4/26/09 Live from Carnival Splendor !!!

[bobnsofi]

HEY SPLENDOR, ARE YOU OUT THERE?

 

News from here in the USA says

US officials advises against Mexico trips

 

We are on the Splendor 5/10/09

 

Let us know first thing what they tell you, and where you are going?

[CRUISING71]

Thank you Fred...but can you tell me if internet is free (wifi) on the ship?

 

As for parking in Long Beach port...it is $ 15 a day.

 

What happen when the cruise ship cancel port? What would they go? Do they just dock, but you can't get off?

[Longin2cruise]

Carnival must have done some strage things with the configuration of the cabins. When I sailed on Splendor in October I had a Lido deck balcony room & it was the same size as I've always had on other Carnival cruises. Just thought I'd toss this info out there in case anyone is planning on a Splendor cruise & wants to get a "normal" size cabin.

[Lilmatcat]

 

Laura is currently keeping an eye out for us concerning the Swine Flu issue. We could hear from the Captain tomorrow about possibly cancelling all Mexican ports of call due to this flu problem.

 

Interesting to read this since Carnival has issued a statement that at this point they don't plan to change any itineraries. Please keep us posted as soon as you hear if there will be any changes in your ports of call. (I'm sailing on the Glory on Saturday with two scheduled stops in Mexico -- Cozumel and Costa Maya).

EDITED POST WITH UPDATED INFO: Just saw this information released from the Centers for Disease Control -- Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that so far the disease in the United States seems less severe than the outbreak in Mexico. ... Still Besser said of the situation, "We are taking it seriously and acting aggressively. Until the outbreak has progressed, you really don't know what it's going to do." The U.S. stepped up checks of people entering the country by air, land and sea. And Besser said a new U.S. travel advisory was being prepared suggesting "nonessential travel to Mexico be avoided."

 

Considering the CDC is now advocating a halt of nonessential travel to Mexico, I would not be surprised now to see Carnival re-route the itineraries. * Prior to this, the travel advisory was from the State Department, but it may put a different twist on things now that it's coming from the CDC. We'll see. No matter what, I'm going to go have some fun!!

[crazycath]

Guys, I'm not a big person, but my arms stetched out from my sides measure around 3 feet or 1 yard. I am able to go from the back wall where the 2 night stands are and to the mirror twice, that is 2 yards long or 6 feet. Now the width is less of course, more like 5 feet across. If you multiply both length and width across, 6x5 gives you 30sq ft, Thats for the room itself, now if you want to add all of the non-living areas like the bathroom, closets and the hallway you might get close to 70sq ft. Now if I tear the wall down and attach to the other cabin next door, I will surely get the 185sq ft. they advertise.

 

 

WIFI is very good from the cabins, Im on Empress cabin 7370 and I must say there are no hang ups or delays.

 

Fred

 

I can't wait to see the pictures

 

Cathy

[CC Help Michell]

Thanks for taking the time to give updates, Fred and Laura! Glad so far things onboard have been going well, and I'll be looking forward to additional updates on how it's going and how Carnival handles the new cautions regarding the swine flu.

[Wennfred]

Day 2 Monday at Sea

 

Went to Lunch in the Dining room and had the California Rolls and the Mongolian Salad, the Mongolian Salad was done differently on this ship, 3 strips of thin sliced rare steak on the plate and a salad on the side in its own dish, It still was pretty good. Wendy had Spagette and Meatballs, it looked very good and she said it was very good. Wendy's mom had a Beacon Cheeseburger, it also looked very tasty.

 

Up on Lido Deck, the Taste of the Nations is Mediterranean food. We sat with a very nice couple from Houston Texas and had a great time chatting with them about everything.

 

Wendy has a 2:30pm UPDO Hair appointment for formal night and I am going to take a quick nap, nothing else of interest is going on around the ship. I am seeing on T.V. alot of Swine Flu info, thats all they are talking about on CNN. Not too much info mentioned about this problem around the ship. There is a large Chinese group onboard and most of them are wearing masks.

 

Tonights movies are Secret life of Bees, Australia and Horton Hears a Who, never heard of these movies, I will probably order some late night Room Service and check out one of these movies.

 

Tonight is Formal Night, we will have the Captain Cupisti's Welcome onboard Party around 5:15pm and then head to the dining room at 6pm. Lobster and Steak tonight.

 

Tonights major production show is called The Beat. This show is new to us so I can't wait to check it out, the Vocalist are Ling Ling & Kevin Jayroe. There is a late night Comedy show with Seth Buchward at 10:45pm for us Early sitters and Midnight for Late diners.

 

Drink of the day is Goombay Smash, I thought it was called Boombay Smash but I guess not.

 

Buckets of beer on this ship are 16oz Import & Domestic - 4 in a bucket for $19.00 and the 12oz bottles 4 for $13.50

 

They have so many CARDS now, Fun Ship Card, Coffee Card, Deluxe and Premium Wine Packages, Fountain Fun Card etc.

 

Fred

[mitchpam]

Nice to be able to follow along with you. Sounds like you are relaxed and enjoying... even if your cabin is small and you've had a few"bumps"! I enjoy reading your posts because you tell it all, but don't fuss about it! Thanks for taking the time to share... keep up the great job.

[Wennfred]

One thing to keep in mind is that between today and Sunday if things get pretty bad with this flu, they could keep us onboard alot longer until the ship is cleared from any outbreaks, this can cause some problems for people that book early flights to fly home.

 

You know that if someone onboard this ship gets the typical Noro Virus sickness, they will probably blame it on the Swine Flu and immediately shutdown all access to the ports and possibly keep us onboard for 2 weeks :D

 

If you are booked on next week cruises to mexican ports, I would contact Carnival to see what they have planned since the CDC is already talking about restricting travel to mexico.

 

As far as us, we might be on the longest cruise to nowhere. We got a nice lazy day tomorrow out at sea, so tomorrow we should hear something from the Captain.

 

Fred

[Winterstale]

How's the weather been for you? It's downright chilly out today here in Burbank so I have to imagine you're not all basking by the pool!

[Cindy]

They have so many CARDS now, Fun Ship Card, Coffee Card, Deluxe and Premium Wine Packages, Fountain Fun Card etc.

 

Fred

 

How's the "free" coffee? I know on Princess you have to pay to get anything remotely resembling coffee, but on RCCL they have 24 hour "Seattle's Best" which is very good. I'm not all that picky, but I can't stand the coffee made from syrup.

Also, do you know if the lists for the deluxe and premium wine packages are available on the Carnival website?

Thanks again! I hope you're having a great time!:)

[LoneStarCruisinCouple]

Thanks as well Fred,We here in Houston( or should I say Sugar Land ) enjoy reading your info. We are booked for September the 6th sailing of the Splendor, and will be celebrating our 21st Anniversary in Puerto Vallarta. Looking forward to the Cheeky Monkey;) ($1.00 beer and Margarita's all day long:D ) As we say here YEE HAA !! Hi to all you other lucky folks that are sailing before us. Save some fun for us! We as well would like to see some photos. Like maybe some of the various cabins as well. We are in 8448 Veranda Deck with an aft wrap around. We have a very tremendous group of people and will be sending a photo of our meet and great as we have a surprise for all to see.:confused: Have a great and enjoyable week. Lisa & Gary LoneStarCruisinCouple!:cool:

[dbrucern]

Thanks for the info - will be checking in all week to see how things go. We are on in two weeks probably the height of the swine flu. Have a great cruise

[bazarr2]

I too am curious about the cabin size - thought the insides were a 'standard' size fleet wide - is it possible the Splendor insides are smaller?

 

Bon Voyage and have a great cruise - hope you are enjoying the steak dinner!

 

And Happy birthday to Wendy :)

No, they are the same size. 185 sq.ft.

[bankonus]

Fred- Glad to hear you are enjoying your cruise! I have a question about your first dinner, it sounds like you ordered 3 things. We have sailed carnival 5 times and never had a problem ordering extra entrees, however we sailed 4 weeks ago on Valor and our waiter seemed really put out and almost embarrassed my daughter when she ordered two. Was ours just an "odd" occurance or are they scaling back? Did you order the whole entree or ask them to add some of those things onto your first? My son travels with us (19 yo) and always orders more than one, but was afraid to after my daughter got the "talk" about how her ordering more than one was slowing everyone else's orders because they are only allowed to carry so many entrees per trip to kitchen, thus the asst. waiter is having to make several "Un-necessary" trips. Those were his exact words to us. Needless to say I did not tip him extra the last night which is a first for me.

 

Anyone else have our experience? Sometimes I like 3 of the appetizers and don't order salad. Is that being selfish. I love them, and they are small.......

[crazycath]

You should stand at the end of the Pool by the Big screen and tell us when you will be there and we can see you on the Splendor!!!

 

Cathy

[retcwby]

I love these live reports.......keep em commin fred

[melissa@cruisecritic]

Hi Fred,

Thanks for the live reports from the ship! It's very interesting to hear how downplayed the swine flu issue is onboard compared to the media firestorm we're all experiencing back here on land! Keep the info coming -- and feel free to pop on over to the thread I have started (Laura is sharing there, too) should there be any change to your itinerary or Carnival's onboard communications. Here's the link: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=975162

 

Have a great cruise! I look forward to hearing more about it here :)

Melissa

[FunInTheCaribbean]

I have to say I'm liking my stateroom, a balcony on Deck 6. The location, however, is another matter. Just across the hall is the PANTRY. All I heard was ice buckets being filled. It is pretty annoying. I can clearly hear the music/people in the atrium as well.

 

I'm curious where your cabin is. Our group going in June has about 15 balcony cabins booked nearby one another on deck 6. (we are in 6304 and others are nearby us). Never thought of the 'pantry' issue but am concerned about the atrium noise and possibly any casino noise. Perhaps I should warn all of them!

[gtarbet]

Your information could not be better. I love the detail. Thanks

[cathyz]

Fred- Glad to hear you are enjoying your cruise! I have a question about your first dinner, it sounds like you ordered 3 things. We have sailed carnival 5 times and never had a problem ordering extra entrees, however we sailed 4 weeks ago on Valor and our waiter seemed really put out and almost embarrassed my daughter when she ordered two. Was ours just an "odd" occurance or are they scaling back? Did you order the whole entree or ask them to add some of those things onto your first? My son travels with us (19 yo) and always orders more than one, but was afraid to after my daughter got the "talk" about how her ordering more than one was slowing everyone else's orders because they are only allowed to carry so many entrees per trip to kitchen, thus the asst. waiter is having to make several "Un-necessary" trips. Those were his exact words to us. Needless to say I did not tip him extra the last night which is a first for me.

 

Anyone else have our experience? Sometimes I like 3 of the appetizers and don't order salad. Is that being selfish. I love them, and they are small.......

That must have been a lazy or grouchy waiter. On the Spirit a month ago, several in our group ordered 2 or 3 appetizers and more than one entree several times with no problems or complaints from the wait staff at all, they brought the extras with a smile.

[mississauga]

Thanks for the Live! Enjoy your cruise!

[jimbo5544]

Fred- Glad to hear you are enjoying your cruise! I have a question about your first dinner, it sounds like you ordered 3 things. We have sailed carnival 5 times and never had a problem ordering extra entrees, however we sailed 4 weeks ago on Valor and our waiter seemed really put out and almost embarrassed my daughter when she ordered two. Was ours just an "odd" occurance or are they scaling back? Did you order the whole entree or ask them to add some of those things onto your first? My son travels with us (19 yo) and always orders more than one, but was afraid to after my daughter got the "talk" about how her ordering more than one was slowing everyone else's orders because they are only allowed to carry so many entrees per trip to kitchen, thus the asst. waiter is having to make several "Un-necessary" trips. Those were his exact words to us. Needless to say I did not tip him extra the last night which is a first for me.

 

Anyone else have our experience? Sometimes I like 3 of the appetizers and don't order salad. Is that being selfish. I love them, and they are small.......

 

Just the opposite, while on Imagination (3 day Cruise) 3 weeks ago, Iw as routinely offered multiple dinners (unsolicited).

[maxamuus]

Enjoying the live posts Fred. Keep em coming.

[Wennfred]

Day 2, Evening, Formal night Monday at Sea

 

Since this ship has more passengers we figured there would be long lines to get our pictures done so we got ready at 4pm and hit all of the picture stations,well the nice ones we like, no lines whats so ever. At 5:15pm we headed over the Capt. Party. You can not order from the bar anymore. The only drinks they are serving now are Wine, Beer, Champagne and Fruit Punch for the kids, Thats it folks No other goodies, oh and no treats either like finger foods and what ever they are called.

 

I saw the Captain and I went to shake his hand and he wouldn't, so no more photo ops and hand shaking with the Capt any more either, I kinda figure its due to catching some type of virus or flu and possibly passing it on to everyone. Smart move.

 

No speeches from the Capt and staff during the party, just music since it was held way back in the lounges pass the Piano Bar. The Capt gave his speech and presented his staff before the main production show in the theater. Oh and this new CD Brad something is ok.

 

Dinner was great and I finally found my work friend, they had a late lunch and late dinner last night and that why they didnt make it to our dinner table on the first night. We had the Flat Iron Steak and Lobster of course, well just like another West Coast ship, Elation the lobster was Tiny. The jumbo shrimps were bigger then the Lobsters. So be sure to order at least 3. I ordered my Flat Iron Steak Medium this time and it was just right. I don't do Prime Rib but others stated that it was very good as well.

 

Once again, our Waiter IMADE was awesome, never gave us any problems, probably one of the best waiters I have had so far. He will even take orders after the orders have been taken. So BANKONUS if you ever get a Waiter that does not want to wait on you or makes a remark about going down twice to get extra food or does not want to get you the 3 different dishes, Contact the Maitre'D immediately and get him fired, get another Waiter. Occasionally I do read about waiters like yours and I have never seen it happen to us. We have been so lucky with our waiters. But I will not take that kind of bull knowning the type of Service we get from other waiters. Contact the Maitre'D and get him replaced right on the spot.

 

The dining staff sang 3 songs for us and it was alot of fun, you guys know that I dont like all of the hoopla loud noise and singing but I guess I was in the mood and it was nice.

 

We haven't even met the Maitre'D, we are on the 2nd level in the Dining room in the back, very large round table of 10 and we can see the sunset around 6:15pm. The Maitre'D hasn't introduced himself and nor has the Asst. Maitre'D, I know that they have a list of Platinum Guest and they usually will show up to say hello. Maitre'D LLoyd Taylor which is no longer with Carnival and Dino from Freedom are the best, they came around to say Hello every night. If I was a Maitre'D I would go around too.

 

I must say, Everyone was dressed nicely, no jeans, no shorts all elegant to the T.

 

We left the dining room at 7:30pm and had an hour to get ready for the major production show Shorts and T shirts for us, we went up to the cabin and changed, then we went to the theater and got front seats over on the right side. It was 8pm and the show started at 8:30pm.

 

To me the show was great, they had some very HOT dancers and it was a high impact show. at one point I had to stop and control my pulse and stop panting lol, Wendy said to stop drooling, it was a very sexy sensual show. The 2 Vocalist were very very good and thats alot coming from me. Wendy didnt like the show at all, it wasn't too glizty for her I guess.

 

After the show we headed back to the cabin and off to La La Land Sleep we went. I feel well rested this morning from using my CPAP, Wendy is still asleep this morning.

 

Today, Tuesday April 28, Day 3 at Sea is Wendy's Day,

 

yes its her Birthday and she turns the magical 40 !!! We have been cracking jokes with her due to her turning 40 years old. She wants to sleep in today but I am going to make her go to Breakfast at 9pm so the cabin steward can make her room, besides I got her some treats from the Bon Voyage department. Tonight during dinner she gets a Birthday Cake and I will order 4 bottles of champagne which is her favorite drink and to celebrate her birthday with the tablemates. I got her a Kindle 2 and gave it to her at home because the Kindle 2 is thin and can be damaged on a cruise. The Kindle 2 is a cool eBook that has WIFI and you can download 250,000 books from Amazon. Wendy does alot of reading.

 

The weather yesterday was hazy and overcast. The Capt promised us some sun today.

 

So overall we had a great fun night. Lets hope we have a great day for Wendy today. There is so much I left out I am sure but if I remember I will log on and post it. My mind is running at a thousand miles per second.

 

 

Questions and Answers

To minimize on time, if someone ask a question about Onboard WIFI or any other question that anyone else can answer for me from home, please do answer for me. Thanks

 

Cinday,

I had free coffee once for breakfast in the dining room and it was very good. I also order the Latte over at the Specialty Cafe and it was very good too. One thing I like to mention about the Cafe, they have some new TREATS !!! Wow, very nice desserts behind the window, I will take some nice close up shots of them today and will post them when I get home.

 

Remember the couple we had during Lunch in the dining room from Houston Texas, well they mainly cruise on other lines like Celebrity and when they ordered Ice Tea, they wanted the real thing, so the waiter gave them the hot tea and they just added ice to it, that was pretty interesting, the lady also didnt care for the decor and the pink colors.

 

Also I do not know if the Wine Premium package is listed online, I think thats a new thing along with all of the other Card deals.

 

 

BANKONUS,

You need to write Carnival about your lazy waiter because I surely do not want to have him on my next cruise. I also wrote you above in my review about that topic.

 

 

Fred