Splendor 5/4-5/12- F2F, Spa Cabin, and Cheers

[Ctlee88]

Hi everyone! Thought I would post a review on my trip since I hit a few of the categories with a lot of questions on here (Cheers, F2F and spa cabin).

 

Background: this was my first cruise, first time on a ship etc. Booked in October, and checked every week or so and the price never went down so it seemed like a good time to book. My husband had been on ships before but had never taken a cruise for pleasure. I did a lot of research using this forum. Frankly I was nervous based on the reviews, but we ended up loving it! For a frame of reference we are in our Mid-20s, and really were looking to relax (no lido parties for us!)

 

F2F: This is an absolute steal for $50! We were second in line in the priority line (After kind of just stumbling into the port with no where to go). And on the ship within 10 minutes of the start of boarding. Use for guest services was wonderful, as there was never a line for the priority, and I have to say it was worth the $50 in itself for debarkation. So incredibly fast for the self assist and we were in the car and picked up before the crowds.

 

Cheers: my husband and I consider ourselves to be moderate to heavy drinkers, but for us Cheers wasn't the best match. When priced, we saved $400 but that was only because we felt like we had to drink to get our money worth. I like to drink but I really felt like I was just drinking because of the program.

 

Cloud 9 Spa Balcony: we were in room 1007 which was the forward most balcony (also next to the open deck 10 area which was so nice!) the room was well appointed, I didn't care for the decor too much but so what? The balcony was nice and private. The location was incredible, so close to all the areas we frequented most, especially where we would lay in the sun. The spa was wonderful, we went everyday. Definitely a great perk! We also did the couples mud room because it was discounted by being in a spa room. It was supposed to be $99 but we did it on the last day and it was only $55. Would've been worth $150. A must do for couples.

 

Dining: nothing but good reviews for the food. We ate at the Mongolion Wok after we got on the ship, but we really weren't impressed and didn't try it again for the remainder of the trip.the pizza was mediocre (we live near New Haven, the pizza Mecca Of the world). Didn't eat at the buffet. Tandoor was AWESOME. We ate there at most lunches. Did the sea day brunch two times, both delicious. Any time dining was great, we never waited for a table more than 5 minutes. Only meal that was so-so was the burger. They said regulations made it so they couldn't cook it anything less than well done, and since I like it close to rare it was not good. Everything else was tasty! Steakhouse was incredible.

 

Fellow passengers: very diverse mix, but did not see any poor behavior. I'm a grumpy person when it comes to rude behavior and I honestly didn't see anything less than stellar! Very happy about that.

 

Casino: I'm a giant casino fan, as is my husband. We won about $1000 over the week which was nice. I got the "drinks on us" card on Wednesday which really was pointless because I had cheers. Oh well!

 

San Juan: rainy, I was seasick overnight because I stupidly decided to let up on my Bonine. Didn't plan on doing anything there anyway, but we got off and walked around for about 40 minutes.

 

St. Thomas: another rainy morning. We got in at 7am and waited for the rain to stop before we got off, went downtown to the shops, stopped for a beer, and went back.

 

Grand Turk: a beautiful day! We went to Jacks Shack, and it was $10 for an umbrella and the chairs were free. We spent a great day relaxing, watching the cute Labradoodle Topher dig and swim, and enjoying some local beers away from the craziness of Margaritaville. Our favorite day by far.

 

We really had a great time and enjoyed our time immensely. Would absolutely go on another one out of NY in May. It was warm enough, and when we came back everything was in bloom.

 

If you have any questions let me know!

[rimom71]

We were on Splendor for Easter week and also had a great time. So glad you enjoyed your cruise! Thanks for sharing!

[phillyf]

Thanks for posting a great review

[JandR1LuV]

Thanks for posting this review. I am going on this ship next week and hitting the same ports. I am looking forward to hitting the casino, but not looking forward to losing, but reading your review I feel like there is hope....LOL. I am glad you had a great time. This will be my very first cruise!!!

[092306]

Thanks for the positive Splendor review. Glad you had a great time!

[DONDON55]

Glad to hear you enjoyed your first cruise on Carnival. We sailed on the Splendor in Dec 2013 to the Bahamas. Loved the crew, loved the food, loved it all. We are going on the Splendor again in Sept from NYC to Canada. We booked a spa cabin to try it out. Sounds like it is worth the $230 extra for the room. :D Look forward to the steam rooms, the saunas, and the thermos whateveritscalled pool. :eek: LOL The mud room sounds wonderful, gotta check that one out for when we are in port in Boston. Since we live 35 miles south of Boston, we plan on a spa day while in port.:cool:

[KPfromCT]

Sounds like you had a GREAT cruise!!!:D:D

While we are one state away, in CT, I cannot bring myself to book the Splendor.

I have just read too many negative reviews. Not a fan of the décor, and while that doesn't bother some, I do have some issues with it:o:o

Also, I don't think I can cruise on a ship that doesn't have the 2.0

 

But I really do LOVE the convenience of NYC. Grrrrr. Just wish it was a different ship.:(

[jimbo5544]

Nice review, thanks for posting it.

[Cyber Kat]

We are going on the Splendor again in Sept from NYC to Canada.

 

Are you doing the 9/1 sailing to Halifax and St John? Are you in our roll call? We think we're sailing on an empty ship :D

[Cyber Kat]

Sounds like you had a GREAT cruise!!!:D:D

While we are one state away, in CT, I cannot bring myself to book the Splendor.

I have just read too many negative reviews. Not a fan of the décor, and while that doesn't bother some, I do have some issues with it:o:o

 

I was not happy that they took the Miracle away - I loved that ship. I'd heard the negative things about the Splendor too, but I was quite pleasantly surprised by our cruise last June. I LOVE this ship!

 

I got the Deck Director app (highly recommended!) so I found my way around quickly (Deck 5 is your friend). We had cabin 6485 - aft wrap - BEST cabin EVER! I thought the crew were the best - so friendly.

 

Loved the California Roll Sushi - although I've heard they changed it to the tasting Bar ???? Love the Mongolian Wok. Hit it the first day, then again on our early return to the ship from GT. Liked the Burrito Bar - loved the tortilla chips, guacamole and salsa on the fixing's bar. Loved that there was always a free table near the window up in the rotisserie - food wasn't bad either. Steak House was AWESOME - really, really good food and the service was fabulous. I liked the atmosphere better than the one in the Whale Tail of the Miracle.

 

We did the Behind the Fun tour and it was worth every penny.

 

We're booked again for the 9/1 sailing to St John NB and Halifax NS - mostly so I can sail on this ship again.

Edited May 14, 2014 by Cyber Kat

[Cyber Kat]

Didn't want to forget the OP - thanks for the review!

 

Do you by any chance remember the name of the House/cover band? We had True Identity - who were okay - but I prefer Music Unlimited. They were awesome!

 

Sooo looking forward to sailing the Splendor again!

[champagne123]

Sounds like you had a GREAT cruise!!!:D:D

While we are one state away, in CT, I cannot bring myself to book the Splendor.

I have just read too many negative reviews. Not a fan of the décor, and while that doesn't bother some, I do have some issues with it:o:o

Also, I don't think I can cruise on a ship that doesn't have the 2.0

 

But I really do LOVE the convenience of NYC. Grrrrr. Just wish it was a different ship.:(

 

All I can say....is this is really sad. You have no idea what you are missing. I do not make a decision based on any one else's opinion.

 

OP.... My two sons and their girlfriends were on this cruise. They had a blast. Thank you for your review.

[mizLORInj]

All I can say....is this is really sad. You have no idea what you are missing. I do not make a decision based on any one else's opinion.

. ..

 

Agree! if I believed every negative review I wouldn't cruise! Always best to try it out for yourself. I have had a great time on each and every cruise!

[Hpycmpr]

Glad you had a Great Time!!! Do you have the copies of the Fun Times? If so can you post them for us? We will be sailing on June 9th - I can't wait to be back on the Splendor.

Edited May 14, 2014 by Hpycmpr
misspelled word.

[Andoria]

Sounds like you had a GREAT cruise!!!:D:D

While we are one state away, in CT, I cannot bring myself to book the Splendor.

I have just read too many negative reviews. Not a fan of the décor, and while that doesn't bother some, I do have some issues with it:o:o

Also, I don't think I can cruise on a ship that doesn't have the 2.0

 

But I really do LOVE the convenience of NYC. Grrrrr. Just wish it was a different ship.:(

 

 

I was on the cruise a week before OP and I loved it. I'm puzzled by the people who can't look past the decor. I notice it for a second and then forget about it. As long as I'm not in sensory hell, it's all good.

[Ctlee88]

Glad you had a Great Time!!! Do you have the copies of the Fun Times? If so can you post them for us? We will be sailing on June 9th - I can't wait to be back on the Splendor.

 

Sorry, we did not pack the fun times! I came down with a cold the last night so debarkation was a bit of a mess and we left everything in the room!

[Ctlee88]

I was on the cruise a week before OP and I loved it. I'm puzzled by the people who can't look past the decor. I notice it for a second and then forget about it. As long as I'm not in sensory hell, it's all good.

 

I felt the same way. The decor was definitely a bit much on the first day but after that I literally did not even notice it! Would never be a deal breaker for me.

[Cyber Kat]

I was on the cruise a week before OP and I loved it. I'm puzzled by the people who can't look past the decor. I notice it for a second and then forget about it. As long as I'm not in sensory hell, it's all good.

 

And if it's the pink and the dots that bother people - that's mostly the atrium and the elevator area. I didn't notice much pink or dots elsewhere.

[Hpycmpr]

I felt the same way. The decor was definitely a bit much on the first day but after that I literally did not even notice it! Would never be a deal breaker for me.

 

The only ship that the decor was a bit much is the Legend - too many Urns, otherwise I never really notice the decor.

[Andoria]

The only ship that the decor was a bit much is the Legend - too many Urns, otherwise I never really notice the decor.

 

I agree, the Legend decor was a bit much but again not a deal breaker for me. I'd jump at the chance to go back on the Legend.

[Garycruz]

I was not happy that they took the Miracle away - I loved that ship. I'd heard the negative things about the Splendor too, but I was quite pleasantly surprised by our cruise last June. I LOVE this ship!

 

I got the Deck Director app (highly recommended!) so I found my way around quickly (Deck 5 is your friend). We had cabin 6485 - aft wrap - BEST cabin EVER! I thought the crew were the best - so friendly.

 

Loved the California Roll Sushi - although I've heard they changed it to the tasting Bar ???? Love the Mongolian Wok. Hit it the first day, then again on our early return to the ship from GT. Liked the Burrito Bar - loved the tortilla chips, guacamole and salsa on the fixing's bar. Loved that there was always a free table near the window up in the rotisserie - food wasn't bad either. Steak House was AWESOME - really, really good food and the service was fabulous. I liked the atmosphere better than the one in the Whale Tail of the Miracle.

 

We did the Behind the Fun tour and it was worth every penny.

 

We're booked again for the 9/1 sailing to St John NB and Halifax NS - mostly so I can sail on this ship again.

 

I downloaded the Deck Director app after reading your very informative and excellent review of the ship. I can already tell that it will be a great help in getting around when I'm on the ship in July.

 

Strangely, I have yet to read a negative review of the Splendor (other than the decor) but I'm sure they're out there, and I have been reading every review I can about the ship since I booked the cruise last month. Perhaps the negative reviews are a bit older. Just to give an idea of how subjective these things are, I have read glowing reviews of the Mongolian Wok and I have also seen people mention that is a big disappointment. It's like everything else, there's no right or wrong. You won't know until you experience it for yourself. And I plan on doing just that in July. :)

 

I'm also trying to find out if the sushi is still available on the ship since apparently the California Roll has been changed to the Tasting Bar. Hopefully someone who has sailed her recently can fill us in.

 

This will be my first Carnival cruise after sailing RCI in the past so I'm excited and interested to see how it compares to my experiences on Royal Caribbean.

[Cyber Kat]

I agree, the Legend decor was a bit much but again not a deal breaker for me. I'd jump at the chance to go back on the Legend.

 

Decor-wise the Legend was my least favorite, but I'd book it in a heartbeat. Decor is not an aspect I worry too much about. Legend has the urns and brown, Miracle has the grapes in the MDR and the Splendor puts pink dots before your eyes :)

[cruiserNC]

Great review. We will on the Splendor in a few weeks with a spa balcony. This will be our 2nd spa cabin and we are hooked. Although this will be our 11th Carnival cruise it will be our first out of NYC.

 

Do you recall if you all set sail on time? We have early seating dining but will not miss the sail away from NYC for nothing.

 

Again thanks...

[kingston13]

Great review. We will on the Splendor in a few weeks with a spa balcony. This will be our 2nd spa cabin and we are hooked. Although this will be our 11th Carnival cruise it will be our first out of NYC.

 

Do you recall if you all set sail on time? We have early seating dining but will not miss the sail away from NYC for nothing.

 

Again thanks...

 

I hve sailed Splendor 3 times and we sailed by 4:30 and made 6:00 dinner with no problem

[ibcnusoon]

We will be in a spa cabin next month!! Where did you lay out in the sun on the ship? I haven't seen pictures of the ship without the retractable roof so when I first look at deck 10 overlooking Lido, it was enclosed!