Carnival Splendor - July 28th - LONG Detailed Review and Diary!

[cathyoo]

Catrin, you have a lovely family. I'm loving your review. When it is finished I am going to share with my son. We are a doing family cruise on the Splendor next year. It will be the first cruise for him, his wife and their 3 children (DGD 11, DGD, 9 and DGS 3). They will have connecting rooms also

 

Your pictures are great. Thanks so much for sharing.

[YankeeFan4Ever]

Great review and photos so far! Thank you for taking the time to post it! :)

[JohnSpo]

Yes, great review so far. I am really enjoying it. You all look like you are having a great and relaxing time. I do enjoy having sushi near the casino area. Hopefully it is still there for my Jan 20th sailing on Splendor. I rather eat sushi there and grab a drink at the casino bar and then play some slots before dinner. Having sushi at the lido buffet will not be the same.

 

Thanks for posting a very good review.

[Jenny in TX]

Great review....thanks for sharing! I can't wait to read the rest.

[lovelearnteach]

Thank-you so much for taking the time to share your cruise vacation with us. I'm sailing on the Splendor for Christmas and have been a little nervous as it's been over 20 years since I've sailed with Carnival. It's reviews like yours that ease the worries and stress of sailing a new line and/or ship. I can start getting really excited, as I'm sure we'll have a fabulous time :)!

 

By the way your boys are adorbs, and you couldn't have asked for a better Christmas card pic, can't wait to hear all of your cruise vacation :)!

[Catrin]

Any word on when the sushi bar will be replaced with the Tasting Bar?

 

Thought I read something on the main Carnival board that this was scheduled to happen before the end of the year. We sail in early December and one of our party is just crazy about sushi. As long as it is available some place on the ship she will be okay with that!

 

MARAPRINCE

 

Hello.. I saw Sushi in two places.. 1) Promenade Deck and 2) NIGHT Lido Buffet area.

I have no idea if they will change this or introduce the taste bar. Since I am not a Sushi fan, I did not try it!

Catrin

[Catrin]

Catrin, you have a lovely family. I'm loving your review. When it is finished I am going to share with my son. We are a doing family cruise on the Splendor next year. It will be the first cruise for him, his wife and their 3 children (DGD 11, DGD, 9 and DGS 3). They will have connecting rooms also

 

Your pictures are great. Thanks so much for sharing.

Thanks Cathy.. feel free to share! In 2007, our kids were 12, 8 and 2... I can relate to those ages!!

Catrin

[Catrin]

Thank you everyone for your kind words.. I hope to finish this review tonight or tomorrow!

 

Let's Continue....

 

We had returned from St. Thomas and had a nap.....

 

Late that afternoon, we attended the VIFP Gold, Platinum and Diamond Party!! In November, we went to this party on the Liberty and we were amazed how packed the large showroom was… standing room only and we could hardly get a drink. This was NOT the case on the Splendor. Steve, Matt, Allison and I went and enjoyed an abundance of Fun Ship Specials, Fruit Punch, Sprite for Matt and appetizers. There were empty seats everywhere and the drinks kept coming!!! The band played some songs and then Malcolm greeted everyone. We watched our favorite film and cheered for all the ships we have been on. Then the Senior Officers came on stage and the Captain addressed the crowd. They had all Platinum Guests stand up too…. With Matthew so proud to be Platinum! This was a very nice time…. And Steve left there quite happy. We saw our bar waiter.. Who kept giving Steve drinks.. he knew that Steve would not be ordering his Captain and Diet at dinner!!

 

The four of us went to dinner...... it finally had arrived.... BITTER N BLANC Night!!!

I first had this amazing dessert about three years ago. It is weird to get excited about a dessert, but seriously.... it is the best dessert EVER!!! For dinner, I had the pork tenderloin which was terrific. This night's menu, however was not that great.. and if it wasn't for Bitter N Blanc, we would have gone to the Steakhouse that night. Kind of silly, but true!! Bitter N Blanc is a vanilla bread pudding with dark chocolate and some kind of vanilla cream sauce. It comes in a souffle cup.

(ok.. that was taken on my Liberty Cruise... but it is worth showing again!!)

 

They also had Tiramisu that night.. so Steve had a difficult time deciding... so.. he picked BOTH!!

 

After dinner.. Allison wanted to go straight to camp.. and then she wanted to participate in the Night Owls Party... "FUN TILL ONE". Against my better judgement, we said ok.... as long as Kyle agreed that he would be the one to pick her up at 1am and bring her back to us.

 

Steve and I had another Hot Tub night ... I think we stayed there for over two hours!! We checked in on Allison at 10pm where she was wide awake and ready for her adventure. She loved the party as she danced, sung, played games and made lots of friends. Like the other party, she received another gift bag - this time with a flashlight and a watch. The cost of this party I believe was $15.00 plus tip. Although she had a blast.... I would absolutely reconsider FUN TILL ONE......

as ( a preview here).... we certainly felt it the next day.

 

Catrin

[Catrin]

Day 6 – Grand Turk

 

We were not due to arrive in Grand Turk until 1PM.. so the morning was just like another day at sea. Since Allison was up until 1pm, we had a very slow morning. I started my day again at the gym … I really liked this gym and walked my 5K in 52 minutes. Before I went to the gym, I stopped by the omelet station and got 1Egg plus 1Egg white scrambled. I loved having my eggs scrambled for me!!

 

After my workout, everyone was still in bed.. so Steve and I went to breakfast. Yes, I know I already had my eggs.. but that was just for something before my workout! Now my real breakfast of cereal and fruit and I was all done.

 

The mood of the ship was just like the day at sea.. but a BIT less crowded. As the week went on, the early morning crowd became less and less. I bet the late night of partying was starting to catch up to some people!!

 

Mid Morning, Allison finally woke up and was motivated to have breakfast. I went up on deck with her, took some pictures of the Aft Pool area. It was that time of day when a bunch of people were getting breakfast and some were starting to get lunch. The Deli, for the first time, had no one in line. It was 11am and they were about to open. I took a picture of the menu … we loved the Grilled Cheese here!

 

We met up with Steve and went up to the 10th Deck … we could start to see land. We also saw another Carnival ship in the Distance… that ship would arrive in Grand Turk before us. I took some pictures of the Rotisserie while I was up here. For a long time, we watched the ship approach Grand Turk… while were sailing in, it started to rain.. but we knew from the clouds that would be short lived and it was going to be a nice afternoon.

(picture shows breakfast pastry.. yet people are waiting in line at the burritto bar... weird time of day!)

[Catrin]

As we approached the island, we were trying to guess what ship was going to be at Grand Turk with us.. as we got closer, I zoomed in on my camera and realized it was the Carnival Freedom. Wow.. there were going to be about 7500 in Grand Turk.. yikes!!

I stayed up on the deck and took some pictures of Jack’s Shack, and the Cruise Center. We had been here last year and knew that we were in for a fun time.

 

 

We really did not have any plans here, except to hang out at Margaritaville for the day. We knew the kids would love the atmosphere, huge pool and Matt had a 3pm reservation for the Flow Rider.

 

We got off the ship shortly after they cleared the ship. We knew that the Freedom had docked about 30 minutes before us, so we anticipated that most of the chairs would already be taken at Margaritaville. This area (The Cruise Center) is owned by the Cruiseline. The beach chairs around the Margaritaville pool are free. There are Cabanas to rent here as well. There are also free chairs surrounding the beach at the Cruise Center as well.

(See how empty the pool is here in this picture.... wait until a few more pictures!)

 

[Catrin]

[Catrin]

Within minutes….. well….. we felt something hit us hard. Allison. Yup…. She chose the minute we got to Margaritaville to hit her “I stayed up until 1am”wall. The timing could not have been worse. Have you ever had to deal with a whiny kid while you are trying to have a fun relaxing time? She was just exhausted. Steve and I spent some time one on one with her, swimming around the pool, playing games, diving in the water, etc. But she went from 5 minutes fine, to 5 minutes a mess. Etc. I even ordered her nachos (which for some reason in my house can cure anything!!).

 

The music got louder, the crowds got HUGE. And the dancing started. Imagine 100+ people in a pool doing the Macarena! The Cha Cha Slide! The wobble! It was fun and crazy. I wanted to take her back to the room.. but Matt had his 3pm Flow Rider reservation and I wanted to see him.

 

 

 

Service at Margaritaville was dreadfully slow, as it had been our previous visit. The nachos took close to an HOUR to arrive. Matt waited at the table patiently... (or not so patiently at times!) Steve was happy drinking his bucket of beer, and completely relaxing. I do not think he got out of the pool all day! It felt so good on his bad hip. And by this time, Allison was a mess. But it was flow rider time!!

 

The Flow Rider is a simulated surfing area. Matt signed up for a ONE HOUR excursion for $29.99. Here, he is in a group of ten people and they take turns for an hour. He got to ride the flow rider 8 times during this hour. He had a blast. He had been on a few times before in a few water parks. There is a viewing area outside of the pool (where I took the pictures) or in the pool. Right as Matt was about to begin, Kyle brought Allison to watch. I wish he hadn't. Allie wanted to know why she couldn't go. And when I told her that I had only bought Matt tickets, she freaked out. (Now, I really did not think she would want to do it!!!).

So.. the entire time while watching Matt, I had an 8 year old who was already overtired, freaking out because she wanted to try it. Not a good motherly moment. Call her a brat, call her spoiled, but for those of you who have had kids… I bet it has happened to most parents at one time or another. It just happened to be my time.

[Catrin]

 

(the best picture of the day is missing.... due to the fact that Matt's bathing suit was half way down his butt... a warning.. keep it on tight!!!")

 

I watched Matt go on the Flow Rider four times.. and then .. the decision was made. We were done. I brought a crying Allison back to Steve, gathered our things .. and then her and I left Margaritaville and went back to the ship. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do!!

 

When we got back to the ship, I ordered room service… we each took a shower, and it was nap time for Allison. Room service did not take as long.. maybe 25 minutes. I had ordered Grilled cheese again, cookies, milk, etc. She ate the pretzels and milk.. just wanted a snack. Once she ate, she was out within five minutes.

 

Matt arrived a short time later. He had a blast on his flow rider, but he was done with Grand Turk. Steve lost Kyle…. Who had taken off with friends? The problem was that Steve had Kyle’s Sail and Sign card and ID, so he had to wait for him to return to Steve to get back on the ship. While Steve was frustrated that he had to wait, at least he was in a pool drinking beer and watching everyone.

 

Overall, I am sure there is so much to see at Grand Turk. We could have taken a tour, rented a Golf Card, gone to Jack’s Shack. But Margaritaville, the pool and the Flow Rider created the environment for a fun day. I just wish we had made the right decision about Allison going to Camp Carnival the night before. Looking back, I would have not let her stay out until 1pm the night before a port day.

 

The boys finally arrived back to the room right before dinner time. Steve was Super Dad and stopped by the Ron Jon Surf Shop and bought himself a T shirt and Allison the PERFECT Sweatshirt... all on his own!! Miracles DO Happen!!!

 

Allison was still dead asleep, so I made the decision to skip dinner. It was boys night as they showered and changed quickly and made it to the dining room just in time. Allison finally woke up around 7pm. I asked her if she was hungry and guess what she wanted…. Pizza?? No! She wanted a Grilled Cheese. Cool. I got her sandwich and then I did something I had NEVER done in 14 cruises. I went to the dinner buffet. It was only the second meal in the dining room I had ever missed. The first, on the Glory a few years ago, happened because I had an awful migraine. This one, by choice! The buffet was terrific, actually. Some of the same offerings at dinner….. Tom Turkey, Lasagna, Potatoes, Raspberry Crème Cake. Allison and I had a lovely dinner – she woke up a new girl. I was very happy that we had time just the two of us. Everything was good again.

 

After dinner, I was surprised, but she wanted to go to Camp again. Ok… but for an hour only. I will pick you up at 9pm. During this time, I browsed the shops, checked out the pictures and just walked around. Steve had gone to the hot tub and Matt went to Circle C and Kyle went with his friends.

 

I picked her up at 9pm and we went to bed. We had a lot of sun, had an eventful day…..on one hand I was glad it was over! And on the other hand.. I did not want it to end.

 

We said goodbye to the Islands..and got ready for our ride back to NYC.

 

Tomorrow… 2 more days at sea!

Catrin

[foxcent]

Good review

[Catrin]

Day 7 – Day at Sea

 

We had two full days at Sea to end our vacation. This day was a purely LAZY day!!! I started my day back at the gym. I was happy to go today and really enjoyed my workout, as strange as that seems.

After workout, I met Steve and Allison back in the cabin and we went to go have breakfast. The usual faire here… Omelets, Cereal, etc. I never felt the lines for breakfast were that bad on the cruise … as long as you went early enough. Later in the morning, they were long!

 

After breakfast, Steve and Allison went to the pool at the bottom of the slide to hang out there again. This has always been a favorite hangout spot with our kids. While they played, I went up to Serentity for a while. It was a lovely morning reading and relaxing. We had brought along sodas with us, so I filled up my Tervis Tumbler with ice and enjoyed a cool drink and a great book.

 

While at the Serenity Deck and talking to Steve at the pool slide.. I looked down and notice all the EMPTY chairs with TOWELS, FLIP FLOPS, etc. This chair saving never let up. And the last two days at sea were the worst all week. The same families were saving seats over and over again. The New York Seat Saving Mafia were alive and well on the Splendor!!! (ok, New Yorkers, I say that in good humor).

 

 

While they watched their movie, Steve and I went to Brunch. The Comedians were long gone, but we enjoyed a leisurely brunch in the dining room… AFTER I asked them to move us because they sat us next to a family with an out of control 3 year old. Having brought little ones on a cruise before, I can certainly feel for the Mom…. But I would have hoped that if the child continued that she would have removed the child. Nope.. that kid screamed for what seemed like 30 minutes. They had moved us all the way over to the other side.. and I could still hear him!!

 

During the brunch, we took the opportunity to redeem our Free Drink Coupons – sort of. We each got a Bud Light TO GO (not opened!)… and I graciously gave mine to Steve . Now.. why a Bud Light? Because even beer is $7.00 and Steve did not want a Captain and Diet Coke that early in the morning!! At brunch.. we both had the cold tomato soup.. it was so good! Steve had Filet and Eggs….(a Spanish name that I cannot pronounce or spell) and I tried something.. that sounded weird.. but ended up being excellent…. Raisin Bran Covered French Toast! It was a tad overcooked.. but really good nonetheless.

I am not a huge fan of the brunch menu… but it was something different to do and I enjoyed having lunch with Steve.

 

[Catrin]

After our lunch, (which we took our sweet time), I went back to the room as the kids were finishing up with their movie. Allison wanted to go to camp where they were doing yet another art and craft project. She and I had a date at 3 pm, and I was to pick her up at 2:45!

 

A few days prior, we had attempted to go to the Camp Carnival Beary Cuddly…. AKA Build A Bear. But the puppy was “sold out” – with promises that they would have some on the next day at sea. So, Allison was determined to be first in line so we could add YET ANOTHER Stuffed Animal to our family! Just what we needed!! But, this was going to be her special treat and it was really fun to do.

 

This activity is open to anyone, not just kids. There were a few ladies in there making these great animals for their Grandchildren at home.. what a neat idea! There are quite a few bears to chose from, as well as the very popular puppy, an owl, a cat and even Fun Ship Freddy!. Just like Build A Bear, you get the shell, stuffing and then you can pay extra for clothing. We picked out a very simple Carnival Splendor Hoodie for $5.00. Some of the outfits included a Fireman Outfit, Doctor, Duck, etc. Prices varied from $3.00 for a simple T shirt to $20.00!! The puppy itself was about $20.00. It comes with a box and birth certificate.

 

One funny thing... she couldn't think of a name... but knew it was a boy. So I said to her, ok.. the next boy that walks in the elevator, lets ask his name. So three men walked in... and I said.. excuse me? What is your name??? With a very weird look, the man said Jeff. Nope. You? what is your name? Mark. No. And you sir? Well, this very very tall man... said... Hi, I am David. And Allison's eyes lit up. And I said.. Well, sir.. you have just had a puppy named after you! And Allison laughed so loud!!

So... David was born.

 

For about five minutes.... until we got back to the cabin and she changed her mind. Now he is Toby.

 

Catrin

[Catrin]

Let's talk ICE CREAM

 

For an 8 year old... isn't that the best thing about cruising??

 

 

 

That's all... nothing else to say about that.

[caro1998]

"For about five minutes.... until we got back to the cabin and she changed her mind. Now he is Toby. "

 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA That is too funny! Your daughter is adorable and your review is fantastic!!!!!!

C-

[Catrin]

Here are a couple of pictures of the Aft Adults only FUN area that day at sea.

 

No, not Serenity as mentioned before. Shows you what a gorgeous day we had. Steve hung out here most of the afternoon while I had Mommy Allie time.

 

 

Before you know it... it was that time again.. another (sort of maybe) Formal Night. Kyle decided to opt out. I tried to explain to him that this was an excellent dinner night, but he was not interested in getting dressed up again. Fine, whatever.

 

Tonight featured a terrific menu. Escargot, Cream of broccoli soup, Chateaubriand and my favorite Basa Fillet. We dared Matt to try the Escargot (ok, it cost me five bucks), but he really liked it. I think he liked the garlic more than the snail, however!

 

As much as I liked the menu, I had problems with the Basa Filet. I have had this fish dish twice before, and it was wonderful each time. When I at my first bite, I noticed that it was not hot at all.. and not even warm. Just room temp and it did not taste good at all. I think it is the first time in all my cruises that I sent something back. My request was honored immediately. I received another dish, piping hot.. and it was outstanding. I am so glad I spoke up.

 

Dessert was Steve's favorite, Baked Alaska. I remember on my first cruise, it used to be FLAMING Baked Alaska! The waiters used to carry it in the dining room with the lights off .. and some on their heads!!

 

When we returned.. there was something very special greeting us!!

 

 

[Daddy's_Princess]

Thank you for taking the time to do this review. We'll, BF (43) and I (41), will be on this ship in 13 days.

 

I'm really enjoying your review. You've have made it very real, even including your DD's meltdowns and the screaming child while eating. It's refreshing to hear the good along with the bad.

 

I've read other reviews that read like Holiday card newsletters and the reviews who it seems like nothing make them happy. (not specifically here, on other travel forums).

 

I can't wait for our trip, worried about the chair hogs, screaming children and any possible upcoming storms but like everything else, we'll make the best of it and as long as I get my escargot I'll be happy.

[thomarvin]

To Daddy's Princess...I was with Cathy on this trip. We had a great time too. However i bet you will find a whole different crowd than we encounted. We had ALOT of families and 20 somethings. When you go, you might have younger kids but schools and colleges will be back in session so probably a different atmosphere.

 

Have a great time.

[Feelin' Nauti']

For the 2-5 year old group, they actually give you cell phones that you can have the entire cruise. You have to have them with you when you check in your child. We actually HATED them!! It was a pain to carry around this big bulky phone with you. But I am sure you will like having them with you as peace of mind when you drop off your child.

 

The cool thing, is the cell phones can be used throughout the ship. So if someone is trying to get a hold of you, they just have to know that number... and can call you from any public phone.

 

Catrin

Thank you again. Valuable info.

[Catrin]

Well.... Off to take Kyle to college this morning. I'll be back tonight or tomorrow to finish this thing up!!!!! Thanks for being patient to anyone who is reading!!!

Catrin

 

 

 

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[cruizinisthebest]

Very nice review Catrin. I love reading all things kids and how they made out on an 8-day. If we do the Splendor next summer, it will be this itinerary.

[thomarvin]

Good luck at school Kyle. Have fun but remember to hit the books too. :p