Carnival Splendor Review/Any Questions?

[vcgeno]

Just submitted the following review of the Carnival Splendor. I will be happy to answer any questions:

 

Because my personal version of hell is the lido deck on a typical Carnival Cruise (a Justin Beiber concert movie on the big screen, unattended kids running everywhere and monopolizing the hot tubs, people with overloaded plates competing for scarce lounge chairs, etc.) after becoming empty nesters my wife and I thought we were done with Carnival. The Spa decks on some of their newer ships have caused us to reconsider that decision. We tried a Spa cabin on The Carnival Dream last summer thought it was wonderful so we thought we would try another on The Carnival Splendor. We had another great time. Some highlights of our trip:

 

Prior to the cruise we drove to Long Beach the night before and stayed at the Best Western Golden Sail. They have a package where you get a room, breakfast and get to park your car for a week for abound $150. They have a cab pick you up from the hotel and give you a voucher for the cab ride back after the cruise. The rooms are old and need updating but they are clean and comfortable. The fact that the cabs pick you up right outside the cruise terminal makes this very convenient.

 

We found the Spa Cabins and the Spa to be similar to what we found on The Dream. The Spa Cabins give you full use of the Spa Whirlpool and several steam room, heated stone bed rooms and such. We found it quite relaxing. We used the spa every day of the cruise. One disappointment was the Serenity deck area on the Splendor is not nearly as nice it is on the Dream. It is small and the drone of air conditioning units is overpowering over much of the area. There are no covered lounge chairs. It was OK, got us away from the madness and chaos on the lido deck, but was disappointing after experiencing how wonderful the Serenity Deck was on the Dream. All that said we enjoyed the room and the accommodations over all and would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

The food was fine. Some nights were better the others. The service was great. Loved anytime dining. We did not try the steakhouse.

 

I’m convinced the casino is rigged. We are not big gamblers but everything we tried we lost big.

 

One day in Cabo we took a water taxi to Medano beach we had lunch and used the lounge chairs at Tabasco’s Bar. It was ok we enjoyed it but would not go back. The next day we took an early tender on went shopping. Got some good deals and had lunch. A little while after we got in to Cabo the seas got rough and they suspended tender service. About have the people that wanted to go into Cobo were unable to get off the ship. After a delay they did resume the tender service for the folks on shore that needed to go back. We enjoyed our time in Cabo but the street merchants and little kids asking us to by Chiclets both on the beach and in town got to be a bit much, I understand people need to make a living but the situation in Cobo is a bit out of control.

 

In Puerto Vallarta we went the ship excursion to the Las Calentas beach hideaway. Nice beach and nice lunch. We had done this excursion once before and enjoyed it every bit as much this time. Highly recommended.

 

Did not do bingo are any of the other on board activities.

 

The entertainment was really good. All four of the comedians were extremely funny. We enjoyed the Mexican musicians and dancers they had come on board in Puerto Vallarta, and we became fans of an acoustic singer they had on board Tommy Green Jr. He did old favorites along with some songs he wrote. Tried to sit through one of the big production shows we left as it was embarrassingly awful.

 

Sat through a “free” body detoxification seminar made a follow up appointment were they tried to sell us a $4200 treatment program. I should have known better.

 

In summary we wanted a relaxing week with some fun sprinkled in and that is exactly what we got. We would do it again and recommend the cruise to anyone who asked.

[Naomigruis]

Thanks for the review

 

We leave on the splendor on aug 5 and I have to say I'm a bit worried about the kid factor (I have never had kids and only have 20+ step daughters) and I have to say I would rather the air conditioning noise than kids screaming:eek:

 

We do not have a Spa room but I am looking into the spa pass as an option. So any advise regarding this would be great

 

Did you notice an issue with getting lounges on board. I don't care if I'm not next to a pool but would like to get some sun without waiting forever for a place

 

Thanks again for the review:)

[vcgeno]

The kids around the center of the Lido deck monopolized the hot tubs and such. And although we did not spend any time there it appeared that most of the lounge chairs were taken most of the time. There is an adults only hot tub at the rear of the Lido deck and that area seemed pretty full most of the time as well. It appeared to us that if you wanted a lounge chair somewhere other then the Lido deck there were plenty to be had. We laid out on the Serenity deck (deck 12) and did not have an issue.

 

This was our second spa room and loved going every day. We bought a spa pass on a Princess cruise and used it just about every day as well even though our room was not near the spa. For us it is reasonably priced upgrade when compared to the price of similar services on a land based vacation. The Spa Pass is one of the reasons we choose to cruise.

 

To be fair only about 2/3 of the Serenity has the problem with the air conditioner noise. If you can get into the far corner over the Spa that the new age music that they pipe up to the deck is what you will hear.

[Psweets]

I will be sailing July 22nd to July 29th and we got a return flight at 3:30 pm. Do you know what there is to do before my flight, that will hold luggage?

[vcgeno]

Psweets as we got to our cab and then to are car we did not check into any activities that would hold luggage. The Queen Mary is next door you may be able to check your luggage at the Queen Mary Hotel if you tour the ship. On past cruises there has been an option to send your luggage directly to the airport, but I did not see it offered this time. You may want check with them to find out if that is an option.

[smilegirl07]

thanks for such a great review, I was waiting for a Splendor review since I am leaving on her in less than two weeks now, yoo-hoo! : )

 

I got a Spa Balcony Cabin on the Spa Deck as well, just thought that I might need a place to run away from all those kids (in my mid 30's, no kids)

 

Is the Lido Deck really kids crowded with all the tubs and pools invaded by the kids? Are the lines at the buffet too long for anything and everything? Also did the Spa ever get crowded?? What was your favorite thing about the spa? Did they have a mud grotto??

 

This will be my first Carnival cruise and since it is in July I am going with somewhat less expectations..... I am not going to expect Celebrity or Crystal type atmosphere and service, food....

 

However I am glad that I can try her before she gets repositioned.... since I live here on west coast, just an hour and a half away from the port.

 

Once again thanks for the great review!

[vcgeno]

 

Is the Lido Deck really kids crowded with all the tubs and pools invaded by the kids? Are the lines at the buffet too long for anything and everything? Also did the Spa ever get crowded?? What was your favorite thing about the spa? Did they have a mud grotto??

 

This will be my first Carnival cruise and since it is in July I am going with somewhat less expectations..... I am not going to expect Celebrity or Crystal type atmosphere and service, food....

 

 

The lido deck was sprawling with kids and not all of the California kids were out of school. I suspect when you go there will be more. The buffet lines were reasonable make sure you check out all the of the options. They do not serve the same food in all the lines. At certain time it is a challenge finding a table but not a big deal.

 

The Spa never got crowded when we were there and at times we had the room to ourselves. Our favorite things were the therapeutic whirlpool, the stone bed room, and the Oriental Steam room. The relaxation room on Deck 12 that is open to everyone not just Spa people is also a nice place to get away from the madness. There is a an extra charge mud room (don't know if it is a grotto) where couples can rub mud over each other but I could not talk my wife into it :D.

 

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[smilegirl07]

The lido deck was sprawling with kids and not all of the California kids were out of school. I suspect when you go there will be more. The buffet lines were reasonable make sure you check out all the of the options. They do not serve the same food in all the lines. At certain time it is a challenge finding a table but not a big deal.

 

The Spa never got crowded when we were there and at times we had the room to ourselves. Our favorite things were the therapeutic whirlpool, the stone bed room, and the Oriental Steam room. The relaxation room on Deck 12 that is open to everyone not just Spa people is also a nice place to get away from the madness. There is a an extra charge mud room (don't know if it is a grotto) where couples can rub mud over each other but I could not talk my wife into it :D.

 

Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

Thanks for such a quick reply!

 

Is that relaxation room on deck 12 adults only area? Is it out doors or in doors??

 

Let me see if I can talk my DH into rubbing mud all over each other...I don't think he will be very thrilled though....:roll eyes:

 

 

I think I will be OK unless all these kids are crawling all over me. I prefer to have less kids on board, but hey I am traveling in July, so I'll deal with it. Also it sounds like there are plenty of spaces on board designated as "kids free" areas that I can run away to.

 

Thank you once again!

[vcgeno]

Thanks for such a quick reply!

 

Is that relaxation room on deck 12 adults only area? Is it out doors or in doors??

 

Let me see if I can talk my DH into rubbing mud all over each other...I don't think he will be very thrilled though....:roll eyes:

 

 

I think I will be OK unless all these kids are crawling all over me. I prefer to have less kids on board, but hey I am traveling in July, so I'll deal with it. Also it sounds like there are plenty of spaces on board designated as "kids free" areas that I can run away to.

 

Thank you once again!

 

The relaxation room is indoors on the 12th floor on the second level of the spa area. It has 4-5 beds, 6-8 chairs, tea, and ice water with citrus slices in it. Very quiet.

[Markmom18]

Thank you for writing your review of the Splendor. Our 1st Carnival cruise comes in August. I can't think of any questions to ask you right now. But, again, many thanks.

[RMLincoln]

The kids around the center of the Lido deck monopolized the hot tubs and such. And although we did not spend any time there it appeared that most of the lounge chairs were taken most of the time. There is an adults only hot tub at the rear of the Lido deck and that area seemed pretty full most of the time as well. It appeared to us that if you wanted a lounge chair somewhere other then the Lido deck there were plenty to be had. We laid out on the Serenity deck (deck 12) and did not have an issue.

 

This was our second spa room and loved going every day. We bought a spa pass on a Princess cruise and used it just about every day as well even though our room was not near the spa. For us it is reasonably priced upgrade when compared to the price of similar services on a land based vacation. The Spa Pass is one of the reasons we choose to cruise.

 

To be fair only about 2/3 of the Serenity has the problem with the air conditioner noise. If you can get into the far corner over the Spa that the new age music that they pipe up to the deck is what you will hear.

 

Thanks for your review. We will be on Splendor for 48 days going 'round the horn form LA to NY.... and we were worried about finding quiet places to lounge and read. Your comments are encouraging about the Serenity deck, that at least you could find loungers that weren't reserved! and also about the relaxation room which sounds very nice too. I doubt we'll have many children but we will have all types of weather from hot tropics to near winter so places to relax inside and outside sound good. Plus I've read that we can find loungers in the shade on deck 3 so I'm looking forward to that. I od't know what they'll charge for spa passes for the 17, 13 and 18 day legs but e've already paid $600 pp more for an OV to have a place to see the sea and get away from the noise so i doubt we'll spring for passes, but I've loved them on other cruise! There're a real treat.

 

It sounds like the lines weren't terrible for the buffet so I guess we won't starve, wink-joking! ;) It'll be hard not to gain a lot of weight on such a long trip but I'll have to use the stairs and gym!!

 

Glad you had a good cruise! m--

[ctemkg]

In summary we wanted a relaxing week with some fun sprinkled in and that is exactly what we got. We would do it again and recommend the cruise to anyone who asked.

 

This is the type of cruise enviroment I like. Relaxing with still some activities when I want them.

 

vcgeno:

What did you do (or see) on the cruise that you think is a must, we should not miss?

 

What did you not do (or see) on the cruise that you wished you had?

[twindaddy]

Can you give me some more details on the embark process? How did it go? How were the lines? What time did the terminal open? What time did you get there?

 

thanks!

[vcgeno]

This is the type of cruise enviroment I like. Relaxing with still some activities when I want them.

 

vcgeno:

What did you do (or see) on the cruise that you think is a must, we should not miss?

 

What did you not do (or see) on the cruise that you wished you had?

 

Must Do: We enjoyed the comedy. From my review you can tell we liked the Spa. We enjoyed Los Calentas excursion a great deal. I forgot to put it into the review but try the Sushi Bar, to was quite good.

 

Wish we: Gone to Lovers beach in Cabo and not Medano beach.

 

If I can think of anything else I will post.

[vcgeno]

Can you give me some more details on the embark process? How did it go? How were the lines? What time did the terminal open? What time did you get there?

 

thanks!

 

We got there about 11:30 a very short time to check in but they did not start boarding until after we checked in and we were in group 6. We were on board about 1:15.

 

It took forever to get off the ship. Don't know what happened there.

[mabecruzin]

Hi,

 

I was on the Splendor last October, never used the Serenity Deck, then I went on the Dream this March and loved the Serenity Deck alot...I loved the clamshell and hammocks. Are you telling me that Splendor doesn't have those??? Does the bar at the Serenity deck have box lunches so you don't have to go to the buffet?

[vcgeno]

Hi,

 

I was on the Splendor last October, never used the Serenity Deck, then I went on the Dream this March and loved the Serenity Deck alot...I loved the clamshell and hammocks. Are you telling me that Splendor doesn't have those??? Does the bar at the Serenity deck have box lunches so you don't have to go to the buffet?

 

the Serenity deck on the Splendor is maybe 25% percent the size of the one on the Dream. There are no Clamshells or Hammocks, just loungers and some padded seats. The bar was only open once when we were on the the Serenity Deck and I did not know about the box lunches on the Splendor or the Dream.

[absolutely brilliant]

We are planning to go on the Splendor May 2013, when it moves to New York. Does anyone know if there are any changes planned for the ship before it's repositioning?

[ronrythm]

I will be sailing July 22nd to July 29th and we got a return flight at 3:30 pm. Do you know what there is to do before my flight, that will hold luggage?

Just down the street is the Aquarium of the Pacific. You can take the free Passport bus to it and they will hold your luggage while you are there. If you haven't checked it out join our roll call for that sailing at http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1545299#

Enjoy

Ron

[jasbo49]

It took forever to get off the ship. Don't know what happened there.

We're digging the review. Did they still have the option to carry off your own luggage whenever you're ready? Our last Carny cruise in October 2010, you could just disembark yourself.

 

Jim

[TeamZambo]

Any pictures? I will be sailing on 9/30 its hard to find new Splendor reviews.

[vcgeno]

We're digging the review. Did they still have the option to carry off your own luggage whenever you're ready? Our last Carny cruise in October 2010, you could just disembark yourself.

 

Jim

 

Yes you do. We did not take that option. We may next time.

[vcgeno]

Any pictures? I will be sailing on 9/30 its hard to find new Splendor reviews.

 

We did not take many pics. Sorry about that.

[LAdad]

We've never been to Medano beach before... but we're going next week! We're deciding on hanging out at either Tabasco's at one end or Baja Cantina at the other end of Medano beach... purely based on random comments on CC.

 

Can you tell me more about Tabasco's... food/ service/ water sports available/ atmosphere/ etc?

 

We'll be going to Lover's Beach the day before but my wife really wants to go to Medano beach on the 2nd day in Cabo with our two kids.

 

Thank you for the review!

[erewhon]

Thank you for your review.