Carnival Spleandor May 8 (Mother's Day) Review

[capndinghy]

Thank you for all of the kind comments. I will try to write and upload some more of the review today.

Chuck aka Cap

[Mobius360]

Love the review, I will be on the Splendor in October for the 2nd time and I thought the ship was great.

[capndinghy]

[sIZ]Day 2 in Cabo San Lucas[/B]

 

We sailed back into Cabos San Lucas the next morning bright and early at 8AM. The entrance again was just beautiful as the morning sun shined down on the glistening waters, the white sandy beaches and colorful rock fommaitons shooting up out of the blue waters.

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Morning in Cabo San Lucas by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

I must say that other than some beautiful sun rises I have seen from the cockpit of my Jet Airliners, this beakfast setting was one of the nicest I have ever seen. What a way to start the day!

Breakfast View by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

Pat and I really do enjoy the ambiance of ship board living. The second day we anchored a bit further out than the first. There were two other Cruise Ships joining us at the Anchorage as well. One was from Holland American Line (someone said enroute from Miami to California)

Holland American Line by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

And a Princess Lines Ship. All I can say is someone at Princess was a Star Trek Fan!

Princess by capndinghy, on Flickr

It was another beautiful warm day in Paradise as Pat and I enjoyed our morning Bloody Marys on the Main Lido Pool deck. While sipping these delectible delights we decided to say aboard the ship. We reasoned that with 3 cruise ships in port that everthing would be jam packed with people. Besides that, On Port days the Spa normally runs some sort of specials and Pat decided to take advantage. So she enjoyed a day at the spa where the French fellow who attended her succceeded in selling her some special elixers (about $200 worth) guaranteed to rejuvenate her skin that had been damaged by excessive steriod treatments. (That is a whole another story, suffice to say she was her doctors' highest dosage patient that lived)

Morning Bloody Mary on Lido Deck by capndinghy, on Flickr

[capndinghy]

Since the ship is basically empty during port days, it is very much like owning your very own 900 foot Yacht. I spent the morning and early afternoon in a deck chair, iPad in hand, Bose Headset attached, while sipping on various beverages includeing gin, rum, and beer. What a nice way to start the day.

Fun in the Sun while anchored off Cabo by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

Pat later joined me for lunch in the Lido area. Speaking of Buffet Dining on the Splendor; I found the food very good but very difficult to get to.

Lido Buffet by capndinghy, on Flickr

For some reason the way the glass partitions shield the food seemed different to me on this ship as compared to others. One had to reach through a very small opening with Tongs that did not work, in an attempt to spear one's selection. I noticed that I was not the only person acting so un coordinated. As a result there was a lot of food spilled, and the lines seemed to go very slow as folks attempted to capture their lunch. However, once the food was corralled, it was quite tastey.

Lido Salad Bar by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

The Lido Dining Room could of course get busy during Peak dining times, However the wait was never too long. I did notice quite long lines at the Burrito Bar and Deli, which were quite popular. Upstairs there is an excellent Buffet serving Roast Chicken, Corn on the Cob, and salad. It was also a bit quiete

and provided a nice sedate Luncheon experience.

Lido Dining Room by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

The Lido Wait Staff was very friendly and the Buffets were well maintained. One thing I did notice was there were very few drink carts serving tables.

Lido Buffet by capndinghy, on Flickr

[capndinghy]

Pat and I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing up on the aft area of deck 10 where we joined the 'smoking contingent' over looking the pool area. It was very relaxing and comfortable. We were in a nice shady area with the cool Sea of Cortez breeze keeping us comfy and a nice view of Cabo in the Distance.

Relaxingon the Deck 10 Smoking area by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

Around 3 pm I noticed many many sport fishing boats rushing back to the harbor much like lemmings running toward the cliff. I suspect that these boats were returning their fisherman customers back to the marina in time to board their Cruise Ships.

Carnival Cruse #12 Spleandor and Teddy Visit 124 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

Cabo San Lucas is known as the Marlin Capital of the World and every millionaire woth his salt has a big sport fishing boat moored there

Sport fishing Boats rushing into the Marina by capndinghy, on Flickr

After a last minute flurry of arriving tenders delivering last minute Sr. Frog Customers and almost stranded Cruise Ship passengers we once again weighed anchor and set sail, I mean steam, for our next port, Puerto Vallarta.

Cabo Tenders Lining Up by capndinghy, on Flickr

As we passed the Cabo Rocks outbound for the final time I saw a sight that could well have been Captain Cook stopping in Cabo on his way to discover the Hawiian Islands and their not so friendly natives.

 

Captain Cook arriving in Cabo on his way to Hawaii by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

We had a pleasant overnight passage on our way to Puerto Vallarta, our next stop. Pat and I attended the past guest party which was so large they actually had two of them. Since I am a Carnival Stock holder this made me smile with so many past 'guests' travelling again. (Now if the stock will just come back to the price where I purchased it. I buy High, Sell Low.) As is my usual practice I gave the waiter handing out free drinks a rather generous gratuity, which payed off quite well. While my fellow passengers were begging for another free cocktail, our waiter made sure that Pat and I never had an empty glass. Later Pat returned to the Casino and her Slot Machines where whe was awarded the coveted “Drinks on us” badge. Now after having gambled at least $1500, Carnival will give you free drinks while Gambling. Ironically Pat is smart enough not to take advantage of all that free booze while in the casino. This helps her to retain at least some of her (my) hard earned dollars while I happily snoozed the night

away.

The Coveted Drinks on Us Badge by capndinghy, on Flickr

[capndinghy]

Somehow this portion of our Cabo Tour got left out.

It is included here:

 

After lunch we all boarded the bus again, this time for the Shopping Tour portion of our excursions. One would expect to be taken to an area full of the usual tourist traps selling the usual goofy mexican hats, t shirts, and other touristy stuff which I kind of enjoy browsing. Well this one dropped all off at a Shopping Mall. Mind you it was airconditoned and comfy, and just what we have here at home, not what one would expect to find in 'Old Mexico'. But all was not lost! There was a Farmacia in the Mall so Pat and our new friend we met on the excursion took off with Shopping lists in hand. Since I do not intend to incrminate myself (or Pat)I will not report just what miracle drugs were purchased there. Suffice to say most of them were anti-biotics that are quite handy to have on hand.

[Nanaimobound]

The next morning we were awakened by our Carnival Alarm Clock which is Room Service knocking on the door with our Morning Coffee. Our first day at sea dawned cloudy and just a bit chilly. Ever though we were steadily steaming southward the Pacific Currents are Chillier than Pat and I are used to where we Cruise in the Gulf of Mexico where it is Tropical almost year round.

Spleandor underway from my Balcony by capndinghy, on Flickr

We were up pretty early at 6AM because of the 2 hour time change to Pacific Daylight Time. I headed up to the Lido for Breakfast. There are basically two Identical Buffet Areas set up in the Lido Dining Area. One forward and one aft with an Made to Order Omelet Station in the Middle of each and they open at 7:30 AM. Since I was up early, there were no lines and few people mulling about. I found the omelet stations fast and was able to order with no wait to speak of.

 

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The same "omelet" chef was manning the station every morning and he would always give me a cheerful good morning greeting. One morning he smiled and asked me why I was always in such a good mood, to which I answered "because you take such good care of me". I guess a lot of his 'customers' must be gumpy in the morning. What a nice way to start each day out with such a nice morning greeting!

After breakfast Pat and I headed out for our customary morning Bloody Mary. These are “on special” every morning from 10AM – 12PM and are a great way to start the day out. As I recall they cost $4.95 (and are well worth it salt on the rim, celery stick and all).

 

Since it was chilly out we headed down to the main atrium so we could also sign up for an excursion in Cabo. Being ones who always do thing in a timely manner, we of course managed to sign up just in time for a Boat, Beach, and Shopping Tour for the following day in Cabo San Lucas. The Xcursion Desk was located in the Main Atrium handily right next door to the bar.

 

LOL I knew I had remembered seeing you on the cruise! we were both in the excursion line at the same time. I have on the black tee shirt ahead of you in line.

[KimKcruiser]

When they announced the 2 day Cabo

The Family was quite happy

you always leave Cabo thinking 1 day is never enough

2 days was just right

the early departures never make it feel like a full day in Cabo

[capndinghy]

LOL I knew I had remembered seeing you on the cruise! we were both in the excursion line at the same time. I have on the black tee shirt ahead of you in line.

 

Hello Nana...it is indeed a small world isn't it! Thanks for saying hi! :)

[capndinghy]

Chuck,

I have to say again how wonderful your reviews are! I just read your Ecstasy review. We were in Progresso in 2008. We did the same tour. It was a pleasure reading yours and seeing your pictures.

I also liked your Behind the Fun Tour recap. We did that on the Sensation in '09.

I am now going to check out your other review. They are all so great!

Thanks again,

Jackie

 

Hi Jackie...Thank you for your kind words. I am happy that you enjoy my reviews. They can get to be a bit of a job sometimes, but kind words like yours make it worth while. I shall try and work some more on this Splendor review as soon as I can.

Regards,

Chuck aka Cap

[Nanaimobound]

Too funny I just found us again when you are arriving in Cabo.

We are sitting at the table in the corner of the first outdoor restaurant happily drinking buckets of beer while waiting for our tour to start. I am going to take a look at our pics and see if i can spot you guys just for fun!

Here is our version:

[capndinghy]

Too funny I just found us again when you are arriving in Cabo.

We are sitting at the table in the corner of the first outdoor restaurant happily drinking buckets of beer while waiting for our tour to start. I am going to take a look at our pics and see if i can spot you guys just for fun!

Here is our version:

 

Hi Nanaimobound...I like you version better than mine! That cold beer looks good too! :D Please post anymore you may find!

[capndinghy]

Puerto Vallarta

Bright and early at 8 AM our Big Ship carefull manuevered inside the Harbor gently slipping onto her Moorings. Our 'City' tour in Cabo went so well we opted to do the same in Puerto Vallarta. We signed up on board for a Shopping, Misomaya, and City tour for about $35.00 each. You may ask what is Misomaya? That is an excellent question. Misomaya is an area about a ½ hour drive along the coast just outside of Puerto Vallarta where the Famous Liz Taylor Movie “Night of the Iguana” was filmed. Richard Burton would sneak down to see Liz (much to Mike Todd's chagrin) and this of course put Puerto Vallarta 'on the map' in the early 1960's making it the Playground of the Rich, Famous, and Hollywood Set.

Puerto Vallarta Harbor by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

Puerto Vallarta is one of the oldest settlements in Mexico. The Spainards used the Natural Harbor as a Starting point for their Voyages across the Pacific in an attempt to Plunder the far East.

Arriving in Puerto Vallarta. by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

We lined up at the bus for our tour around 10AM. The bus for this tour was a bit older and more run down than our Cabo Tour Bus. But one has to be flexible. There was a family on this tour of about 8 people along with poor Grandma who must have been in her nineties. It was obvious that she did NOT want to be there. Pat and I decided that these deadbeats had Grandma pay for the cruise and then no one wanted to stay with the gal, so they made her come along on the tour. Poor grandma stayed on the hot bus at every stop until the city tour where they pushed her along in her wheelchair in the hot blazing sun. I am really surprised the old gal did not die on us.

At Puerto Vallarta by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

We had a nice view of the ship as we boarded our (rickety bus) for the Excursion.

Ship in Puerto Vallarta by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

So away we went. The first portion of our tour took us on a 'city shopping' excursion where we stopped at (Surprise, Surprise) their cousin's Jewely Store. Pat and I wandered around for few minutes and actually did find a couple of interesting shops, one where I purchased some Pewter Souverneers for the family. Pat purchased a little leather cigarette case where she can store her Marlboros, Lighter, and home made portable ashtry.

Shopping in Puerto Vallarta by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

Puerto Vallarta is a pretty large city and was made famous by the Spainards as a Departure point for their excursions across the Pacific to The Phillipines. They later moved their main Pacific Port to Acapulco because it was closer to Mexico City. The area has a bit of everything. Nice beaches, hills with great views, and nice coves with hotels. There are quite a few artists there and they are proud of the varios Sculptures that along the Malecone, (or is it Marecone?) or Downtown beach area.

Two Dolphins of Santa Barbara in Puerto Vallarta by capndinghy, on Flickr

[capndinghy]

The ride to Mismaya takes about ½ hour along the coastal highway. It is very scenic and one can window shop for Water front Condominums along the way. )

Scenic Drive to Misomaya by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

We stopped several times to enjoy the views.

Puerto Vallarta Cove by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

There was this one fellow with a couple of Iguanas who was selling phographic rights. Of course the Ugle American Tourists rushed off the bus with cameras in hand for the Iguana Photo Op. I noticed that the old lady's family stiffed the poor Igauana guy. Me? I snapped a photograph when he wasn't looking. Also I got the 'deal of a lifetime' when I purchased 3 genuine silver with precsion stones inlaid, braclets for only $20 US. (Pat later purchased 10 of the same braclets for $10!)

Iguanas by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

We arrived at Misomaya and were dropped off a rustic little Restaurant where we could purchase lunch. Once again the Mexican Home Cooked Buffet Lunch was very good and the price was (I think) about $10.

Cooks in Puerto Vallarta by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

We dined under a Thatched Roof in an open air dining room. There is lush green vegetation all around and a babbling brook. I was pleasantly surprised that the food was so good and the Beer so cold. The big famly all ate at the table next to ours while they left poor Grandma roasting in the Bus!

Chuck after a nice lunch is Misomaya Puerto Vallarta by capndinghy, on Flickr

[capndinghy]

After lunch we all reboarded our rickety bus and headed back to the City for the City Tour portion of our excursion. This included a visit to the requisite Church that all Mexican Tours include. Actually this Church built back in the 1800's was pretty nice as churches go.

The Requisite Church in every Mexican City by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

By the time we arrived back in town poor old Grandma had had enough of being stranded in the Hot Bus and she insisted on being pushed around the town. So off they went with Grandma in her wheelchair, the Clampetss lifting her up and down stairs.

Grandma in Wheelchair by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

I snapped a photo of Pat while the 'Family' struggled with Grandma and her Wheelchair.

Pat downtown Puerto Vallarta by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

We then explored the Marecone area of Puerto Vallarta. This is a sidewalk that extends perhaps a mile with the beach on one side and Various Business's and Bars on the other side.

IMG_4117 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

It was quite hot in the early afternoon. Pat not wanting to miss the bus, insisted on sitting in the sun. Me? I found a Senor Frogs where I drank a nice cold beer while watching Pat sit in the hot sun. It seems that all of that Church exploring wore me out and made me thirsty.

IMG_4112 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

Finally the Bus returned to rescue us from the hot sun and deliver us back to the Airconditoned Ship. We browsed a bit at the tourist trap goodies as we slowly walked toward the gangplank to

reboard.

Pat Browsing by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

As an aside, early the next morning we heard an emergency annoucement of a Medical Emergency. I wonder if that was Poor Grandma giving up the ghost. We did later hear that someone had died.

 

[JustCruizeIt59]

Chuck--I bet you didn't know I've actually stayed in the hotel La Jolla De Mismaloya (correct spelling) which is where you stopped and ate where I've also been. I see a corner of the building in your picture. We drove by it on the way to our ziplining tour that day. Ah, poor grandma.

[jackdis]

Chuck,

Another GREAT installment! Poor grandma.......

Have a nice weekend. :):)

[KruisingMarina]

Love your review, Captain, and because you are an ex pilot, I have even more respect for you!!!:D BTW, I am fascinated by airplanes! (P.S. did my masters thesis on airplane accidents:eek:)

[islandcruisersnc]

Chuck, great pics once again and great "Chuck-style" narrative! Can't wait to read the rest!:D

[Alaskagriz]

I sure am enjoying your review Cap. The pics are wonderful. I hope there is more coming. We still have 2 days at sea to read about.

[capndinghy]

Day at Sea Homeward Bound

 

After the hot day exploring Puerto Vallarta, the Splendor's Airconditoned Air felt great. We took it easy. I spent some more quality time out on the Veranda with my iPad Book and Cold Beer in hand where I was treated to yet another funfilled, exciting, and curious display by our Randy neighbors. Night had fallen as the ship slipped her moorings and slowly set sail (steam) for sea.

 

Departing Puerto Vallarta by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

 

 

When I retired (went to bed) that evening I was greeted with the ever present and always pleasing Towel Art. Our room Steward Pedro had given us excellent service on this whole trip. I used the free wash and fold laundry service twice on this trip and Pedro always had my clean undies waiting for me in a timely manner. (See previous re: gratuities)

My Turtle Towel by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

The next morning dawned somewhat cloudy for our final Sea Day on the Homeward leg of our Journey.

Cloudy Morning at Sea by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

I met our friend Betsy just after breakfast where she and I compared iPads and loaded photos from our trip using my iPad Camera Photo Adapter. We also talked about the Code Bright Star Annoucement we heard earlier that morning, which means there was a 'death' onboard. I wonder if the pool old wheelchair lady gave up the ghost.

Betsy and iPad by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

I had hoped to use my new iPad as a tool for writing notes and parts of this review during real time while on the cruise. I had purchased a Plug-in keyboard which I wanted Betsy try out since she was interested in getting one for her iPad. We both decided it just does not work. The problem is my iPad (addon) keyboard does NOT have a right Shift Key. Where the Shift Key should be there is an Enter Key. It flat does not work.

iPad by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

It was quite nice out, so Betsy and I enjoyed a couple of drinks as we conversed. We met on the aft part of the ship where the Adult Section is located. The Sun had come out and it was quite comfortable.

IMG_4132 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

[capndinghy]

People began arriving and the pool lounges started to fill up, so I decided to change and get myself some quality lounge time while enjoying my iPod Tunes, Ipad Book, and Bose Headset while Pat entertained herself at the (you guessed it) Casino.

Fellow Folks by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

In just the short time it took me to Change, Grab my “toys” I was agast when I returned. The Air Temperature had dropped 20 degrees, the wind picked up to near Gale Force, and I almost got blown away as I trudged along outside. Needless to say, all thoughts of Sun n Fun went out the proverbial door (hatch?) and saw that our benign ocean had turned into an angry sea of whitecaps.

Angry Seas by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

After changing into warmer clothes I headed out and ran into the “Cruise Critic Crowd” just outside of the Casino Area so we all had a nice visit as our ship Steamed Steadily Northward. I must say this was one of the best parts of this trip; meeting these nice folks and spending time with them. (By the way, thanks for the nice comments about this review Griz)

The Wake by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

I am now about to reveal a Secret that will reward you, my loyal and perservering readers, for slogging through this Meandering Missive. On the last sea day of the Cruise there is an annoucement in the Capers (or whater they call them now) about the “Farewell Party”. What they fail to mention (gee I wonder why?) is that they also provide FREE COCKTAILS!. I do believe that a lot of Guests do not realize that there are freebies at these parties ...so lets keep this to ourselves ..so as to not ruin a good thing. :-)

I left Pat at (one of) her favorite Slot Machines and headed aft to the Party where I ran into Betsy who joined me at the bar.

Pat at Slot Machine by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

As luck would have it one of the Bar Tenders was a fellow named Orlando who remembered me and my raspy voice from our past cruise to Hawaii on the Spirit. Being the generous fellow I am, I slipped Orlando a gratuity. (By the way, have you all noticed a pattern here?) Once again my generosity paid of in spades, or should I say Beer and Wine. Betsy and I “wanted not” as visited with passing Cruise Critic..er's at the party. Betsy also told me about how she met “Michael on of the dancers on board who is a 'good friend' of Michael who will be on our Transatlantic Cruise in October. I was happy to hear she had finally tracked him down because I know she had been trying to meet up with him the entire trip.

 

Our last dinner on board was nice. Once again the Waiters entertained us with their “All my Bags are Packed” song and we guests sang along. It was nice. Pat and I really enjoyed our dinner Companions Betsy, Brian, Steve, and Marilyn.

All my Bags are Packed song.............. by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

We all sang long and waved goodbye as this Signature Song was sung by all.

Waving Goodbye by capndinghy, on Flickr

[capndinghy]

Pat and I decided to Self dis-embark the following morning which made the (re)packing of our Giant Steamer Trunk Wal Mart Cheapo Suitcases much easier as we did not have to pack them and leave them outside. Pat did pack hers that evening but me, being the timely perservering person I am waited until the last minute the next morning.

Busy Packing :-( by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

All too soon, the next morning arrived and we were back at the Dock in Long Beach. Being Platinum does make the disembarkin process easier. Since we decided to self dis-embark we had a liesurily morning and breakfast and somehow managing to wheel our Suitcases and overloaded backpacks off the ship.

Gangplank at Long Beach by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

Clearing customs was a snap. There were no lines and before we knew it we were welcomed home by the Customs agent. Unlike Airports, we were greeted with smiles and NOT another kind of 'snap'.

cavity by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

I do hope everyone has enjoyed this review. Overall I must say we once again enjoyed this our 12th or 13th Carnival Cruise. We are now preparing for our Transatlantic Voyage on the Carnival Magic in October, so stay tuned.

Carnival Magic at Shipyard by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

 

[GMCSWRet]

Great review, we are sailing in September, can't wait, wish my military cruises would count for upgrades, Thanks

[capndinghy]

Great review, we are sailing in September, can't wait, wish my military cruises would count for upgrades, Thanks

 

Thank you for the kind words GMCSWRet. I hope you have a great cruise in September. Somehow I have a feeling your military cruises were not quite as fun as this next one will be.