Splendour 4-17-04 ~Review

Just got off the ship this morning about 10:00 am and had to be at work but 2pm--YUK! We had an excellent cruise. The service and staff were excellent as always with RCL. The food was good but not anything special. Embarkation was VERY fast. We arrived at the port around 10:30 and was on the ship around 11:15-11:30 I believe. You had to hold onto your carry-ons until 1pm when the barriers to the stateroom halls were pushed back. We had dinner at 6pm so we missed the sail away. We did see the Norwegian Sea sailing away from the port of Houston and past us. Later that night we passed up the Norwegian Sea to later see her dock in Cozumel with us the next day a few hours past the time of our arrival. I was EXTREMELY disappointed with RCL's new policy of NO turn-down service on the 1st night. They have the stateroom attendants attend to the dispursing of luggage so they are not able to do the turn down service. No lttle chocolate on your pillow, no nicely turned down bed to climb into at night and no Cruise Compass for the next day in your cabin (you have to get it yourself). These are the little things RCL's implementing that might one day turn me turn me away from this line. (I did confirm this with the purser) They're taking the pampering that they preach to you away-little by little. I hope this is NOT a trend and will go back to normal. The room steward did do a fabulous job though. The ship showed very little wear and tear. She was very clean and well tended too. I did notice that the windows outside of the ship were very dirty and somewhat hard to see out of due to the salt water build up. I didn't see anyone cleaning them, but then again they probably get that way rather easily. I didn't remember seeing the windows look like that on the Navigator however. We had a Cat F room on the 6th floor next to the centrum. Great location- easy access to the theaters and the dining room. We've had a Cat F three times before and don't mind it a bit(always prefer balconies though!). I had no problem storing my suitcases (all 5 of them) and had plenty of room for every thing. The room showed very little wear as well-perfect! I slept very well on the ship all 5 days. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] The ship had a slight vibration but didn't bother me one bit. Probably helped me sleep! I did feel a lot more movement on this ship than others I've sailed on. I heard from one of our group members that one of the crew mentioned something was wrong with 2 of the stabilizers causing a little more movement than normal. I took a non-drowsy dramine every night after the 1st night and never had a problem after that with sea sickness. I expect the ships to move anyways because they're on the sea [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
The weather on this cruise was excellent-sunshine every day! The Quest was a blast! There was always plenty to do every day-no reason to ever be bored. I really liked the Cruise Director Warren. He was very friendly and outgoing guy. Karaoke night was wild.( go dolphins!)Hmmmm....what else. Excursions: Cozumel-we did the Fiesta party boat and ending at Carlos and Charlie's. The rest of the night was spent in bed after dinner---too exhausted to stay up. I'd seen the Violinist before so I skipped her show(she has a great show). Costa Maya--Jungle Beach break. This was on a nice beach with great facilities and a restaurant. Volleyball,beach chairs, Paddleboats and kayaks were offered free of charge AND there was an open bar [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] . The facilies offered at Costa Maya's port was very nice too. Next time we go I might just use the port's facilies ,skip the excursion and save the $72 for the both of us. My hubby would rather drink water any way.

Question: My fellow cruisers from 4-17
Did you feel the ship was a little on the warm side??? I was always sweating in the theaters and never felt my room get really cold despite the thermastat being turned all the way on cold. I about died both nights in karoke---whew! It was hot!

Overview: I really like this ship for 4/5 day cruises. I'm sad to see her leaving next month. I would be booked once a year on a 5 day cruise if it was available. I like to sneak one in to tide me over to my yearly 7 day cruise. The Loyalty Ambassador said she's heard no word of a ship from RCI coming to do 4/5 day cruises. I DID,however, hear from the stage production Manager that there is gossip/talk of the Legend of the Seas coming here to do 4/5 day cruises. I really hope that comes true! The Loyalty Ambassador did mention of talk of a Voyager Class ship coming in 2006.
Anyways,enough of my rambling! I loved the ship,Loved the staff and I had on EXCELLENT cruise! I'm going to hit the hay! I'm pooped from working! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

RCI !!!! Please leave the turn down service alone!!!!!!!

Fantasy '94
Fascination '95
Enchantment of the seas '97
Rhapsody of the Seas '98
Rhapsody of the Seas '00
Enchantment of the Seas '01
Rhapsody of the Seas '01
Celebration 2-02
Adventure of the Seas 9-02
Jubilee 1-03
Navigator of the Seas 9-03
Splendour of the Seas 4-17-04
Grand Princess 11-13-04
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=2325FF&cdt=2004;11;13;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]  Grand Princess 11-13-04

Hey BirmanCrazy!! Long time, so see. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] Welcome home and glad you had a great time. That's too bad about the turn down service. Maybe it's temporary? I bet you hated going to work yesterday! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img] I see you'll be sailing on the Grand the week after we sail on the Rhapsody! Be sure to post a review on the Princess board! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Sophie
Counting down the days till we sail the Rhapsody! 12-5-04

Sorry...Got the date wrong. You sail on the Grand in November! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif[/img]

Sophie
Counting down the days till we sail the Rhapsody! 12-5-04

Birmancrazy,

Thanks for a good review -- bummer having to be at work so soon! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif[/img] I agree with you that to skip the turndown service for the first night is just too much penny pinching. What's next? Going down the hall to get your own ice ala Big Six Motel? [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif[/img]

Many cruisers have been through a long travel morning -- driving/flying/driving/getting transportation to pier -- that turndown service on the first night makes them feel they are on their cruise to relaxation/fun!

One of my complaints also is the salt spray on the plexiglass sides of the balcony (obviously, going to get on as we cruise.) I thought that windows were cleaned (port maintenance crew) when the ships were docked. The Cabin Steward should have an assistant (if they are overworked and unable to do all the tasks) who can clean the balcony glass with a squeegie. I did read a post by a frequent CC poster who said she "almost took a squeegie" onboard her long cruise -- so that the C.S couldn't say they didn't have one with which to clean! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img] I thought about that after a few cruises as well. We pay quite a bit more to have a beautiful balcony -- would like to SEE OUT through the balcony plexiglass. I believe that should be STANDARD CLEANING. Maybe I'll take a squeegie (kind you can disassemble in several parts this time [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img])

I hope that our cabin is cool enough -- we have had to turn up the a/c on all our cruises, and it seemed to really work well!

Thanks again for posting to advise those of us going soon.

Bookit

ahoy!! We were on that ship then too. (I'm the one who's father had a heart attack a couple weeks before and didn't know if we'd be going). Anyway...we made it. I looked for the blue bands by the pool bar Saturday but didn't see any.
We loved this cruise. Had a great time. Service was excellent. We had a balcony too. I agree that the plexiglass could have been cleaner, but definitely not enough to bother me. I didn't notice vibrations in the ship. The only time we seemed to notice much in the way of swaying was when the 42nd street theater let out and all of us were trying to walk out. It was actually pretty funny watching us all sway together.
I agree...the Quest was hilarious. We watched it but didn't participate. Were you in it. Karaoke was great too. I will disagree strongly with one thing though....GO SEA LIONS!!!!!!
Sorry I didn't get to meet you guys on the ship, but I'm glad you had a great time. I'm still in detox from all the food. We NEVER missed a meal.
Gina

RCCL site shows the Splendour comming back to Galveston fall. 2005. It would be good if we could get somthing for this comming fall though.

I wrestled with reality for years, Doctor, and I'm happy to state, I finally won out over it. (Harvey 1950)

Next cruise- Serenade of the Sea to Alaska- July 25. Roll call started!

Sorry, darn new rccl site. It has buttons out to 2006, (but in fine print) finds nothing and gives you other options. I was not checking the dates close enough.

I wrestled with reality for years, Doctor, and I'm happy to state, I finally won out over it. (Harvey 1950)

Next cruise- Serenade of the Sea to Alaska- July 25. Roll call started!

Hi Gina! This was such a fun cruise. I'm sad to see RCL not continuing with the short cruises in the near future. We had an outside cabin and the window was very "Foggy" looking from the seasalt (not to mention the large seagull "poo" going down the middle of it). It was there from the time we got too our rooms at 1pm til the end of the cruise. I wish I could've squeegeed [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img] .

We're now waiting for the Rhapsody's bookings to open up for July of 2005. Not sure why they're taking their sweet time doing it! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif[/img] I need to book another cruise---it helps cure the post cruise blues!

Fantasy '94
Fascination '95
Enchantment of the seas '97
Rhapsody of the Seas '98
Rhapsody of the Seas '00
Enchantment of the Seas '01
Rhapsody of the Seas '01
Celebration 2-02
Adventure of the Seas 9-02
Jubilee 1-03
Navigator of the Seas 9-03
Splendour of the Seas 4-17-04
Grand Princess 11-13-04
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=2325FF&cdt=2004;11;13;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]  Grand Princess 11-13-04

bump ooooopps! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif[/img]

Fantasy '94
Fascination '95
Enchantment of the seas '97
Rhapsody of the Seas '98
Rhapsody of the Seas '00
Enchantment of the Seas '01
Rhapsody of the Seas '01
Celebration 2-02
Adventure of the Seas 9-02
Jubilee 1-03
Navigator of the Seas 9-03
Splendour of the Seas 4-17-04
Grand Princess 11-13-04
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=2325FF&cdt=2004;11;13;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]  Grand Princess 11-13-04

<ahem>
Don't ya'll mean "Go Whalers?" lol

Bye, Bye Miss American Pie.... lol

I am looking back at some of my pictures already. But your right, the "glass" on the balcony was a bit dirty. I was so caught up in the thrill that I didn't notice at the time. But I definitely would have noticed the "poo"! That's just gross.
BCOS...didn't you love Luigi at the Karaoke? I thought he did a great job. The whalers made a bit of a comeback.
I'm ready to book my next cruise too. This time I will take my kids (11 and 8) and my husband. Rhapsody sounds good to me.
bye

Hi ya'll

Thats one word I picked up from this cruise. We had a blast. The Quest, the service, the karaoke, did you hear those 2 sisters!!!, they were awesome. I agree on the glass, and my only other complaint was that they didn't seem to have enough room attendants. On sea days, my room wasn't clean until 3!! I've never had that with Carnival. They did an excellent job, but I don't like my breakfast dishes there past lunchtime.

All in all, it was great. There was a bad vibration the first night, we were on deck 6, inside cabin. After that it was not too bad. There was alot more rocking than any of the other boats I've been on which I thought was strange since the seas were calm.

The weather was excellent, just windy. If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
Rebecca

Hi, I was wondering if there is a coffee bar, or a place just for coffee and pastries. Thanks

Yes, there are a couple of places on board where you can get water, iced tea and coffee all the time. However, I didn't ever see any pastries set out -- wouldn't that be nice!

Also, for RKardos1: I'm glad you learned about "y'all", one of the most useful words in the English language. Despite my screen name, I am a born and bred Texan and all true Texans cringe when they see "y'all" written as "ya'll". "Y'all" is a contraction of "You all"; therefore, the apostrophe follows the 'y' to indicate the missing letters 'o' and 'u'. (BTW, I'm not an English teacher, but my mother was!)

Wow! Your room not being cleaned until 3 would be a little irratating! My steward was great! As soon as we left they we're in! We had great waitstaff in the main dining as well. The quest was SOOOOO funny. My belly hurt from laughing so hard! I'm patiently waiting for RCL to open up bookings on the Rhapsody for July of 2005. (Go Dolphins! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img] )

Fantasy '94
Fascination '95
Enchantment of the seas '97
Rhapsody of the Seas '98
Rhapsody of the Seas '00
Enchantment of the Seas '01
Rhapsody of the Seas '01
Celebration 2-02
Adventure of the Seas 9-02
Jubilee 1-03
Navigator of the Seas 9-03
Splendour of the Seas 4-17-04
Grand Princess 11-13-04
Rhapsody of the Seas 7-?-05

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=2325FF&cdt=2004;11;13;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]  Grand Princess 11-13-04

Hi. We will be in Cozumel in December. We are considering the Fiesta Party boat for an excursion. Do they offer snacks at all on the party boat? How expensive is food at the beach? I have posted these questions on the Cozumel board but I have not received any responses yet.

Thanks,

Milissa

Enchantment of the Seas 12/2001
Adventure of the Seas 12/2002

Till we sail the Navigator
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;12;11;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

Sorry, Aussie, but as a born and bred Okie, I do believe it's properly spelled "Ya'll." [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img] Rather than joining "You" and "All," it is a joining of "Ya" and "All," therefore, as you would when spelling "I'm," you simply need to drop the beginning vowel of the second word, replace it with an apostrophe, and add the remaining consonants.

Were you to not join them, you would then properly say, with your best drawl, "Hay. Are ya all gonna eat for-mul, or are ya gonna eat in the Wee-und-Jay-uh-mer?" [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

The whalers made a comeback? We snuck out before that happened! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif[/img] There were four of us, and Luigi hollered and waved at us on our way out. My DH tried to sing "I Can't Stop This Feelin'," but it was in a key farrrrrr too high for his range! lol

All in all... a terribly nice, relaxing cruise. We had a great time. Much more R&R on this one than our last one (Destiny).

I do have to ask, though... did anyone else encounter a man named Tim from Florida who had missed his ship leaving in Costa Maya? He had been on an 11-day Celebrity and was none to happy being "downgraded" to a RC ship headed to Texas to get him closer to home.

Jewelhound: The Fiesta Party Boat does not offer any snacks just Margaritas,Dos Eqquis beer,Rum Punch and sodas and punch for non-drinkers. We ate a big breakfast before our 9:30am excursion. The boat came back around 2-2:30 so we went back to the ship and took a shower and had room service before making the trek to Carlos and Charlies [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]. They do have a large restaurant at the beach but I don't know the prices. Waverunners($?),parasailing($50pp) and Banana Boats($10 pp) are available to rent.Have a great time!!!!!!!!

Fantasy '94
Fascination '95
Enchantment of the seas '97
Rhapsody of the Seas '98
Rhapsody of the Seas '00
Enchantment of the Seas '01
Rhapsody of the Seas '01
Celebration 2-02
Adventure of the Seas 9-02
Jubilee 1-03
Navigator of the Seas 9-03
Splendour of the Seas 4-17-04
Grand Princess 11-13-04
Rhapsody of the Seas 7-?-05

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=2325FF&cdt=2004;11;13;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]  Grand Princess 11-13-04

Thank you for the information. Even though our trip is still kind of far away, I want to start saving for it now.

Glad to hear you had a great trip.

Milissa

Till we sail the Navigator
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;12;11;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]