Splendour of the seas -vs- Ecstacy?

[Luv2cruise14]

We are thinking about taking our 2 youngest kids on a cruise Winter break (end of Feb) and can't decide on which ship. DH and I will be on the Ecstacy next weekend, but would like some information on the RC Splendour of the seas? Does anyone have any info on this ship? Both leave out of Galveston, 5 day, Splendour goes to Costa Maya and the Ecstacy goes to Pregreso and both go to Cozumel. Can't decide.....

 

Any info? Thanks !!!!!

[Happy ks]

Carnival has larger cabins. That is the only advantage I can possibly think of. Splendour is 5 years newer and will be a nicer ship visually, if that is important to you.

 

We sailed Ecstacy once, a 4 day to Baja and I could not wait to get off the ship. It was the one and only time I've wanted off a cruise ship. Once in a while I read raves about it and think there is something wrong with me. I thought it was the ugliest cruise ship I've ever been on. It reeked of cigarette smoke.

 

We occasionally still cruise the 4 day Baja since we are local, we always cruise on RCI Monarch. Smaller cabins, much more nicely appointed and we can book two RCI cabins (2 ppl each) for less than the price of one (4 ppl share) Carnival cabin. Our kids are teens and we prefer them to have their own cabin, plus we then have 2 bathrooms.

 

So, it depends on what you like and what is important to you. We find the cruise ships to pretty much have the exact same type of programming. You will know better after your weekend trip how you like that ship. What was awful for me may be great for you.

 

Have a fun weekend cruise :)

[p2lockhart]

We had no complaints about the Ecstacy when we cruised on her. I don't recall any smell of cigarette smoke and I would remember that since I hate it. Have never been on the Splender.

[gambler]

Go with the Splendour!!!

[wrp96]

On itinerary alone I like the fact that Splendour goes to Costa Maya over Progreso. While Progreso is okay for a visit, unless you want to explore the ruins which are amazing from Progreso, there just aren't as many choices for things to do like in Costa Maya.

[Jimx2inDC]

Hey there.... While Splendour is an older ship, we truly enjoyed it. RC's smaller ships are much nicer than anyone elses. The crew was GREAT on that ship!

[springtxbill]

Splendour last year was great and the food was actually some of the best we have had the last several years.:)

[vickiw0318]

I have been on both the Splendour and the Elation (twin to the Ecstasy). We had OV's on both. The cabin on the Elation may have been bigger, but we felt the one on the Splendour was better laid out and more comfortable. We had a little loveseat that faced the window. On the Elation, there was only a straight chair for extra seating. We liked the arrangement of the beds on the Splendour - both under the window, instead of going 'round the corner. (We left them like that because they seemed more like couches that way.) The Elation room seemed darker too. I liked the general layout of the Splendour better as well. There were so many dead ends on the Elation - I think because of the locations of the dining rooms.

 

Anyway, the winner for me, the Splendour of the Seas. (Your children might like the mini-golf course too.)

[tkportersat]

I can't compare because I have only been on the Ecstasy.....but I loved that ship. Since I have been on her they took her to dry dock and made some updates. The rooms are going to be bigger than RC and all rooms now have flat screen tvs and have been updated with the new Carnival bedding. There is also mini golf and of course the slide that your kids would probably enjoy.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice, but the Ecstasy is a nice older ship - I am going on her again in two days.

 

Good luck with your choice and have a great trip!

[mcca2]

The Splendour was refurbed in April and she has new bedding with real mattresses and better bedding. Also flat TVs. We are going on her again in November. She is a lovely ship. Have a great cruise whichever you choose.

[nlcentralchmps03]

I have not been on either, so I can't weigh in.

 

But, did you post this on both boards? Just curious.

[9876]

Well, I have never been on Splendor but we just went on the Ecstasy at the end of August. It had been refurbished, although not as much as I had anticipated. The main areas have the same carpet, etc... What I can say, however, is that the updates they have made are GREAT. I do not know how old the children are but there are things that they would enjoy. I have a 12 and 14 year old and while there were not many children on board (they were stuck with us and I like that) they enjoyed themselves. There is the new putt putt course which was fantastic, my 12 year old son really enjoyed that. Also, at the back of the ship there was a court for basketball and volleyball. In addition there was a golf net...my husband and son took lessons and thoroughly enjoyed it. If we were to sail her again they would take their clubs to use the net when the pro was not there. The pools really were never crowded and my daughter and I even were able to get the hot tub to ourselves mid day...a treat on a cruise!

 

While the boat is old it is extremely clean. I could not sleep one night so I decided to take a walk in my socks. I went through much of the ship to include the main walkway by the casino and discos...my socks were clean. Unbelievable.

 

The entertainment was also good. They had a fantastic fiddler which they announced that was his last cruise.

 

All in all, we really enjoyed this ship. It was large enough and still small enough. We could actually find each other...the boat is just really a perfect size.

 

It was a great cruise and I would cruise on the Ecstasy again.