Carnival Spleandor May 8 (Mother's Day) Review

IMG_3959 by capndinghy, on Flickr

I am beginning this review from seat 5E as Dick and DeeDee sing “The Mountains High” to me over my Boise Quiet Phone Super Duper (and expensive) Head Set as we wing our way from DFW airport to John Wayne SNA Airport in Southern California. Today, Life is Good!

Bloody Mary by capndinghy, on Flickr

My wife Pat and I have discovered the great pastime of Cruising as we approach what is called 'the golden' years. I other words I have decided to blow copious amounts of my Retirement Dollars (or kid's inheritance) on Cruising in case I conk out in the near future. So, we traveled to Los Angeles to begin another sea borne adventure on board the Carnival Splendor. Our Cruise is to take us to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta on the Mexican Reviera.

This cruise was born when a coupon for 25% off of our next cruise arrived in the mail courtesy of Players International, Carnival's Casino Operator. Mind you, this is NOT necessarily a good thing considering the reason ($$) we received such a good deal. I will put it this way, my wife Pat enjoys Slot Machines, and Carnival is happy that she does, hence the Coupon. Our son, his wife and our new grandson are in Santa Barbara where my son is attending the Univ. of California Santa Barbara Doctorate program in Chemical Engineering. So, we decided why not combine our next visit with a cruise.

Our friend Betsy, whom we met on the Magic Transatlantic Roll Call was booked on the Splendor too, so we decided to join her and her friends on the May 8th Sailing.

Upon our arrival in Santa Anna we took the Super Shuttle to the Long Beach Hilton. The Shuttle fare was $16 dollar per person + gratuity. I 'scored' a room there of only $90 + tax via a successful priceline.com bid. This is a new hotel located only about 5 minutes from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal via Hotel Shuttle. Hilton hotels are a nice venue although I must say there are quite proud of their food and beverages. Pat ordered 5 potato skins from Room Service for which we were charged $23.00 (+tip)! With prices like that I should think that Paris Hilton could afford Panties. After seeing my bar bill, I am sure Paris could afford Silk Panties!

$23 Potato Skins by capndinghy, on Flickr

When we awakened the next morning a look outside the curtains and between the buildings revealed the Splendor Docked behind the Majestic Queen Mary.

Carnival Cruse #12 Spleandor and Teddy Visit 001 by capndinghy, on Flickr

After a $19.00 Breakfast Buffet (More undies for Paris?) we boarded the 11AM hotel shuttle for the 5 minute ride to the Cruise Terminal. The Long Beach Cruise Terminal was busy with both arriving and departing passengers.

IMG_3962 by capndinghy, on Flickr

We handed off our large and heavy suitcases to a Long Shoreman Porter at the Terminal for loading onto the ship. As is my usual custom, I was quite generous with the Porter. I have found that a nice gratuity goes a long way to ensure that my luggage finds it's way to our cabin in a timely manner. Contrary to however one may feel about tipping, these Porters can quite literally makes one's luggage either disappear or at the very least find its way to the very end of the loading process, so a timely bribe can never hurt. I am happy to report my $20 tip (bribe?) worked and our luggage was waiting for us when we arrived at our stateroom.

Pat and I found our way to the VIP waiting room just outside the Long Beach Terminal. After checking our names off we were escorted inside where seats, and cold beverages were available. The room was rather busy with one bridal group and other passengers who were back to back awaiting their re boarding. Within a few minutes Pat and I were processed by a cheerful Carnival agent who welcomed us back and whispered to us that since we were one of the few Platinum's there, she would process us first. As soon as that ever important Credit Card was swiped we were on our way with Platinum Sign and Sail Cards in hand and pointed toward the 'VIP' pre-boarding area. I must admit that my snobby nose in air look must have worked because I am pretty sure I notices some dirty looks from the poor regular guests lining up to await entry into the screening area.

Carnival Cruse #12 Spleandor and Teddy Visit 006 - Copy - Copy - Copy by capndinghy, on Flickr

We were whisked past everyone else as a group of perhaps 10 platinum's were escorted to security and onto the ship. We were so early that the pre-boarding photo op was not even manned as we sped past the empty camera. We were literally the 10th to board as we rushed up the Gang Plank and onto the ship. One of the fun parts of boarding is that one is that the waiting is finally over and expectations area about to realized once again was we board 'the boat'.

Carnival Cruse #12 Spleandor and Teddy Visit 008 - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy by capndinghy, on Flickr

Please continue:D

We immediately headed to the elevator for a ride up to the Lido Deck #9. Since we were the first to board the Lido deck was deserted for the time being. This was where we learned we were indeed in California where the do-gooders reign. Contrary to may do-gooder complaints, smoking is severely limited on the Splendor. There is no smoking at all on the Lido deck and we finally found a smoking area one deck up, out doors (in the freezing cold wind) on deck 10 aft. Where we met some of the nicest people who were of course, dreaded demonic smokers.

Spleandor Deck 10 by capndinghy, on Flickr

We ordered our Traditional Umbrella Foo Foo Drink and toasted our good fortune to once again be on board a ship.

As the Lido area began to fill with passengers I began receiving text messages from our Friend Betsy who was stranded in a mile long line attempting to go through the boarding process. This made me really appreciate out exhulted Platinum VIP Priority Boarding status as I read about Betsy and her friend's Snail Like Progress through the boarding process.

Looking down on Lido by capndinghy, on Flickr

Pat and I sat up on Deck 10 Aft and relaxed and visited with other dreaded smokers who were slowly finding their way to the Back of the Ship (where they obviously belong, second class citizens that they are). We enjoyed the music drifting up from the Aft Pool area and enjoyed the view of the Queen Mary Moored next door.

RMS Queen Mary v.1 (the original) by capndinghy, on Flickr

Thanks for the great review so far and the fantastic pictures! We sail in August, so I love reading about the Splendor. I look forward to the rest of it.

Great review so far. Hoping there'll be more. Sailing on the SPLENDOR for the 2nd time this Sunday. The ship was fine once before, I'm sure it'll be the same this time. Hurry, hurry, hurry. :D

You got some fans Captain.

Nice review! I can't wait for more!

I think we are down to 102 days till we board the Splendor.

I think Tom Petty said it best when he said...

♫♫ The waiting is the hardest part... ♫♫

Post more of the review soon!

Thank you everyone for the kind replys. I hope I am not boring you too much. I am attempting to show you the ship through our experience on it.

If you have any questions please ask away..and Betsy, feel free to chime it!

Around 2PM the rooms were made available so off we went. We located our Balcony State Room 8273 just off the Fwd Elevators on the Starboard Side of the Ship. My bribe to the Porter paid off because there were our two Giant (Wal Mart Special) Cruise Suitcases waiting for us. Pat was quite pleased to see a lovely bouquet of Mother's Day Flowers with her Name on it. (Courtesy of you know who. Nice guy that I am I add the kids names to it too).

Pat handed me my leash (a walkee talkee) and I was Technically prepared for our journey. Can you say Geek?

As we became accostomed to our stateroom Pedro our Steward knocked on the door and introduced himself. He is a very engaging and friendly fellow from the Phillipines. As is my usual practice I slipped Pedro a $20 gratuity and assured him that I knew he would take good care of us. Once again my 'generosity' paid off. Pedro took excellent care of us for the next 7 days. Trust me, don't be a cheap sake. These people onboard the ship work quite hard and depend upon tips as a large portion of their wages. (Most of which is sent home to the different countries) They are thrilled to receive a little extra here and there.

While Pat unpacked, I took off on a exploration jaunt, which entailed a trip to the nearest bar. I contemplated the Ship's new engines installed a few months previous after the near disastrous engine fire at sea in November. I am happy to report that after several libations I pronounced (in my mind) the new engines “fit for sea duty”.

It was soon time for the Pre Departure Safety Briefing which is really the Life Boat Drill, but some Marketing type too a cue from the airlines and renamed this all important drill something that does not put images of Sinking in ones mind. So with an image of the Titanic in mind, Pat and I made sure we were fashionably late. One never wants to be <gasp> early, or even on time for this all important gathering. Because if you are, you will end up squashed behind 6 rows of hot smelly, un bathed bodies and screaming babies with dirty diapers. Finally after about 2 hours of boring rhetoric (which I of course committed to memory) the ship's horn blew with a loud TOOT, and we finally sailed away!

Life Boat Drill by capndinghy, on Flickr

Our friend Betsy joined us on the (gasp smoking) fan tail deck 10 as we watched the Palos Verdes (my home at one time) Pennisula fade away below the horizon. There Ship was a gently rocking as we sailed into the sunset. We all hoisted our glasses in yet another toast to a Bon Voyage!

Pat and Betsy by capndinghy, on Flickr

Note from the Author: I know many new cruisers are afraid of the smoke they may be exposed to while on board these ships. When reading some reveiws I think many readers expect to find this kind of enviornment.

Yes there are smoking areas on the Splendor, but most are away from areas transversed by regular (non smoking) guests. As you can see, Betsy who is a non smoker, was having a great time time as she visited with us in the out door naturally ventilated smoking area. Why I never saw her cough even once. Thanks for being such a good sport Betsy!

IMG_3970 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

It was soon time for the Pre Departure Safety Briefing which is really the Life Boat Drill, but some Marketing type too a cue from the airlines and renamed this all important drill something that does not put images of Sinking in ones mind. So with an image of the Titanic in mind, Pat and I made sure we were fashionably late. One never wants to be <gasp> early, or even on time for this all important gathering. Because if you are, you will end up squashed behind 6 rows of hot smelly, un bathed bodies and screaming babies with dirty diapers. Finally after about 2 hours of boring rhetoric (which I of course committed to memory) the ship's horn blew with a loud TOOT, and we finally sailed away!

Life Boat Drill by capndinghy, on Flickr

I agree with you about not wanting to be on early or on time for the briefing. I like to be one of the last people there so I can be in front.

Love the looks the people are giving the camera.:D

Our friend Betsy joined us on the (gasp smoking) fan tail deck 10 as we watched the Palos Verdes (my home at one time) Pennisula fade away below the horizon. There Ship was a gently rocking as we sailed into the sunset. We all hoisted our glasses in yet another toast to a Bon Voyage!

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Pat and Betsy by , on Flickr

 

 

Note from the Author: I know many new cruisers are afraid of the smoke they may be exposed to while on board these ships. When reading some reveiws I think many readers expect to find this kind of enviornment.

 

 

Yes there are smoking areas on the Splendor, but most are away from areas transversed by regular (non smoking) guests. As you can see, Betsy who is a non smoker, was having a great time time as she visited with us in the out door naturally ventilated smoking area. Why I never saw her cough even once. Thanks for being such a good sport Betsy!

 

IMG_3970 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

 

 

Thank you for the humor! As I am a smoker myself... I am tired of those smoking threads! Great pictures and am looking forward to reading more of your review! I was thinking of booking the Splendor for next year...

It was a great spot and I didn't have the blow the smoke away once. I was up there a few times throughout the cruise.

Capndinghy - thanks for the humor and clever writing. I was on the Splendor in October just before "the big event". I enjoy reading about others' experiences on a great ship.

Great review! Any more information you can provide would be of great assistance. We're not CCL newbies, but are to Mexico cruising, W. Coast that is.

Flying into Long Beach and staying two night at Queen Mary. She looks great from the deck of Splendor!

Thanks again....

Great review so far! Cant wait till the part when the ship catches fire and your adrift off of Mexico with only spam to eat.. :eek: Oh wait differnt cruise...

Loving your review - can't believe we're waiting until fall to go! Do you have copies of the daily paper (it's the Fun Times, right?)? Would you be willing to scan them and post or email to me?

Thanks and keep writing!!

I am enjoying your review but I am hoping it's your sense of humor talking when you say the Safety Drill was 2 hours :eek: Please continue as I love hearing about the Splendor. We will be on it in 18 days!

Come back!!!! Don't leave us hanging...I am loving your review. We leave on the Splendor in 60 days, so I am absorbing all of this information! Your pictures are great, too! Thanks for taking the time to do this!

Great job Cap. It sure was a pleasure cruising with you. What a fine trip. I'm looking forward to the rest of your review.

I am enjoying your review but I am hoping it's your sense of humor talking when you say the Safety Drill was 2 hours :eek: Please continue as I love hearing about the Splendor. We will be on it in 18 days!

Actually it seemed like 2 days! - The whole spiel takes maybe 10 minutes, it takes about 30 minutes from the time they announce it until it is finished.

And it is nice to know where to go should the boat spring a leak and try to sink.

We had signed up for the late dining with our friends Betsy and Brian and their friends Steve and Marylynn and were assigned a table in the Black Pearl (Mid Ship) Main Dining Room. The food was the usual faire which I always find quite good. The Service I must say has deteriorated somewhat over the years. Our 2 servers were responsible for 3 tables. One table of 8, and two tables of 6. Although there were busy sometimes things did lag, I think because of the high work load.

One thing that did slow them down is the fact that my wife Pat has food allergies. She cannot eat anything with Glutton ie wheat. Carnival is very good at catering to these types of problems. The hostess was there every evening going over the next nights menu with Pat and made sure she was served the proper meals. I am sure this put an extra workload on our 2 Servers. I did give them both an extra gratuity in thanks for their extra works and service taking care of Pat and her dietery needs.

Our Drink Server Nana was excellent. As is my usually custom I slipped Nana a little extra when he brought us our first cocktails at dinner. Once again this paid off in Spades. Nana was always there and promptly served us with a smile each evening.

After dinner Pat headed for the Casino. I headed for bed. I love sleeping at sea and was out like a light withen minutes. Pat was busy feeding her slot machines until the wee hours of the morning. And thus ended our first day aboard the Good Ship Splendor.

Great review! Any more information you can provide would be of great assistance. We're not CCL newbies, but are to Mexico cruising, W. Coast that is.

 

Flying into Long Beach and staying two night at Queen Mary. She looks great from the deck of Splendor!

Thanks again....

Hi tulman:

We too are "Yucatan" sailors. The Pacific is a bit 'chillier' than the gulf and carribean so bring a 'hoodie'. The Mexican Riviera is nice. Cabo reminds me of South San Diego. I think you will enjoy it. Long Beach airport is a short Taxi ride to the QM. You will enjoy the QM, it is like stepping back in time.

I love your writing style. Looking forward to the rest of your review!!