Carnival Splendor Live 9/29/18

Hello my name is Becky and my DH and I will be on this cruise and I will try to post live from the ship. I hope to answer any questions as the internet allows. I will scan the fun times when I return. My husband and I will be traveling for our 20th anniversary celebration and my DH's birthday. This was a last minute cruise and we are very excited to be in an Ocean Suite. A couple of perspectives that we will bring to the review is: 1. This is my husbands first cruise on Carnival and my second (this is my 18th cruise and my husband's 16th) 2. I have a couple of food issues (I have to be gluten free and I had weight loss surgery 6 months ago so high protein is important and I take in very little food at at time) 3. We live in Western Alaska in a small village of 400 on the Bering Sea. Our village can only be accessed by a small bush plane twice a day or 3 months out of the year a small boat if the water is open. I am the village medical provider. It gets below -85 wind chill here most of the winter and only in the 70s in the summer so the heat is a little concerning although I long to be somewhere warm.

We start our journey on the morning bush flight at 10 am. We will be doing some pre and post cruise fun things: restaurants, glen ivy hot springs (mud spa), Pirate Dinner Show, Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, a comedy/cirque dinner show and hopefully lots of rest.

It has been a long month. I have seen over 250 kids in my 4 villages for sports clearance, traveled to all four of my villages (including Little Diomede a small island 2.8 miles from Russia that I must go by helicopter). I am exhausted and ready for some fun. SO let the fun begin!!

Thanks for bringing us along.

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Hello Becky

My name is Patrick I'm sailing with Jackie and we will be on October 13th trip to Hawaii very interested in watching your review

Hi Becky

I am on the October 6th sailing. Enjoy!

Also, I am looking into WLS in a few months, so am very curious how you manage the protein situation. Please keep us updated!

Hello Becky

My name is Patrick I'm sailing with Jackie and we will be on October 13th trip to Hawaii very interested in watching your review

Thanks I hope I can connect to the internet without too much trouble.

Also, I am looking into WLS in a few months, so am very curious how you manage the protein situation. Please keep us updated!

I found a great non tasting protein powder genepro about 1 tablespoon has 30g protein. Good luck I will be 6 months out I am 97.6 down 152 total. Best decision ever. If you have questions I am happy to answer, good luck.

Hi Becky,

We will be on the same cruise! We also have a friend coming that had weight loss surgery a few months ago. She is going to try bringing some "Premiere Protien" on the cruise however, I don't know if they will let her take it on.

Hi Becky,

 

We will be on the same cruise! We also have a friend coming that had weight loss surgery a few months ago. She is going to try bringing some "Premiere Protien" on the cruise however, I don't know if they will let her take it on.

They will because it's not something they provide. They let me bring on gluten free food without a problem. I will be 6 months out Saturday and am down 97.4 lbs since surgery 153.2 overall. I still have a long way to go but I have come a long way already! I hope I get to meet you guys

Day 1 pre cruise

We left our village on the am flight on a big 10 seater Carivan (which is luxurious compared to the other plane options). It was a beautiful 30 minute flight to Nome. If you have never visited Alaska I encourage you to consider it. It is hard to find words to describe its beauty. Because we live in such a remote village and made it to the 'city' we did everyday things for you that we can't do normally. Go to the bank, ride in a car, go to an actual grocery store, go to the eye doctors and eat at a restaurant. We get to Nome about 4 or 5 times a year when we are traveling to my island or to Anchorage so it's nice to get stuff done. The few restaurants there are VERY expensive but when you never get the chance its worth it. For instance my husband got a Ribeye, small baked potato, mixed veges and side salad for 37.00 (and believe me it is not a fancy restaurant it's on the same level as Dennys). Nice thing about weight loss surgery is I just a little off Dave's plate and I was full.

After dinner we were off to Alaska Air. It's an 1 hr 45 minute flight to Anchorage. Our terminal always makes me laugh. It has one gate but they still announce that boarding will begin at gate 1. I guess I shouldn't complain in the village our terminal is a field that you ride to on your atv or snowmobile. You drive up when the plane lands and get onboard. Good thing now at Alaska Air is we now get off on the terminal ramp. We used to have to depart on the runway and walk to the terminal on at least 1 of the 2 flights a day. Like we do in Nome.

We spent the night in Anchorage and now we are an hour out of Seattle then Seattle to LAX. More tomorrow this trip is a much needed break. Its 40 degrees right now in our village I am ready for regular sun/night for a bit. We are heading out of our 24 sun which SUCKS and when we return it will be mostly dark so I intend to take advantage of that sun!!

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How will Hurricane Rosa impact this sailing?

How will Hurricane Rosa impact this sailing?

I dont know

Pre cruise Days 2-3

Day 2

Today was spent traveling 2 plane rides took over 8 hrs but I will say flying since my surgery flying is SO much nicer. The flights were good but LAX is a different story. It took us 2 hours to drive 38 miles. ��SERIOUSLY! Our village no cars: LA too many cars, which would you chose?

We got to Aneheim, stopped at Walmart, checked in at our hotel, ordered delivery and went to bed. We are staying at the Hilton House in Anaheim near the convention center. Nice hotel, friendly staff, great location. I love having a stove in our room even though we did not use it. After only 7 hours of sleep in 2 days we were ready for bed.

Day 3

Today we were tourists. We had lunch at The Stinking Rose. If you have never been you should! There are 2 one in San Francisco and the other in Beverly Hills. Total garlic restaurant and OMG awesome. Then we drove to rodeo drive and look pictures. You would have thought we lived in Alaska. After shopping at Walmart. Target AND best buy we headed to dinner. Tonight we went to the Pirate Dinner Adventure in Bueno Vista. Great show!! On their site that have special that made this cheap!! We really had fun. Very interactive show. Gluten Free dinner provided but be aware they dont understand it. I was supposed to get shrimp but when I asked where it was they said it was not Gluten Free because it had parsley. I was afraid to try so I did not. They have passed appetizers when you arrive and a fun preshow that eventually leads you to your seat. The gluten free portion is vegs. So I ate 2 carrot slices and the top of one piece of broccoli with a ranch dressing dip. Dinner is chicken, mashed potatoes. Vegs and the elusive shrimp. Your choice of salad or vegetable soup. It is to be noted the vegetable soup while favored well had no vegetables in it. �� desert was your choice of strawberry or mango smoothie. I cant tolerate chicken since surgery so I ate a little of the mashed potatoes and came home to a little keto friendly meat and cheese. If you have time I really recommend this show!! Then back to hotel, pack up and off to bed.

Embarkation Day

Its here and I am so excited I have been awake since 545 am more to follow

So excited to follow along! Although I’m not from such an isolated, rural area as you, I’m from a small community near Buffalo, NY, and hate driving on any expressways where there is a lot of cars. I generally only drive our country roads, main roads. When I visit out son in Texas, traveling those crazy expressways gives me anxiety attacks. I can only imagine, from what I’ve heard, how bad the roads are near LA. Not for me. When I have to traverse roads like that, I leave the driving to someone else.

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing.

Embarkation:

I have only cruised Carnival one other time but this process was better than any of my other 17 cruises. We got up early (not sure about traffic) and left the hotel by 8:30. The Hilton house has a free breakfast that includes some made to order items. My husband ate there this morning, I just had a protein powder in my tea and some cheese. I was worried about getting in protein today so I decided to keep my normal routine.

After an easy drive to Long Beach airport to return the rental car we were off to the cruise port.

Our cab driver was great and we were at the cruise port around 1030. Now it is to be noted by my husband we brought WAY to much stuff. It actually did not start out like that but things are so cheap here compared to Alaska I bought alot ��

I tore my MCL a few months ago but with gastric surgery scheduled I put off having it repaired so the up and down stairs are hard. We arranged to have assistance up to the ship which was great. The port staff were knowledgeable and helpful.

There is a no water or drink policy when entering the ship and I had both. I was asked if it was for medical reasons and I said yes. I was NOT going to lose my protein tea lol. I even got to bring my 50 ounce unopened bottle of water. Our first stop was security where they check your boarding pass, asked for id, and took a photo with their camera. THAT WAS IT!!! Walked through the scanner and we were checked in. It was unreal 5 minutes and we were done. Do ALL your stuff online and no lines.

Because we got the FTTF we were directed to the captains lounge. Comfy chair, tea, water, lemonade and TV's. We met a cruise critic member who read this long boring review and knew me because of where we live lol He has done this cruise around 30 times...he was awesome. We got on the ship little before 12. Our driver(lol) dropped us off just inside the ship once safely over the ramps. Then we were off. Make sure to stop at guest relations when you pass they have little cards with a ship map (there are not in the room).

First thing we did was go to our room. We are in an Ocean Suite on the 7th floor. Our room was not ready because of a special coast Guard inspection (being all about safety I was good with that). She let us drop our carry on, get our room key then off to lunch. Whole process from door to door was maybe an hour and we sat in the captain's lounge for 45 minutes of that probably. Get there early if you can. On the way to lunch they have lots of tables and one was to purchase a lanyard. I really liked this at RCCI you have to wait for the shops to open. You can even get it with just your boarding pass if you dont have your room key yet. (Room keys are placed outside your door).

Lunch at the buffet was a little scary for me with the gluten allergy but they are very helpful. Just ask to speak to someone and they will come to you. We finally decided on the Mongolian Grilled shrimp and vegetables. I left the rice off but it did not need it. There is one soy free sauce. Fairly spicy but very flavorful. My DH had a little of a lot if stuff and felt it was very good. Lots of drinking chances but no pressure to buy them.

After lunch we went back to our room. Our luggage did not come until after the muster because of the Coast Guard inspection but we unpacked our carry on.

For us the room is huge. We laughed that it is bigger than our living room, Kitchen and bathroom combined at home. (We live in a very small tribal house provided by the tribe for the medical provider). I will try to figure out how to upload photos but we love it. Our room was Decorated for our anniversary and our wine and wine glasses were already there (anniversary wine package). The papers for spa treatments I ordered online, fun times, and a VERY useful ship information sheet were in the room. The room has a king bed(2 twins together) and had an egg crate already in place. A couch, chair and coffee table. The standard desk, chair, cabinets, shelves but lots of them. There is a little vanity/dressing area tucked around a corner by the bathroom. The bathroom is huge with a full size jetted tub and double sink. Lots of standing room. The balcony has 3 chairs and 2 drink tables. Really standard balcony size.

Next off to the spa. I wanted to book a couple of things and check in for the thermal suite/thassotherapy package we got. Nice surprise we both got a free small jar of scrub and a loofah for the package. We didn't do the spa tour cause I will be there a lot lol. I did book 2 scalp massage best 29.00 ever. You get a 30 min scalp neck and shoulder massage in the salon with a fragment oil. It is unreal.

Because I am gluten free we had to go to check in with wait staff to discuss dinner. We even met a fun couple and she was going through the weight loss surgery process (I so remember that!)

Time for the muster drill. We were D, deck 4 port side. We were not allowed on deck due to the coast Guard until we were told but we got let out. Then let back in, good thing is we found out because of my knee we could muster inside. Awesome. The drill was the shortest ever no waiting for latecomers. If you miss, you are summoned to your private drill or escorted off (I heard). Then after, people who had mobility issues got to leave first. I thought this was great. No elevator issues for those needing a wheelchair or Walker. I think alot of people went to this area because they could have there drinks there but not on deck.

I had prebooked a manicure so it was off to the spa. Easy check in then to the relaxation room. The spa is beautiful and the nail paint lasts for 14 days. Perfect for me. I am not sure of my last manicure (no nail salons where I live, I traded comfort for the MOST amazing life and job I think I won). I was given a free eye treatment very nice and that fragrancent oil is what they used on my hands. I even bought a bottle 58.00 no pressure to buy but they do ask. Just say no if you want but I had planned to buy it anyway.

We went back to the cabin to find our luggage. They put it in the room not the halls which I really like. I have to laugh when we met to cabin attendant she commented on our luggage. Where we live with the ice and snow everyone uses plastic storage totes for travel so you can bring back food and to prevent getting it wet or muddy (remember i said earlier our airport is a field where you drive up to the plane). So others asked her if we were special needs with diapers. I cracked up and explained our luggage choice (and the reason so much is shopping). Our cabin attendant is Candy and she is sweet. I brought her a pair of earrings I bought in my village that are beaded and using seal skin. They are ulu's (used to cut meat, fish). She was very shocked and excited to get them. We finished get things put away at a leisurely pace, verything fit in the room with LOTS of space to spare.

Dinner was next with music before. We are 3rd floor Gold Pearl. You CANNOT get to their on deck 3 you have to go to 4 then down (galley). There was a 3 piece string group playing that were lovely.

Dinner was great. We were seated at a 4 seat booth. I used to HATE booths before surgery but lots of room in these now. I am not sure if we have table mates but not tonight.

Dinner tonight was very good. I will post menu and pictures when i can. I did get the filet from the steakhouse menu 20.00 but i loved it (or the 1.5 oz i ate and my DH enjoyed to remaining along with his beef brisket). I am not a huge fan of gluten free bread but they make their own and it's pretty good.

The one thing i have to say is martini. The Pineapple Chilpote martini is not to be missed. Not sweet, little heat but yumm. I don't drink much since surgery but i think i found my cruise dinner drink.

They brought us a heart shaped cake for our anniversary and sang to us which was a nice surprise. Just a great dining experience.

My DH was exhausted as was I so no show or music tonight just sleep.

Today was an amazing first day on the carnival splendor!

Day 2 to follow

Embarkation:

I have only cruised Carnival one other time but this process was better than any of my other 17 cruises. We got up early (not sure about traffic) and left the hotel by 8:30. The Hilton house has a free breakfast that includes some made to order items. My husband ate there this morning, I just had a protein powder in my tea and some cheese. I was worried about getting in protein today so I decided to keep my normal routine.

After an easy drive to Long Beach airport to return the rental car we were off to the cruise port.

Our cab driver was great and we were at the cruise port around 1030. Now it is to be noted by my husband we brought WAY to much stuff. It actually did not start out like that but things are so cheap here compared to Alaska I bought alot

I tore my MCL a few months ago but with gastric surgery scheduled I put off having it repaired so the up and down stairs are hard. We arranged to have assistance up to the ship which was great. The port staff were knowledgeable and helpful.

There is a no water or drink policy when entering the ship and I had both. I was asked if it was for medical reasons and I said yes. I was NOT going to lose my protein tea lol. I even got to bring my 50 ounce unopened bottle of water. Our first stop was security where they check your boarding pass, asked for id, and took a photo with their camera. THAT WAS IT!!! Walked through the scanner and we were checked in. It was unreal 5 minutes and we were done. Do ALL your stuff online and no lines.

Because we got the FTTF we were directed to the captains lounge. Comfy chair, tea, water, lemonade and TV's. We met a cruise critic member who read this long boring review and knew me because of where we live lol He has done this cruise around 30 times...he was awesome. We got on the ship little before 12. Our driver(lol) dropped us off just inside the ship once safely over the ramps. Then we were off. Make sure to stop at guest relations when you pass they have little cards with a ship map (there are not in the room).

First thing we did was go to our room. We are in an Ocean Suite on the 7th floor. Our room was not ready because of a special coast Guard inspection (being all about safety I was good with that). She let us drop our carry on, get our room key then off to lunch. Whole process from door to door was maybe an hour and we sat in the captain's lounge for 45 minutes of that probably. Get there early if you can. On the way to lunch they have lots of tables and one was to purchase a lanyard. I really liked this at RCCI you have to wait for the shops to open. You can even get it with just your boarding pass if you dont have your room key yet. (Room keys are placed outside your door).

Lunch at the buffet was a little scary for me with the gluten allergy but they are very helpful. Just ask to speak to someone and they will come to you. We finally decided on the Mongolian Grilled shrimp and vegetables. I left the rice off but it did not need it. There is one soy free sauce. Fairly spicy but very flavorful. My DH had a little of a lot if stuff and felt it was very good. Lots of drinking chances but no pressure to buy them.

After lunch we went back to our room. Our luggage did not come until after the muster because of the Coast Guard inspection but we unpacked our carry on.

For us the room is huge. We laughed that it is bigger than our living room, Kitchen and bathroom combined at home. (We live in a very small tribal house provided by the tribe for the medical provider). I will try to figure out how to upload photos but we love it. Our room was Decorated for our anniversary and our wine and wine glasses were already there (anniversary wine package). The papers for spa treatments I ordered online, fun times, and a VERY useful ship information sheet were in the room. The room has a king bed(2 twins together) and had an egg crate already in place. A couch, chair and coffee table. The standard desk, chair, cabinets, shelves but lots of them. There is a little vanity/dressing area tucked around a corner by the bathroom. The bathroom is huge with a full size jetted tub and double sink. Lots of standing room. The balcony has 3 chairs and 2 drink tables. Really standard balcony size.

Next off to the spa. I wanted to book a couple of things and check in for the thermal suite/thassotherapy package we got. Nice surprise we both got a free small jar of scrub and a loofah for the package. We didn't do the spa tour cause I will be there a lot lol. I did book 2 scalp massage best 29.00 ever. You get a 30 min scalp neck and shoulder massage in the salon with a fragment oil. It is unreal.

Because I am gluten free we had to go to check in with wait staff to discuss dinner. We even met a fun couple and she was going through the weight loss surgery process (I so remember that!)

Time for the muster drill. We were D, deck 4 port side. We were not allowed on deck due to the coast Guard until we were told but we got let out. Then let back in, good thing is we found out because of my knee we could muster inside. Awesome. The drill was the shortest ever no waiting for latecomers. If you miss, you are summoned to your private drill or escorted off (I heard). Then after, people who had mobility issues got to leave first. I thought this was great. No elevator issues for those needing a wheelchair or Walker. I think alot of people went to this area because they could have there drinks there but not on deck.

I had prebooked a manicure so it was off to the spa. Easy check in then to the relaxation room. The spa is beautiful and the nail paint lasts for 14 days. Perfect for me. I am not sure of my last manicure (no nail salons where I live, I traded comfort for the MOST amazing life and job I think I won). I was given a free eye treatment very nice and that fragrancent oil is what they used on my hands. I even bought a bottle 58.00 no pressure to buy but they do ask. Just say no if you want but I had planned to buy it anyway.

We went back to the cabin to find our luggage. They put it in the room not the halls which I really like. I have to laugh when we met to cabin attendant she commented on our luggage. Where we live with the ice and snow everyone uses plastic storage totes for travel so you can bring back food and to prevent getting it wet or muddy (remember i said earlier our airport is a field where you drive up to the plane). So others asked her if we were special needs with diapers. I cracked up and explained our luggage choice (and the reason so much is shopping). Our cabin attendant is Candy and she is sweet. I brought her a pair of earrings I bought in my village that are beaded and using seal skin. They are ulu's (used to cut meat, fish). She was very shocked and excited to get them. We finished get things put away at a leisurely pace, everything fit in the room with LOTS of space to spare.

Dinner was next with music before. We are 3rd floor Gold Pearl. You CANNOT get to their on deck 3 you have to go to 4 then down (galley). There was a 3 piece string group playing that were lovely.

Dinner was great. We were seated at a 4 seat booth. I used to HATE booths before surgery but lots of room in these now. I am not sure if we have table mates but not tonight.

Dinner tonight was very good. I will post menu and pictures when i can. I did get the filet from the steakhouse menu 20.00 but i loved it (or the 1.5 oz i ate and my DH enjoyed to remaining along with his beef brisket). I am not a huge fan of gluten free bread but they make their own and it's pretty good.

The one thing i have to say is martini. The Pineapple Chilpote martini is not to be missed. Not sweet, little heat but yumm. I don't drink much since surgery but i think i found my cruise dinner drink.

They brought us a heart shaped cake for our anniversary and sang to us which was a nice surprise. Just a great dining experience.

My DH was exhausted as was I so no show or music tonight just sleep.

Today was an amazing first day on the carnival splendor!

Day 2 to follow

Sorry that posted twice

How is the weather? Are you (the ship) being affected by hurricane ROSA ?

Following. We will be on this ship in March so I’m excited to read your review.

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Day 2 Sea day with Hurricane Rosa

Today was rough as the captain tried to avoid Rosa. Ship REALLY rocked and lots of people did not tolerate that well. It even bothered me and I usually enjoy rough water. I was in the spa and the girl who did my nails yesterday was vomiting in the foot spa (reminder to self...no pedicure this cruise:) ). Pools were closed today so we visited the thermal suite which is lovely. Salon day today scalp massage, hair treatment, hair fixed for formal night. My DH even joined in with the mans shave and haircut which includes a scalp/shoulder massage.

Meet and mingle today with about 25 people but nice. I even FOUND A DUCK as we were leaving :)

We had dinner at Pinnacle for DH birthday. So after pictures we headed up. The restaurant is very beautiful, food amazing but the staff is what sells it. It is a must do experience. We had a bottle of the house merlot which was AMAZING. It was probably one of the best wines I have ever had. Try the cheese plate dessert the choices are outstanding. Because of the rough seas we headed back to our cabin after listening to some music. Overall a very relaxing day.

Following. We will be on this ship in March so I’m excited to read your review.

 

 

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Yep pools closed yesterday, rough seas but still lots to do. After all we are on a cruise and noone from work can call me :)