front of us turned around and said "Are you two drunk"...really!!! Well we just laughed and said no, not yet and she just rolled her eyes and turned around. We were on vacation and we weren't about to let anything or anyone spoil it. It was time to go to our cabins so we grabbed our carry ons and headed to our Aft Balcony Cabins on the Empress deck. We had 3 right next to each other, BFF and her fam had the connecting balcony. All of our luggage had arrived so as we all started to unpack DH went out to enjoy the view from the balcony. Then our Steward Renzi came by to introduce himself and DH gave him $20. He was the nicest guy, on our last night as we were leaving for dinner he complimented me on how pretty my dresses wer every night, what a doll. Now as always it was drill time, but as most of you know the life jackets are no longer needed. It was over in about 10 minutes and we were off to the deck for the sail away.

As you can see I had moved on to my other favorite drink, the Miami Vice.

As we sailed away everyone kind of went their own way, some to dance, some to explore. DH and I decided to go back to the cabin and rest on the balcony. We had late dining in the Black Pearl, so we all got ready and left for dinner. Our waiter, whos name I think was Kenny was very nice but extremely quiet. Our drink guy on the other hand was hilarious and so friendly, his name was Victor and BFF's DD got a kick out of joking back and forth with him. I can' really remember what I ate but I know we all had the chocolate melting cake the first night. We then went to the Welcome Aboard Show, hit the 21 tables for a bit and then retired for the night. It had been a long and exciting day and everyone was pretty tired.

Monday June 13th - Sea Day DH and I had coffee delivered and sat on the deck enjoying the morning. While the rest were still sleeping we went to the MDR to have some breakfast and decide what we wanted to do for the day. I love laying in the sun so that was my plan for the day. DH is more of a lay in the shade guy, so he was just going to roam around and check out the ship. It was a little chilly and overcast so we just kind of waited it out. By afternoon the sun came out, along with most of the passengers and the deck was full. We layed out and enjoyed the music and drank lots of water to replenish ourselves from the previous day:p. I then went to the cabin to have a nap before getting ready for our first formal night. Dinner was the usual Lobster, Prime Rib and we all had both and it was pretty good. After dinner we all went to see the show and I was so exhausted from the sun and the wine with dinner I left before it was over and went to bed. I wanted to be well rested for Cabo the next day.

Tuesday June 14th Cabo 1st Day - We were all up early and anxious to see Cabo. DH and I have been here before but it's been several years. We all gathered on the deck to enjoy the views as we pulled into Cabo. It was a beautiful day, mid 80's and sunny. We had tender 24 so we had a bit of a wait. We were off of the Ship by around 10:00am and headed to downtown. We had no excursions booked for this port yet. Aas we were walking we found a snorkel catamarran excursion for the next day and booked it. It was $35 for all your drinks, luch, snorkel equipment and a ride to Chilean Bay. With that done we walked into town which really is only a 5 minute walk, if you don't get stopped ;). Once in town we stopped and got some cold beers, I know it's only 10:30 but what the heck. DH and I were meeting our Nephew and his GF at the Giggling Marlin at 12:30. So we shopped a little and then headed over. BFF was going to spend the day shopping and the others were goin for a glass bottom boat ride. My Nephew and his GF arrived and we enjoyed a beer and thought about what we wnated to do. He asked if we wanted to go have the best Sushi he has ever had, of course we said yes. He lives in Seattle and has had some awesome Sushi so we were intriqued. We walk a few blocks to a place called Nick San. It was fairly new, extremely clean and modern. We had a Sashimi Platter that had halibut, sea bass, salmon, surf clam, and octopus. It was very good but the star was our other platter. It was yellowfin with a drizzle of chili oil and chopped serrano chilis...omg was that ever good.

Now we hopped in a cab abd went down to Medrano Beach. We grabbed some beers, took off our shoes and just strolled the beach. It was pretty crowded and everyone was having a great time. there were Vendors but a simple no gracias and they left you alone. We stopped at a little beach joint and grabbed some shade, and a few more beers(and a shot of tequila). We just sat there and enjoyed the day.

It was now time to head back to the ship and we were sad to go. We grabbed a Water Taxi and off we went but not before both DH and I dropped one of our flip flops in the water. No worries the guy drove roght to them and retrieved them..nice job.

well I know that's short but I have to get going. I will do more this weekend, have a Happy 4th everyone!!!

AWESOME! thatnks for the review so far. I can't wait to hear more.

Great review so far..... look forward to reading more!

:eek:Thanks everyone, this is my first review so I appreciate the positive comments

Wednesday June 15th Cabo 2nd day: Today we were up and ready for our second and last day in Cabo. BFF and her DD weren't ready so the rest of us took the tender over and stopped at a little place for a mexican brakfast while we waited. They had the best and feshest OJ I wish I could remember the name. It's on the right as you are walking and I believe it's the first restaurant. Anyway I had the best Chilaquiles and DH had a mexican omelet that was good too. BFF's SIL and GS shared a breakfast burrito that the meat filling was a little questionable :p. Once they ment us we went to the Tour Kiosk to check in for our tour. It was about 10:30 and our tour left at 11:30. DH stayed behind to browse the little markets and we all walked to town to do "more" shopping. When we got back it was time to board our catamarran. We sat on the top deck to enjoy the sun and get some pictures. As soon as you walk on here come the waiters to get you a drink. I think we all started with Pina Coladas...and water. Then we were off, past the arch and the Ship headed to Chilean BAy.

The drinks flowed and the music started and everyone was having a really fun time. We arrived after about a 40 minute ride and they were letting anyone brave enough jump off the top deck. I'm sorry to say I wasn't one of the brave ones. Everyone got off to snorkel but DH and I stayed on, we've snorkeled in Grand Cayman and this wasn't nearly as clear. So we just relaxed and watch everyone. After about 45 minutes it was time for Lunch they provided and headed back to the port. We had to be back early as the Ship was leaving at 3:00pm, ship time was an hour behind so we had a little time and didn't stress about missing the ship:eek: We made it back in plenty of time and walked back to the tenders. I think that night after dinner everyone retired early except my BFF and I. We hit our 21 table again. I think over the whole trip I ended up winning abut $80. We only played $5 a hand, we aren't high rollers. Her DH however played the slots and had a players card so the next day they delivered half a dozen chocolate covered strawberries to her cabin. They were soooo yummy. Well we didn't want to stay out too late as we had our ziplining excursion the next day and we didn't know it then but we were going to need ALL of our energy.

Thursday June 16th Puerto Vallarta - DH and I were up early and had breakfast on the Lido. The cook there really knew how to make a perfect over medium egg. So after breakfast we went to the lounger chairs across from the casino to meet the others. BFF wasn't ready again, she likes to take her time. We had plenty of time but wanted to get off the ship. So we all got off and walked around the vendors there in port. When she got off we found a cab and headed to the Collage Disco. That was our meeting place for the Los Veranos Canopy Tour. We had about 20 minutes to wait so we just sat on the wall with all the others and chatted. We asked the guide where a close bathroom was and he pointed to a restaurant up the street called La Tostada. When I walked in the bathroom :eek: I was shocked. It was in the restaurant but there was no sink to wash your hands. When BFF"s GS came out of the mens room he said there were ants everywhere and they were falling from the ceiling on his head. I was surprised to see that it was pretty busy but it looked like all locals. When we got back to the meeting place one of the girls was asking the guide where a good place to eat was.....he suggested that restaurant. She opted to walk across the street, not sure if she had already been there or not. So the ride comes and it's a open bus although it did have a roof. there were about 40 of us and off we went. As we got to the turn to head up the hill he stopped at a little convenience store for us to get drinks or snacks for the 45 minute ride. Lucky DH got us the Big Boy Tecates becasue the ride was a little scary. He was doing about 55 up the hill on a two lane winding road. DH said relax, he has done this many many times.

Well I gotta run DH is hungry and wants to go to dinner...Be back later all!

Love it! Can't wait to hear about the canopy tour!!

Please keep it coming and tell me more about the snorkle trip.. I dont snorkle either so did you think it was worth $35 ? My BF & I are cruising in 15 days and she loves to drink:D

Thanks for taking the time to write your review. We went in May and it's interesting to see just how different the same cruise can be depending on what activities and excursions you do. :p

If you are interested, you can find my review here.

I was interested in the canopy tour...maybe next time...looking forward to how it went. :cool:

Diana

Wonderful review so far!

We really enjoyed our Splendor cruise in May, and are booked to return next April 29th.

We love Mexico and always have a great time there. Can't wait to see the rest of your cruise!

Enjoying your review. I must admit reading about the restroom, is one of the reasons I don't like to get off the ship. I have the world's smallest bladder and hate it when I can't find a restroom. Was there one on the Catamaran? Can't wait to hear which canopy tour that you took and how you liked it.

Thank you for your time, it is a great review.

Please keep it coming and tell me more about the snorkle trip.. I dont snorkle either so did you think it was worth $35 ? My BF & I are cruising in 15 days and she loves to drink:D

It was definitely worth the $35, the crew is alot of fun and they have pretty much any drink. It's a really nice and smooth ride out to the snorkel spot...have fun! I'm jealous I want to go again.

Enjoying your review. I must admit reading about the restroom, is one of the reasons I don't like to get off the ship. I have the world's smallest bladder and hate it when I can't find a restroom. Was there one on the Catamaran? Can't wait to hear which canopy tour that you took and how you liked it.

Thank you for your time, it is a great review.

There was a bathroom on the catamarran although I didn't use it. I heard it was a little questionable becasue they asked you not to flush :eek:.

Thanks for reading everyone, I have read several on here too. It lets you relive your cruise and there's nothing wrong with that!!!

Ok so after a crazy ride we made it safely up the hill. The staff greeted us immediately and helped us all get checked in. These guys obviously love what they do and have a great time. They led us up a little hill where we all got our gear and some instructions. They told us about "sexy leg", they said when they tell us sexy leg we were to raise up our leg so they could attach the cable. So off we go up a little hill to our first zip line. Everyone turns right and me not paying attention, go left. I'm walking in the brush and everyone else is standing on the stairs on the right laughing. Ok great I'm off to a great start LOL.

The first zipline was a little scary but after that it was such a blast. Climbing the hills was a workout but it was just so fun no one seemed to mind. After a few ziplines the guys ask if they can ride with you. They get behind you and have, you let go and spread your arms and it's like you're flying. Then they tell you to hold on and they spin you around. Oh man that ws such a blast. There are 14 all together but the good news is after about 8 the rest are downhill, whew thank goodness. After you're done there's a little bar and restaurant where you can eat and drink while you wait for your ride. There is also a little zoo with some monkeys and such. This monkeys tongue was crazy long and skinny. All the kids got to hold it if they wanted and they were enjoying that. So our ride arrived and off we went, asking to be dropped off in downtown Puerto Vallarta.

I would definitely do this again, it was great fun and the staff is hilarious.

Yay

 

...shuttle because it was full and our reservation was for 12:30. So they called a couple cabs for the 6 of us .

Good review, could you tell me how much was the taxi fare from Hotel Maya to the port? Thanks!!!

Good review, could you tell me how much was the taxi fare? Thanks!!!

The fare from the Hotel Maya to the terminal was I think about $7. You could walk if you don't have alot of luggage.

Even though we were all sweaty and dirty from ziplining we wanted to stop in downtown PV. So they let us off right across from the local flea market. We walked through on a mission to find an ice cold margarita. We came upon a restaurant called Oscars. It was all open and very looking out at the ocean and the river was running next to it. We sat down and ordered drinks and two appetizer platters. Wow the "platters' had two tiny triangles of quesadilla, about four chips with some beans and cheese melted on them, a teaspoon of guacamole. So we just laughed about our snack and decided to get something else later. When the bill came DH and BFF's SIL handed them their credit cards and asked to split it. The waiter said their credit card machine was down. We told him we had no cash so now what? He left for about 10 minutes and came back and said it was now working..hmm. We had heard that they like you to use cash becasue they give you change in pesos. If you use CC your bank will charge it as pesos. Anyway we started walking and browsing through some shops. DH isn't big on shopping so he found a spot and said to get him when we were done(not sure about the cigs, he doesn't smoke but they fit the picture)

SOme of us grabbed another snack and BFF shopped and her DD and I had some laughs while waiting for her.

We were all pretty tired and in desperate need of showers so we grabbed a cab back to the port. BFF saw more shopping so we all sat at the bar and waited for her to grab a last few items. Then it was to our cabins for showers, rest a little and meet for dinner. It ws an early night fro most of us. Tomorrow was a sea day so we all decided to sleep in and meet on the Lido whenever we got there.......

I forgot that on the 2nd day in Cabo was the past guest party. The others were now past guests so we all decided to go. There weren't alot of people and we walked right in when the doors opened and grabbed a seat. The waiter came right over and DH asked for 2 champagnes, he only had one on his tray. DH gave him $5 and the guy never stopped bringing champagne. They had the band playing and there was a girl who came out and sang a few songs. She wasn't from the shows but she sshould have been the star, she was much better. After this we went to our balconies to enjoy the view and get some pictures. Our steward ws kind enough to take time from his hectic schedule and take a few pictures for us.

This photo was not planned but it looks like it the way we are standing in height order.

Of course we had to do the sexy leg!

The two Tims or Tim squared as we called them

Well the end is nearing and we only have two sea days left. I will be back to close later, I'm feeling sad all over again

Good review, could you tell me how much was the taxi fare from Hotel Maya to the port? Thanks!!!

I thought hotel Maya offer frees shuttle service from their hotel to the port is that true?

I thought hotel Maya offer frees shuttle service from their hotel to the port is that true?

It did, the OP opted for the taxi instead as she wanted to be at the pier earlier than their scheduled shuttle.

Thanks OP for the info.

Thanks for the review, I am leaving soon on the Splendor!

I also will be staying at Hotel Maya and have a question. When did you make your shuttle reservation? At check in, or in advance? I would like to get to the boat early.

Thanks for the review, I am leaving soon on the Splendor!

I also will be staying at Hotel Maya and have a question. When did you make your shuttle reservation? At check in, or in advance? I would like to get to the boat early.

We made them as soon as we arrived at the Hotel and there was no one on the list. This was about 10:30am, good luck and have fun. It's a great place to stay and the staff are all really friendly.