GAPearl Goes Solo on the Splendor! 11/1/14 SJU-MIA Repo Cruise Review.

[blueangel74]

Maybe one day my dream will come true and I'll make it on the show! You know I'll make a huge announcement on here if I ever do. haha :D Thanks for following along with my travels all these years. :)

 

 

 

Some of the tables appeared to be right over the aft lido buffet. It seems like the noise from below could possibly ruin the ambience.

 

 

 

Cjdixon you'll have to take her word for it. I have no idea since I don't eat anything on the menu. lol

 

I did not notice any noise from below the aft lido buffet. The only thing my sister & I noticed was the rain. We were too busy enjoying our food.

[hayesktrm]

Kim, I just finished reading your review. I'm so sad it's over, but I'm going to start reading all the others! Before going to work, I sit at my computer and read a little bit each day. It gets me in a good mood.

 

You have given me such hope (as well as all the other solo cruisers). I'm going through a divorce after 25 years of marriage (and many cruises). Although there are a lot of reasons to be sad, I was very sad about not being able to cruise anymore (or so I thought). Your adventures made me realize that I don't have to go with anyone if I want to cruise. I am so excited that I can still plan on doing cruises even if no one can join me. Your review also helped me get through some sad days. Thank you so much...you helped more than you know.

[tpiper55]

Kim, another AMAZING review from you. Thank you for taking the time to put these together and for giving us such useful information - I always feel like I'm right there with you. And those dinner outfits...FIERCE!!! Due to your valor review, my husband and I climbed the Gros Piton this past October. It was an AMAZING accomplishment. Spencer Ambrose and his daughter were surprised at our time because my husband will be 60 next year. The pic in my signature is from the halfway point, we have pics from the summit, but it was super cloudy the day we climbed and you can only see clouds from our summit pics. Anyway, enough about me - THANKS again.

 

Toni

[gapearl]

OMGOSH It's posts like these that keep me motivated to write more reviews! :)

 

Kim, I just finished reading your review. I'm so sad it's over, but I'm going to start reading all the others! Before going to work, I sit at my computer and read a little bit each day. It gets me in a good mood.

 

You have given me such hope (as well as all the other solo cruisers). I'm going through a divorce after 25 years of marriage (and many cruises). Although there are a lot of reasons to be sad, I was very sad about not being able to cruise anymore (or so I thought). Your adventures made me realize that I don't have to go with anyone if I want to cruise. I am so excited that I can still plan on doing cruises even if no one can join me. Your review also helped me get through some sad days. Thank you so much...you helped more than you know.

 

Hey there! So basically my reviews replace your morning paper? LOL

 

I'm so sorry to hear about your divorce. I can't imagine the emotions you're dealing with after being married for so long. If you do end up cruising solo at some point, I hope you're able to enjoy yourself. Just because you're on the ship alone doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be lonely. Plan some fun excursions and you will meet plenty of new people. If you're not sure of what to do, email me and I'll plan them for you! lol This really did touch me. I appreciate you writing such kind words. I'm glad my review has helped to brighten your days. :) :) :)

 

Kim, another AMAZING review from you. Thank you for taking the time to put these together and for giving us such useful information - I always feel like I'm right there with you. And those dinner outfits...FIERCE!!! Due to your valor review, my husband and I climbed the Gros Piton this past October. It was an AMAZING accomplishment. Spencer Ambrose and his daughter were surprised at our time because my husband will be 60 next year. The pic in my signature is from the halfway point, we have pics from the summit, but it was super cloudy the day we climbed and you can only see clouds from our summit pics. Anyway, enough about me - THANKS again.

 

Toni

 

Hi Toni! The first thing I noticed before even reading your comments was the picture. How cool to see you and your husband made the Gros Piton hike! I have to know, did you make it all the way to the top, and was it as hard as you expected it to be? Your husband is a reminder that age doesn't matter and you can do anything at any age. I'm glad you liked all the outfits. My cruise shopping started way back in February. My next long cruise is in 6 months so I better start shopping for my Magic outfits now! lol Thanks so much for reading and leaving all the nice words. :)

[hayesktrm]

So much better than the morning paper, lol! I'm glad that you were touched by my words. I really meant it! I'll be starting another review of yours Monday morning!

 

A friend just texted me asking for cruise advice. Hadn't talked to her in a long time. She told me she just got a divorce! I may have a cruise buddy after all! I will look to you for solo cruising advise, though. You really should have a blog with all your tips. Like how you know who to trust to take your picture. You have great pictures of yourself!

 

Thanks again!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[ucfalli]

Like all your other reviews.... great review! Thank you for all your time an effort. Right now I just have to live vicariously since we bought a new house and probably won't be travelling or cruising for awhile. :(

[BettyPC]

What a fun review!! Great food porn, shoes and outfits. Thanks for taking me along - we are going ton Splendor in Feb & I am excited to see it in person.

 

Betty

[gapearl]

So much better than the morning paper, lol! I'm glad that you were touched by my words. I really meant it! I'll be starting another review of yours Monday morning!

 

A friend just texted me asking for cruise advice. Hadn't talked to her in a long time. She told me she just got a divorce! I may have a cruise buddy after all! I will look to you for solo cruising advise, though. You really should have a blog with all your tips. Like how you know who to trust to take your picture. You have great pictures of yourself!

 

Thanks again!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

I was confused for a minute until I realized you posted under different usernames lol. That would be cool if your and your friend would be able to cruise together. The blog will be coming one day....I hope. ;) Thanks again for the nice words!

 

Like all your other reviews.... great review! Thank you for all your time an effort. Right now I just have to live vicariously since we bought a new house and probably won't be travelling or cruising for awhile. :(

 

Thanks so much! Congrats on your new house. That's a great feeling to be a homeowner. Hopefully you'll be back on the friendly seas sooner than later. :)

 

What a fun review!! Great food porn, shoes and outfits. Thanks for taking me along - we are going ton Splendor in Feb & I am excited to see it in person.

 

Betty

 

Thanks a lot! I'm looking to book Splendor again in 2016 because of the itinerary for the dates I need. You'll have a great cruise I'm sure. I appreciate the kind words! :)

[brookeq]

I love reading your reviews. I saw you in fort Lauderdale last week leaving the hotel. I told my husband "I think I know her". It took me a few minutes and then I figured it out. Ha ha.

 

Sent from my HTC VLE_U using Forums mobile app

[TeresaJ]

Enjoyed your review!! Been home sick the last couple of days so it's given me something to read! Happy travels ;)

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

[gapearl]

I love reading your reviews. I saw you in fort Lauderdale last week leaving the hotel. I told my husband "I think I know her". It took me a few minutes and then I figured it out. Ha ha.

 

Sent from my HTC VLE_U using Forums mobile app

 

LOL yep I was in Ft. Lauderdale last week! Too bad we didn't get to say hello. :p

 

Enjoyed your review!! Been home sick the last couple of days so it's given me something to read! Happy travels ;)

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

 

Thanks for reading! I hope you get better soon. I sent the link to a good friend of mine that's pregnant and home on bed rest to give her something to read too. haha :)

[angelofsin]

Hello Kim,

 

Enjoyed the review as always. of course you know I was reading most of this the day after Christmas as it was pretty dead at the job and finished reading the rest of it tonight (yes a saturday night. I am a bit of a home body myself).

 

I was in stitches laughing at your cornbread story and your ten year plan to become the head chef.. more jealous that you are almost finished paying off sallie mae or whoever the loan belongs to now (in my case Navient).

 

do not get me started on cruise DJs. I have only cruised two lines thus far (Celebrity and Royal) the guy on Celebrity was at least willing to take recommendations and requests. these cruise lines need to stop being cheap and hire some real djs.

 

Carnival should definitely commission one of those pictures of the ship you got from the helicopter tour (those pics were fantastic).

 

I am not where near the cruiser or traveler you are but definitely look forward to your reviews.

 

your reviews definitely want to make me try a carnival cruise. hopefully if my funds look better maybe 2016 will be the year for me to try Carnival.

 

and two hours at the gym!!! what madness are you doing that you are in the gym for two hours!!

 

and I hope that you get on amazing race.. I watch it from time to time and would be elated to see you on the show.

[gapearl]

Hello Kim,

 

Enjoyed the review as always. of course you know I was reading most of this the day after Christmas as it was pretty dead at the job and finished reading the rest of it tonight (yes a saturday night. I am a bit of a home body myself).

 

I was in stitches laughing at your cornbread story and your ten year plan to become the head chef.. more jealous that you are almost finished paying off sallie mae or whoever the loan belongs to now (in my case Navient).

 

do not get me started on cruise DJs. I have only cruised two lines thus far (Celebrity and Royal) the guy on Celebrity was at least willing to take recommendations and requests. these cruise lines need to stop being cheap and hire some real djs.

 

Carnival should definitely commission one of those pictures of the ship you got from the helicopter tour (those pics were fantastic).

 

I am not where near the cruiser or traveler you are but definitely look forward to your reviews.

 

your reviews definitely want to make me try a carnival cruise. hopefully if my funds look better maybe 2016 will be the year for me to try Carnival.

 

and two hours at the gym!!! what madness are you doing that you are in the gym for two hours!!

 

and I hope that you get on amazing race.. I watch it from time to time and would be elated to see you on the show.

 

Glad to see you back again! Yep only $1,400 left on the student loans. They would have been paid off by now if I could slow down on my traveling. :rolleyes: Do you have any other cruises planned any time soon? You've been talking about trying Carnival for at least a year now. lol Hopefully you will have the chance to book something for next year and give them a try. Yes, I can go up to 2 hours at the gym. Right now, it's more like an an hour 15 to an hour 30. I'm about to start training for a half marathon in April, so my workouts will soon get back up to 2 hours. I'll spend an hour doing cardio, then spend an hour doing strength training, weights, and things like burpees and jump squats. Training for the half will also have me out on the running trail for an hour and a half. If I didn't like fried chicken and macaroni and cheese so much, I just might would give training for a fitness competition a try. :) Thanks again for reading!

Edited December 28, 2014 by gapearl

[rob6465]

Wednesday, October 29

Puerto Rico Day 1

 

I had a really exciting day ahead of me today. I was up early and leaving my house at 7:45 am to head up the road to the world's busiest airport, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International. My flight wasn't until later in the morning but I had to get to the airport early to take care of a few things:

 

1- Check my two big, heavy bags. No judgment here please. You will never hear me say pack and light in the same sentence.

 

 

2- Change some dollars to euros for Martinique. (more on that later)

 

 

3- Enjoy a mimosa as my first vacation drink of the trip.

 

 

We had a couple of very active roll calls (as in plural, read between the lines, can't outright say it). A lot of people from there were on my flight and it was nice to finally meet some of the people I've been chatting with for the last year. I downloaded The Purge Anarchy on my ipad to watch on the flight but didn't get too far into the movie because there was too much cruise talk happening.

 

Airplane meet and greet. LOL

 

 

 

When flying into San Juan, you'll get the best views on the left side of the plane. You'll pass right by Old San Juan and can easily spot El Morro, The Capitol Building, and the cruise ship terminal.

 

 

Looking to cruise on either Splendor or breeze with a stop in puerto rico(born there). Wife and i have always cruised from Galveston but time to hit Florida.

[rob6465]

Ooh yes. I was SO against it when we moved here, but eventually gave in. Now we use it to go everywhere. Supermarket, church, kid's school, haircut, you name it. I even experienced "golf cart caravan trick or treating" this year! :o

 

 

I'm from the west coast of the island. Small beach town about 2 hours from San Juan. If you like great seafood and beautiful postcard beaches, you need to put the west coast of the island on your "to do" list. :D

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

I miss the island soooo much. I was born in aguadilla but family lives in aguada. So true on postcard..lol

[angelofsin]

Glad to see you back again! Yep only $1,400 left on the student loans. They would have been paid off by now if I could slow down on my traveling. :rolleyes: Do you have any other cruises planned any time soon? You've been talking about trying Carnival for at least a year now. lol Hopefully you will have the chance to book something for next year and give them a try. Yes, I can go up to 2 hours at the gym. Right now, it's more like an an hour 15 to an hour 30. I'm about to start training for a half marathon in April, so my workouts will soon get back up to 2 hours. I'll spend an hour doing cardio, then spend an hour doing strength training, weights, and things like burpees and jump squats. Training for the half will also have me out on the running trail for an hour and a half. If I didn't like fried chicken and macaroni and cheese so much, I just might would give training for a fitness competition a try. :) Thanks again for reading!

 

 

yeah i cannot wait for the day i finish paying off these loans... i might go on a vacation just to celebrate! i cannot imagine you not traveling.. well i have something booked for royal in september 2015. my family has been talking about doing a family reunion sort of cruise on carnival in 2016 so hopefully that will work out and what not. if not I will be looking to do something in the summer or fall of 2016 with carnival (thinking something of a 5 to 7 days to try them out. so at this moment, presuming my life circumstances do not change i plan to aboard a Carnival Cruise in 2016.

 

you be in that gym for an eternity! I am the type to go for about an hour at the most and hour an 15 but that is because it usually workout during my day in the office and i cannot stay too long for it wouldn't look to good. I need to start incorporating some cardio into my workout but most of it is pretty darn boring. Fried chicken and Mac & cheese that is cryptonite for any soul food loving person right there. In any event good luck on the Half Marathon you plan to run in April and i look forward to more of your travel adventures. while i am not a big travel buff i definitely enjoy reading about your explorations.

[SunshineCruiser24]

GA, what's your next adventure?

[gapearl]

Looking to cruise on either Splendor or breeze with a stop in puerto rico(born there). Wife and i have always cruised from Galveston but time to hit Florida.

 

I miss the island soooo much. I was born in aguadilla but family lives in aguada. So true on postcard..lol

 

Aguadilla is on my list to visit on a future Puerto Rico trip. Any tips or must do/must see while there? You should book one of the ships that leave from San Juan and spend a day or two before and/or after the cruise there. :)

[gapearl]

yeah i cannot wait for the day i finish paying off these loans... i might go on a vacation just to celebrate! i cannot imagine you not traveling.. well i have something booked for royal in september 2015. my family has been talking about doing a family reunion sort of cruise on carnival in 2016 so hopefully that will work out and what not. if not I will be looking to do something in the summer or fall of 2016 with carnival (thinking something of a 5 to 7 days to try them out. so at this moment, presuming my life circumstances do not change i plan to aboard a Carnival Cruise in 2016.

 

you be in that gym for an eternity! I am the type to go for about an hour at the most and hour an 15 but that is because it usually workout during my day in the office and i cannot stay too long for it wouldn't look to good. I need to start incorporating some cardio into my workout but most of it is pretty darn boring. Fried chicken and Mac & cheese that is cryptonite for any soul food loving person right there. In any event good luck on the Half Marathon you plan to run in April and i look forward to more of your travel adventures. while i am not a big travel buff i definitely enjoy reading about your explorations.

 

Well we will surely be waiting for you in 2016! If you're going to wait until then, that means you can book the newest ship, Carnival Vista. :)

 

I'm actually in the gym longer than that! Add to my workout the time I spend in the sauna and running my mouth with friends, well I'm in there a while. lol I'm planning to run the Miami marathon in January 2016 and go straight from the finish line to the ship. That'll be the most relaxing recovery cruise ever! I'm thinking about splurging on a balcony for that one.

 

GA, what's your next adventure?

 

A week in Nicaragua followed by a week in Costa Rica is the tentative plan for now. I'm in planning mode as we speak. :D I might go bungee jumping in CR! :eek:

[abcsteward]

New to CC... And new to reading long enjoyable reviews and getting such a great idea of each place you traveled...

 

Hope to get to meet you around on a cruise some day...

[SunshineCruiser24]

Well we will surely be waiting for you in 2016! If you're going to wait until then, that means you can book the newest ship, Carnival Vista. :)

 

 

 

I'm actually in the gym longer than that! Add to my workout the time I spend in the sauna and running my mouth with friends, well I'm in there a while. lol I'm planning to run the Miami marathon in January 2016 and go straight from the finish line to the ship. That'll be the most relaxing recovery cruise ever! I'm thinking about splurging on a balcony for that one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A week in Nicaragua followed by a week in Costa Rica is the tentative plan for now. I'm in planning mode as we speak. :D I might go bungee jumping in CR! :eek:

 

 

Do you have a website or something? You totes need to write a review of that!!

[angelofsin]

Well we will surely be waiting for you in 2016! If you're going to wait until then, that means you can book the newest ship, Carnival Vista. :)

 

I'm actually in the gym longer than that! Add to my workout the time I spend in the sauna and running my mouth with friends, well I'm in there a while. lol I'm planning to run the Miami marathon in January 2016 and go straight from the finish line to the ship. That'll be the most relaxing recovery cruise ever! I'm thinking about splurging on a balcony for that one.

:

 

2016 it is.. New ship sounds exciting and interesting but as you know with new ships there is that new ship pricing!!!:eek:

 

which port do you think the Carnival Vista will be sailing from?

 

you are going to run a marathon before a cruise?!?! you my dear are insane or inspiration (i am not sure where i think you fall) hell you can be both as those two things don't need to be mutually exclusive. yeah after running for about 4 to 5 hours all you are going to want to do for the first day is sleep!!

 

I like the idea of a balcony. I am a bit of a balcony snob now.. the first cruise i took with Celebrity and I had a balcony room and i just couldn't see myself going to an inside or ocean view afterwards. be warned you might get hooked on the idea of the balcony.. though from reading your reviews you are rarely in your cabin.

[gapearl]

New to CC... And new to reading long enjoyable reviews and getting such a great idea of each place you traveled...

 

Hope to get to meet you around on a cruise some day...

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic! There are lots of great long picture reviews around here. You might find yourself wanting to do one some day. ;) Thanks for reading!

 

Do you have a website or something? You totes need to write a review of that!!

 

I plan on it! I'm still trying to write up all of my 2014 travels before I start my 2015 traveling. lol

 

2016 it is.. New ship sounds exciting and interesting but as you know with new ships there is that new ship pricing!!!:eek:

 

which port do you think the Carnival Vista will be sailing from?

 

you are going to run a marathon before a cruise?!?! you my dear are insane or inspiration (i am not sure where i think you fall) hell you can be both as those two things don't need to be mutually exclusive. yeah after running for about 4 to 5 hours all you are going to want to do for the first day is sleep!!

 

I like the idea of a balcony. I am a bit of a balcony snob now.. the first cruise i took with Celebrity and I had a balcony room and i just couldn't see myself going to an inside or ocean view afterwards. be warned you might get hooked on the idea of the balcony.. though from reading your reviews you are rarely in your cabin.

 

Insane is definitely the right word lol. I think they're supposed to come out with some Vista news this month. If I were to GUESS her home port, I'd say Miami and the Breeze will move to a different port. I love the idea of a balcony, but I don't like the idea of balcony prices, especially if I'm paying for a balcony as a solo. I think it would be a nice way to treat myself though. If I pay for it, I'll probably find a way to spend a lot of time out there.

[ILCruzr]

I love your reviews! I am going on the Valor in a short 16 days and its my first time to Puerto Rico and I am stoked to go to all the islands on the itinerary. I have done mostly western itineraries, so this is excting!

 

I cant wait to see your Magic review, because I really wanna sail her!

[gapearl]

I love your reviews! I am going on the Valor in a short 16 days and its my first time to Puerto Rico and I am stoked to go to all the islands on the itinerary. I have done mostly western itineraries, so this is excting!

 

I cant wait to see your Magic review, because I really wanna sail her!

 

You are going to LOVE the Southern Caribbean! I hope you have an amazing cruise! And yes, there will definitely be a long, picture review from Magic! :)