Carnival Splendor 6/10/13 ... a ramble

[Cyber Kat]

kat, could you use the stair case that is in the aft? or is that just for crew? so did you count the steps to the elevator from the room? I hope our AFT on deck 8 is just as delicous as yours was,, (OK a bit narrower) Let's hear about the drill now.

 

The stair case to the right of the cabin door is for the crew and emergency use. The stairs we used were by the elevator - 9 cabin doors (on the left facing the bow from ours.

[Cyber Kat]

After the M&G, I went back to our cabin (DH & DSis didn't go to the M&G). Soon after we got the announcement about muster/safety drill.. Our station was G on Deck 4. When we came out of the room, they had the door to the crew stairs open for us - very convenient if we have an emergency and we are in our cabin :D

 

Deck 4 is where the lifeboats are - so to answer that question - on the Splendor you do muster drill outside by the boats. It was still raining, but we were under cover so it was okay.

 

It took forever to get everyone to shut up! I don't blame the officer conducting the drill, who demanded silence. I blame the idiots who can't keep their yaps shut and pay attention for 10 minutes to something that could save your life - DUH!

 

Group of people by us were chatting and looking at stuff on their iPhones - which you were NOT supposed to be using. I finally told them to shush - earning a dirty look from them - which I returned and a smile from the crew member in front of us and some nods from the others around us. Come on people - yes- maybe you've heard it before, but it never hurts to hear it again and in light of recent and not so recent events it's IMPORTANT! The sooner you shut up the sooner your FUN can begin.

 

So please take muster drill seriously and have some consideration for your fellow passengers and SHUT UP for 10 minutes!

 

It was crowded, as usual, but at least it wasn't hot. And actually it wasn't quite as crowded as other drills I've done. Once it was over (about 10 minutes once everyone cooperated) they herded us back inside - but wouldn't let us go back up the convenient stairs again :mad:

 

Oh well - muster's over and the CRUISE HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN!

[jimbo5544]

Kicking butt on muster drill. I love it! Keep the review coming!

[ibcnusoon]

Great review so far! LOVED the corner aft balcony, we had the same deck 6 balcony on the Victory! :D

[jimbo5544]

Kat, what time did they start VIP boarding?

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Cyber Kat]

Kat, what time did they start VIP boarding?

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

We headed over once my sister arrived at a little before 11am. They were just starting to let people through. There were no lines at all. They took us to the VIP/priority lounge, and we were there about 15-20 minutes (until everyone got their S&S cards, basically), then they took us on board. We were sitting in the atrium at about 11:40. Seemed like we were in the first group to board.

[jimbo5544]

We headed over once my sister arrived at a little before 11am. They were just starting to let people through. There were no lines at all. They took us to the VIP/priority lounge, and we were there about 15-20 minutes (until everyone got their S&S cards, basically), then they took us on board. We were sitting in the atrium at about 11:40. Seemed like we were in the first group to board.

Thanks!

[misslyss1220]

Subscribing! Sailing on the Splendor next year :) Can't wait to see more photos!

[Cyber Kat]

Thanks to everyone who's reading!

 

So with Muster Drill over, we returned to our cabin, because we usually start out the sail away on our balcony. Before we always made sure to have port cabins so we could see the skyline. With the aft, it didn't make a difference because we could see both sides. It didn't make much difference anyway, because it was still pouring down rain - ugh!

 

We've done the NY sail away many times - still gives me a thrill - but I felt bad for everyone who was doing it for the first time. We probably should have just given up and gone to the Lido (which was covered) for the deck party - but old habits die hard.

 

We stood out on the balcony in the rain, with our umbrellas for as long as we could. As we picked up speed, we were afraid of getting swooped up like Mary Poppins!

 

For those who have never seen a NY sail away, I'm posting a few pics from our 2011 cruise - where we had much nicer weather for the start!

 

 

Some sights along the way ...

 

The Freedom Tower is complete now, but it wasn't in 2011

 

 

We usually hang out on our balcony until we see the Freedom Tower and lower Manhattan coming into view. After that, you want to hustle up to the top decks for a view of the Statue of Liberty (which will be on the starboard/right facing the bow) - you don't want to miss that!

 

 

And then you enter NY Harbor (prior to this you were in the Hudson River) and you should watch for the Staten Island Ferry ...

 

 

And then finally under the Bridge - mind your head!

 

 

This last photo was taken aboard the Legend - the Splendor came much closer, but we didn't get to see that because we were all in a fog!

[EJPhilly]

DOD's are Drink of the Day. The first day it's always the Funship special. Different one each day. YUMMMMM! :D

What's the Funship Special for the 1st day?

Thanks

[Crusin Karen]

What's the Funship Special for the 1st day?

Thanks

That's actually the name of the drink. :p It's rum, vodka, apricot brandy, OJ and pineapple juice. ;)

[poptart]

enjoying your review!

[Cyber Kat]

Instead of those lovely views, this is what we saw :(

 

 

Everyone who sailed with us on this cruise, is just going to have to book another NY cruise so they can get the full treatment! It really is great!

 

Once we cleared the bridge, we were going somewhere - I forget just where, we were still exploring with my Deck Director app - and we got on to the elevator with some other people. The ship's horn sounded and the others in the elevator with us looked concerned. "Fog horn," I told them - don't know if they were reassured that we needed the fog horn, but at least it wasn't the middle of the night.

 

I forget which cruise we were on (probably the Canada trip) but the fog horn sounded every 5 minutes from about 4am on. Needless to say - I didn't get much sleep, but I did get some awesome pictures of sailing IN to NY Harbor in the fog. Lower Manhattan took on a definite Oz quality.

 

After our exploration, we headed back down to the cabin to change for dinner. Mostly to just switch into pants from shorts - first night MDR apparel is kind of a mixed bag of "Come as You Are" and "Whatever Floats Your Boat." Although NYers tend to be all about style no matter what they are wearing!

 

We wanted to get a pre-dinner drink and not have to stand in the area in front of the dining room in a crowd, so we stopped off on Deck 5 for a drink at the El Mojito Bar - used to be a wine bar, but now it's where they do the Martini Tasting. You can still get wine and mixed drinks - just not the frozen concoctions.

 

 

This is right by the aft-most elevators on deck 5 - near the Piano Bar, the Red Carpet Lounge, the El Morocco (where they do the Comedy Club and Karaoke). We were well served here by Gabriale and Rowena. Rowena finished up her contract as we finished up our cruise, but Gabriale said he was getting a new partner. It's a nice cozy spot. I recommend it if you are having a pre-dinner drink. If you order sparkling wine (I rather liked the Prosecco) - don't believe Gabriale's story about the machine at the end of the bar. It does NOT connect to the vineyard for a refill :D - but it does do a nifty job of refilling the bottle.

 

We had late seating, so we meandered down to the dining room around 8:15pm. We stopped at Deck 4 but it was really crowded and we figured we'd be on the main level - which is Deck 3.

 

Here's the Gold Pearl entrance with no people (I actually took this earlier in the day)!

 

We were escorted to our table - one of the large ones in the middle of the room. Wouldn't have been my first choice, but it turned out to be a pretty good one!

 

This isn't our table, but this is what it looked like.

 

 

And basically what it stayed looking like ... we were 3 people at a table for 10 (it was actually set for 11 that first night). There were quite a few empty tables all around us. Guess the other people heard we were coming and didn't want to sit with us!

 

Took them a bit to figure out that no one else was coming, and they brought us menus and rolls! The rolls are quite yummy!

 

I had the Fried Spring Rolls, the Caesar Salad and the Sweet and Sour Shrimp with the Crème Brûlée for dessert. DH had Fruit Salad (every night!) and the Brisket - Courvoisier on the rocks for dessert (every night!) Can't remember what my sister had - sorry.

 

And sorry there are no food porn pics - when there is food on the table, I'm eating - not taking pictures!

 

If you want to see pictures of the food, check out http://zydecocruiser.net and drool away!

 

The spring rolls were yummy - really good. I remember the Caesar salad being more garlicky. Sweet and Sour Shrimp were good - I liked the sauce better than I usually do with S&S shrimp. Crème Brûlée was awesome - one of my favorites! DH said the Brisket was good, but there was too much fat and not enough meat.

 

After dinner, DH and I went to The Cool opposite the Piano Bar on Deck 5 to check out True Identity. I had heard a lot of good things about them, but IMO - they were only okay. They were not as good as Music Unlimited - who I hope will return to the NY run with their next contract.

 

And after that - we went back to our cabins and some sleep time!

[bangzoom6877]

I'm loving your review so far! I read Happy Chappy's review and it was great! Looking forward to reading more of yours.

 

I'm sorry you had rain on the day of sailaway. The weather here has been miserable for a while...not much of a Spring, let alone the amount of rain we've had since early May.

 

The buffet sounds like a nice set-up. I will probably try the Mongolian Wok on embarkation day because I've heard the line gets longer and longer throughout the cruise. My boys are looking forward to the pizzeria and the grill.

 

Your first dinner sounds like it was very nice. Is the menu accurate to what's posted on zydecocruiser.net under the 7/8-night MDR dinner menus?

 

Our cabins (2 connecting inside cabins) are on deck 6, above the casino. Seems like a very convenient spot for everything in the evening. Can't wait to read more and can't wait to go in 26 days!!! :)

[PittsburghGirlee]

Great review Kat. Thanks for taking the time to post your review and pics.

I am in #6448, the cabin next to the aft wrap on the oposite side of the ship. I believe that it is an "L-Shape" cabin with a larger deck. Did you happen to get a peek?

[Crusin Karen]

Kath, I knew you'd like El Mojito! ;) I can't imagine a worse day to cruise out of Manhattan, and you are so right, there is just nothing like a NY sailaway and such a shame for anyone who has never done it. Happy Chappy coming all the way from Scotland and not being able to experience it...:(:( A heads up to any chocoholic future Splendor cruisers: the aft portside dessert bar at lunch time always has 2 sauces that go with the cakes they have that day. One is always chocolate. I always get a bowl and fill with soft serve ice cream, then put the chocolate sauce on it. I crush the ice cream cone into the whole thing and it's YUMMO! :p Sorry for the highjack. :o

[EJPhilly]

That's actually the name of the drink. :p It's rum, vodka, apricot brandy, OJ and pineapple juice. ;)

Oh LOL!!! I'm actually looking forward to trying the following:

 

Hurricane Wave

The Twilight Zone

Mocha Chocolate Getaway

Blue Margarita

The Cruiser

Frozen Mudslide (had them before, one of my fav drinks)

Vanilla White Russian (another fav of mine)

[Crusin Karen]

Great review Kat. Thanks for taking the time to post your review and pics.

 

I am in #6448, the cabin next to the aft wrap on the oposite side of the ship. I believe that it is an "L-Shape" cabin with a larger deck. Did you happen to get a peek?

I was in this cabin on deck 8. GREAT CABIN/BALCONY! :D:D:D

[Crusin Karen]

Oh LOL!!! I'm actually looking forward to trying the following:

 

Hurricane Wave

The Twilight Zone

Mocha Chocolate Getaway

Blue Margarita

The Cruiser

Frozen Mudslide (had them before, one of my fav drinks)

Vanilla White Russian (another fav of mine)

The Cruiser is one of my favorite drinks, but be warned: they are very sweet and the drink comes in a red wine type of goblet and is filled with ice. I drank it from the little straw and a few sips and it was GONE. Kind of expensive for what you get, but it was still good. I make them at home now! :cool: I had heard so much about the Twilight Zone and tried it (I always try these "new drinks" at the Capt. Welcome Aboard party because you get $1 off/drink. WTH, a $ is a $! :o) It tasted just like a pina Colada to me. Couldn't really taste the blue curacao....maybe it was just the bartender who made it, tho. :confused: Kath, sorry again for the highjack!!!

[bangzoom6877]

Kath, I knew you'd like El Mojito! ;) I can't imagine a worse day to cruise out of Manhattan, and you are so right, there is just nothing like a NY sailaway and such a shame for anyone who has never done it. Happy Chappy coming all the way from Scotland and not being able to experience it...:(:( A heads up to any chocoholic future Splendor cruisers: the aft portside dessert bar at lunch time always has 2 sauces that go with the cakes they have that day. One is always chocolate. I always get a bowl and fill with soft serve ice cream, then put the chocolate sauce on it. I crush the ice cream cone into the whole thing and it's YUMMO! :p Sorry for the highjack. :o

 

That. Sounds. So. Good.

 

I am definitely doing this!!! Are the sauces warm? That would be even better. Of course I know I will also be having warm chocolate melting cake every night!!!

 

Oh LOL!!! I'm actually looking forward to trying the following:

 

Hurricane Wave

The Twilight Zone

Mocha Chocolate Getaway

Blue Margarita

The Cruiser

Frozen Mudslide (had them before, one of my fav drinks)

Vanilla White Russian (another fav of mine)

 

I remember the Dirty Banana on Carnival years ago, and saw it on a recent bar menu someone posted. It's frozen, delicious!! Banana with kahlua. My mom and I loved them and look forward to them again! Another to add to your list if you like banana.

[EJPhilly]

That. Sounds. So. Good.

 

I am definitely doing this!!! Are the sauces warm? That would be even better. Of course I know I will also be having warm chocolate melting cake every night!!!

 

 

 

I remember the Dirty Banana on Carnival years ago, and saw it on a recent bar menu someone posted. It's frozen, delicious!! Banana with kahlua. My mom and I loved them and look forward to them again! Another to add to your list if you like banana.

I saw the Dirty Banana listed also, def gonna try that too. I forgot I want to try a Miami Vice! I also saw they have a Frozen Cappuccino!! ;)..

[Cyber Kat]

That's actually the name of the drink. :p It's rum, vodka, apricot brandy, OJ and pineapple juice. ;)

 

LOVE the Funship Special - it just says I'm on a cruise!

[Cyber Kat]

I'm loving your review so far! I read Happy Chappy's review and it was great! Looking forward to reading more of yours.

 

I'm sorry you had rain on the day of sailaway. The weather here has been miserable for a while...not much of a Spring, let alone the amount of rain we've had since early May.

 

Tell me about it - and now it's HOT! Could have used hot on June 10th!

 

The buffet sounds like a nice set-up. I will probably try the Mongolian Wok on embarkation day because I've heard the line gets longer and longer throughout the cruise. My boys are looking forward to the pizzeria and the grill.

 

Pizza was just pizza - nothing special - but we're spoiled around in here in NJ with so many good pizza places. Mongolian Wok was really great. I loved the hot dogs from the grill with chili and cheese - yummo!

 

 

Your first dinner sounds like it was very nice. Is the menu accurate to what's posted on zydecocruiser.net under the 7/8-night MDR dinner menus?

 

Pretty much! I'm looking at them as I go along to refresh my memory - all the food kind of gets mixed up after awhile. DH said my sister and I were always eating - she was worse than me though. She was always snacking before dinner, and then she didn't finish her dinner!

[dcspada]

Great review, Kath! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your trip and i'm glad you had a great time! Now I have some insight for my trip! :D

[sailorJo]

Oh LOL!!! I'm actually looking forward to trying the following:

 

Hurricane Wave

The Twilight Zone

Mocha Chocolate Getaway

Blue Margarita

The Cruiser

Frozen Mudslide (had them before, one of my fav drinks)

Vanilla White Russian (another fav of mine)

 

YUM, love the mudslides!

And don't forget Caribbean Tea! :D It's made with Curacau, gin, rum and something else. Not only is it DELISH, but it's a beautiful teal color! I discovered it by change, when I asked the bartender once for something BLUE so that I could play around with my camera and take some cool pictures by isolating the color. It turned out yummy and STRONG! :eek::eek: