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

[Wennfred]

Guys, I'm not a big person, but my arms stetched out from my sides measure around 3 feet or 1 yard. I am able to go from the back wall where the 2 night stands are and to the mirror twice, that is 2 yards long or 6 feet. Now the width is less of course, more like 5 feet across. If you multiply both length and width across, 6x5 gives you 30sq ft, Thats for the room itself, now if you want to add all of the non-living areas like the bathroom, closets and the hallway you might get close to 70sq ft. Now if I tear the wall down and attach to the other cabin next door, I will surely get the 185sq ft. they advertise.

 

 

WIFI is very good from the cabins, Im on Empress cabin 7370 and I must say there are no hang ups or delays.

 

Fred

[glrounds]

DO they still sail from next to the QM? I remember our one and only sailing was right next to where the Love Boat used to sail from, right next to this big green bridge. We could see the QM WAY in the distance.

 

It all made sense seeing an Love Boat episode when we got back.

 

Pete,

I think you're thinking of Carnival's OLD port, San Pedro, now used by the other lines. Carnival has been cruising out of Long Beach for some time now (around the time the PRIDE came to the West Coast). They've taken over the dome that Howard Hughes' wooden bomber (the Spruce Goose) was stored in after being built during WWII and it is now used for the embarkation center.

I'm a little taken aback by Fred's ranking of Long Beach as so bad he won't return ! ! :eek: It's one of my favorite ports ! ! With early checkin at the Queen Mary (right next to the Splendor) I couldn't have seen a more organized embarkation. With the now inclusion of the "shade" provided for those standing in line I envisioned it as being perfect.:rolleyes: By contrast I thought Miami was a friggin' zoo ! !

And maybe because it was the rainy (very rare for SD) I thought San Diego embarkation for the SPIRIT was a little disorganized and required one to jump through hoops getting separated from the HAL passengers, moved into a warehouse, then back outside to a tent, back outside again to finally board the ship.:rolleyes:

Now, Fred probably won't allow me to be his "friend". :D

[MrPete]

Pete,

 

I think you're thinking of Carnival's OLD port, San Pedro, now used by the other lines. Carnival has been cruising out of Long Beach for some time now (around the time the PRIDE came to the West Coast). They've taken over the dome that Howard Hughes' wooden bomber (the Spruce Goose) was stored in after being built during WWII and it is now used for the embarkation center.

 

Thanks Gary. See? I have to get over there a little more often. The Spruce Goose wasn't there when I toured the QM in 1980, and I sailed out of what I now know is San Pedro in 1990.

 

Didn't the Partridge Family live in San Pedro? :confused:

[mistyinca]

Thats why I vote Long Beach as the worst cruise terminal on the planet. Will I sail out Long Beach again? PROBABLY NOT.< Read that Carnival> San Diego Cruise Terminal is a breeze and effortless to get onboard and to also debark.

 

I only have San Diego to compare to, and I thought Long Beach was WAYYYYY smoother and easier and well-coordinated.

[Wennfred]

 

I'm a little taken aback by Fred's ranking of Long Beach as so bad he won't return ! ! :eek: It's one of my favorite ports ! ! With early checkin at the Queen Mary (right next to the Splendor) I couldn't have seen a more organized embarkation. With the now inclusion of the "shade" provided for those standing in line I envisioned it as being perfect.:rolleyes: By contrast I thought Miami was a friggin' zoo ! !

 

And maybe because it was the rainy (very rare for SD) I thought San Diego embarkation for the SPIRIT was a little disorganized and required one to jump through hoops getting separated from the HAL passengers, moved into a warehouse, then back outside to a tent, back outside again to finally board the ship.:rolleyes:

 

Now, Fred probably won't allow me to be his "friend". :D

 

The only issue we had with Long Beach before was Customs during debarkation, We really enjoyed the Early Check in at the Queen back then. Today they have a VIP Building or Center with air conditioning and chairs to sit and wait but no rest rooms. One rep at the VIP door told us that we couldn't bring Wendy's mom inside and that she had to go elsewhere. We told Cathy to just wait outside so we could get our cards and check in. Well the rep inside said hell no, she is your guest and she can come inside. She even went out of her way to get Cathy Sail and Sign card. This is a normal practice done at long beach and other terminals. So it took us by surprise.

 

Another problem was that the Splendor moored at 7am, thats 1 hour late from their usual docking time. So at 11:30am we still have people all over the place and others still debarking causing a major cluster. Probably on a normal day with a ship the size of the Paradise or the Pride you will have alot less people to control.

 

I am guess that the Queen still has their Early check in over there, I will have to ask some of the CC Members later, but it only took our VIP rep like 2 minutes to get Cathys Sail and Sign card so I know she didnt go too far.

 

Everyone Zone seem to be all together, no organization whats so ever, so when it was time to start letting people in, it was like a free for all.

 

 

 

 

Fred

[okgirl]

I have to agree with Fred about Long Beach embarkation. Worst experience I've ever had. Long lines out in the sun no place to sit. I would never do it again either.

 

We did stay on the QM, and that was cool. Went to that dinner show, can't remember the name of it now but we had a great time.

 

And what's up with various ports not having a separate platinum security line. I had that same experience in NOLA in February. It was fine after you got into the terminal except that since it was the bloggers cruise and there were probably 75+ platinum guests and ONE agent checking us in, that part didn't go all that smoothly either.

[Kurbanfan]

I totally agree with Fred......port of Long Beach sucks.........San Diego port rocks!!!

[afcj1]

I'm excited to follow this thread so I can do some planning for my cruise in July. Right now I'm a little lost...new ship, new cruise line, new itinerary, new port. I'm trying to decide what night we should book the supper club, and I'm stressed about embarkation because I keep hearing how BAD it is in Long Beach.

 

We're staying at the Queen Mary, so my plan right now is to walk downstairs and do the early check-in, and then we can go do something for a while until the disembarking crowds thin out. We will have VIP boarding because we're in a Cat. 11, so I'm hoping that helps a little.

 

I'm also already fretting about getting off the ship! We have a 2:30 flight back to Houston out of LAX, and I will probably book a Carnival transfer unless anybody has a better idea!

 

From what I've always read, Long Beach is very "hit or miss". I went on the Pride in Oct and the embarkation was wonderful, except for the part that Fred has now mentioned about having to show your passport continuously...that's just ridiculous.

 

We did the early check in on the QM and were able to board within 45min. I sat on the concrete and waited, which is no biggie for me. Of course Fred's got a good point, in that there are 1000 more passengers, so things will probably go a bit slower.

 

Also, as for the disembarkation, that day there were NO customs agents, so we moved faster then you can imagine (hit or miss!). The CCL transfers are usually more expensive, we used Super Shuttle with a discount code. If you visit the West Coast Departures thread you'll find the code there.

 

Enjoy you trip:)

[gizzie]

Never been on the Splendor but I believe we had Imade as a waiter on one of our cruises? Not sure which ship now but he was GREAT!!! Enjoy the food - and yes a good idea to always order the beef a grade 'rarer' than usual.....

 

have some smoked salmon for me!!!

 

 

You will always see lots of "imade's", it is a common name in Indonesia.

[LauraS]

Hope you don't mind, Fred, I'm jumping in on your "live from" thread so everything is in one place.

 

We had a different embarkation experience. We stayed at the Queen Mary, and our Host Sheila set out early morning on a 'fact finding' mission re: early checkin. She headed over, it was just a short walk from the QM, and learned that we could walk over at 9:30 am and they would check us in -- which we did. Seapass cards in hand -- we then headed over to the PORTERS who took our luggage. YES! We all received ZONE 1 placards for our efforts. We then headed back to the QM for a self-guided walking tour and to check out.

 

We headed back at around 12:15 or so....lots of people milling about. Since they had already called Zone 1, we were able to bypass the current Zone 3 line and walk right in. Now, I'm not going to say there weren't "hidden disney-type" lines once inside, but after security and the "welcome photo", I'd have to say we were onboard by 1pm.

 

Our rooms were ready, we dumped our stuff and headed up to the Splendido Lido for lunch. Everyoen seems to be enjoying saying "SPLENDIDO LIDO" over and over again. Hmmm.

 

We toured the ship during the day, met again at sailaway, and headed for dinner in the Gold Pearl Restaurant. Because I know folks like to talk "food", I had the Tomato Soup, Tiger Shrimp (from the everyday Carnival Classic menu) and the flat iron steak -- which was cooked exactly as I asked for (MEDIUM) and delicious.

 

I have to share that many of the hosts sailing with us have never experienced Carnival and they are pleasantly surprised with regard to the food so far! Lots of positive comments at dinner. The flexibility in the dining room re: special requests seems of particular surprise to most of them.

 

I have to say I'm liking my stateroom, a balcony on Deck 6. The location, however, is another matter. Just across the hall is the PANTRY. All I heard was ice buckets being filled. It is pretty annoying. I can clearly hear the music/people in the atrium as well.

 

There's loads of storage, that's a great thing! And if you can ignore the Flamingo Pink moulding in the room, the rest of the colors are a tasteful "spicey" terracotta. The dreaded attacking shower curtain still exists on this class of ships -- all I have to say is "WHY"???

 

I headd down to the Splendido at 7am hoping to find breakfast. Yes, continental breakfast was being served; but no sign of eggs/hot food at 7:20, when I finally headed over here to check mail and post.

 

So far, there is no word from Carnival re: what impact the Swine Flu potential pandemic may have on this sailing. Silence, actually. I'll try and keep you posted during the day.

 

I wanted to pass along that I've met a number of folks in the group -- it was a "sea of Team Splendor" t-shirts yesterday! I said HELLO to as many as I could, but today may be different -- no shirts! So, if you see ME I have my lanyard on and would love to say 'hi".

 

I'll check in again later; now I'm heading off to find some protein!

 

Laura

[Bmaintz]

OK, I will go against the grain... :eek:

Board LATE (around 2 PM) & the crowds will be small...

We did this for the Conquest & was on the ship within 10 minutes.. :)

We plan on checking our luggage with the porter & then just explore the Queen Mary, might get a snack, take a few pictures....

Just so we can get some Pizza after we board... :D

[ERTHDOG]

OP- thanks for the play-by-play:)

 

we are planning our first carnival cruise (on splendor) for next spring break and i am full of questions and you are hitting on many of them :D

 

i will stay tuned indeed

 

dave

[annakay]

Fred and Laura thanks for the on the spot review. I am looking forward to reading all that you share with us. My sister Barbara (barbevern) and her friend Connie are sailing with y'all tell them Hi please, also Al and Peechez. Can't to hear about all your fun...

[CruisinDavid]

I plan to drive to the port (we live about an hour away).

 

Any thoughts on if it's easier to be dropped off at the pier vs. self parking?? I have a brother who lives in Long Beach - would better to have him drop us off to avoid traffic or is the "mess" a mess regardless (besides the idea of saving the parking fee)?

 

Is getting in and out the main problem (whether or not your parking or being dropped off)?

 

Thanks!

[can'twaittacruise]

Fred,

We stayed in the same room,7370,back in November. Totally agree, the room seemed smaller than any of our others. It seemed like I was always having to walk over my husband while he watched TV. Or I could say-my husband was always in the way.:p

 

Our room steward was Juan and I know everyone always thinks theirs is the best but Juan IS.

 

A word of warning. The last morning was very noisy with the stewards going in and out of the storage room next door. The door slammed every few minutes. I slept through it but my husband woke up so he woke me up so he could complain to me about the noise.:rolleyes:

 

Are you in the dining room with Ken Byrne? We so enjoy his singing.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[glrounds]

I plan to drive to the port (we live about an hour away).

 

Any thoughts on if it's easier to be dropped off at the pier vs. self parking?? I have a brother who lives in Long Beach - would better to have him drop us off to avoid traffic or is the "mess" a mess regardless (besides the idea of saving the parking fee)?

 

Is getting in and out the main problem (whether or not your parking or being dropped off)?

 

Thanks!

 

I'm also about 40 minutes away from the port, David. I've noticed that there is a "round the horn" route for those not using the parking garage and I would be willing to bet you could just use this route. Probably the same route the buses use. I believe you could let your brother drop you off at roughly the front of the parking garage (facing the Splendor) which is where, as I recall, luggage is checked. Or for that matter, maybe pull into the Queen Mary parking lot (much closer to early checkin).

 

I see no problem at all in getting in and out. This whole area is used regularly by the "locals" that come to the Queen Mary for drinks, lunch, and dinner. Many of us "cruisin" locals used to drive there, park in the Queen Mary parking lot just to have lunch on the weekends and watch the PRIDE sailaway. Very good freeway access.:)

 

Incidentally, glad to see Laura had the same experience I did with the Long Beach embarkation process. As Fred has stated, with an additional 1000 paxs one could expect some slowdowns at least until they can adjust for the difference between the PRIDE and the SPLENDOR. Carnival has also "upgraded" the areas where the paxs congregate offering more shade than before from the persistent California sun. I've been in line waiting to board when "out-of-towners" were compaining about the morning fog where I then informed them they should consider that a blessing in June (we call it the "June Gloom") as it keeps everyone cool until the sun burns through around noon.

[LauraS]

Just returned from the "group photo shoot and raffle" and had occasion to speak w/ a number of folks about the "swine flu pandemic". "Most" seemed unaware of what is going on in general, but didn't seem adverse to a 7 - day "cruise to nowhere". Now, there were a few suggested replacement ports -- a bunch of folks would like to divert to Hawaii, a couple of votes were for the Galapagos (might as well reach for the stars, eh?). All in all, it seems spirits among the Team Splendor group are positive. We'll see what happens as new information surfaces.

 

As an aside, I have to tell you all how great it is to meet everyone (in case you are following this from the ship). And for those of you who have NOT yet had the pleasure of sailing with Host Randy -- you should. He really works hard and gives 100%.

 

Laura

[kapeavey]

Where are you sailing this week? Is this a pre-inaugural cruise? Enjoy!! And thanks for keeping us LIVE. Could someone get a picture of Host Mach?

[Cruzin 1025]

Thanks Fred and Laura for the updates. I've got friends there with you and it's nice to follow along with their trip.

 

Breaking news from CNN....hope it doesn't impact you guys. First the Swine Flu thing and now this...

 

Breaking News

Magnitude 6.0 earthquake reported 50 miles northeast of Acapulco, Mexico, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

 

 

[Cindy]

Fred & Laura,

Thanks so much for posting your experiences and answering questions! Living vicariously is the next best thing to being there. Well, maybe not, but it will have to do for now!:rolleyes:

[MarkRosenthal]

Have a great trip all, I would love if you would be able to shoot some pictures of the menus to tease us who aren't sailing for a bit.

 

Smooth seas to all.

[candigirl41]

Thanks to Fred and Laura for posting. Keeps me going until my next cruise. I love the live reports. Sorry the cabin is so small. Those RCI cabins are tiny, so not happy to hear about the Splendors little cabins.

 

Candi

[kapeavey]

Wennfred,

I researched your current and past staterooms and they are all 185 sq. ft. It must feel different dye to layout or design. Here is what I found:

 

SPLENDOR:

Cabin 7370 (4E ISTW) 185 sq ft

Beds: twin/king rab:0

View: no window or balcony

TV; telephone; 110 AC current; individual climate control; hair dryer wall safe; minibar; 3-closets; shower; chair and coffee table

 

PARADISE:

Cabin R129 4B ISTW 185 sq ft

Beds: twin/king rab:1

View: no window

TV; telephone; 110 AC current; individual climate control; wall safe; 3-closets; shower; chair

 

SPIRIT:

Cabin 8265 (4E ISTW) 185 sq ft

Beds: twin/king rab:0

View: no window or balcony

TV; telephone; 110 AC current; individual climate control; hair dryer; wall safe; minibar; 3-closets; shower; chair and coffee table.

 

 

ELATION:

Cabin U4 4C OSTW 185 sq ft

Beds: twin/king rab:0

View: 2 portholes

TV; telephone; 110 AC current; individual climate control; wall safe; 3-closets; shower; chair

Note: On the SE, cabin is currently 5A OSTW; will be converted on 4/17/09.

[CruisinDavid]

Thanks for the advice Gary!

 

David

[Wennfred]

Thanks for posting the Stats of each cabin listed at 185sq ft. Thats just the same old general stats they post for all cabins on their website. As you know, not all inside cabins are created equal due to the ships configuration. When I get back I will post the pics of cabin 8265 and this cabin 7370 side by side and you make the call, you will be able to see the major difference in room size.

 

As Can'twaittacruise posted in post number 40, she stayed in this same exact cabin and mentioned that she was tripping over her hubby. You can read the cabin stats on Carnival's website but when you get here, stand by for a big surprise.

 

Made another deposit at the Casino, Im down like 200.00, I think my mother in law Cathy is up and doing great.

 

We had the photo shoot in the Theater and there I met alot of cool people from Cruise Critic, even met Host Randy and Laura.

 

Laura is currently keeping an eye out for us concerning the Swine Flu issue. We could hear from the Captain tomorrow about possibly cancelling all Mexican ports of call due to this flu problem. Its cool with me, I got close to 1200.00 wrapped up in excursions for Wendy and her Mom Cathy.