Cruise to Cherish or Nightmare to Avoid? Readers Weigh In on Carnival Splendor

[LauraS]

Check out the latest Carnival Cruise Line news from Cruise Critic:

 

Cruise to Cherish or Nightmare to Avoid? Readers Weigh In on Carnival Splendor

[Cuizer2]

Weather this was the cruise from hell or the adventure of a lifetime, or something in between is going to depend on each person's general outlook on life. Those who think roughing it means the Holiday Inn are going to view this differently than those that think an air mattress on a backpacking trip is the lap of luxury.

[elsje]

Weather this was the cruise from hell or the adventure of a lifetime, or something in between is going to depend on each person's general outlook on life. Those who think roughing it means the Holiday Inn are going to view this differently than those that think an air mattress on a backpacking trip is the lap of luxury.

 

Well put!

[jzygail]

I think others have had a valid point in that if one had physical limitations or required medications (or baby formula) that required refrigeration or other issues that meant they were quite dependent on systems that were no longer available, their experience it going to be a lot more stressful and a lot less "Hey, cool unexpected adventure!"

[nfused2cruze]

I think others have had a valid point in that if one had physical limitations or required medications (or baby formula) that required refrigeration or other issues that meant they were quite dependent on systems that were no longer available, their experience it going to be a lot more stressful and a lot less "Hey, cool unexpected adventure!"

 

I have to agree with that statement. But must also add that this took place in relatively calm weather. Could you imagine what the stories would have been like if there was a hurricane at that time? Or there could even have been pirates involved. I'm just glad everyone is back safely.

 

Those that suffered the greatest as decribed above should voice their complaints. I just read an article recently that said nothing should have knocked out all of the power like that. Even if one engine is damaged on a plane, most are still able to function and land safely.

[elsje]

I have to agree with that statement. But must also add that this took place in relatively calm weather. Could you imagine what the stories would have been like if there was a hurricane at that time? Or there could even have been pirates involved. I'm just glad everyone is back safely.

 

Those that suffered the greatest as decribed above should voice their complaints. I just read an article recently that said nothing should have knocked out all of the power like that. Even if one engine is damaged on a plane, most are still able to function and land safely.

 

It will be quite interesting to find out what the cause was and why all power was knocked out. Sure an "eye-opener" for all us future cruisers. I always take a case of bottled water with me and this time around granola bars just in case. You can just never take anything for granted. A flashlight is always in my suitcase as well. Like you I am glad everyone made it back safely.

[elsje]

I think others have had a valid point in that if one had physical limitations or required medications (or baby formula) that required refrigeration or other issues that meant they were quite dependent on systems that were no longer available, their experience it going to be a lot more stressful and a lot less "Hey, cool unexpected adventure!"

 

I totally agree! There were elderly, disabled and medically challenged people had it very tough from what I read. We will never know what it was like until you yourself are put in that position. I always joke about making sure I had my swim goggles and my snorkel gear with me on my cruises in case we ever had to jump in the water during a disaster. I wanted to make sure I could see what was swimming around me :rolleyes:

[crazy cajun]

I have to agree with that statement. But must also add that this took place in relatively calm weather. Could you imagine what the stories would have been like if there was a hurricane at that time? Or there could even have been pirates involved. I'm just glad everyone is back safely.

 

Those that suffered the greatest as decribed above should voice their complaints. I just read an article recently that said nothing should have knocked out all of the power like that. Even if one engine is damaged on a plane, most are still able to function and land safely.

 

The ship could operarte on half the generators But once the wiring that carries the power from those generators to the individual systems is compromised it doesnt matter how many you have.

[fourcruisin]

Medical issues are a good point. What about medicine that requires refrigeration? How was that handled. What about people on oxygen?

For most, it would be an inconvenience, but for others, it could be a serious issue.

[Cuizer2]

I have to agree with that statement. But must also add that this took place in relatively calm weather. Could you imagine what the stories would have been like if there was a hurricane at that time? Or there could even have been pirates involved. I'm just glad everyone is back safely.

 

Those that suffered the greatest as decribed above should voice their complaints. I just read an article recently that said nothing should have knocked out all of the power like that. Even if one engine is damaged on a plane, most are still able to function and land safely.

 

You mean like the American DC10 that lost an engine while departing Chicago and crashed. EVERYBODY on that plane died. NOBODY on the Splendor died.

 

http://www.super70s.com/Super70s/Tech/Aviation/Disasters/79-05-25%28Chicago%29.asp

 

http://www.essortment.com/all/americanairline_reuj.htm

[klfrodo]

Put it in perspective.

Was it a fabulous cruise vacation? No

Was it a stressfull 4 or 5 days? Yes

Did anyone die or be placed in a harmfull situation? No

 

You want tough? Join the military, head over to the big sandbox for a year or 2 and fight for your right to complain about the small stuff.

 

Thanks to all the past and present veterans. No matter which country you're serving.

[jzygail]

Put it in perspective.

Was it a fabulous cruise vacation? No

Was it a stressfull 4 or 5 days? Yes

Did anyone die or be placed in a harmfull situation? No

 

You want tough? Join the military, head over to the big sandbox for a year or 2 and fight for your right to complain about the small stuff.

 

Thanks to all the past and present veterans. No matter which country you're serving.

 

As a veteran, I find this argument offensive. Sure, the military has it hard. But we volunteer for that. And it's known ahead of time that it'll be rough.

 

People were on this cruise who didn't volunteer for battle in Iraq or Afghanistan and just because they didn't go into a war zone and spend a year there doesn't discount their hardship, their fear or their danger while in the situation (based on extenuating circumstances, like requiring services dependent on systems that were knocked out).

 

Thankfully it *was* just hardship with some injuries. But they didn't know it would all be okay until several days in and their stress and fear and hardship was legitimate and does NOT have to be as bad as combat in a war zone to be legitimate nor for others to feel compassion for them.

[Cuizer2]

I found an interesting report ...

 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101112/ap_on_bi_ge/us_cruise_ship_mishaps

 

"If you want a completely predictable vacation don't go on the sea," said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of the industry trade publication Cruisecritic.com and a veteran of more than 200 cruises. "Ships are bigger and have better stabilizers than ever before, but they are still on the sea and the sea is nature and nature is unpredictable.'"

 

This next statement is a bit troubling (he = maritime attorney Charles Lipcon of Miami) ...

 

"I think you'll find that Panama will just overlook the whole thing," he said of the Splendor mishap. "Otherwise they might have to spend money, and that would hurt Panama's flag of convenience business."

[klfrodo]

As a veteran, I find this argument offensive. Sure, the military has it hard. But we volunteer for that. And it's known ahead of time that it'll be rough.

 

People were on this cruise who didn't volunteer for battle in Iraq or Afghanistan and just because they didn't go into a war zone and spend a year there doesn't discount their hardship, their fear or their danger while in the situation (based on extenuating circumstances, like requiring services dependent on systems that were knocked out).

 

Thankfully it *was* just hardship with some injuries. But they didn't know it would all be okay until several days in and their stress and fear and hardship was legitimate and does NOT have to be as bad as combat in a war zone to be legitimate nor for others to feel compassion for them.

 

As a disabled vet, I'm sick of hearing all the mamby pambies crying about a little discomfort and inconvience. Suck it up. YOU SURVIVED,,, congratulations.

[jzygail]

As a disabled vet, I'm sick of hearing all the mamby pambies crying about a little discomfort and inconvience. Suck it up. YOU SURVIVED,,, congratulations.

 

Well, that was charming. For the record, I wasn't on the Splendor. I did serve in the military. Luckily for me, my disability isn't a lack of empathy for the suffering of others.

[koolforkatz]

I was on that cruise and it wasn't as bad as it could have been. People generally made the best of a bad situation and the crew were absolutely amazing. I felt sorry for them sleeping in the theatre and still having to work long, long days. On Tuesday and Wednesday night, when they opened up the casino bar - free drinks! - people were actually dressing up a bit for the evening and by Wednesday night singing and dancing. There was a sense of camaraderie and although it might have been there, I never saw anyone getting angry or freaking out.

 

And for the record, I never saw ANY spam or poptarts..... poptarts would have been a welcome change ;)

[Sunny AZ Girl]

I must say, that I have been mostly a RCI cruiser, although I have been on two Princess and one Carnival cruise in the last couple of years. I reluctantly went on the Carnival cruise to Alaska as I just could not justify the huge price difference between that and the comparable itinerary we were considering on Princess. I was pleasantly surprised by the great service and accommodations on the Carnival Spirit. After reading the consistent accounts here on Cruise Critic and watching the video of John Heald addressing the crew yesterday on the Splendor I must say that I am a new fan of Carnival. I do not believe any other cruise line or crew would have risen to the level of this company or crew. Good going, Carnival! :D

[elsje]

I was on that cruise and it wasn't as bad as it could have been. People generally made the best of a bad situation and the crew were absolutely amazing. I felt sorry for them sleeping in the theatre and still having to work long, long days. On Tuesday and Wednesday night, when they opened up the casino bar - free drinks! - people were actually dressing up a bit for the evening and by Wednesday night singing and dancing. There was a sense of camaraderie and although it might have been there, I never saw anyone getting angry or freaking out.

 

And for the record, I never saw ANY spam or poptarts..... poptarts would have been a welcome change ;)

 

Thanks for sharing

[Chigirlcruzin]

Never mind

[Anjanu]

I wonder how the elderly made out with having to take the stairs. I know and certainly understand that my 78-year-old mother would not have handled the situation very well as she cannot climb stairs. How did they get food?

[LHP]

I was on that cruise and it wasn't as bad as it could have been. People generally made the best of a bad situation and the crew were absolutely amazing. I felt sorry for them sleeping in the theatre and still having to work long, long days. On Tuesday and Wednesday night, when they opened up the casino bar - free drinks! - people were actually dressing up a bit for the evening and by Wednesday night singing and dancing. There was a sense of camaraderie and although it might have been there, I never saw anyone getting angry or freaking out.

 

And for the record, I never saw ANY spam or poptarts..... poptarts would have been a welcome change ;)

 

Mainly we are most thankful that everyone was safe. Thanks for giving us a first hand perspective.....

[cruisecrazyk]

I read that in a review on the Splendor thread that the crew brought food to those who could not take the stairs (disabled and elderly) and went the extra mile to help them whenever needed. I believe the staff was very empathic to anyone who needed help from what I have read. So I believe Carnival did an outstanding job! It makes me feel better about my uncoming cruise although I will be bringing a flashlight just in case..LOL

[kennaree]

Actually there were poptarts. They were in the black pearl dining room, a huge plastic bin of them... I grabbed a few packs in anticipation of long lines for the bus and the ride to san diego. I actually appreciated having them. Didn't see them on the Lido deck though. I never saw any spam either

 

I was on that cruise and it wasn't as bad as it could have been. People generally made the best of a bad situation and the crew were absolutely amazing. I felt sorry for them sleeping in the theatre and still having to work long, long days. On Tuesday and Wednesday night, when they opened up the casino bar - free drinks! - people were actually dressing up a bit for the evening and by Wednesday night singing and dancing. There was a sense of camaraderie and although it might have been there, I never saw anyone getting angry or freaking out.

 

And for the record, I never saw ANY spam or poptarts..... poptarts would have been a welcome change ;)

[koolforkatz]

Actually there were poptarts. They were in the black pearl dining room, a huge plastic bin of them... I grabbed a few packs in anticipation of long lines for the bus and the ride to san diego. I actually appreciated having them. Didn't see them on the Lido deck though. I never saw any spam either

 

Darn! I knew I should have tried one of the dining room restaurants the last morning. :D There wasn't even any cereal left on the lido deck by then.

[chadsjewel]

I was on that cruise and it wasn't as bad as it could have been. People generally made the best of a bad situation and the crew were absolutely amazing. I felt sorry for them sleeping in the theatre and still having to work long, long days. On Tuesday and Wednesday night, when they opened up the casino bar - free drinks! - people were actually dressing up a bit for the evening and by Wednesday night singing and dancing. There was a sense of camaraderie and although it might have been there, I never saw anyone getting angry or freaking out.

 

And for the record, I never saw ANY spam or poptarts..... poptarts would have been a welcome change ;)

 

 

I agree, it was such an experience. Now, I dont want to do it again lol. But that being said, it was one hell of a ride. As for the charming comment regarding namby pambys...lol wow. All I have seen is people telling what happened. Now, my experience is going to be totally different from the gentleman who was wheelchair bound that was being carried, by crew members and one passenger, down the stairs to another deck for whatever reason. OH, btw, about the pop tarts...we saw them on Wednesday morning, gold pearl dining room, I believe. We each grabbed a package (maple and brown sugar was the flavor lol) and saved them for the bus ride to Long Beach the next day! The flavor of cereal we had that morning was cinnamon toast crunch. The morning before, I had raisin bran and hubby had frosted flakes!