Splendor Review: 10/30/16

[rainbowflag]

We enjoy your reviews and remember well the pic of your hubs in the cabin holding the dangling deely boopers as he looked back at the camera. I hope this cruise was as much or more fun than that cruise for you both.

 

We're following you on this review as Splendor will be heading our way and we enjoy seeing the different areas of the ship.

 

Thanks

[funinthesun1964]

We enjoy your reviews and remember well the pic of your hubs in the cabin holding the dangling deely boopers as he looked back at the camera. I hope this cruise was as much or more fun than that cruise for you both.

 

We're following you on this review as Splendor will be heading our way and we enjoy seeing the different areas of the ship.

 

Thanks

 

Thanks for the comment, but I don't remember the "dangling deely boopers"? Please do explain!

 

And yes, the cruise was fun...they always are!!!!!

[funinthesun1964]

A group of us at the lookout. There were 2 other people in our vehicle that are not pictured

 

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14922271_10154770347148324_7503688428487587282_n.jpg?oh=b5fb018eb1716a8e7b8c225c13533e21&oe=58910BB2

 

 

A school that we passed by.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XWUs5MTZDMTVWdDQ/view?usp=sharing

 

An old Church that we stopped by. The church is still being used for services. The church was built I believe in the mid 1800s.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XSDdWX29Udl9DdXc/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XSDdWX29Udl9DdXc/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XY1M1eWNPOGoxX28/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XTWN5OUlRZFVoTzQ/view?usp=sharing

 

The grave of a former minister of the church:

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XQ1pkekIwV09SaEE/view?usp=sharing

 

The school yard, right behind the church

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XdTFmYU43ZGk3VXM/view?usp=sharing

 

The back of the church

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XLS1qOGpIRldVUEk/view?usp=sharing

 

When we were done looking around the church grounds, our guide told us to change into our swimsuits at this stop, because next stop was the waterfall. There was a restroom on the side of the building, and a native woman was there opening the door for people and telling them which stall to use (it was for both men and women) and when you came out of the stall, she pointed to the sink and said "wash your hands please". Then on your way out, she said "I helped you today and held the doors for you" or something similar = tip wanted. :rolleyes: Very typical Jamaica.

 

Next up, pictures of waterfall and Chukka post area.

[funinthesun1964]

I didn't take my camera down to the waterfall ,but a friend shared on FB a pic of hubs there...she also shared a couple of pics of me...and I deleted them! :o

 

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14681866_10154770405708324_8918258650954405980_n.jpg?oh=9c715a164b5565a3169cf4aa5452dfa7&oe=58944C1E

 

We did get into the water, it was very cold. But after taking a couple of minutes to get accustomed to the temperature, I walked over and stood right in front of the waterfall. Those are the ones I promptly deleted.

 

After spending some time here, we went back to the Chukka Trading post. Here there was a souvenir shop, restrooms, a small stand to buy jerk chicken, a couple of other menu items, and drinks. We didn't buy anything to eat as we weren't hungry yet, plus after this, we were going back to ship. Also, there was ziplining adventure starting point.

 

Here are some pics of the area.

 

Some tubing available here also:

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XMmd5YTY0OVhmSnM/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XSTNjRjdNSHk5UzA/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XQ2F3bXBEQzJfOGc/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XMkhaTjJMZ1RoeW8/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XN2JjTU5fWFEtV0U/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XSDNKNzVJQWk3VlE/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XZjUwNnN5Vk8tcmc/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XYktpRFdETmQyeDA/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XZ0ZHODg1MHFMNlE/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XNmtVZWdwZktITEk/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XLWxUSnViLWlrSnM/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XM2lQbXQ2QkRzNEk/view?usp=sharing

[funinthesun1964]

After spending about a half an hour at the outpost, we then headed back to ship. i would estimate it was 1:30 or shortly after when we arrived. The skies were looking threatening. We got on board and went to the Lido deck. I stood in a short line for a burrito. It was tasty!

 

We headed back to cabin and had a towel animal friend on our bed.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XYWdsZWpPTEFuUEE/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XY2QwVWtMSlk3ZGM/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XSWw2WUx4Q2JPdXM/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XZ0ZMRFRYc2Npcjg/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XNThFMGdKZVVsb1E/view?usp=sharing

 

 

 

I spent some more time in the casino ( and won more!).

 

We went back to the future cruise desk because we were still waiting for our friends and family vouchers and confirmation that our cruises were booked and found the desk empty, with a sign that said "Closed due to technical difficulties". I guess they don't want people to sign up for future cruises.

 

We went to dinner with friends and it was just ok. Service was on the slow side. We had a different wait team than the first night.

 

More casino time in the evening for me, and off and on in the sports bar to watch the world series. We were outnumbered by Cubs fans. Hubs was in there more than me.

 

Went to bed around midnight or so, next day: Grand Cayman and we had Fat Fish Adventures Jetski to Stingray City excursion booked. I will let you know how that goes later. (Hint: :( )

[SMSACE6]

I found the casino on Splendor to be very smoky, and worse than ever before, any other ship, either was worse, or I am getting more sensitive to it. But the smokiness aside, I did enjoy the casino, and found it quite generous, in spits and spurts. I did not win anything big or earth shattering, but found one bank of machines along the wall near the sports bar, that were call "Red Hot" or something like that, and if you lined up three red devils, you had a bonus. Those bonus's were quite frequent and fun. On my last afternoon I won 465.00 on one, so I managed to take it home with me:)

[GB Chicago]

We are on that cruise as well :)

 

We are too. We have a fb page - come find us!

[threadcrapper]

thanks for the pics -- we are going on the Splendor Apr 2, its nice to see what the ship looks like

[funinthesun1964]

I found the casino on Splendor to be very smoky, and worse than ever before, any other ship, either was worse, or I am getting more sensitive to it. But the smokiness aside, I did enjoy the casino, and found it quite generous, in spits and spurts. I did not win anything big or earth shattering, but found one bank of machines along the wall near the sports bar, that were call "Red Hot" or something like that, and if you lined up three red devils, you had a bonus. Those bonus's were quite frequent and fun. On my last afternoon I won 465.00 on one, so I managed to take it home with me:)

 

I wanted to play those machines but they were always busy! Like I said, this was a premier cruise so the casino was very busy all the time!

And I also agree that the casino was very smoky, way more smoky than any other ship. Also,I noticed that on most ships, the casino is divided into half - the ones by the windows - to be smoking machines, the other half - by the walkway - to be non-smoking. Not that it makes that much of a difference. But on this cruise I saw people smoking all over the casino, both sides and everywhere. I am an ex-smoker and understand that the peeps want a place to smoke, but still think there should be designated areas. Every machine I played, seemed liked there was a smoker sitting right next to me!

[funinthesun1964]

thanks for the pics -- we are going on the Splendor Apr 2, its nice to see what the ship looks like

 

You're welcome, and I hope you enjoy your cruise. I'm sure you will ;)

[funinthesun1964]

Next stop - Grand Cayman.

 

We had booked Fat Fish Adventures. Hubster is not big on snorkeling, but I have been talking about going to stingray city for a long, long time and he just never wanted to do it. Finally, when I told him that I found an excursion that offered jetski out to stingray city and back, he agreed! We were both happy and looking forward to it.

 

We get in on of the first tenders off the ship, and proceed to go to the designated meeting area. We didn't see anyone else around. It was a couple minutes before, but still I would expect someone to be there. We walk around, up the street a short distance, I see an older man who appears to be working at a business. He asks if he could help me. I told him we booked with Fat Fish Adventures and did he know where the meeting place was. He said yes, on the side of the road where we originally were. I thanked him and we walked there. We see another couple and assumed they were also on our tour. They said they were from Alaska and we chit chat for a few. I looked at the time and it is now 15 minutes past the designated time and no one else has shown up, either guests or Fat Fish Employee. Finally, two men in a van clearly marked Fat Fish show up - and say that the tour was canceled due to rough waters. Ugh. Could they not have shown up at the designated time? We were there, wondering, looking, didn't know if we were in the wrong place, etc. They told us it was canceled and left. That's fine that they want to cancel it because of rough waters but why not tell us earlier.

 

I checked my email in a wifi spot later and no email either.

 

So now we were in a predicament of nothing to do. We had been to Royal Palms, 7 mile beach a few times, shopping in the area, etc. We were about ready to just get back on the ship when a woman approaches us near the gate and tells us that she can take us to Sting Ray City. Hubs asks if it is safe, as we were just told that it was rough waters. She assures us it is, or else they would be in big trouble for taking people out there. We tell her we will think about it and let her know. They were hard pushing, telling us it will sell out, etc. Hubs and I talk about it and he says that he knows I have really wanted to go there and we were here and now we can do it. We may never get back here again (yeah right). At the last minute we decide to go with them.

[funinthesun1964]

So we get on a bus and travel down the road, we pay Royal Palms and 7 mile beach. We go a little further toward a marina. There is a small shop there which sells drinks, small food items, etc.

 

We get onto a boat. The ride out to stingray city is very pleasant. It is a sunny day and we pass some nice homes.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XdHJRVGtpRkJTb3M/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XYmFtcVFselVJVXc/view?usp=sharing

 

Water is a beautiful blue

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XSW9nUGNQaXVXWGs/view?usp=sharing

 

Hubs is enjoying the ride

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XTzBvbDBTY1ZOaEE/view?usp=sharing

 

A famous persons' house. I was so impressed I forgot whose it was. lol

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XTzBvbDBTY1ZOaEE/view?usp=sharing

 

Yep, water is looking a little choppy. Are we sure we made the right decision?

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XczdYM01FbGFvcEk/view?usp=sharing

 

We get to sting ray city. Just out in the middle of the ocean. We immediately look into the water and see the stingrays. Hubs is not so sure about this...he is fearful! I am not, but fearful of the water conditions.

 

We decide to wear the life jackets provided. We notice only one other boat out there (in a much better spot where the water was more shallow). We get into the water and we now know this was not a good choice. Water was even rougher than appeared and very hard to maintain position. We were carried out quite a ways in no time at all and it was a fight to get back. The tour guide yelled and said, hey come in closer. I yelled "I'm trying" but no heard or looked back at us again. We struggle to get back and finally did. The only interaction I had with the stingray was to touch one a couple of times. I wanted to feed one but at the time couldn't get in close enough. The one time I was close enough, there were a few others right there. Hubs estimated some of the waves to be 8 ft. :eek: Several times I swallowed the salt water. It was not enjoyable at all. And now, to top it off, hubs says, last time for snorkeling :( Oh and I lost my snorkel head gear as it was ripped off my head and lost at the bottom of the ocean. I'm sure someone would have found it on a later trip.

 

We got back on the boat and went "upstairs" only to find that someone had puked and although it was cleaned, some remnants still remained:eek: Sorry to add that in if you're eating.

 

Anyway, they took us to another place to snorkel and we both said no way we are getting out. A few people did and someone found a conch shell. The tour guides advised us we were cutting our time there short due to the weather.

 

Finally we leave and head back to the mainland. We get back on the bus and head back to the ship. That was the worst excursion we have ever done.

Yes, the water was choppy, and no, it was not safe as the woman had told us. Also, no "stinky" the dolphin as the woman told us it was usually there.

 

I see why Fat Fish canceled and we should have taken that for what it was and just went back to the ship. Or maybe Royal Palms again and used their pool. Or Seven Mile beach and laid on the beach again. We were glad it was over and went to the ship and had lunch.

[funinthesun1964]

And tonight was the second formal night. We didn't feel like putting on dress up clothes, so we just went to Lido buffet for dinner. It was adequate. I like to have the salads and veggies.

 

I was in the casino again (winning again!) I was still playing with the original $20 I had put in and I was now up to $305. Great. Hubs was in the sports bar, I went in off and on to see how it was going.

 

I went with a friend to see some show (VIP something or other) - I think this was the night. It was not great, other passengers were interviewed by Chloe at the beginning of the show and later were intermingled with the singers/dancers for the show. Rather boring. I miss having the entertainment brought on, like the magicians, illusionists, etc.

 

Went to bed around 12:30, and would be in Cozumel tomorrow.

[AHS123]

I hope we don't get the chatty steward who made you choose morning or night. I can't imagine how it is possible to clean 47 cabins well even without providing evening turn down service. Did you find on arrival your cabin just as clean as previous cruises?

 

[funinthesun1964]

I hope we don't get the chatty steward who made you choose morning or night. I can't imagine how it is possible to clean 47 cabins well even without providing evening turn down service. Did you find on arrival your cabin just as clean as previous cruises?

 

 

It may have been 37 instead of 47. I may be getting confused. In either case, that is alot of cabins to clean and losing one assistant on top of it.

 

Upon arrival, I didn't notice anything different. After there a while, I noticed alot of dust in the area behind the phone on the desk. Other than that, it was fine.

[AHS123]

It may have been 37 instead of 47. I may be getting confused. In either case, that is alot of cabins to clean and losing one assistant on top of it.

 

Upon arrival, I didn't notice anything different. After there a while, I noticed alot of dust in the area behind the phone on the desk. Other than that, it was fine.

 

Glad to know the cabin wasn't different, I'm amazed any human being can be expected to clean that many cabins ( 37 ) in a day even with one assistant.

Edited November 13, 2016 by AHS123

[sfaaa]

37 averages out to 18.5 cabins for one time service in the morning or evening. A lot but doable.

[sanmarcosman]

37 averages out to 18.5 cabins for one time service in the morning or evening. A lot but doable.

 

Are you saying when one service time reaches 18 that time is cut off and the guest must take whatever is available? The steward told the OP he has 37 cabins, I'd be willing to bet most people want service " when we're not in the cabin " and that can vary greatly.

[funinthesun1964]

I was just thinking that the steward has to remember dining times, guest schedules, etc. so to be able to get in to clean cabin in that time quota. I know we don't spend alot of time in our cabin, we are to dinner and then out doing other things, so the steward would have from 6pm (when on early dining, which is what we usually have) until 11 or whenever we go to bed. If we do go back to cabin, it is just usually to change clothes or grab a sweater.

 

I would say most people are like us, but maybe some may want to stay in the cabin. They would just have to put the "Snoozin" sign on the door and risk not getting service.

 

I would much rather have turn down service in the evening, I still don't understand while they were in the cabin giving us clean towels, why not just turn down also. It would take a whole minute to do so. It was never done.

[sallywallygal]

I can't wait to hear about the ship. Sailing in June 2017 to the Southern Caribbean [emoji267]

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

We're on your cruise,, Annie! Can't wait! :D

[Banditswife]

Thx for your review & pictures. We will be on Splendor in Feb.

[funinthesun1964]

Thx for your review & pictures. We will be on Splendor in Feb.

 

You're welcome. Have a great cruise.

[TONYnDEB]

Hubster decided that he would also like a cappacino, so we went back to deck five before eating.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3U...ew?usp=sharing

 

Here is my advice to you. If you would like a coffee from the coffee shop, go early to avoid crowds. As you can see in this picture, there are a few people waiting. Also there was an officer from the ship waiting, he kind of stood in the background. It takes a while to make these specialty coffees and there is only person working there...so the line can quickly back up. In this case, hubby came and sat down with me and waited for a few other people to get waited on...then went up. Another person or two came after him, and the officer left the area. They really need more than one person working at the coffee shop, especially in the mornings.

 

 

That's my hubby in the blue shirt getting my Mexican Coffee! :)

Edited November 14, 2016 by TONYnDEB

[funinthesun1964]

 

That's my hubby in the blue shirt getting my Mexican Coffee! :)

 

HAHA! Hey you guys, come on the Paradise with us on Sept. 16th! We'll have a blast again!!!

[funinthesun1964]

Well, here we are Friday already. We had been to Cozumel several times before, to the beaches, Money Bar, downtown, etc.

 

Our friends were going to an AI but we didn't feel like going. Truthfully, I get a little tired (must really be getting OLD) when I have to rush and get off the ship every day. It seems like such a hassle sometimes!

 

So, we decide to just take our time and lounge around today. We had a leisurely breakfast at Lido, I went for a couple of goose & juice, then we ended up back at the cabin to change into swimwear and head to to aft Lido.

 

There are plenty of seats out on the deck, however, we chose to sit by the hot tub because Hubs frequently goes there.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XS2RUN3E5dUlxbG8/view?usp=sharing

 

I move a little further along:

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XSnpiYnRaeC1zS28/view?usp=sharing

 

I look around to take pics of the surroundings.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XY0twVFZiWEh1OTg/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XR3RXYlNhTW5Ienc/view?usp=sharing

 

Skies were cloudy at times.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XeUNXUS1oN25rYkU/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XdndzOUNJMTNoTjA/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XY3BNZWN0STlVelE/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XOVc0V1pVQVZTT1U/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XMWRFdEdmWGNfUkk/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5Xa0h0aEN6b0NieTA/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3UCVBAV5p5XNlB2WktHRmFySms/view?usp=sharing

 

I went down to the Tandoor right before 1:00 to get my lunch. No line whatsoever :)