Home from Carnival Splendor. What a great cruise!

Had a wonderful time on Carnival Splendor. I'm sitting here swaying. Makes me feel like I am still on vacation. :D

The ship is beautiful, albeit pink. Very pink. But I loved it. After a couple of days, DH commented that the pink zebra circles on the elevator doors looked like pink frosted doughnuts. He was right! Made us laugh every time after that.

Where to start...

Embarkation-

Since I love to start my vacation early and DH is used to me, we were at the port at 9:15 am. Right away we were given group 1 (Yay!) and were checked in, getting our Sail and Sign cards. Quickest check-in ever. Then we waited for embarkation. And waited. And waited. We were told that there was a problem with customs. But, being positive people, we made the most of the situation by talking with people disembarking and others waiting to get on. The ship was finally cleared for us at 1:00'ish, but cabins were not ready until 2:00. We toured the ship, had our first Kiss on the Lips, and sighed in happiness.

Cabin-

We were on the Lido Deck, deck 9, starboard balcony cabin. Awesome location, steps away from the pools and buffet. Our room steward did a very good job keeping our cabin clean and the ice bucket full.

CD-

Felipe was pretty good. (Still think Karl with a K was the best CD ever.)

Buffet-

The buffet selections were plentiful. Choices were Indian, Grill, Mongolian Stir-Fry, Rotisserie, Deli, Salad Bar, Taste of Nation which varied every day, 24-hour pizza, 24-hour ice cream. Loved the de Chevre pizza, didn't care for the Mongolian stir-fry. Tried everything else. (But not the salad bar. Hence the five pound weight gain!)

MDR-

Most nights the selections were very good. There was one night that nothing really floated my boat, so I ordered chicken. It was tasty. Elegant nights were Monday and Friday. Service was very good. The waiter learned our names right away and always addressed us as Mr. John and Mrs. Jane. Bar server came the first night only and never again. DH wanted wine with dinner. He asked the asst. waiter, but the bar server never showed.

Pools-

The aft pool deck was not too big. For the first time in eight cruises, we had horrible chair hogs. (I guess we were lucky the first seven times.) There was a large group of about 20 who took up all the deck chairs by the back railing. We went out around 7:30 and found towels, shoes, books on every one of them. The people would trickle in over the next couple of hours. Then they started drinking. And drinking. And drinking, becoming more obnoxious as the days went. We sat out of the way, but they were everywhere and hard to escape.

The center Lido pool was always filled with children. The big screen was constantly on, starting with CNN in the morning and tropical scenes and music for most of the day afterwards. The roof was closed on the first and last days.

There was one more pool on deck 11, but it was very small. We were never up there so I cannot comment.

Kids-

There were over 900 on this sailing. That was the most we have ever had on a ship, even the one summer cruise we took. These darlings thought the cruise ship was a playground and ran everywhere. As we used the stairs to get from deck to deck, we could hear the elephant-patter on the decks above us. The were also shouting to each other constantly. Being on deck 9, there were not many cabins, so, thankfully, not much foot traffic.

Cabo, day 1-

We took a private snorkeling tour through Pez Gato. Fantastic tour! Sailed on a catamaran to get around Land's End. Drinks were flowing. Ship-made salsa, guacamole, and sandwiches were served after snorkeling. Delicious. Fantastic service from the crew.

Cabo, day 2-

We booked a last minute Salsa and Salsa tour through the ship. What fun. More drinks flowed. We made six different salsas, including a dessert salsa. We also made margaritas from scratch. We ate so much that we didn't eat again until dinner. :eek:

Puerto Vallarta-

LOVED this port. We took a taxi to downtown and shopped till we dropped. Went back to the ship for lunch and pool time. We booked Rhythms of the Night through the ship. WOW! What a fantastic excursion. I equate it to what I think a Luau would be (Hope to cruise to Hawaii some day.)-cultural food and show of dance and costumes.

Two days at sea at the end of the cruise were wonderful!

Behind the Fun Tour-

We booked this the minute we got onto the ship because it is limited to 16. OMG, it was amazing! We saw the crew deck and rec room, staff galleys, behind the stage, main galley, engine control room, the bridge. Yes, the actual bridge! That was the high point for both DH and me. The captain was very welcoming and answered every question we had. The navigator explained the radar. There was a ship off the port side. The navigator tapped the radar and up came the ship's name. Tapped again and its stats and destination came up. The view was 22 miles from all sides. Then the earth's shape took over and we could see no more beyond. The tour lasted almost four hours and was worth every penny. ($95 pp)

Service-

Everyone we encountered was friendly.

Shows-

We do not care for the main shows, so I cannot comment.

Punchliner Club-

There were two comedians for the beginning of the cruise. There were family-friendly shows early and R-rated shows at night. One of the comedians was hysterical; the other one was terrible. Two new guys came on halfway through. Again, one was very funny and the other not so much.

Smoking-

MY OPINION ONLY!!! This was the second least smokiest ship we have sailed. (Paradise was a non-smoking ship back in 2000.) The only places that smoking was allowed were the sports bar, the starboard side of the Lido deck, parts of the casino, and the cabins and balconies. Being non-smokers, and having asthma myself, I loved the lack of cigarette smoke. Even the piano bar was smoke free. And it was absolutely packed every single night. (Hear that Carnival beards?!?!)

I am sure I am forgetting a lot. I am happy to answer any questions.

Wow! Thanks for the great synopsis! :) We did the Spirit 9 day back in March and we also LOVED Puerto Vallarta!

I'm thinking about taking a solo cruise on the Splendor in October. What you say about the smoking makes me VERY happy! I thought the Spirit was a bit too smokey...glad to hear the Splendor is better in that respect.

I'm definitely doing the "Behind the Scenes" tour next cruise I take...I've heard nothing but positive reviews of it.

Thanks for the great review...short, sweet and to the point! Perfect! :)

great job

Wonderful!

Thanks so much. I love the Splendor... what a beautiful ship!!!

:)

(Still think Karl with a K was the best CD ever.)

 

Me too! I want to go on Victory again just to see him! Glad you enjoyed Splendor.

Over 900 kids? Oh my gosh. You sailed on 4/3 so I'm assuming it must have been for spring break? I hope there won't be that many in early May.

Sorry to hear about the chair hogs. I've read that it's typical on the Splendor. That's too bad.

You said there was smoking allowed on Lido deck, starboard. Others have said that there is no smoking on Lido, that you had to go up to deck 10. Can you confirm this? Is the Mongolian stir-fry place the same as the Tandoor grill (I think that's the name). Others have said that one of these specialty buffets is supposed to be really good, but not sure which one it is or the correct name.

Did you talk to anyone that had VIP boarding? Did they have to wait long as well? Every review I read says that people had to wait quite a while to board. Is this typical? It's starting to sound like it. I wonder why it's so slow at the Long Beach port.

Sounds like you had a great time.:D I'll be going in a few weeks for the first time (on Splendor). Thank you so much for your review. It was great.

Sorry, I have one more question. Do you still have your Fun Times? Can you tell me how many trivia games they had each day? I'm going with my elderly parents and they LOVE trivia. This will be their first time on Carnival, so I'm hoping they'll have lots of trivia for them.

Thanks for your amazing review, we are cruising aboard the Splendor in 12 days and I'm glad to finally read a great review of the ship/cruise. More recent reviews were very negative about this cruise and I was beginning to worry. They did encounter stormy weather and an ill passenger, losing a day in Cabo. Perhaps this swayed their reviews in a negative direction.

Anyhow, quick question. I live in Long Beach and was planning on checking in and boarding until 1 pm-ish, do you think this time frame would be ok and hopefully we can skip the lines?

Thanks again for your input! :)

It always pleases me to see a positive Splendor review!

hey, which night did you find nothing interesting on your dinner? I am asking because I'm trying to figure out which night i want to book the steakhouse.

thanks for any help.

Mark

Thanks for such a nice review on your recent Splendor Cruise. It was quite informative since we just booked her at the last minute for a May 8 cruise. I guess I will get up early to beat the other Chair Hogs. LOL :D

Something really needs to be done to stop that! They make everyone follow the no bring your won Booze Rule..They can sure as heck enforce the 30 minute empty chair rule! Oh well..off my soap box before I get another demerit from the censors. Thanks again for posting such a good review.

Over 900 kids? Oh my gosh. You sailed on 4/3 so I'm assuming it must have been for spring break? I hope there won't be that many in early May.

 

Sorry to hear about the chair hogs. I've read that it's typical on the Splendor. That's too bad.

 

You said there was smoking allowed on Lido deck, starboard. Others have said that there is no smoking on Lido, that you had to go up to deck 10. Can you confirm this? Is the Mongolian stir-fry place the same as the Tandoor grill (I think that's the name). Others have said that one of these specialty buffets is supposed to be really good, but not sure which one it is or the correct name.

 

Did you talk to anyone that had VIP boarding? Did they have to wait long as well? Every review I read says that people had to wait quite a while to board. Is this typical? It's starting to sound like it. I wonder why it's so slow at the Long Beach port.

 

Sounds like you had a great time.:D I'll be going in a few weeks for the first time (on Splendor). Thank you so much for your review. It was great.

We sailed Splendor 10/2009. My best recollection , no smoking on Lido. We had to go deck 10, aft starboard to smoke.

The Tandoor grill is Lido aft port side. Really good stuff. Not many people go there, so lines are none.

The Mongolian Wok station, I think, Is in the Lido buffet area. Really good until folks realize it's there. Then the lines get really long.

The Rotisserie is tucked away above the aft part of the Lido buffet. Really good chicken and fixing's. Most of the time it is deserted, nobody Knows it's there.

Hopefully sailing her again 10/2011, just to refresh my memory!

Thanks for having a great cruise and sharing with us. All of us waiting to sail love to hear about what a wonderful trip you had, makes us more excited for our own!! Great review, so glad the food was good. Did you try the steakhouse or any spa stuff??? How long were those Lido lines on average?

Thanks for the great review!

We are getting really excited about Splendor.

My DH wants to know if the R rated comic was funny or not.

I am more interested in the family comedian.

We are really psyched for the piano bar not being smoking! Last may on Conquest it looked really fun, but the smoke from it even filled up the hallway, and I just couldn't do it.

Over 900 kids? Oh my gosh. You sailed on 4/3 so I'm assuming it must have been for spring break? I hope there won't be that many in early May.

We met a lot of people from the mid-west, where I guess last week was spring break.

Sorry to hear about the chair hogs. I've read that it's typical on the Splendor. That's too bad.

Sadly, I never saw security in the morning, so there really was no one to tell.

You said there was smoking allowed on Lido deck, starboard. Others have said that there is no smoking on Lido, that you had to go up to deck 10. Can you confirm this?

According to the Fun Times, which I am holding in my hand right now: "Smoking Areas-Smoking is permitted in the Our House Sports Bar and the starboard (right) side of the open decks 10 & 11 only. Cigar smoking is only permitted on the Robusto Cigar Bar located on deck , mid. Please note that all Spa Suites are smoke-free. The casino is a non-smoking lounge when closed. When open, smoking is limited, and only permitted while playing at designated slot machines and game tables."

Is the Mongolian stir-fry place the same as the Tandoor grill (I think that's the name). Others have said that one of these specialty buffets is supposed to be really good, but not sure which one it is or the correct name.

Nope. The Mongolian Grill is Asian food and is located inside. The Tandoori, Indian, is located outside on the starboard side by the aft pool. And you have to try the mac and cheese at the rotisserie. When you go inside, there is a center dessert section. Look behind it and up; there is a staircase. Go up, and there it is.

Did you talk to anyone that had VIP boarding? Did they have to wait long as well? Every review I read says that people had to wait quite a while to board. Is this typical? It's starting to sound like it. I wonder why it's so slow at the Long Beach port.

It did take quite a while to board. There was a lane outside for VIPs to wait, but everyone got mixed up. There was an order to the chaos, though. First, wedding people and their guests were called, then travel agents who only toured the ship. After that was those who needed assistance, then VIP, then the rest of us peons. :p We were on board around 1:00. Not terrible. We did get to talk to lots of nice people coming off and going on.

Sounds like you had a great time.:D I'll be going in a few weeks for the first time (on Splendor). Thank you so much for your review. It was great.

Thank you. We did have an awesome time. It helps that we have positive attitudes. And that we were on vacation and NOT at home.

Sorry, I have one more question. Do you still have your Fun Times? Can you tell me how many trivia games they had each day? I'm going with my elderly parents and they LOVE trivia. This will be their first time on Carnival, so I'm hoping they'll have lots of trivia for them.

There are two to four trivia games per sea day, and one or two per port day. Each has a different theme-80's music, sports, television, etc.

Thanks for your amazing review, we are cruising aboard the Splendor in 12 days and I'm glad to finally read a great review of the ship/cruise. More recent reviews were very negative about this cruise and I was beginning to worry. They did encounter stormy weather and an ill passenger, losing a day in Cabo. Perhaps this swayed their reviews in a negative direction.

 

Anyhow, quick question. I live in Long Beach and was planning on checking in and boarding until 1 pm-ish, do you think this time frame would be ok and hopefully we can skip the lines?

 

Thanks again for your input! :)

People disembarking did complain about the turn-around and the weather, neither of which were controllable. It saddens me to hear how selfish some were. I actually heard someone say that the ship should have called the Coast Guard since she was only two hours out to see. Seriously!?!?

At 1 pm, there were still hundreds of people waiting to embark. My advice would be to go to the port very early and get a lower zone number or after 2 pm.

It's my pleasure to answer while they are still fresh in my mind.

hey, which night did you find nothing interesting on your dinner? I am asking because I'm trying to figure out which night i want to book the steakhouse.

 

thanks for any help.

Mark

Remember, this is all subjective. Everyone else at the table made different choices and loved them.

Thanks for having a great cruise and sharing with us. All of us waiting to sail love to hear about what a wonderful trip you had, makes us more excited for our own!! Great review, so glad the food was good. Did you try the steakhouse or any spa stuff??? How long were those Lido lines on average?

How could we not have a great trip? We were on a cruise! Woo hoo!!

We did not eat at the steakhouse-we are very happy with the MDR. But people say it's an incredible experience. I'm not a spa kind of gal, so I can't help you there either.

As for the buffet lines, I think the longest was for the Mongolian Grill. I waited five minutes at the most. There are only two woks so that could be the reason for the delay.

No, wait. The longest line was at 5:00 pm on nights that sushi was served, not too far from the casino. It was as if people had not eaten in days. Once we saw a line that had 50+. We waited about 20 minutes, went back, and were served right away.

Glad you had a great time. We're doing the Spirit 9 day in October. Can't wait, but reading reviews helps pass the time. :D Our first time to Puerto Vallarta was in 2005 on Carnival and we fell in love. We have since done two land vacations to PV for 10 days each, and it's still not enough time. A few hours on a cruise ship just depresses me that we have to leave. I would receommend that anyone who loved it as a port stop, should go and experience more time there. The food is AMAZING (and cheap)! Some of the best restaurants I've ever eaten at. The people are so friendly. And there's just so much to do. I can't wait to get back.

Thanks for your review! Brings back memories of our cruise on the Splendor almost 2 years ago. She is still one of my most favorite ships.

 

Cabo, day 2-

We booked a last minute Salsa and Salsa tour through the ship. What fun. More drinks flowed. We made six different salsas, including a dessert salsa. We also made margaritas from scratch. We ate so much that we didn't eat again until dinner. :eek:

 

Glad to see your review! We're on the Splendor next week on the Lido Deck and can't wait!

Was this Salsa and Salsa tour through Carnival and in Cabo? We wanted to go to the Salsa and Salsa tour, which was in Mazatlan, but since Mazatlan was cancelled we were kinda bummed. How did you book this and where did they take you for the excursion, if you don't mind me asking...

Glad you had a great time. We're doing the Spirit 9 day in October. Can't wait, but reading reviews helps pass the time. :D Our first time to Puerto Vallarta was in 2005 on Carnival and we fell in love. We have since done two land vacations to PV for 10 days each, and it's still not enough time. A few hours on a cruise ship just depresses me that we have to leave. I would receommend that anyone who loved it as a port stop, should go and experience more time there. The food is AMAZING (and cheap)! Some of the best restaurants I've ever eaten at. The people are so friendly. And there's just so much to do. I can't wait to get back.

Hi Parkay. Can you give me some restaurant recommendations in PV and also Cabo if you have any. I'm not wandering off too far from where the ship docks. So, if there are any great places to eat within walking distance I'd love to know. Thanks!

Hi Parkay. Can you give me some restaurant recommendations in PV and also Cabo if you have any. I'm not wandering off too far from where the ship docks. So, if there are any great places to eat within walking distance I'd love to know. Thanks!

Unfortunately the port is on the north side of PV near the marina (and walmart) so I never ventured to that area. It's a quick taxi ride to old town and the Malecon (boardwalk) and that's where all the restaurants the I ate at were. If you're interested in heading to old town, I'd be happy to give you a list.

Very nice review. Thanks for sharing.