2014----My 37 days on Splendor!

[sgttami]

A year ago today I booked my first Carnival cruise. For years I put off sailing on CCL because I heard so many negative comments but was looking for an escape last winter where I didn't have to fly and decided that if I didn't like it, I wouldn't have to go again.

 

Lo and behold, I ended up cruising on Splendor 5 times for a total of 37 days. (4 -8 day and 1- 5 day) Here is a mini review of my journey:

 

Embarkation/Debarkation: New York is the easiest port for me by far. Perhaps it helps that I travel solo with a carry on so from drop off at the pier to the ship (cabin) was never more than 20 minutes. I don't care about being first on board so getting there around 1:00 worked for me. Coming home was just as easy. On one trip I was back home (Jersey Shore) in my house at 9:30 AM. The last cruise was the repositioning so flying home from San Juan was different.

 

Cabins: I had a balcony on the first four cruises( 8353-8375-8359-8399) I had the same cabin steward on three of the four so that made it really special. Juan was wonderful. I did an inside on the last one (7425) because of the ban on smoking on balconies. I'm not going to pay for a balcony if I can't smoke. By the way, I've quit smoking since and I still don't know if I could do an inside again. Too claustraphobic for me but time will tell! On every cruise I got NO Single Supplement so this was another reason I did 5 in under a year.

 

Cheers Package: I did it on every cruise except the first and to me it was well worth it even though I also earned the Drinks on Us in the casino on every cruise. Unless I quit drinking too, I'll always get Cheers!

 

Dining: I did Early, Late and Any Time. Any Time wins for me and I will always do that on any cruise I sail in the future. I did room service every morning for coffee and whatever and enjoyed the Deli for sandwiches. I went to the Steakhouse twice and that was good both times. Did the Seaday brunch on every cruise. I kept saying I was going to try it but never made it to the Lido Buffett in 5 cruises. I'm really not a fan of buffetts of any kind. Food overall was very good. On some of the cruises, it was better than others.

 

Excursions/Ports: (Nassau, Freeport, Port Canaveral, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Antiqua, St. Kitts, San Juan, Halifax and St, John, New Brunswick) I only did one on the first Bahama stop. Balmoral Beach. It could have been skipped. I had been to all the ports before on other cruises except for Grand Turk, St. Kitts and Half Moon Cay. Those were beach days for me and I enjoyed them all. For a portion of all the cruises combined, I stayed on the ship most of the time and enjoyed the emptiness!

 

Casino: I did very well on the slots on all but one cruise. Casino Bar staff are the best.

 

Entertainment: Saw a mix of shows and enjoyed the late night comedy the best. On one of the cruises I didn't see any shows at all and on another went to just about everything. It varied each trip..

 

Overall, I made new friends on this journey and we have gotten together since locally and are planning other cruises and get-togethers. Carnival gets my vote as the friendliest of lines I've sailed on and I never felt ill at ease traveling solo. It's a great way to meet other singles too!

 

I'm terribly disappointed that they aren't sailng from NY again this winter. I would most likely be on one now.

 

Looking forward to the next adventure and very happy that I gave Carnival a try!

 

Any questions.....I'd be glad to help.

[Cruzlover7]

A year ago today I booked my first Carnival cruise. For years I put off sailing on CCL because I heard so many negative comments but was looking for an escape last winter where I didn't have to fly and decided that if I didn't like it, I wouldn't have to go again.

 

Lo and behold, I ended up cruising on Splendor 5 times for a total of 37 days. (4 -8 day and 1- 5 day) Here is a mini review of my journey:

 

Embarkation/Debarkation: New York is the easiest port for me by far. Perhaps it helps that I travel solo with a carry on so from drop off at the pier to the ship (cabin) was never more than 20 minutes. I don't care about being first on board so getting there around 1:00 worked for me. Coming home was just as easy. On one trip I was back home (Jersey Shore) in my house at 9:30 AM. The last cruise was the repositioning so flying home from San Juan was different.

 

Cabins: I had a balcony on the first four cruises( 8353-8375-8359-8399) I had the same cabin steward on three of the four so that made it really special. Juan was wonderful. I did an inside on the last one (7425) because of the ban on smoking on balconies. I'm not going to pay for a balcony if I can't smoke. By the way, I've quit smoking since and I still don't know if I could do an inside again. Too claustraphobic for me but time will tell! On every cruise I got NO Single Supplement so this was another reason I did 5 in under a year.

 

Cheers Package: I did it on every cruise except the first and to me it was well worth it even though I also earned the Drinks on Us in the casino on every cruise. Unless I quit drinking too, I'll always get Cheers!

 

Dining: I did Early, Late and Any Time. Any Time wins for me and I will always do that on any cruise I sail in the future. I did room service every morning for coffee and whatever and enjoyed the Deli for sandwiches. I went to the Steakhouse twice and that was good both times. Did the Seaday brunch on every cruise. I kept saying I was going to try it but never made it to the Lido Buffett in 5 cruises. I'm really not a fan of buffetts of any kind. Food overall was very good. On some of the cruises, it was better than others.

 

Excursions/Ports: (Nassau, Freeport, Port Canaveral, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Antiqua, St. Kitts, San Juan, Halifax and St, John, New Brunswick) I only did one on the first Bahama stop. Balmoral Beach. It could have been skipped. I had been to all the ports before on other cruises except for Grand Turk, St. Kitts and Half Moon Cay. Those were beach days for me and I enjoyed them all. For a portion of all the cruises combined, I stayed on the ship most of the time and enjoyed the emptiness!

 

Casino: I did very well on the slots on all but one cruise. Casino Bar staff are the best.

 

Entertainment: Saw a mix of shows and enjoyed the late night comedy the best. On one of the cruises I didn't see any shows at all and on another went to just about everything. It varied each trip..

 

Overall, I made new friends on this journey and we have gotten together since locally and are planning other cruises and get-togethers. Carnival gets my vote as the friendliest of lines I've sailed on and I never felt ill at ease traveling solo. It's a great way to meet other singles too!

 

I'm terribly disappointed that they aren't sailng from NY again this winter. I would most likely be on one now.

 

Looking forward to the next adventure and very happy that I gave Carnival a try!

 

Any questions.....I'd be glad to help.

 

Welcome to Carnival! I hope you embark on some of the other ships and have a great time as well. I have yet to sail the Splendor or out of NY. I live in NY, but normally fly to Florida.

[lifeisgoodPat]

Glad to hear that you were happy with Carnival. I love Carnival and just feel more relaxed then the other lines. I like the other lines, but I LOVE Carnival. Can't wait for the Vista to come to Florida. I loved the Breeze and have sailed her twice. I just love leaving from Port Canaveral the best because it is so convenient for us, so I do understand why you like leaving from NY. Planes are a hassle. Thanks for the review.

[oceanmom62]

Quick question. We are sailing on the Splendor 4/5 and hoping to pare down luggage. Does Splendor have the body wash and shampoo dispensers in the showers? If so, any chance that you know what is in them? We are trying to do only carry-ons but with 2 women that can prove more difficult. Thanks for your help and I envy you all your cruises!

[sgttami]

Quick question. We are sailing on the Splendor 4/5 and hoping to pare down luggage. Does Splendor have the body wash and shampoo dispensers in the showers? If so, any chance that you know what is in them? We are trying to do only carry-ons but with 2 women that can prove more difficult. Thanks for your help and I envy you all your cruises!

 

Yes, the body wash and shampoo dispensers are in the shower. I don't know what brand they are or what's in them but they were fine for me. I don't care what kind of shampoo I use but I like a good conditioner for my hair. Also, I have short hair so the hairdryer that is supplied by the ship was OK for me too. On a few of the cruises they had some little extras: toothpaste, mints, breathe right strips (can't remember what else) in the bathroom and on others there was nothing.

[oceanmom62]

Yes, the body wash and shampoo dispensers are in the shower. I don't know what brand they are or what's in them but they were fine for me. I don't care what kind of shampoo I use but I like a good conditioner for my hair. Also, I have short hair so the hairdryer that is supplied by the ship was OK for me too. On a few of the cruises they had some little extras: toothpaste, mints, breathe right strips (can't remember what else) in the bathroom and on others there was nothing.

 

Thank you so much! Now my husband can stop grumbling about all the stuff that women need.

[mikel24m]

Glad you enjoyed the Splendor we sail in March on a free casino cruise :)

 

I was wondering about the casino.What did you play and what denominations if slots.And if any good machines that you remembered or anything casino related

[sgttami]

Glad you enjoyed the Splendor we sail in March on a free casino cruise :)

 

I was wondering about the casino.What did you play and what denominations if slots.And if any good machines that you remembered or anything casino related

 

I mostly play the quarter slots. I like the triple diamond and triple red, white and blue. They were very good to me (lol). You can choose what denomination to play at the machine and every so often I would play the $1 choice (always maximum bet) but found out I did better playing the quarters.

 

They also have the cash cubes (right by the bar) where you put in a $1 and can win various amounts by "skill". I would not have believed it if I didn't see it myself but on my first cruise a girl put in $1 and won $2500. I spent a lot of time at the Casino Bar and I know this was the first dollar she put in..(lol) Never saw her after that so I guess she took the money and ran!

 

I've never played the cubes but did see winners on all the cruises I was on....mostly $100.

 

They also have slot and blackjack tournaments on sea days but I never entered one.

 

I also got a casino offer for a free cruise and Drinks on Us which was nice too.

 

The casino is one of my favorite parts of cruising.....

[sgttami]

Got awesome prices for the B2B on 5/24 and 6/1...16 more days on Splendor!

 

Thrilled to have the same cabin for both cruises and this will be my first B2B on a great itenerary.

 

So excited!

[JohnSpo]

I enjoyed Splendor 3 times in the last year. Out of NYeC I did an 8 day to Florida/Bahamas and a 7 day to New England/Canada. I also did a 7 day Western Caribbean out of Miami. Splendor is an awesome ship with a great crew, food, entertainment and it is very clean. I even got use to the pink donut design around the ship. I enjoy the EL Mohito bar for the martini tasting. I like the Taste Bar for a quick snack before dinner since I do eat late at the YTD Black Pearl Restaurant. I usually eat at the Pinnacle Steakhouse twice each cruise. It has excellent service and food.

 

My last cruise I went often to the disco, piano bar, Latin dancing, comedy shows and the dive in movies on the Lido deck. I always have a great time on Splendor.:cool:

[mikel24m]

I mostly play the quarter slots. I like the triple diamond and triple red, white and blue. They were very good to me (lol). You can choose what denomination to play at the machine and every so often I would play the $1 choice (always maximum bet) but found out I did better playing the quarters.

 

They also have the cash cubes (right by the bar) where you put in a $1 and can win various amounts by "skill". I would not have believed it if I didn't see it myself but on my first cruise a girl put in $1 and won $2500. I spent a lot of time at the Casino Bar and I know this was the first dollar she put in..(lol) Never saw her after that so I guess she took the money and ran!

 

I've never played the cubes but did see winners on all the cruises I was on....mostly $100.

 

They also have slot and blackjack tournaments on sea days but I never entered one.

 

I also got a casino offer for a free cruise and Drinks on Us which was nice too.

 

The casino is one of my favorite parts of cruising.....

 

Thanks , im sure we will try the $1 machines and hopefully be lucky like you were

[serene56]

Quick question. We are sailing on the Splendor 4/5 and hoping to pare down luggage. Does Splendor have the body wash and shampoo dispensers in the showers? If so, any chance that you know what is in them? We are trying to do only carry-ons but with 2 women that can prove more difficult. Thanks for your help and I envy you all your cruises!

 

Sailed the victory last week and did not take my own soap or shampoo figuring I can use the stuff the provided.

 

It is very drying. My hair was like hay by the end of the 5 day cruise. and my skin was so tight.

 

if you have dry hair or dry skin-- take your own

 

another thing I did not like about it== the stuff does not lather

[Ascott318]

Got awesome prices for the B2B on 5/24 and 6/1...16 more days on Splendor!

 

Thrilled to have the same cabin for both cruises and this will be my first B2B on a great itenerary.

 

So excited!

 

I was thinking of doing same. Starts in NY,and ends in NY. Got pack and play offer from casino yesterday.i was on Splendor 6x last year.Love the ship,but my favorite Maître D Ramesh going on vacation March 1st and doesn't know where he's going after that.

[sgttami]

I was thinking of doing same. Starts in NY,and ends in NY. Got pack and play offer from casino yesterday.i was on Splendor 6x last year.Love the ship,but my favorite Maître D Ramesh going on vacation March 1st and doesn't know where he's going after that.

 

I love Ramesh..thanks for the update on his vacation! He was on my 5 Splendor cruises last year and was so helpful. I'll miss him. I also had the same cabin steward, Juan, for 3 of my cruises. Hope is still on board as I'm booked once again on Deck 8!!

 

Can't believe the Pack and Play offer. I'm almost pinching myself that I got the price I did along with the onboard credit...amazing!

 

And NO FLYING makes me very happy!

[TreeLuvr87]

What were the major differences you noticed between the Caribbean and New England itineraries? Were the atmosphere, demographics, and activity availability drastically different? I'd love to hear perspective from someone that did both in the same year. Thinking of doing a New England cruise on Splendor this fall, but I've only done beachey voyages before.

[Mary49]

Is it easy getting to the beaches at St. Kitts, and St. Martan?

[sgttami]

What were the major differences you noticed between the Caribbean and New England itineraries? Were the atmosphere, demographics, and activity availability drastically different? I'd love to hear perspective from someone that did both in the same year. Thinking of doing a New England cruise on Splendor this fall, but I've only done beachey voyages before.

 

The obvious differences in itineraries are the ports and different climate but the atmosphere of the ship was the same on both cruises.

 

Plenty of activities on both and the menus were identical on the Canada and Caribbean.

 

It is strange when you are used to the Caribbean itinerary and see everyone getting off in port with bathing suits and beach bags and in Canada/New England you see umbrellas and raincoats and everyone dressed in layers.

 

I was lucky though. I did the Canada trip on 9/1 and it was 82 degrees in Halifax. The pool on the ship was just as crowded as if we were in the islands.

 

Overall, less children on the Canada cruise.

[sgttami]

Is it easy getting to the beaches at St. Kitts, and St. Martan?

 

Yes. There are taxis everywhere to take you to whatever beach you like.

 

Some beaches are really close and others a longer taxi ride.

[Mary49]

Yes. There are taxis everywhere to take you to whatever beach you like.

 

Some beaches are really close and others a longer taxi ride.

 

Could you please suggest the names of the beaches that are the closest ones? Thanks for the info. Mary49

[sgttami]

Could you please suggest the names of the beaches that are the closest ones? Thanks for the info. Mary49

 

St. Maarten: There is a beach near the dock that people get to on the Water taxi (I don't know the name) that is a short ride and I believe there is another that you can walk to from the dock. I've always gone to Orient (Bikini Beach) that is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the ship and for me, worth it.

 

St. Kitts: I've only been to the Marriott at St. Kitts and that was about a 20 minute ride also

 

The Ports boards might have better suggestions for you...