itzkaren

First....let me SHOUT OUT, THANK YOU to all of you Cruise Critic members for the wealth of information you provide on these boards!!

For the first time ever, we're flying to New York. We plan on staying 2 days before our ship sails on May 4th. What both myself & DH didn't give much thought to, until recently, was "Where in the world do we stay for those 2 nights???"

Since I've been a 'Hilton Honors' member for 25+ years, I always like to stay at a Hilton property. And, like Carnival has acquired many other ships/names, Hilton has done the same, with Doubletree, Embassy Suites & Homewood Suites to list just a few of their properties that don't have the word 'Hilton' in their hotel name.

After doing a bit of research before the 'light went on' to check here FIRST, I had figured that anything around Times Square area, the 50th to 60th Aves, etc, was a decent location btwn JFK Airport and Carnival Cruise terminal. However, I'm sure not used to the NY prices!! We have stayed in 4 + 5 star hotels in San Francisco & Hawaii....but the prices aren't anything close to NY! So here's the GOOD news! Because I've been a Hilton Honors member for so many years, I've accumulated 225,000 'points' to be used for a variety of things. For a 2-night stay in SF, I might pay one night & use points the 2nd night. For our 2-night NY stay, instead of spending $450+ per night, I've booked with my points, at 70,000 points/night. So, for 140,000 'free' points, we have our room at the Hilton Garden Inn at Times Square! for 'free', other than taxes, etc!!

Beyond THRILLED to be leaving is just ONE wk and a couple of days! We're taking the 'red-eye-', leaving California at 11:50pm (or midnight) and arriving at JFK in New York at 8:30am. Now...if we can get the 'early check-in' we requested...that will be an awesome start to our vacation!! And if we don't get an early check-in, they will hold our luggage, and it will still be 'an awesome start to our vacation!!! However, laying down for a few hrs after that flight will 'do a body good'. I've had 2 knee replacements & ready for the third. No, I just have 2 legs, but the first knee replacement 'failed' after just 3 yrs, and I had a total Revision surgery in 2012. That leg is still healing. And my left leg is beyond Bone-on-Bone for all the compensating & extra work it's had to do to keep me walking with the 2 surgeries to my right leg. Getting Cortisone injections in the knee joint every 3 months to wait as long as I can stand it, though it HAS to be done by the end of the year. Maybe Dec 27th??

However, seems like when I'm on vacation, I just don't notice all my 'ailments' as much :) Most of it is because, I'M ON VACATION, and I CAN'T help solve any problems at work or at home....I feel totally and completely CARE-FREE! And, a few DODs seem to work MUCH better than pain medication :D

For those that like to read.....you probably didn't mind my 'conversation-style' email msg. For those that like 'just the facts, ma'am', my apologies. You probably didn't read it after all!

Again, much thanks for the info about hotels, etc. I really felt 'lost' when I typed in 'Hilton hotels in NY by cruise terminal' and 120 choices came up! However, I can 'check that off my list'. I think a little pre-cruise shopping is necessary, tho. Just a little bit. I honestly have plenty to choose from if I just cleaned out my closet.....but that just doesn't happen to be on my 'to-do' list!

Happiest of days to all of you awesome Cruise Critic friends~

~karen

Hello everyone!

This is our first time to NY. We're taking the 'red-eye' on Jet Blue from California and arrive in NY at 0830a EST. We will be spending 2 nights at the hotel to rest & sight see before the cruise.

1) Which Hilton property is closest to the cruise terminal for Carnival?

2) What's the best way to get from the airport to the Hotel?

Thanks for any information you can provide

Warm regards,

~k

Brian....GREAT review....as others have said, I appreciate your detail and the format of the info. We are sailing the Splendor August 1st...just a few weeks and counting!

Did you eat at the Pinnacle Restaurant? Also, did you make a table req w/the Maitre 'D? We would like to request a table for 3...did you see any tables w/just 3 people? Just this time...we would like to spend time w/our daughter...have always enjoyed company of others at dinner...want to try to have 'time together' in the MDR this cruise.

I look forward to spending some time in the Casino too! Jan 2008 on the Spirit...I had great 'luck'....however, the best part was the staff and players were lots of fun to be around!

Thanks again for your info....any & all is helpful!

Gary....THANK YOU for the added 'details' about Randi's Happy Horses excursion. And just as you said.....simply send an email to her....I gave her our ship name....date we would be in Mazatlan....and our names/ages. Within 48 hrs, I rec'd an email reply from her....she said, 'Funny thing...the other group I have booked for that day is for a 'Karen' too!' She gave EXCELLENT directions about getting off the ship...where to walk...'passed all the pushy timeshare ppl =)" and look for her staff with bright pink signs. And....Gary gave the rest of the details.

I think it's $45 per person now..(paid in cash)..still a great price! And...have heard wonderful reviews about her friendly staff, gentle horses for the novice rider, and the delicious food at Victor's. We have booked this excursion...directly thru Randi via email...for our Splendor cruise in August.

Gary...I have a question....did you give Randi (and/or staff) any additional monetary tip in addition to the per person fee? Seems like it would be the same as any other 'service' provided...just wondering.

And....I also asked Randi if we had to carry our 'stuff for the beach' in a backpack while riding? She said, 'no'...there's a place to keep a bag with change of clothes, sunscreen, etc at a house while we're riding. But DEFINITELY want to bring the camera! The photos I've seen from this ride are amazing.

As always..........CC has the BEST info ever...thanks for sharing =)

Your time dining...the Black Pearl...upper level...ask for Putri or Camilo section.

Hi Splendor friends ~

We are 'confirmed' for late seating....however, I'm curious about the two dining rooms....the "Black Pearl" and 'other ?'.....what is the difference...and what would be your preference?

Our room is on Empress deck....midship...guess that doesn't matter much....regardless of room location....the MDR is 'not right there' :p

For those of you who have cruised on the Splendor...here are my ?'s:

1) Which MDR did you have?

2) Would you request the same....and/or do we have a choice?

3) If there is a 'difference'...what is it?

4) There's 3 of us this cruise..(DH, 18yoDD, myself). Considering requesting a table for 3. Experiences and/or feedback on that?

5) Table or 'booth'? I see from pics, there are tables for 4 w/bench seating on one side and 2 chairs across. That's also the 'walk thru' area....anyone seated there feel like they were in a 'pedestrian/waiter freeway?'

We've always cruised w/larger groups of family & friends, so were seated with them. One cruise with just hubby & myself...seated at table for 8 w/other couples and it was nice meeting others, tho just a 4-night cruise. Since this is 7-night cruise, and celebrating DD birthday & graduation...look forward to being together...at home...we hardly ever have the chance to eat dinner together w/crazy work schedules, etc!

Thanks is advance for any feedback....I look forward to 'all'...I imagine there will be a variety of opinions....that's what I love about CC :)

I just highlight what I need in an e-mail and then in the print instructions select SELECTION instead of ALL.

Gary...THANK YOU for the great tip! I will certainly pay more attention to what I 'highlight'....I was using my laptop....and didn't realize SO MUCH got 'highlighted'..and the 'Selection' option..it's one of those 'only happens once' kind of printer lessons (I hope!) ;)

I appreciate your help....and the photo links on your signature....going to view the Splendor now...thanks for taking the time to 'take & post' all those pics :)

Just had to share one of those 'omg' moments w/my Splendor friends. I was all excited about my 'copy&paste' helpful hints I have saved...so I decided to print them tonight......well....apparently, when I 'copied'....I got a little more than I bargained for.....I printed a doc that I simply saved as 'Port Tips'.....on 'fast draft' setting, thank goodness.

It printed, and printed and PRINTED...I didn't pull out the paper tray, so papers are 'flying' everywhere... remember the I Love Lucy episode with Lucy at the chocolate dipping candy conveyor belt...and the chocolates were coming out so fast, she couldn't keep up with them...she's stuffing them in her mouth, bra, pockets, etc??? That's what I felt like (and I know...I should know how to get into the dang computer and 'stop/cancel' print...but I'm over 50..that's my excuse...and my teenage daughter was gone) :eek:

I just started putting the printed papers back in, upside down..so they would print on both sides...just trying to save some of the paper....when all was 'done'.....it must be 80+ pages long (and half are 2-sided printed) ...and NO...I haven't read all the 'tips' tonight!!! Think I'll wait.

Just had to share...hope I 'painted a visual' to bring a smile to all your faces :) It was a memorable Cruise Critic Board moment for me :p

Will it help at all to know that we celebrated our mom's birthday zip lining in PV, and it was just 6 months after she had broken her hip and leg? Oh, and she was celebrating her 70th birthday? While a good workout, it was not unbearable, and the guides were terrific, helping those who needed it most with carrying gear, etc. I'd hate to see you miss out. It was amazing!

Wow....6 mos post-op & zip lining....for her 70th! What an awesome family memory you all created!! That IS good info to know...and I just might look into it more. I'm a bit 'shy of 70'...however, let's just say that I could join AARP:) AND... in better shape than I was 20 yrs ago! Working on strengthening my my leg muscles....which will help my knees. And...just lost 30 pounds....another 20 to go...and it'll be like I am 25 yrs old again :p...thank goodness, I'm a little wiser, tho!

Really appreciate this Splendor & port info..I agree w/Mike....CC is where I've gotten all my info on previous cruises. About 2 months before a cruise...I get back on the boards...and start reading...and 'copy&paste', then print and have a folder full of info...go thru...highlight....and by the time we cruise....I feel like I have the 'important' things decided.

When we get on the ship, the first thing I need to do...is request a 'curved-style' booth for 3 in the MDR for our late seating.....then...DOD in hand, dance a little to the reggae music and EXPLORE the ship!!! I just love those first few hours on the ship! Before that ship leaves the dock...I AM ON 'SO ON VACATION and have made at least 6 new friends! :D

Thanks again for 'all things Splendor....and the great port tips'....thanks to Mike's info...we'll be going to Stone Island, Lety's & renting ATVs...oh, and eating coconut shrimp:p

A PERFECT 'copy&paste' post! Thanks so much for the info! And re: zip lining....that 'long walk' before is good to know...and would most likely eliminate that from my 'to do' list! Although, healthier than ever, have some restrictions due to leg....I've just learned to 'live WITH it'....and know that 'what & what not' to do! There's plenty I can do....thanks again for the info...esp. about evening shows...those sound good too! And...hadn't even thought about Steakhouse....which night did you go? (since our itinerary is the same)

Also...(I keep thinking of other ?'s =) Did you ever watch the 'outdoor movies'? And....did they have the 'reggae-style' music in Lido deck for sail away? I always enjoy having a DOD and listening to the music....I get 'so in the mood' before the ship even sails!!! Some of our funniest stories are from the first few hours on the ship!

Yes we did, thank you.

This was my 7th cruise ( 4th on Carnival) and this cruise was probably the best one yet! Everything we planned went smooth. The ship is beautiful, clean and the staff was very nice. I couldnt find one complaint. Loved the ports, zip lining in PV was a great experience, Stone Island in Mazatlan was probably are favorite day. Hung out at Lety's were they let us use there bogey boards, rented ATV's for an hour and ate the best coconut shrimp I have ever had in my life! It was so good that I am thinking of booking the Splendor again just to go back for that shrimp, and thats no lie.

THRILLED to find this post! I 'searched' STONE ISLAND....read about that on another Splendor post...we're sailing Aug 1st...would love to hear about your cruise experience...here's a couple questions:

1) Is Stone Island where u rented the ATVs...and where 'Lety's' is? Is that all the same destination on Stone Island? (as u can see...I don't know a thing abt Stone Island yet!) ...and the shrimp comment has me 'sold'! We're an 'ATV family' (love Pismo Beach!)...so that sounds interesting too!

2) Zip lining....would someone who has had a total knee replacement (me) be 'approved' to do zip lining? As long as I don't have a 'hard landing'...I would be ok doing it!!! That's why I don't want to do parasailing...a little afraid of 'landing' on that 'new' knee! (8months post-op)

3) Did you go to any 'resort' for the day? Or hear of any good options for that?

4) ANY Splendor info will be wonderful!

I would love a list of 'don't miss this on the Splendor' from you!!! I'm keeping a 'copy&paste' folder of info that I will print and save...to help with making choices for our cruise activities. It's always helpful to review others' experiences/opinions....then I feel like I'm making a more informed decision. Nothing better than 'been there, done that' kind of info shared by others!

And...I like your positive attitude!:) I believe that when we treat people nicely...you get that in return. Have always had 'good experiences' on our Carnival cruises....and the 'not so good things'...have become 'faded memories!'...far outweighed by the GOOD! :p

Thanks in advance for sharing:)

I just re-read my post...said I wanted to ask '3 questions'...the phone rang...got interrupted....and couldn't remember the 3rd thing!!!

I think I need a vacation...=0)

First...it's so great to be back on CC...and see 'familiar names!' I recognize 'Serene' and several others. ..and really appreciate you sharing your info & expereinces.

Our 1st cruise was w/Disney out of Florida....all others have been w/Carnival....west coast (either Long Beach or San Diego)

I'd like to ask Three questions....(I've tried other places.."Roll Call", "Hotel Tips"...no replies)

1) Any info re: Splendor, Empress Deck, Rm 7312? There are 3 of us so decided to get a suite. I've read about 'amenities' etc...which sound great, and would love to hear opinions re: location of room....and any exp. w/Splendor, suites, etc.

2) Hotel suggestions for night before cruise. Hubby wants to park at pier...we won't need a 'stay & sail'....we have appx 6hr drive...want to stay in Long Beach...near the pier.

Thanks in advance for the info....it's exciting to know the countdown is truly 'beginning'...our daughter graduated...big family party last wkend, now...can start thinking about VACATION :p

I love these boards....and all of you....thank you for your help :)