MORE things Splendor ... NY style!

[JGoof1]

Any of you Splendor experts spend any time in the casino? Any good slots?

I know they all have some Wheel of Fortune but any chance of Top Dollar or Double Top Dollar slots? ??

[bjinouno]

what did the behind the scenes consist of, and when did you sign up and how much did you pay for it? my husband wants to do this, we only went on a gally tour through the kitchen, I have to find something new for him to do, since no diving for him this trip. (New Knee)

[jandlrojas]

what did the behind the scenes consist of, and when did you sign up and how much did you pay for it? my husband wants to do this, we only went on a gally tour through the kitchen, I have to find something new for him to do, since no diving for him this trip. (New Knee)

 

My husband and I did Behind the Fun on the 6.10.2013 sailing...We signed up as soon as we got on the ship, but there was an advertisement in they Fun Times later in the week so it may not have been full. I think they did 2 groups. It was $90something per person. We went through the crew area, backstage of the Spectacular Theater, the main galley, Captains dining area, the engine control room, the bridge, and food storage area, and in the kitchen of the Steakhouse. We enjoyed the tour. Just be ready for lots of walking.. It was about 4 hours and only took the elevator once.

[Crusin Karen]

My husband and I did Behind the Fun on the 6.10.2013 sailing...We signed up as soon as we got on the ship, but there was an advertisement in they Fun Times later in the week so it may not have been full. I think they did 2 groups. It was $90something per person. We went through the crew area, backstage of the Spectacular Theater, the main galley, Captains dining area, the engine control room, the bridge, and food storage area, and in the kitchen of the Steakhouse. We enjoyed the tour. Just be ready for lots of walking.. It was about 4 hours and only took the elevator once.

This is one of the reasons I never signed up for this is because it is so long and usually on the last sea day. I really don't want to spend 4 hours of my last day touring the ship. It's too bad they can't break it up into smaller parts. Like on the lst sea day the workings of the ship aka the engine control room, the Bridge, backstage, then the 2nd sea day all about food :D then maybe a break and on the last sea day the crew area, and the personal aspects plus the meeting with the Captain. JMO! :rolleyes: Anyone care to detail any parts of it when you have the time??? :o

[Cyber Kat]

Took me a while to figure out what the N D meant, but I got it. This is one cruise where I think being mid ship would help with the ride in the Atlantic.

 

We had no problem with the aft - but we don't have motion issues. If you do, I would caution against an aft cabin. We felt more motion than I have in mid-ship cabins - and we have been in a mid-ship cabin in a pretty bad storm.

 

After the first day, we had really calm seas and I could still feel movement. I've been in mid-ship cabins on calm seas and felt no movement at all.

 

With that said, I LOVED the aft. The room felt bigger than your normal balcony cabin. I don't think it was really bigger, but it did feel that way. The layout was great!

 

The aft wrap balcony was WONDERFUL! We had 2 loungers, 3 regular chairs (2 reclined) and 2 of those little tables. The loungers pretty much fit however we wanted to arrange them.

 

 

This is the bed with the window behind - we had birthday decorations from Bon Voyage

 

This is the desk area from the bathroom side of the bed (bathroom is on the left facing the bed in the photo above)

 

This is about half the balcony

 

And this is my sister sunning on the aft half

 

I'll be posting a ramble on our cruise shortly, but if you are impatient, you can see the rest of the photos here (I still need to edit - but you can see them)

 

http://cyberkatkreations.zenfolio.com/p768960785

[Cyber Kat]

Any of you Splendor experts spend any time in the casino? Any good slots?

I know they all have some Wheel of Fortune but any chance of Top Dollar or Double Top Dollar slots? ??

 

I love to play the slots, but I'm strictly an amateur. They have taken all the fun away with this playing on your card thing. I want to hear the coins fall into the tray! Our roll call did a slot pull on the Wheel of Fortune, and after teasing us a number of times if finally stopped on the $1000 - WhooHoo! We were happy. Someone said that a guy won $16,000 just that morning (1st sea day).

 

They have these 2 cash vault things that I wanted to play, but just never got around to it. I'm not sure how it worked, but I think it was like the machine that used to push the coins forward - except these were big bundles of paper money! You had to manipulate some levers and the money would move forward. The goal was to get it to fall off the shelf and into the trough at the bottom.

[Cyber Kat]

My husband and I did Behind the Fun on the 6.10.2013 sailing...We signed up as soon as we got on the ship, but there was an advertisement in they Fun Times later in the week so it may not have been full. I think they did 2 groups. It was $90something per person. We went through the crew area, backstage of the Spectacular Theater, the main galley, Captains dining area, the engine control room, the bridge, and food storage area, and in the kitchen of the Steakhouse. We enjoyed the tour. Just be ready for lots of walking.. It was about 4 hours and only took the elevator once.

 

Were you on the 8:45 tour? My sister and I did that one. I loved it! I was wearing a purple cat print t-shirt and my sister had a yellow blouse. I'm standing next to the Captain in the picture.

[Crusin Karen]

Kath, that looks like the aft wrap cabin we had on the Dream. The Spirit class aft wraps are very different. I also wonder if the movement in the aft varies from ship to ship. Since we sail the same ships consecutively it's hard for me to determine this, but we had aft wraps on deck 8 on the Miracle and Spirit, then had the cabin right next to the aft wrap on the Splendor. We never felt a THING on Miracle or Spirit and we, too, encountered some rough seas. On the Splendor we had the movement and vibration as Kat has described, even in calm water. :confused::confused: Doesn't bother us, but it's just something for anyone who does have an issue should think about. Thanks for the pictures, Kat! Looks like the beginning of a great week and glad you found your sister in the terminal! :p

[bjinouno]

Great shots, ahhhhh I had my morning fix of waiting another 54 days to do this vacation! so happy you had a wonderful time, can't wait to read your full review. so you can fill in all those questions you had and others answered, and see you take on it all... So when is your next cruise planed for?

[Cyber Kat]

This is one of the reasons I never signed up for this is because it is so long and usually on the last sea day. I really don't want to spend 4 hours of my last day touring the ship. It's too bad they can't break it up into smaller parts. Like on the lst sea day the workings of the ship aka the engine control room, the Bridge, backstage, then the 2nd sea day all about food :D then maybe a break and on the last sea day the crew area, and the personal aspects plus the meeting with the Captain. JMO! :rolleyes: Anyone care to detail any parts of it when you have the time??? :o

 

I didn't mind the time or that it was the last sea day. It was something I really wanted to do and it was my birthday! We were on the 8:45 tour and we were done in time to have lunch and the Chocolate Buffet!

 

We gathered in the Library, where Johnel, our excellent tour director, gave us the rundown about what we were going to do. He had us form a single line and one of the security people wanded us and checked for cameras and cell phones (not allowed - no pictures).

 

He led us to the front of the ship where there was a chain and a sign that said "crew only." He opened it and we got to through! He took us up to the very bow of the ship where the crew deck lounge area is. They have 2 hot tubs and lounge chairs there. He told us about the ship's bell. It's more of a tradition than anything else - they only ring it now when the ship is "retired." In the center of the area is where they keep the spare anchor. It's BIG :D. There are rectangular areas marked on the floor and those are the muster stations for any crew members who are not involved with seeing that the passengers get off the ship safely.

 

From there we went to the dressing rooms for the show dancers - one room, very small. They do their own hair and make-up. We got to see the costumes and the wigs, and the head dancer - sorry I'm bad with names - gave us some information about the dance troops and how they operate. She said they do 3-4 month tours and then they are off for a few weeks and can sign up for another tour. They can request a particular ship but whether they get that ship depends on which show they are doing and if they are suited for it. They spend about a month learning the routines with the troop that's on the ship before they take over. The dance troops and the musical acts are the only groups that come on and leave together. Everyone else comes and goes as individuals.

 

Dancers and entertainers get better cabins on higher decks. Oh and they alter the shows in rough waters, and cancel if the head of the troop decides it's too dangerous.

 

We climbed up a ramp that the dancers use - to the stage. The guy in charge of all the stage, lighting and technical stuff explained how they move the sets in and out, and how they anchor them down. He explained about the lighting and - this is interesting - pyrotechnics! He is in charge of any pyrotechnics used in the show. Only certified people can even touch any of them, and he is in charge of the certifications.

 

I'm trying to remember all this, so bear with me. I may get things out of order. After that we went down some stairs and I think this was the point where he took us to A deck - which is below the water line. There we got to see the laundry (Big machines!). Only towels go in the dryers. There are blue bins for dirty laundry and beige bins for clean laundry. For sanitary reasons, they NEVER use the same bins for clean and dirty laundry. They are always kept separate.

 

We met the guy in charge of the washing and the woman in charge of the whole laundry operation. There are 2 pool/beach towels for every passenger - over 7000 all together. They have a machine that folds them and we had a demo - I want one! Zip-zip - 2 seconds and the towel is folded neatly!

 

Sheets are not put in a dryer, they go through a mangle (If you have read Stephen King's short story about the mangle - this machine was more than a bit frightening!) The wet sheets are fed into one side where they are steamed and dried flat. They come out the side of the machine where arms push them into folds and come out, like the towels, neatly folded! No fitted sheets on a cruise ship. Damn - I wanted a machine to fold those suckers :D

 

From the Laundry we went past, but not into the brig, and the morgue (did not want to go in there!

 

I'm thinking from there, we went back up to 0 deck - which is above water. This is also the deck where you exit at the ports.

 

Johnel took us into the Team Member Training Room. This was kind of neat. They have a number of computers set up for training. Each one has several language versions of the Rosetta Stone software installed, so the workers can brush up on their English or learn another language all together. I think they had French, Italian and Portuguese - not sure about German or Russian, but I think so.

 

They can also take college courses for free. If they aspire to a management job with Carnival, all the courses are there.

 

There were no empty crew berths, so he showed us photos on a screen. The rooms are not bad. Two to a room with bunks, much like many of the interior cabins. Nothing fancy, but they can bring posters, and photos and other personal things to make it more homey. There are closets, a desk area and a bathroom.

 

Crew are mostly paired up with others in their same job function, but they can request a different room mate. If a crew member has a boyfriend or girlfriend on board, they can room together. In the case of a married couple, they can get married persons room with a regular double bed. He said that Carnival tries to keep couples together where possible.

 

The upper level staff (he used a term that I forget) get paid a salary. It's done direct deposit and they get a debit type card. They have free access to the account online and can make funds transfers to family or their local bank at home. All of the other staff - kitchen workers, wait staff, room staff, cleaners, laundry workers, people that move supplies around, get ONLY paid from the gratuities. They each get a percentage of that tip money - NOTHING else.

 

So when you remove tips because you didn't eat in the MDR or you didn't like something your room steward did, or you think you only want to give individually to people who served you - all the other hard working crew members get less money for that cruise. So please, I ask you, think about that when you see those gratuities on your S&S account.

 

Quite frankly, I think the cruise lines should just add that money into the cruise fare, and pay these people a regular wage. People who aren't interacting with the public shouldn't be punished because your cabin steward forgot to put a chocolate on your bed, or because your waiter didn't bring the food fast enough. Those tips are not TIPS the way most gratuities work.

 

I never thought about removing tips before, but after this - I'm going to be one of those people arguing vehemently about NOT removing tips!

 

This is getting really long, so I think I'm going to start a separate thread. I don't remember seeing one on the Behind the Fun tour before.

[Jamman54]

GREAT pictures Kath!! We have the Aft Wrap on the port side (6450), for our cruise. We love the motion of the ocean, so more movement doesn't phase us. Only question is, can you hear anything from the lounge directly below?

[Crusin Karen]

Oh, this is so interesting...what a great birth DAY and a belated happy one to you. Did not realize that some of the workers earned JUST tips. I would think this would be against the law. :confused::confused: We have never removed tips and actually pre pay them if that makes any difference. And always give our room steward $20 when we board and if he has done a good job, we give him extra at the end of the cruise also. We get free wash, dry and fold laundry and always give him $5 for picking up/dropping it off. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Jamman, I knew you'd be interested in hearing about that aft wrap! :D I told you, "one cruise closer....." ;)

[irishlizz]

Nice photos. Thanks for sharing.

[Crusin Karen]

Kath, when you have the time and if you decide to elaborate, I would love to know your opinions about the ship. You knew so much about her before you boarded and I just wondered if everything was "as you expected" or if anything "surprised" you! :eek:

[jimbo5544]

Thanks for posting the behinds the fun tour info. Can't wait to read more in your review.

[jimbo5544]

Kath, that looks like the aft wrap cabin we had on the Dream. The Spirit class aft wraps are very different. I also wonder if the movement in the aft varies from ship to ship. Since we sail the same ships consecutively it's hard for me to determine this, but we had aft wraps on deck 8 on the Miracle and Spirit, then had the cabin right next to the aft wrap on the Splendor. We never felt a THING on Miracle or Spirit and we, too, encountered some rough seas. On the Splendor we had the movement and vibration as Kat has described, even in calm water. :confused::confused: Doesn't bother us, but it's just something for anyone who does have an issue should think about. Thanks for the pictures, Kat! Looks like the beginning of a great week and glad you found your sister in the terminal! :p

The Spirit class aft wraps are actually Vista suites, the ones on the 4th floor (maybe 5 also, but not sure) are two rooms and plenty of windows. Wonderful room, my second favorite that we have stayed in. We have also stayed in aft wraps on the Breeze and Magic. If you are a true balcony person, then these are something to shoot for. The aft wraps are typically the first class of room to sell out. Edited June 20, 2013 by jimbo5544

[foilman2002]

Great pictures! and thank you for the info about the crew's pay, yes, the tips should be included in the fare, and I actually think of them as the last payment for the cruise. On one cruise I pulled some money from the prepay and then gave that and a little more to our steward and mdr crew, but I'll not be doing that any more, just additional tips as deserved.

 

Do you have any information on the Spa, such as specials and costs?

[YumYumSweetiePie]

All of the other staff - kitchen workers, wait staff, room staff, cleaners, laundry workers, people that move supplies around, get ONLY paid from the gratuities. They each get a percentage of that tip money - NOTHING else.

 

So when you remove tips because you didn't eat in the MDR or you didn't like something your room steward did, or you think you only want to give individually to people who served you - all the other hard working crew members get less money for that cruise. So please, I ask you, think about that when you see those gratuities on your S&S account.

 

Quite frankly, I think the cruise lines should just add that money into the cruise fare, and pay these people a regular wage. People who aren't interacting with the public shouldn't be punished because your cabin steward forgot to put a chocolate on your bed, or because your waiter didn't bring the food fast enough. Those tips are not TIPS the way most gratuities work.

 

That's absolutely terrible. What they're basically doing is making the price of your cruise more enticing by not charging you the wages for those workers up front in your cruise price. Gratuities are supposed to be the cherry on top, by telling people that they've tacked on "gratuities" they're really confusing people. Because yes, if you got mediocre service you might not give as high a tip and would ask for a reduction of the preassigned tip but you probably wouldn't tell the manager to reduce their wages! Absolutely not fair what they're doing, just include that hundred in the cruise price and let people give actual gratuities for an excellent job, the crew members should be given the chance to get those bonuses. The cruise line is definitely to blame, most people think they're giving an actual "gratuity" which isn't far fetched because that's what they call the charge. :mad:

[bjinouno]

Thanks for the info so far,,, hubby wants to hear about engine room, to really see IF it's worth loosing Sun time on the last day/ Yes a new thread about it would be great...

Love reading all the good stuff u post, or inquire about!

really can't wait till aug 13th to see how the aft wrap on 8 is, and I don't care about morning noise, because that is my sign I am wasting time in bed and NOT out on the balcony lounging with my cup of tea!

[sailorJo]

Kath, thank you for posting all this interesting information. It’s exactly the kind of distraction I need while I wait for my turn to sail :D.

 

 

 

I have a cousin who’s a crew member currently on the Glory so I knew about certain categories of crew not getting paid a regular salary and relying only on a portion of the gratuities. That’s why I wouldn’t even dream of removing the tips. They lead a hard life as it is with the work they do and being away from home for months on end is tough, especially when they have a family at home. It also explains why most of the jobs in the service sector are occupied by people from poorer countries, as what are low wages for people from the more developed countries can be a lot of money for them. It’s also important that passengers fill in those surveys when they’ve done a good enough job as they sometimes get bonuses if they’re highly rated. Just putting in my 2 cents ;)

 

 

 

Can’t wait to hear more!

[Jamman54]

Thanks for the info so far,,, hubby wants to hear about engine room, to really see IF it's worth loosing Sun time on the last day/ Yes a new thread about it would be great...

Love reading all the good stuff u post, or inquire about!

really can't wait till aug 13th to see how the aft wrap on 8 is, and I don't care about morning noise, because that is my sign I am wasting time in bed and NOT out on the balcony lounging with my cup of tea!

 

Is your aft wrap on deck 8 on the port or starboard side? If you're on the port side I'll be able to look up and wish you good morning! :D

[Cyber Kat]

Kath, that looks like the aft wrap cabin we had on the Dream. The Spirit class aft wraps are very different. I also wonder if the movement in the aft varies from ship to ship. Since we sail the same ships consecutively it's hard for me to determine this, but we had aft wraps on deck 8 on the Miracle and Spirit, then had the cabin right next to the aft wrap on the Splendor. We never felt a THING on Miracle or Spirit and we, too, encountered some rough seas. On the Splendor we had the movement and vibration as Kat has described, even in calm water. :confused::confused: Doesn't bother us, but it's just something for anyone who does have an issue should think about. Thanks for the pictures, Kat! Looks like the beginning of a great week and glad you found your sister in the terminal! :p

 

I would love to do a Spirit class aft wrap - the rooms look really nice, but this was a good one. I think the deck 7 & 8 wraps were smaller than the deck 6 on the Miracle.

 

The cruise was really great and we got to the terminal first, so she found us! :p We met at the snack bar and it worked out well. We weren't in the way of the departing passengers and it was a good landmark.

[Cyber Kat]

GREAT pictures Kath!! We have the Aft Wrap on the port side (6450), for our cruise. We love the motion of the ocean, so more movement doesn't phase us. Only question is, can you hear anything from the lounge directly below?

 

 

We heard no noise from the lounge. Only some noise and vibrations from the engines when they were stopping, starting or maneuvering - like coming into the ports. And of course the sound of the wake out on the balcony, which to me was very soothing.

[sailorJo]

BTW, Kath, do you know who the current Captain is? It used to be Giorgio Pagano.

[Cyber Kat]

Kath, when you have the time and if you decide to elaborate, I would love to know your opinions about the ship. You knew so much about her before you boarded and I just wondered if everything was "as you expected" or if anything "surprised" you! :eek:

 

I really liked the ship. I thought it was going to be a bit overwhelming because it was bigger than we were used to, but Carnival has enough consistencies in the layouts that it felt like home by the second day.

 

It was a LONG walk from stern to bow if we walked on Deck 6. It didn't seem as bad on Deck 5. I had heard that Deck 5 had a lot of traffic, but the only time it was noticeable was at dinner time.

 

I can't say that there was anything really unexpected, other than finding things more convenient than I had anticipated.

 

We are seriously thinking about doing the NY-SJ SJ-NY on the Splendor in Jan 2015 as a B2B. I don't think we'll do the wrap because the sea days will be winter days. We'll probably get a balcony in the aft section. I found that we could get to most everything except the Gym, Spa and Spectacular Theater quite easily.

 

BTW - we LOVED the El Mojito bar! We had a pre-dinner drink there every night and Gabrial and Rowena took excellent care of us!