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

[TexasRed]

...Cruising is NOT for us.

 

Tottsmom,

 

I am sure you have gotten enough negative feedback, this is not at all about your decision. No one can decide what is a fun and enjoyable vacation but you and your husband. But, I would encourage you to not count cruising out because of one bad experience. There are some great itineraries that have a port day every day, such as a Southern Caribbean, out of San Juan. Just be wise about hurricane season, and I think it might be just what you would enjoy. Also, think about one of the many Cruise Critic group cruises, we always go with a huge group from on here, many have become friends long before we sail and go together every year. There is a wide range of ages, personality types, but mainly, we all like to have fun! You can do as much or as little with the group, some like to do excursions as a big group and charter a boat for a day, others do small scuba groups, etc., the possibilities are endless. Please don't give up on cruising, this was an unexpected event that gave many a bad taste of cruising, with the right cruise, you may fall in love with it, as many folks here have. Whatever you choose to do, enjoy to the fullest!

[Katz A Prowl]

ROFL absolutely, they should add a bad behavior clause

 

I think it would be hilarious if they decided to give those that stayed on and acted like mature adults some sort of discount on a future cruise!! It would be so nice to see people rewarded for good behavior instead of those that flip out being given special concideration.....after all those who stayed on could have been in SF much sooner if they had not had to stop in LB.

 

I'm just saying....:D

[Wennfred]

Back from and great fun Breakfast in the dining room with Wendy and her mom Cathy and off with my Canon 20D DSLR to take lots of pictures of the Splendor's Galley, I have done this on other cruises like Freedom etc. The Galley tour starts at 10:30am this time, its usually done around 3pm on other cruise ships. Today I will also shoot various locations like the Rotisserie (used to be the Fish & Chips bar), Burrito Bar, Tandoor Grille and the Mongolian Grille to name a few.

 

Tottsmom,

The Valor is one of the Favorite cruises as it went to 4 exciting ports, Caymans, Belize, Isla Roatan and Costa Maya, talk about being active, there were many things to do there from Scuba diving in Belize and in Roatan to ZipLine there as well. Also swimming with the Stingrays in the Caymans, I would look into booking Valor for your next cruise. Its one of my favorite cruises due to the ports of call.

 

 

Fred

[maxamuus]

Cruising is NOT for us.

 

Passengers aboard the Titanic said the same thing on their White Star comment cards.

 

Sorry your cruise was not what you has hoped for, but thinking your cruise represents a "typical" cruise experience is not a correct assumption. Carnival did what they could with a VERY bad and fluid situation.

[oysterfiend]

this is NOT the cruise we signed up for Nor does 1 only shore stop in San Francisco Compensate for it.

I will think long and hard about cruising to 1 country only if this is what can happen

7 days at sea with only 1 stop is way too long.

Carnival have done little to compensate - yes i know its not their fault but it is way tooo long

[MTcruiser]

Oh, one other thing.

 

We are ROCKIN AND A ROLLIN this morning! Swaying slowly from side to side. LOVE IT.

 

And we're sailing in a very dense fog!

 

Laura

 

Sounds like you guys are having a great time.

[big_duck]

I did not receive the product I purchased.

 

Yes you did, Carnival lived up to all the terms & conditions of the contract.

[kyrisong1]

I think it would be hilarious if they decided to give those that stayed on and acted like mature adults some sort of discount on a future cruise!! It would be so nice to see people rewarded for good behavior instead of those that flip out being given special concideration.....after all those who stayed on could have been in SF much sooner if they had not had to stop in LB.

 

I'm just saying....:D

Hey Katz, they did give them two hour long open bars, to some of us that IS about the same as a free cruise:p;):D

[luvvp]

Laura,

 

Thanks for the upbeat post. I'm from the SF bayarea and still find plenty to do in the city.

 

Tottsmom,

 

I kinda understand where you're coming from. We just took our first cruise 3/29 - 4/2 and didn't think it was that great and wondered what all the hype was for cruises.

 

So..........I booked another cruise for Sept. and it so happens to be on the Splendor.

 

I told a friend who loves to cruise about my experience. She didn't think I'd like it at the get go but I told her I'm willing to try it.

 

If I don't care for it in Sept, I probably won't cruise again but I have to give it another try.

 

JMHO

[sassyredhat]

I am wondering, was that your cabin? If it was, how was it. :)

 

Yes we did have that cabin. It is an "L" shape. It has the usual glass door to the long balcony, but has an extra large window. The bathroom is nice, but the floor can get wet near the shower. We just used an extra towel. It is a long walk (for me) to the front of the ship, but just 2 decks up is Lido. Some decks don't go all the way thru' so deck 5 is the "freeway" deck we used.

 

I want to sail with Fred!

MAC

 

I love sailing with Fred and Wendy ! :)

 

I've been enjoying reading this thread off and on. I was telling my husband about all the folks who got off at Long Beach and he asked me which day that was. I'm getting confused now with all of the different itinerieres floating around. What days were the actual stops on this cruise?

 

We were supposed to stop in PV on Wed. April 29, Mazatlan on April 30, Cabo on May 1st.

 

We actually just anchored off Cabo on April 29, while paperwork was signed, then turned back to Long Beach. We arrived in LB for 2 hrs. to allow the 600ish pax to leave. I think that was April 30.

 

Then Splendor headed up to SF. I had to leave in LB--medical issues at home---so don't know the rest of the dates.

 

Pat

[Katz A Prowl]

Hey Katz, they did give them two hour long open bars, to some of us that IS about the same as a free cruise:p;):D

 

I am so mad now.....I was signed up with Host Randy's group but had to cancel! My three best friends live in the bay area, I could have seen them and had two hours of free drinking!!! There must be some way I can blame missing this cruise on Carnival and make them give me a free cruise!!:p

[Kurbanfan]

I think it would be hilarious if they decided to give those that stayed on and acted like mature adults some sort of discount on a future cruise!! It would be so nice to see people rewarded for good behavior instead of those that flip out being given special concideration.....after all those who stayed on could have been in SF much sooner if they had not had to stop in LB.

 

I'm just saying....:D

 

They should be compensated in some form.....but most certainly not for good citizenship.......for a cruise that went awry.......

It only makes perfect business sense........it might be in the works right now.......well see.....

[azbaby8062]

This is my first post here, I have been following this post for 2 days and I am addicted!

 

AZbaby we will be on the same cruise. ( :) )

 

This will be my honeymoon. At first I was upset that we might not get to go to Mexico, but we decided that our cruise/honeymoon will be what we make it and we will have a good time no matter where we go!

 

~Almost_Married2009

 

Almost Married, come join our Roll Call. It has been pretty active. See my signature for the link. :D

[Caliber1]

If I know them....they did not just make LEMONADE.....they made LEMONADE and VODKA!!!! :D

 

They have VODKA on Carnival??? :eek::D

 

World of Warcraft the next 2 weeks since I am still on vacation while Wendy spends time in Vegas !!! Or should I get on another Cruise???

 

 

Fred

 

Might as well make it a B2B Fred. :D;)

[Katz A Prowl]

They should be compensated in some form.....but most certainly not for good citizenship.......for a cruise that went awry.......

It only makes perfect business sense........it might be in the works right now.......well see.....

 

 

I still want to see compensation for not being a hugh ars!!!!:D I work in a children's ICU unit and see people have meltdowns on a regular basis......but at least I can understand that. I can not understand the meltdown over a change of vacation plans when it is done to keep people safe. I would love to hear how the very same idiots, yes I said idoits (this only applies to those who acted like one, not others who just chose to leave the ship because they would rather do so than go on to SF), would have acted had they done the mexico ports and one single person had gotten sick onboard. Then they would have had to stay on the ship for 7 to 10 days to be sure no others had swine flu!!! They would have been blaming the cruise line for that too.

 

It is what it is but I am very proud of the people that took it in stride (and yes they were looking forward to Mexico too) and enjoyed life anyway.......life is too short to let these sorts of thing raise your blood pressure, or ruin a fun time. If it happens then just avoid the negitive people, find the fun bunch and get on with living!:D More people need to have the attitude of "well that sucks but let's see if we have to do this how can we make it awesome anyway!"

 

I was booked on this cruise but decided to cancel and move across the country.......that has not really turned out how I pictured it, but I'm still making the most of it. Nothing is set in stone.......even when you pay for it. I'm just glad the cruise industry is not like the airlines......they over sell all the time. Think how much that would suck if you got ready to board and they said sorry you've been bumped!:eek:

 

Okay off to work now. I need to make some money for a cruise!!

[tedjazz]

I still want to see compensation for not being a hugh ars!!!!:D I work in a children's ICU unit and see people have meltdowns on a regular basis......but at least I can understand that. I can not understand the meltdown over a change of vacation plans when it is done to keep people safe. I would love to hear how the very same idiots, yes I said idoits (this only applies to those who acted like one, not others who just chose to leave the ship because they would rather do so than go on to SF), would have acted had they done the mexico ports and one single person had gotten sick onboard. Then they would have had to stay on the ship for 7 to 10 days to be sure no others had swine flu!!! They would have been blaming the cruise line for that too.

 

Now who is Melting Down? Don't worry, be happy. :) It's just a Message Board. ;)

[Kurbanfan]

I still want to see compensation for not being a hugh ars!!!!:D I work in a children's ICU unit and see people have meltdowns on a regular basis......but at least I can understand that. I can not understand the meltdown over a change of vacation plans when it is done to keep people safe. I would love to hear how the very same idiots, yes I said idoits (this only applies to those who acted like one, not others who just chose to leave the ship because they would rather do so than go on to SF), would have acted had they done the mexico ports and one single person had gotten sick onboard. Then they would have had to stay on the ship for 7 to 10 days to be sure no others had swine flu!!! They would have been blaming the cruise line for that too.

 

It is what it is but I am very proud of the people that took it in stride (and yes they were looking forward to Mexico too) and enjoyed life anyway.......life is too short to let these sorts of thing raise your blood pressure, or ruin a fun time. If it happens then just avoid the negitive people, find the fun bunch and get on with living!:D More people need to have the attitude of "well that sucks but let's see if we have to do this how can we make it awesome anyway!"

 

I was booked on this cruise but decided to cancel and move across the country.......that has not really turned out how I pictured it, but I'm still making the most of it. Nothing is set in stone.......even when you pay for it. I'm just glad the cruise industry is not like the airlines......they over sell all the time. Think how much that would suck if you got ready to board and they said sorry you've been bumped!:eek:

 

Okay off to work now. I need to make some money for a cruise!!

 

You will find those type of people on every cruise that bitch and moan about everything.....that is just what all business have to deal with........

I know I run a business..........

I don't waste my time thinking or bitching about them;) In the end I think all the cruiselines will do the right thing........

[rlj1010]

yes I said idoits

 

 

 

[bsdmhutch]

 

*disclaimer here*

 

Not all Cardinal fans spell like that.:D

[Bmaintz]

Listen here, FYI....Fred has developed a brotherhood here on Cruise Critic that you don't seem to realize. He's a good guy from San Diego that shares a passion with a few folks here, as well as myself. We love all aspects of cruising and enjoy sharing our experiences. Do you really think it takes Fred that much time to type a brief summary. It's pretty jerky to be mocking him as well in your post. Let me guess, your that same person that sits a judges peoples attire on formal night and comments on how inappropriate they are. FRED: You are appreciated. It's been a couple of years since we've actually been on the same thread. I've never been the type to post a bunch, but when I do, I like to make it count with intelligent commentary. Or in this case, step up and gang up on you, TedJazz. Go to another thread if you don't like what you see. Your posts have been fruitless. Ok, enough about you. My family will be on the Splendor on 05/24 and really looking forward to San Francisco, Victoria, and Seattle. We're actually tired of Mexico, especially Cabo. It's so overrated. I'll stop there before I start a debate regarding Cabo. Keep the information flowing Fred, been nice seeing you around again.

 

David-Visalia,Ca

 

************************

It would be cool if the Splendor Could do the Frico, Victoria & Seattle one week & then the Mexican riveria the next week...

I like Mexico but ready for a little of America... :D

[Bmaintz]

Listen here, FYI....Fred has developed a brotherhood here on Cruise Critic that you don't seem to realize. He's a good guy from San Diego that shares a passion with a few folks here, as well as myself. We love all aspects of cruising and enjoy sharing our experiences. Do you really think it takes Fred that much time to type a brief summary. It's pretty jerky to be mocking him as well in your post. Let me guess, your that same person that sits a judges peoples attire on formal night and comments on how inappropriate they are. FRED: You are appreciated. It's been a couple of years since we've actually been on the same thread. I've never been the type to post a bunch, but when I do, I like to make it count with intelligent commentary. Or in this case, step up and gang up on you, TedJazz. Go to another thread if you don't like what you see. Your posts have been fruitless. Ok, enough about you. My family will be on the Splendor on 05/24 and really looking forward to San Francisco, Victoria, and Seattle. We're actually tired of Mexico, especially Cabo. It's so overrated. I'll stop there before I start a debate regarding Cabo. Keep the information flowing Fred, been nice seeing you around again.

 

David-Visalia,Ca

 

************************

It would be cool if the Splendor Could do the Frisco, Victoria & Seattle one week & then the Mexican Riveria the next week...

I like Mexico but ready for a little of America... :D

[Wennfred]

Last sea day

We are currently moving along but knee deep in Fog, the ship is blowing her Fog Horn every 2 minutes to prevent collision with a sailboat or even a Naval Sub. Chance are the Sub has us in site miles away on their radar.

 

I finally had my signature sandwich onboard, the Grilled Tuna on White with extra Mayo and Tomatoes. Yes, on Splendor they made it just right.

 

The Galley Tour was short but I was able to take pictures and will write a thread on it when I return.

 

Well I have a picture of something everyone has always wonder about and will you be shocked when you see the picture. I will only post the top of the list in the picture and thats it, I think I took 2 pictures and have a zoomed print of the subject line. Its a list posted on the wall in the galley of those passengers that did remove their Tips or Gratuities from their Sail & Sign account. I am not making this up, another Cruise Critic member took a picture of the list as well.

 

So there you have it, now you know why some people write about having a bad waiter or a horrible dining experience, we know you took your tips off LOL....

 

One thing I didn't see on the wall was the Platinum VIP list. There were many memos and other lists of people that required special dishes etc.

 

At noon the Burrito bar and other food stations will be open for business, so I will go up and take pictures in a few.

 

I was also able to get the info on the Carton of Cigs from the ships store,

 

1 Carton is $23.95

2 Cartons is $42.90

5 Cartons is $94.95

 

Glad I don't smoke because thats a high price to pay for me. The rep told me that they are currently out of Red's not sure what the heck that means but he did say he will get a full shipment once they hit Long Beach. Red's must be a popular brand of Cigs.

 

Down $200.00 in the Casino!!! oh well, there is always the next cruise.

 

 

 

Fred

[Wennfred]

By the way, Splendor is still serving Filet Mignon, they had it last night and we totally missed it!!! Oh well, no answer from the Asst. Maitre'D during the Galley tour as to why they removed the Fruit Punch, I am only guessing that it was probably due to he Booze Smugglers and the Rum Punch !!!

 

 

Fred

[maxamuus]

 

Glad I don't smoke because thats a high price to pay for me.

 

I quit two years ago. The cruise i took last year was PAID IN FULL with the money i would have used to smoke. Its not cheap!

[Wennfred]

Still at Sea but in the FOG !!!

Took all of the pictures I needed to take to start some cool threads when I return, having a Latte right now to wake up. I took some really nice pictures of the burrito bar and a guy making one. The people at the Mongolian grille were kinda cranky, first they have to deal with long lines and then a guy standing over them taking pictures LOL.

Arcade Action

They really have a few nice games down there like Aliens, the majority were High Tech shoot'em up games that 2 players can play and they do have 3 table hockey games the ones with the disk that kinda floats on air, also a Pole Position racing game and 2 Motorcycle bike games.

You must use a Sail & Sign to get the Tokens, first you insert the card, then it ask you for your date of birth and then you can select from 5, 10, 15 tokens etc.

Each arcade machines say 25 cents etc but I really dont know if they take quarters. They have 2 Sail & Sign Token machines there.

Wendy if off getting a facial and a massage up at the Spa, it was a bet that I lost and she won, So I lose at the Casino and Lose with her too, what gives.

The poor twins across from us are not having a good day today either, lots of Crying and Screaming. Poor things, hope they are well or get checked when they arrive home.

Fred