Here's My 20+ Page Splendor Review/Cruise Journal!!

[Sage56]

[quote name='CalmCruiserNC']I just finished sorting through our photos -- never uploaded pics to one of the services before -- anyone have an opinion about which service is best?[/quote]
Calm, thanks so much for the review. I will be on the Splendor in a couple of days. So, your review has been very helpful.

I would have to agree on the entertainment, for the cruises now as opposed to "years" ago. Then again, I have noticed that even on Carnival ships, when it is new entertainment groups, or ones near the end of their contract makes a big difference on the quality of the perfomance. I tend to cruise Carnival because of proximity to where I live. I have experienced other cruise lines, and I look at Carnival as a diversion.

I had initially scheduled this cruise for the same one you were on, karma stepped in and I moved it to this coming week.

Thanks again for a great review, and if you don't write for a living.... maybe you should!

[CalmCruiserNC]

[quote name='Sage56']Calm, thanks so much for the review. I will be on the Splendor in a couple of days. So, your review has been very helpful.

I would have to agree on the entertainment, for the cruises now as opposed to "years" ago. Then again, I have noticed that even on Carnival ships, when it is new entertainment groups, or ones near the end of their contract makes a big difference on the quality of the perfomance. I tend to cruise Carnival because of proximity to where I live. I have experienced other cruise lines, and I look at Carnival as a diversion.

I had initially scheduled this cruise for the same one you were on, karma stepped in and I moved it to this coming week.

Thanks again for a great review, and if you don't write for a living.... maybe you should![/QUOTE]

Thank you for the compliment! Maybe I will try my hand at writing a blog and see if I get any followers.

[CalmCruiserNC]

[quote name='nick_091909']Thank you for the review! I will be traveling on the Sept 20th Splendor cruise with my soon to be wife for our honeymoon. We are both very excited! Look forward to the pictures when you get them uploaded.[/QUOTE]

Thank you so much -- and congratulations! We had a great time, except for the couple of issues I mentioned, so you know from my review what to expect as far as food is concerned — and I suspect you'll be all the entertainment each other needs! Happy Honeymoon!!

Be sure to eat at the Pinnacle -- definitely the perfect romantic dinner!

[nick_091909]

Calm--- When you ate at the supperclub, did you just leave a tip on the table, or do you put on the S & S card. I know gratuity is factored into the $30, but if the service is "that good" I would like to leave a little extra something. Not sure if we just leave it on the tabvle or what. We are dining there two nights on our cruise!

[Winterstale]

[quote]for those of you who don’t speak spanish, directly translated from the most ancient dialect, “ensenada” means “stay on the ship.” there’s a similar word among the caribbean languages, “jamaica.”
[/quote]

roflmao

[Winterstale]

But I’ve actually figured out how to travel from my stateroom to the gym, the Lido Liner Bar and the Serenity Deck without bumping into more than a mere handful of people.

 

 

Calm -

 

My husband and I are also a "childless by choice" couple and it sounds like you and your wife match our personalities EXACTLY (I would have been dancing at the rock and roll party too while Brian definitely would NOT!)

 

I want that route :D you found. We are in a spa cabin on deck 11 so I'm kind of planning to use deck 9 to get to the aft pool every day and the Lido Liner Bar.

 

LOVED LOVED LOVED your description of smoking (and I am a nine-year smoke-free former pack-a-day gal ;) so I'm allowed to say that :D) and completely agree - but I also think that people paint WAY to severe a picture of what it's like on ships -- I've always found it easy to avoid if I want to and I don't begrudge others their right to enjoy it if they choose. But I had to laugh out loud.

 

And you may have already answered this one, but what food program do you follow??? I'm kind of a gymrat myself who does not plan to pack on the LBs on this trip...

 

Going back to finish your review now...I've only made it to day 4....

[CalmCruiserNC]

Calm--- When you ate at the supperclub, did you just leave a tip on the table, or do you put on the S & S card. I know gratuity is factored into the $30, but if the service is "that good" I would like to leave a little extra something. Not sure if we just leave it on the tabvle or what. We are dining there two nights on our cruise!

 

At the end of the meal, they present you with a S&S receipt to sign -- it has a space on it for you to add a tip. Be sure to try the lobster bisque!

[CalmCruiserNC]

Calm -

 

My husband and I are also a "childless by choice" couple and it sounds like you and your wife match our personalities EXACTLY (I would have been dancing at the rock and roll party too while Brian definitely would NOT!)

 

I want that route :D you found. We are in a spa cabin on deck 11 so I'm kind of planning to use deck 9 to get to the aft pool every day and the Lido Liner Bar.

 

LOVED LOVED LOVED your description of smoking (and I am a nine-year smoke-free former pack-a-day gal ;) so I'm allowed to say that :D) and completely agree - but I also think that people paint WAY to severe a picture of what it's like on ships -- I've always found it easy to avoid if I want to and I don't begrudge others their right to enjoy it if they choose. But I had to laugh out loud.

 

And you may have already answered this one, but what food program do you follow??? I'm kind of a gymrat myself who does not plan to pack on the LBs on this trip...

 

Going back to finish your review now...I've only made it to day 4....

 

I'm glad you're enjoying the review -- I used Decks 6, 7 or 8 as my way to get from one end of the ship to the other -- didn't have to see many people other than cabin stewards --

 

My diet is pretty simple -- fruit for breakfast, salad with some sort of protein for lunch and then, when I'm on a cruise, whatever I want for dinner -- at home, another salad and a protein source. I'm the kind of person who gains weight looking at pictures of food in a magazine, so I really need to be strict if I want to lose weight and keep it off. I did manage to lose 3 pounds on the cruise, but I think it was because I spent 60-90 minutes a day on the exercise bike — and who knows how many miles I walked each day traveling from the Lido Liner Bar/Pool to the Serenity Deck over and over.

 

When are you sailing?

[JBM1946]

Calm Cruiser: I am in the process of reading your 20-page review. We are taking same cruise on the 20th of Sept. I have a question, and I'm only on page 3. We are staying at Queen Mary Hotel when we return to LB on 27th. How near to the cruise terminal is the QM? Walking distance (with rolling luggage, etc.)? LOL! Thanks for the info.

 

Josie

[CalmCruiserNC]

Calm Cruiser: I am in the process of reading your 20-page review. We are taking same cruise on the 20th of Sept. I have a question, and I'm only on page 3. We are staying at Queen Mary Hotel when we return to LB on 27th. How near to the cruise terminal is the QM? Walking distance (with rolling luggage, etc.)? LOL! Thanks for the info.

 

Josie

 

Hey there!

 

The Queen Mary is immediately adjacent to the terminal -- literally not more than a 3 minute stroll. Assuming your luggage is on wheels, you'll have no issues whatsoever.

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

[JBM1946]

Thanks loads for this info. Transportation uncertainty is always an issue when we travel to unfamiliar places. Thanks again!

I am truly enjoying your review. I can tell you are a "writer"!

 

Oh, another question for you -- don't know if you frequented the casino. But would you know if there is a live Texas Hold 'Em table or an electronic one?

[CalmCruiserNC]

Thanks loads for this info. Transportation uncertainty is always an issue when we travel to unfamiliar places. Thanks again!

I am truly enjoying your review. I can tell you are a "writer"!

 

Oh, another question for you -- don't know if you frequented the casino. But would you know if there is a live Texas Hold 'Em table or an electronic one?

 

We only saw an electronic table -- and it was always packed. I'm not a gambler myself, but I think Roulette is a fantastic spectator sport. In no other game do SO many people lose SO much money SO quickly!!

 

The casino is VERY large --

[CalmCruiserNC]

Thanks loads for this info. Transportation uncertainty is always an issue when we travel to unfamiliar places. Thanks again!

I am truly enjoying your review. I can tell you are a "writer"!

 

Oh, another question for you -- don't know if you frequented the casino. But would you know if there is a live Texas Hold 'Em table or an electronic one?

 

One more thing I remembered about the Texas Hold Em table -- apparently there is an air conditioning vent just over the table -- we saw the players wrapped up in blankets -- wearing jackets -- one guy even wearing his bathrobe over his clothes -- so you might want to prepare yourself for how cold the place gets!

[Winterstale]

When are you sailing?

 

Hi again, Calm - we are leaving on November 1 - not too long now!!

 

We have two reservations for the Supper Club already but may increase those after reading the rest of your review!

 

Yep, I'm another one who gains weight just looking at pictures of food. I follow a very similar diet -- and I try very hard to avoid carbs.

 

That said? We will behaving a "margarita day" ourselves for sure :D so I will NOT be worrying about that while on board or trucking around the ports :D

 

I'm sorry to hear there's no way to avoid the whole "hard sell" experience at the spa -- I know it's their job to do this, but I really feel strongly that if you tell them beforehand NOT to do this, since you're paying GOOD money for a service, they should adhere to your wishes. Guess not!

 

We are looking forward to just enjoying the spa areas itself on the first couple of days at sea since we're booked in one of the spa cabins.

 

Thanks so much for your GREAT review! Good reading!! Gives me a very good idea of how hubby and I will fare on this ship -- my expectations are in order -- we normally charter sailboats and sail ourselves in the BVI but since the Splendor is right in our backyard and we got a great deal, we figured we'd give it a try!

[CalmCruiserNC]

Hi again, Calm - we are leaving on November 1 - not too long now!!

 

We have two reservations for the Supper Club already but may increase those after reading the rest of your review!

 

Yep, I'm another one who gains weight just looking at pictures of food. I follow a very similar diet -- and I try very hard to avoid carbs.

 

That said? We will behaving a "margarita day" ourselves for sure :D so I will NOT be worrying about that while on board or trucking around the ports :D

 

I'm sorry to hear there's no way to avoid the whole "hard sell" experience at the spa -- I know it's their job to do this, but I really feel strongly that if you tell them beforehand NOT to do this, since you're paying GOOD money for a service, they should adhere to your wishes. Guess not!

 

We are looking forward to just enjoying the spa areas itself on the first couple of days at sea since we're booked in one of the spa cabins.

 

Thanks so much for your GREAT review! Good reading!! Gives me a very good idea of how hubby and I will fare on this ship -- my expectations are in order -- we normally charter sailboats and sail ourselves in the BVI but since the Splendor is right in our backyard and we got a great deal, we figured we'd give it a try!

 

I think you'll have a wonderful time -- and hopefully, my review allows you to set some realistic expectations. I think your idea about communicating with spa management in advance that you have no interest in products might help, particularly if you make it clear that in the event you are pressured, you'll cancel the other services you've reserved, you might get their cooperation. I suspect though that the therapists/estheticians are judged by the volume of products sold and are required to present some set of products for your consideration. One strategy might be to let them know that if they pitch products, you will seriously consider eliminating their tip.

 

See -- too much to think about -- so I just skipped the whole spa part -- LOL!!

 

Thanks again for your kind comments about my review! I wish you a wonderful cruise and a GREAT Margarita Day!!

[Wendell Pendell]

Great review! But in defense of Ensenada, I went ATVing there last Thursday and it was a THRILL! We started at a beach behind my ship, the Carnival Elation (look next to my helmet), then drove through town past all the bars, up a steep hill for this photo op, then down/up the other side on steep/rocky mountain roads and trails. GREAT experience but it sure tired me out! (I am 58). I had been kayaking the previous day in Catalina. ATVing was more tiring than kayaking!

 

I'll be on the Splendor next April, thanks for the review!

 

Wendell

 

 

[Winterstale]

Thanks!! We are really looking forward to this! It cannot come soon enough!!

[CalmCruiserNC]

Great review! But in defense of Ensenada, I went ATVing there last Thursday and it was a THRILL! We started at a beach behind my ship, the Carnival Elation (look next to my helmet), then drove through town past all the bars, up a steep hill for this photo op, then down/up the other side on steep/rocky mountain roads and trails. GREAT experience but it sure tired me out! (I am 58). I had been kayaking the previous day in Catalina. ATVing was more tiring than kayaking!

 

I'll be on the Splendor next April, thanks for the review!

 

Wendell

 

 

 

 

Wendell -- THAT sounds like something that would be a great time -- did you arrange this through the ship? Would the ATV hold two people or would my wife need her own? How much was the rental? Now I want to go back to Ensenada!

[Wendell Pendell]

CalmCruiserNC,

 

I booked this tour http://www.cabosanlucastours.net/ensenada/Beach-ATV-Tour.htm. I had to walk about 1/2 mile from the ship out to the main street, past the two security gates that go up and down, to meet my guide... his shop was less than a block from that point.

 

As you can see from the prices, you can bring a second person for only $14 more.

 

Note: You can't really ride ATVs on the beach right next to the water anymore... the website is out of date in that regard. There are now concrete barriers keeping you from the water. So my guide had me ride around in a sandy area for awhile to practice, which is a good idea if you're not already an experienced ATVer. He even had me trying little jumps. You might instead want to book the mountain tour http://www.cabosanlucastours.net/ensenada/Mountain-ATV-Tour.htm

 

Note: My guide was pumping for a large tip from the start... claiming that he received no salary from the excursion, had a wife and kid etc. During our ride, he wanted me to stop at a T-shirt stand that sold T-shirts at "bargain" prices of $10-12 per shirt. I told him that I've been buying T-shirts at 3 shirts for $5 in Mazatlan and other ports. He said "there are different qualities" but he didn't try that again. As I mentioned, I did tip him $20 because I was the only person who showed up (the tour company had made an error and told him I wanted 2 ATVs but my paperwork said 1, which is what I had paid for) and he did take me all over the place and give me some good commentary.

 

You can call him direct if you like: Andres at MotoXTreme Baja, (646) 117-81-55. You might be able to negotiate a better price compared to going through the tour company.

 

Some of the mountain trails were kinda steep and rocky... at other times, you're driving on city streets with cars and trucks. So one does need to be a little adventurous. As I mentioned, I was very tired and dusty afterward.

 

Best wishes, hope you try this and enjoy it as much as I did!

 

Wendell

 

Wendell -- THAT sounds like something that would be a great time -- did you arrange this through the ship? Would the ATV hold two people or would my wife need her own? How much was the rental? Now I want to go back to Ensenada!

[CalmCruiserNC]

CalmCruiserNC,

 

I booked this tour http://www.cabosanlucastours.net/ensenada/Beach-ATV-Tour.htm. I had to walk about 1/2 mile from the ship out to the main street, past the two security gates that go up and down, to meet my guide... his shop was less than a block from that point.

 

As you can see from the prices, you can bring a second person for only $14 more.

 

Note: You can't really ride ATVs on the beach right next to the water anymore... the website is out of date in that regard. There are now concrete barriers keeping you from the water. So my guide had me ride around in a sandy area for awhile to practice, which is a good idea if you're not already an experienced ATVer. He even had me trying little jumps. You might instead want to book the mountain tour http://www.cabosanlucastours.net/ensenada/Mountain-ATV-Tour.htm

 

Note: My guide was pumping for a large tip from the start... claiming that he received no salary from the excursion, had a wife and kid etc. During our ride, he wanted me to stop at a T-shirt stand that sold T-shirts at "bargain" prices of $10-12 per shirt. I told him that I've been buying T-shirts at 3 shirts for $5 in Mazatlan and other ports. He said "there are different qualities" but he didn't try that again. As I mentioned, I did tip him $20 because I was the only person who showed up (the tour company had made an error and told him I wanted 2 ATVs but my paperwork said 1, which is what I had paid for) and he did take me all over the place and give me some good commentary.

 

You can call him direct if you like: Andres at MotoXTreme Baja, (646) 117-81-55. You might be able to negotiate a better price compared to going through the tour company.

 

Some of the mountain trails were kinda steep and rocky... at other times, you're driving on city streets with cars and trucks. So one does need to be a little adventurous. As I mentioned, I was very tired and dusty afterward.

 

Best wishes, hope you try this and enjoy it as much as I did!

 

Wendell

 

THANK YOU so much for all of the information -- we printed it out and put it in our cruise planning folder for our next trip to the Mexican Riviera --

[CalmCruiserNC]

Hi, Everyone!

 

Several passengers on my voyage have asked for a copy of the letter we were given offering us a 25% discount on a future cruise because of Hurricane Jemina. I've scanned it and uploaded it to our website (it's too large of a file to post here). I hope it helps!

 

http://masterstream.com/today/CarnivalLetter.jpg

[Ready 2 Cruise]

For those of you who don’t speak Spanish, directly translated from the most ancient dialect, “Ensenada” means “stay on the ship.” There’s a similar word among the Caribbean languages, “Jamaica.”

 

LOL!

Thanks for the review, very informative and enjoyable:)

[obnancy]

Great Review, having been on the ship with you I would say it is spot on. Thanks for saving me from writing one myself.:p

 

The only thing I would add to the negatives was the headache indusing decor. Pink zebra stripes everywhere? It was so loud I preferred to walk down guest room hallways, rather than their open areas.

 

It was what it was, a very inexpensive cruise with many inexperienced cruisers, who don't understand dress codes. For the price, I would do it again. If I was paying more, I would choose a different line.

 

The one rule they did enforce that I appreciated was keeping kids out of the rear lido deck pool and spa.

 

This great review must have been what you were writing on the sernity deck. Good job!

[cruznduo]

So I guess that we don't have to be too worried or fussy about clothing if what you say about dress code is what happens on the Splendor, huh?

[CalmCruiserNC]

So I guess that we don't have to be too worried or fussy about clothing if what you say about dress code is what happens on the Splendor, huh?

 

Everything I said about the dress code aboard the Splendor is absolutely 100% accurate -- the dress code on cruise elegant nights is widely ignored and we saw ZERO evidence of it being enforced in the MDR. They do stick to the rules in the steakhouse on cruise elegant nights -- otherwise, the dress code is a joke. We got dressed up anyway -- even on casual nights -- and we would again if we found ourselves aboard the Splendor -- but that's just us.