My Splendor Review - June 26, 2013

[jill5269]

Well, I have to start off by saying that I cruised RCL Allure of the Seas in September, so this made a huge difference in my view of Carnival Splendor.

 

I hoped it wouldn't make a difference that I sailed RCL prior, but unfortunately it made the flaws in Carnival all too obvious for me. I've done Carnival Miracle before, but somehow I thought the smaller ship experience would be okay this time around.

 

Don't get me wrong, I had a good time, but it was like going from Saks Fifth Avenue to Walmart.

 

First, the embarkation was a nightmare. People everywhere and we waited so long in line.

 

The ship is so difficult to get around. Allure is so much bigger but so much easier to navigate. I felt like I was walking in circles all week.

 

Our balcony was filthy, but our room steward was exceptional. Our waiters were wonderful but the bartenders were sour except for a few (Brad and Gabriel and Ben).

 

The food, however, was very good and the Pinnacle Steakhouse was top notch. I didn't do the buffet because I never do buffets or salad bars, but the Punchliner Brunch was outstanding and we did that every day.

 

The lines for everything were sooo long. The only time I got a sandwich at the Deli was when I stayed on the ship at Nassau. The same thing for a lounger. There was never a chair and they do not enforce the 40 minute rule (ever!).

 

There are not enough pools and they are sooo crowded. Some guy barfed in one of them one day and it had to be drained. Not Carnival's fault, but with only one other pool left on a steamy hot day...

 

The Serenity area is nothing but padded loungers. The Allure had an adult pool in the Serenity area as well as nice loungers and a place to eat.

 

The shows were subpar but the comedians were excellent!

 

They yelled at my friend's son walking up to her in the Casino, but let a 3 year command a bar stool at the smoking side of the bar in the Casino while adults were standing around. That's mostly the parent's fault, I guess.

 

We were supposed to get a welcoming cocktail party, but no one showed up to give it so we called and got one on the last day. I guess it was a farewell party.

 

The ports are great, Half Moon Cay is the most beautiful port I've been to next to St. Thomas.

 

Disembarkation was terrible. We waited and waited while they paged someone over and over. Finally we were able to go and Dominic said someone jumped and he saw the whole thing. I'm not sure if it's true, I couldn't find anything about it online.

 

Live and learn, I guess. I know it's a matter of cost for most people, but the price difference between the quality and quantity of what you get is small. I didn't pay that much more for Allure than I did for Carnival.

[Cruising Golfer]

Live and Learn I guess!!!:)

We were on Splendor last year and had a great time, everything was clean the crew was friendly and the food was good.

We have been on 5 different cruise lines and don't see that much difference between them, Yes there is some, but not that much...:D

If you're looking for a five star dining venue, you don't go to Denny's.:eek:

Better luck next time, hope it's better for you... C.G.

[jill5269]

Yes, you are so right. I didn't pick the cruise, it was a group thing that was already chosen. It all worked out in the end though. It wasn't terrible, but it isn't something I would do again.

[Cyber Kat]

Wow! I was just on the Splendor in June and my experience was soooo completely different! And I have cruised RCL, as well. Not the Allure - but I prefer smaller ships (I didn't consider the Splendor a smaller ship :D )

 

Well, I have to start off by saying that I cruised RCL Allure of the Seas in September, so this made a huge difference in my view of Carnival Splendor.

 

I hoped it wouldn't make a difference that I sailed RCL prior, but unfortunately it made the flaws in Carnival all too obvious for me. I've done Carnival Miracle before, but somehow I thought the smaller ship experience would be okay this time around.

 

Don't get me wrong, I had a good time, but it was like going from Saks Fifth Avenue to Walmart.

 

I can't speak for anyone, but myself. I've been to Saks and I've been to Walmart (only once under duress - it was too cold to sit in the car). I wouldn't compare the Splendor to Walmart - not by any stretch of the imagination. Nor would I compare Voyager of the Seas (my RCL experience) to Saks. I'd say both were more Macy's - but that's just me.

 

First, the embarkation was a nightmare. People everywhere and we waited so long in line.

 

We got to the port at 10:30am. Waited for my sister, who arrived at 11am and were having a drink and listening to the WKTU DJ's in the Atrium at 11:40am.

 

The ship is so difficult to get around. Allure is so much bigger but so much easier to navigate. I felt like I was walking in circles all week.

 

Once I figured out that all the decks went through except 3 & 4 - Decks 5 and 9 are your friends - thanks to the Deck Director App - I had no problem getting around at all. By day 2, I felt right at home!

 

Our balcony was filthy, but our room steward was exceptional. Our waiters were wonderful but the bartenders were sour except for a few (Brad and Gabriel and Ben).

 

I thought the ship was cleaner than most. We had an aft wrap, and one day in port (GT, I think) they were running some kind of drill that involved blowing the ship's horn multiple times. When we came back to our cabin, there was soot on the balcony and the steward cleaned it up right away - including some we'd inadvertently tracked into the room (I want the stuff they cleaned that carpet with!).

 

Later on in the week, they asked us to try and stay out of the cabin between 11am and 1pm so they could power clean the balconies - not just ours. You could reschedule, if it was inconvenient.

 

If you are talking about Brad in the Steak House and Gabriel at the El Mojito I agree - they were great!

 

The food, however, was very good and the Pinnacle Steakhouse was top notch. I didn't do the buffet because I never do buffets or salad bars, but the Punchliner Brunch was outstanding and we did that every day.

 

Punchliner Branch was really good, and the buffet food I ate was good also.

 

The lines for everything were sooo long. The only time I got a sandwich at the Deli was when I stayed on the ship at Nassau. The same thing for a lounger. There was never a chair and they do not enforce the 40 minute rule (ever!).

 

The only lines I saw were for the Mongolian Wok - which was sooo worth standing in line for. Shorter lines at the Deli, Grill and the Burrito Bar. I thought about getting a sandwich from the Deli, but there were so many other things to eat, I just never got around to it. One time there was a long line for Pizza - I don't know why. It may have been when we got back on board after Grand Turk. Oh, and for the Chocolate Extravaganza on the last sea day.

 

There are not enough pools and they are sooo crowded. Some guy barfed in one of them one day and it had to be drained. Not Carnival's fault, but with only one other pool left on a steamy hot day...

 

The Serenity area is nothing but padded loungers. The Allure had an adult pool in the Serenity area as well as nice loungers and a place to eat.

 

There is a another pool up by the end of the water slide - for those who haven't sailed on the Splendor yet. Three pools - aft (adults only), mid-ship Lido deck and the Thunderball one by the slide. The pools were crowded - especially the aft pool, but any time we were up there, I saw empty loungers (aft pool). We had loungers on our balcony, so we just popped up to the pool to cool off.

 

And they do need to put some of those hammocks and the round couch things like they have on the other ships in the Serenity area. We didn't have any need for it, but I did want one of those pads for the chairs on our balcony, but I couldn't figure out how to get one down to our room :D

 

The shows were subpar but the comedians were excellent!

 

RCL has it over Carnival in the show department, if my cruise on Voyager is any indication. I'm not so much into the shows, but I was impressed by the ones we saw on Voyager.

 

We were supposed to get a welcoming cocktail party, but no one showed up to give it so we called and got one on the last day. I guess it was a farewell party.

 

Past Guest Party? Captain's Celebration Party?

 

Disembarkation was terrible. We waited and waited while they paged someone over and over. Finally we were able to go and Dominic said someone jumped and he saw the whole thing. I'm not sure if it's true, I couldn't find anything about it online.

 

Live and learn, I guess. I know it's a matter of cost for most people, but the price difference between the quality and quantity of what you get is small. I didn't pay that much more for Allure than I did for Carnival.

 

We left our room at around 8:30-9:00 and were sitting waiting for our limo on the pier at 9:30am. I did hear that there were some issues with the 6/26 cruise. I read somewhere that there was a non-American passenger who didn't report to immigration so they couldn't clear the ship.

 

For us, it's not so much a matter of the cost. I just didn't care for RCL. It's not something I can put my finger on - perhaps it's atmosphere. I nearly always feel like a welcome guest on Carnival. On my 1 RCL - and I agree that 1 cruise isn't necessarily a good indicator - I just never felt comfortable. It's that intangible quality.

 

I thought the crew on the Splendor were exceptional. Smiles, friendly greetings, offerings of help - everywhere. And constantly cleaning! I was quite happy with my Splendor cruise - it was one of my best!

 

So there you have it ... a tale of two cruises. Different strokes, for different folkes, perhaps. Maybe it pays to sail in early June before the schools in the NY Metro area get out. It's when we usually choose to sail.

 

We had 3500+ passengers on board according to the posting I saw on the bridge when we did the Behind the Fun tour, so it's not like the ship wasn't full. And yet, it never seemed crowded.

 

Sorry, you had a different experience than I did OP! I think it helps to read about different experiences, so thanks for posting yours.

 

I really did have a great cruise all around - except for the miserable weather we had on sail away. I'd give RCL another shot if the opportunity came my way, but when I'm looking for a cruise, I'll most likely check carnival.com first - and I'll be looking at Splendor itineraries. But then again - I cruise for the ship not the ports, so I think it's safe to say, I'll be cruising the Splendor again.

[jill5269]

I'm glad you had a fun Cyberkat, I wish everyone a good vacation. I can't say this wasn't, but I guess I got spoiled with the Allure. It was truly magical. I don't mean to diss, I'm just being honest with what happened. I heard so many others complaining as well.

 

Oh, the welcoming party was a little one hour get together they gave for our group compliments of our travel agency.

 

I think I'm cruised out anyway. I'm more of an all-inclusive girl to tell you the truth. But I might check out RCL Quantum out of Cape Liberty in 2015 with another group of friends.

[gymrat10]

so on a scale of 1 to 100, how would you rate it over all?

[cruizinisthebest]

Guess I prefer objective reviews. Comparing Allure to Splendor isn't really fair. Two totally different types of ships. Just like Saks and Walmart are two different types of stores. I wouldn't go to Saks for toothpaste or milk or laundry detergent. And I wouldn't go to Walmart for a nice dress or a fancy pair of shoes. Each stores meets different needs.

 

I have seen reviews regarding the Splendor commenting on the lines and the crowds but never anything about the ship being filthy, which is a whole other level of dirty. Every ship I've been on I see crew members constantly cleaning.

 

Have fun on the Quantum if you decide to go. Hopefully it will match or surpass the Allure. Sounds like anything above a Motel 8 will surpass the Splendor (joking). :)

[mrmet1986]

so on a scale of 1 to 100, how would you rate it over all?

 

lol good 1

[maddea20]

I'll like this ship and cruise regardless of anyone's opinion on it. I've never been on any cruise and found that it had so many issues.

 

I was on RCCL Explorer of the Seas 3 times and though Royal Caribbean has more activities like rock climbing and ice skating, it was a little more laid back then the Carnival cruises I've been on. There really wasnt too much excitement and a party feel that I like with Carnival cruises. I do want to go on the Oasis of the Seas one day though.

[sailorJo]

Sailing in 2.5 days and planning on keeping an open mind, as always. My first and only Carnival experience wasn't the greatest but I've heard good things about the Splendor. Move over, Chantal, here I come! :)

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[plk40atmc]

I have been on Allure, Enchantment of the Seas and Miracle. I am going on Splendor in September. I enjoyed Allure the least. It was definitely something to see but too big, I felt like I was in a floating shopping mall. The shows were the best though. The crew seemed very unhappy and overworked. I am looking forward to the Splendor. Of all so far, Miracle was my favorite.

[Jeffbhhs]

I see that one of your big complaints was entertainment... However with RCL the entertainment was one of the main reasons I chose not to go with them. With RCL you need to make reservations to see shows, so it is VERY possible that you do NOT get to see the shows that you want to see and in addition you havens ability to change your mind, since odds are there will be no other room. I am going off of many reviews I have read. I am sure the Allure is a very nice ship and if it were not for the entertainment and the massive size of the ship, I would have given the Allure or Oasis a chance...

[gusandgidgetsmom]

I also sailed the Splendor this year from NYC. I agree with your assessment of RCI's entertainment. It is top notch. The rest I don't see. I sail several lines. I do not sail NCL again as it is really not for me but perhaps it has been long enough I should give them a try again. I have had some great cruises on RCI as well as Carnival. Probably the worst cruise--or I would say the one I enjoyed the least was on RCI. Children ran rampant and the drunks were in full swing. Did this make me say it was an inferior product no or call them the Walmart of the seas as they had the stereotypical feel of walmart shopping-no. I realize there are things that can go wrong on any cruise/cruiseline at any given time. I feel most lines are more similar than different. I choose many times to not pay the extra for things I really don't want or need. I don't really want the bells and whistles of some of the ships--rockwalls, bouncy things, zip line--I have these things right outside of my office door. I am one that likes fewer people ( I live in a national forest with the closest neighbor just 1/2 miles down the road) so I prefer the smaller cozy ships from any line.

I am so glad I did not have the same cruise experience that you did. I guess when we left the ship we took the wonderful things I found with us. Sorry.

[Cyber Kat]

I'm glad you had a fun Cyberkat, I wish everyone a good vacation. I can't say this wasn't, but I guess I got spoiled with the Allure. It was truly magical. I don't mean to diss, I'm just being honest with what happened. I heard so many others complaining as well.

 

Oh, the welcoming party was a little one hour get together they gave for our group compliments of our travel agency.

 

I think I'm cruised out anyway. I'm more of an all-inclusive girl to tell you the truth. But I might check out RCL Quantum out of Cape Liberty in 2015 with another group of friends.

 

Ah - I had heard that groups get a cocktail party. We weren't with a group.

 

Well - enjoy your Quantum cruise - but I'll pass - not my thing ;) I'll be aboard the Splendor next chance I get ... there or Bermuda, which is my favorite land vacation spot. No AI - just a cottage on the beach - heaven!

[Cyber Kat]

so on a scale of 1 to 100, how would you rate it over all?

 

That's a big range :). I guess I'd give it a 95% - I like the layout of the Spirit Class ships a tad better. And I could have done with a few less spots - pink or otherwise :D

[Cyber Kat]

Sailing in 2.5 days and planning on keeping an open mind, as always. My first and only Carnival experience wasn't the greatest but I've heard good things about the Splendor. Move over, Chantal, here I come! :)

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

Hope Chantal fizzles out before you get there! Have a great cruise! Open mind always helps!

[Cyber Kat]

I see that one of your big complaints was entertainment... However with RCL the entertainment was one of the main reasons I chose not to go with them. With RCL you need to make reservations to see shows, so it is VERY possible that you do NOT get to see the shows that you want to see and in addition you havens ability to change your mind, since odds are there will be no other room. I am going off of many reviews I have read. I am sure the Allure is a very nice ship and if it were not for the entertainment and the massive size of the ship, I would have given the Allure or Oasis a chance...

 

We sailed on Voyager of the Seas a number of years back and we had to stand in line for tickets to the ice show. You didn't have much choice, you pretty much had to take what they gave you - unless you were first in line.

[jill5269]

Oh no! The ship wasn't filthy, just our balcony. In fact, all of the bathrooms were spotless. And they did power wash the balcony a couple of days after we were on. Maybe that's why they didn't clean it for us. The plexiglass was all dirty and smeared and there was garbage left in it, etc.

 

I didn't mean to insult anyone. The cruise was definitely a good time. I just preferred the other one. It is very hard not to compare when you just got off of one so soon. I felt so crowded on this one and the lines made it impossible to do some things. Maybe an extra crowded cruise? I don't know. But definitely don't let this keep you off this cruise.

 

I had a feeling expressing my opinion might get me in hot water!

[maddea20]

Oh no! The ship wasn't filthy, just our balcony. In fact, all of the bathrooms were spotless. And they did power wash the balcony a couple of days after we were on. Maybe that's why they didn't clean it for us. The plexiglass was all dirty and smeared and there was garbage left in it, etc.

 

I didn't mean to insult anyone. The cruise was definitely a good time. I just preferred the other one. It is very hard not to compare when you just got off of one so soon. I felt so crowded on this one and the lines made it impossible to do some things. Maybe an extra crowded cruise? I don't know. But definitely don't let this keep you off this cruise.

 

I had a feeling expressing my opinion might get me in hot water!

 

You know you can't give your own opinion in America, shame on you. :D