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

[bobandsherry]

Thanks for the headsup. I'm truly sorry if I misinformed anyone. Its been a couple years. :o

Not a problem, times change and just wanted to let others know they can now just go straight to the terminal for early check-in. You get your group number, then free to head over to QM for tour or whatever you want until embarkation.

[tycruiser]

Another suggestion for SF. The city offers free informative history walking tours that last for about 2 hours. Their called City Walks. They are of different areas of the city. They include places like Chinatown, Castro, the financial area, the waterfront, an earthquake tour, the Presidio, Coit Tower and many more. I used to be volunteer tour guide, and I must say, some of the guides have been doing it for years and are very knowledgeable and entertaining. There are so many cool things to do there that no one should be bored. Just dress warm. If you get cold, though, you can always pick up a warm sweatshirt cheap at one of the stores by the pier.

[Amber F]

The fire engine tour in San Francisco is so much fun. You tour on an old 1950's open air mack fire engine and they give you fire jackets to keep you warm.

 

Tours depart daily from The Cannery at The Wharf at the foot of Columbus Ave. Daily tours leave at 1pm, and additional tours are added at 11, 3, and 5 on certain days.

 

A husband and wife team leads this tour through the presidio, across the golden gate, and sausalito. They've been doing this for many many years and know everything about the city and it really is so much fun!

[Victory748]

If you are planning to do Alcatraz, try to buy your tickets in advance. When I was there in Dec 07 those that did not buy tickets in advance had to stand at another booth to see if people didn't show up so they could get their spots. I'd imagine with a cruise ship in port, there will be a lot of people trying to hop on. http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/

 

Have fun!

[tycruiser]

If you are planning to do Alcatraz, try to buy your tickets in advance. When I was there in Dec 07 those that did not buy tickets in advance had to stand at another booth to see if people didn't show up so they could get their spots. I'd imagine with a cruise ship in port, there will be a lot of people trying to hop on. http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/

 

Have fun!

 

Great point. Also if you can't get on try the Alcatraz-Angel Island combo ticket that includes Angel Island which is kinda like Ellis Island only more destroyed. It will cost a few more bucks but it gains you a better chance of getting to Alcatraz. They are both run by the same people.

[kyrisong1]

There are 150+ deaths reported at this point in Mexico from the swine flu...2000 "reported" cases and while, yes, there are lots of deaths every year from the regular flu? There is no treatment for this one - i.e. Cipro, Z-pack, etc.

 

Hope everybody on the Splendor has a terrific time! It's pretty cold here in beautiful downtown Burbank so I really hope you guys have clothing for it!

There is no treatment for any flu since it's a virus, although Tamflu and a few other things have been known to shorten ANY flu.

A flu is a virus, Cipro, z pack and the other antibiotics are effective against BACTERIAL infections, lots of things are called the "flu" that are not the flu.

Carole

[Wennfred]

Day 3, Evening Tuesday night Short stop at Cabo

 

 

Well, I know you guys have been keeping up with the Technical Stop here in Cabo, I knew it would happen because there is no other reason to stop in Cabo. Cabo was very warm and sunny, everyone off the Marriner of the Seas were having a blast out in the sun, on the beaches and even on Jet Skies, all we could is watch from Lido Deck and just wish we could all go ashore.

 

When the Anouncement was made, I headed down to the Excursion desk to cash in our all of our tours. The Excursion desk was closed but there was a sign stating that all tours would be automatically refunded.

 

I stayed at the Atrium lobby to watch all of the people gathering by the pursers deck, yelling and dropping the F word. Mainly one lady and one guy that was inciting a riot. It got pretty ugly and security was called. Then the new CD Brad had to sit there and listen and take in all of that abuse. It was pretty bad. Not sure what happened to the 2 that were irate but shortly everyone left the area and it got nice and quiet.

 

Everyone wanted to stay anchored out in Cabo. It was so nice and sunny and being right there, everyone could enjoy the pool and also get a nice tan. San Fran is cold etc And guess what, no one has Cold weather clothing, I sure don't have a jacket coming from Sunny San Diego. I am only guessing that Carnival wants to continue the 7 days because arrival to the first port of call San Fran they wouldnt have to refund much of the money if anyone wanted to use their Carnival Vacation Guarantee deal, the cruise would be almost over. Alot of people wanted to head back to Long Beach and be done with it. Also imagine all of the San Fran folks onboard. I saw a couple from Queensland Austrilia, they were not happy.

 

Its 5:30pm and we are heading away from Cabo and headed north to San Francisco. I would of liked to get of in San Diego and paid our 2 cute doggies a visit. And then went home to do some laundry or drop some things off. That would of been fun.

 

Dinner and Wendy's Birthday excitement was a success. Champagne was served and for dessert we had the Chocolate Birthday cake that was ordered from the Bon Voyage dept. It was very good. Everyone had a great time and there were other birthdays around us.

 

Currently there is no Capers, they have to redo their Capers and then slip them under our door.

 

Nothing tonight, Casino is full and I gave them some more of my money. We will be off to bed, maybe watch some T.V. and get some sleep.

 

We had alot planned in Mexico for the Cruise Critic group on the beaches. Well maybe another time.

 

 

Fred

[Winterstale]

So...is there a reason they can't just stay anchored in Cabo and then just slowly return back so the people who have packed for the warm weather and sunning by the pool don't have BUY something to wear when it drops into the high 40's/low 50's at night and at best the high 60's during the day? I mean, it's really nice to see people rallying to have a good time anyway...but I'd be pretty ticked off too if I'd planned for something somewhat tropical and ended up out in the cold so to speak.

[Letsal04]

I'm on the Splendor in July! What date do you sail? We leave the 26th of July. Hey Fred I hope your cruise is awesome. Keep us posted!

[voyagefiend]

Hi Fred,

Thanks for keeping folks up to date. I know everyone wants to remain positive but feel there needs to be at least a little more perspective. Day three of captivity. . . Carnival has decided to turn a 7 day mexican riviera cruise into a 7 day cruise to san francisco?? via cabo? Most of the folks I talk to want to go back to long beach and their families. Carnival's response is they can't get back into port in LA???? Don't they own the dock at the queen mary? If I wanted that many sea days, I'd do a transatlantic for a lot less money. So far we are being offered $40 for being held captive for 5 days. Another curiosity is there was a meeting with cruise critic folks? who was invited? how do the rest of the pax find out more? Sorry for the complaints, this just doesn't seem right.

[CAgirl67]

We just got off the Splendor on Sunday, guess we just made it! I guess I'd be pretty upset having to skip Mexico and come up to cold San Francisco, especially since I'm from the area! However, I'd much rather be on the ship than back at work! :( I hope all of you on there are able to make the best of it and enjoy your vacation!

[Winterstale]

Oh man, that really stinks -- and I don't blame you one little bit -- I'd be wanting Long Beach and my parked car too. I'd rather suffer the loss and get myself a nice hotel room in Palm Springs for the weekend...at least it would be warm and the clothes would be appropriate...

[voyagefiend]

yea, I'm really looking forward to my 10:30 am Spanish class (for San Francisco???)

We just got the caper for tomorrw -- since there's no ports to let on new entertainment- tomorrow in the spectacular theater they will be featuring a GUEST TALENT SHOW for our listening pleasure.

[tycruiser]

Oh man, that really stinks -- and I don't blame you one little bit -- I'd be wanting Long Beach and my parked car too. I'd rather suffer the loss and get myself a nice hotel room in Palm Springs for the weekend...at least it would be warm and the clothes would be appropriate...

 

I live in Palm Springs, and, yeah, they are talking about high 80s this weekend and no humidity. We are going away because it is our anniversary and I have to get mine away from his medical practice. The weather here has been generally no colder than 70s days for the past several months and we have not seen rain in months, yet everything is green and the flowers are all in blossom. It truely is beautiful here. Plenty of hotels rooms available this weekend too as nothing big is going on. I will take SF if that is what they offer at Carnival. As long as it is not SD or Catalina. If that is the case we may jump coastlines and do the Caribbean a bit later.

[wrp96]

I am only guessing that Carnival wants to continue the 7 days because arrival to the first port of call San Fran they wouldnt have to refund much of the money if anyone wanted to use their Carnival Vacation Guarantee deal, the cruise would be almost over.

 

 

Fred, I thought you could only take advantage of the Vacation Guarantee in a non-US port, so with you guys only making a technical stop in Cabo, doesn't that mean no one could use the guarantee?

[LauraS]

Hi Fred,

Thanks for keeping folks up to date. I know everyone wants to remain positive but feel there needs to be at least a little more perspective. Day three of captivity. . . Carnival has decided to turn a 7 day mexican riviera cruise into a 7 day cruise to san francisco?? via cabo? Most of the folks I talk to want to go back to long beach and their families. Carnival's response is they can't get back into port in LA???? Don't they own the dock at the queen mary? If I wanted that many sea days, I'd do a transatlantic for a lot less money. So far we are being offered $40 for being held captive for 5 days. Another curiosity is there was a meeting with cruise critic folks? who was invited? how do the rest of the pax find out more? Sorry for the complaints, this just doesn't seem right.

 

There was no meeting of Cruise Critic folks.

 

What happened was this. CD Brad invited the people gathering in the atrium near Guest Services -- including the ones screaming and dropping the f-bomb -- into the nearby theater to listen to their concerns. There were 80 people in the room (we counted).

 

Brad did say he would make an announcement today; so stay tuned if you are on board.

 

Laura

[LauraS]

So, I'd like to share our dinner choices for you foodies. I have to say -- and I think the other hosts will agree (and they've said it) -- that the food in the dining room is AWESOME. Last night I started with the French Onion Soup, which was very good. Host Anne's onions were a bit "burnt" but no problem -- another was served to her in ajust a minute. For my entree I ordered the short ribs, which is something I never make at home. It came with a vegetable rice. The short ribs were extremely tender and tasty. Most of the guys at the table had the Pork Loin. They LOVED IT. I mean...they REALLY LOVED IT. It was seasoned a bit spicy, they were told. It sort of grew on you (the spice). All in all, everyone is really enjoying the dinner service. One item I really like is the ability to order any entree as a starter. That's a neat option.

 

For dessert, most of us had the Melting Chocolate Cake with vanilla ice cream. YUM. Host Graham had the cheesecake -- he said "eh" when we asked how it was. (Sorry rest of the world, NY cheesecake rocks! lol).

 

It's around 8:30 am right now...and this ship is dead. I mean DEAD. I'm an early riser but it's 8:30!!! Anyway, I'm off to get some breakfast and visit the BACONMEISTER.

 

Cya all later, I'm sure.

 

Laura

[simba]

Take advantage of "The City" .... go to pier 39 for all the cheap souvenirs

you would have found in Mexico. Tour the Boudin Bakery, and for those

who want to travel those cable cars...buy a one day muni pass... good for

all public transportation. Last but not least -- find " In - n Out" for a great

california burger --- you won't find chicken or salads here, just 100 % BEEF

patties - always fresh never frozen -- potatoes peeled & sliced fresh each

day -- & great shakes...(try a neopolitan) ASK about their "secret menu"

with items like ANIMAL STYLE burgers & fries....Grilled onions, oh my, and

for those healthy folks can order protein style -- no bun -- they wrap it

in lettuce......a california original -- the first drive thru in 1949, still family

owned and NOT franchised..............ENJOY !!!!!! Ron

 

P.S. hey to host SHEILA & her husband ART, nice to have seen you FRIDAY

[nolaAlive]

There is no treatment for any flu since it's a virus, although Tamflu and a few other things have been known to shorten ANY flu.

A flu is a virus, Cipro, z pack and the other antibiotics are effective against BACTERIAL infections, lots of things are called the "flu" that are not the flu.

Carole

 

Tamiflu is absolutely a treatment for flu. It is not an antibiotic, it is anti-viral and can help prevent flu, treat flu, AND ease flu symptoms.

[bankonus]

Take advantage of "The City" .... go to pier 39 for all the cheap souvenirs

you would have found in Mexico. Tour the Boudin Bakery, and for those

who want to travel those cable cars...buy a one day muni pass... good for

all public transportation. Last but not least -- find " In - n Out" for a great

california burger --- you won't find chicken or salads here, just 100 % BEEF

patties - always fresh never frozen -- potatoes peeled & sliced fresh each

day -- & great shakes...(try a neopolitan) ASK about their "secret menu"

with items like ANIMAL STYLE burgers & fries....Grilled onions, oh my, and

for those healthy folks can order protein style -- no bun -- they wrap it

in lettuce......a california original -- the first drive thru in 1949, still family

owned and NOT franchised..............ENJOY !!!!!! Ron

 

P.S. hey to host SHEILA & her husband ART, nice to have seen you FRIDAY

 

Ron you either own an "In n Out", or should be their spokesman!:D And I agree they are amazing!

[nolaAlive]

"Splendor" Disembarked in San Francisco March 21, 2009 after it's South American voyage, so this is not the FIRST time in that port.

 

The ship arrived with majority of passengers still having an upper respiratory infection that had plaqued the ship for 49-days. The Doctor ran out of medication to treat the ill passengers.

 

Media is not blowing the swine flu out of portion "New flu strain of virus can MUTATE" and become stronger beyond what the US has experineced in years past, nor has meds to treat at the moment. US doctors are very concerned with this virus.

 

Carnival, and other cruise lines should be commended for the action they have taken to safe guard their passengers.

 

I was on the middle leg of that voyage and didn't get sick at all. Neither did a number of other passengers. The average age was much higher than for a normal Carnival cruise.

 

In any event, the ship is clearly NOT sick.

[lroche_nf]

I was on the middle leg of that voyage and didn't get sick at all. Neither did a number of other passengers. The average age was much higher than for a normal Carnival cruise.

 

In any event, the ship is clearly NOT sick.

 

My boss was on the entire South American trip and her (and her husband) both were sick. In fact she's still not better a month later. They went to the doctor and had tests but they still don't know what they had. And she had her flu shot before she left. Never saw anyone so sick.

[simba]

NO, but it's my favorite place ....I actually grew up near the very

first one. I have visited there many many times...they are the freshest

made burgers anywhere. Once during high school we drove to all 17

locations in one weekend. !!! Now you couldn't do it in a month!!

They are in VEGAS & Phoenix Arizona as well........ENJOY Ron

[AutumnColors]

NO, but it's my favorite place ....I actually grew up near the very

first one. I have visited there many many times...they are the freshest

made burgers anywhere. Once during high school we drove to all 17

locations in one weekend. !!! Now you couldn't do it in a month!!

They are in VEGAS & Phoenix Arizona as well........ENJOY Ron

 

:DAhhhhhhh, In-N-Out . . . 'that's what a hamburger is all about!' I grew up four blocks from #3; and when my best friend grew up, married and later moved one block from #1, we walked to it whan I often came to visit!

[Vanessa L]

:DAhhhhhhh, In-N-Out . . . 'that's what a hamburger is all about!' I grew up four blocks from #3; and when my best friend grew up, married and later moved one block from #1, we walked to it whan I often came to visit!

 

I feel the same way about Rubios. You cannot get fish tacos in Kentucky (in fact, when I've mentioned it to people they say, "Ewww, FISH tacos?!") Everytime I go to Phoenix (which is at least once a year) I fill up on them enough to last me another year. YUM!