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What do people think of Carnival Splendor? Is it too old?


islandgals
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The Splendor was the first to have the Cloud 9 Spa. We loved it and have booked ships with Cloud 9 exclusively since. We'll be sailing on her again when she returns to Los Angeles next year! Cannot wait We've needed Cloud 9 out of LA for a few years now.

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A ship's age has little to do with the condition of the ship. We were on the Splendor, in a Spa Balcony cabin, and it was gorgeous. The crew was always working to shine this, clean that, and repair what needed fixing.

There have been several comments here about the Vista, Carnival's newest ship, regarding how run down she looked.

A cruise ship is like a house. If you look around, there's always something that needs to get done. It's all in the upkeep choices of the person(s) in charge.

Have a great cruise!

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I sailed Splendor out of NYC a few years ago. To me, it was comparable to Conquest/Triumph style ships. The amenities of all the CCL ships are different, regardless of ship's age or design.

(If your have a morbid sense of curiosity, remember, Splendor was the sister ship of the Costa Concordia.......)

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The Splendor was the first to have the Cloud 9 Spa. We loved it and have booked ships with Cloud 9 exclusively since.

 

We too will be sailing on Splendor, for the second time, from LA----a family cruise to Hawaii.

Honestly, I love the décor. :)

 

Patti

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It is pink, but I didn't find that annoying when my daughter and I sailed on her earlier this year.

 

Casino décor was the best of any Carnival ship I've been on (nine).

 

Overall, just based on the Carnival ships I've been on (list below in my signature), I like it fourth best overall.

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It's not even 10 yet! The Splendor is an amazing ship, and I have had teo amazing cruises on it. I enjoyed the open aft pool and the covered middle pool, and when I had the spa interior stateroom, I really enjoyed the benefits that came with the room, including the Thlassotherapy pool and the products that were left in the room. Some say that it is 'Too pink", but there are many infusions of black, gray, purple and green in the atrium and the elevator lobbies, I think it is just something that people say because they have to complain about something. You will love the Splendor! :D

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Just got off Splendor a week ago. While not particularly "old", it is true she doesn't have the "2.0 upgrades" that many of the other ships have. So instead of a "Guys Burger Joint", you have the Grill. They have regular burgers/fries, plus a bunch of other options (hot dogs, chicken, etc) and some options I haven't found on "2.0" ships (chips/cheese/salsa/etc). She also still has the Indian food place, the Mongolian Wok (stir fry made to order), a made-to-order burrito bar, and a BBQ area, in addition to MDR, Lido Buffet, and probably others I missed from memory. Instead of Alchemy Bar, Splendor has a regular martini bar. There is a sports bar. The Lido area has two bars, they just aren't called Red Frog and Blue Iguana. Splendor has the same activities (parties, trivia, shows, comedy, mini golf, shops, kids clubs, Dive-In movies, etc) as most other Carnival ships. The only thing I can think of she doesn't have is a ropes/bike course (which is only available on a few ships anyhow). IMHO, the biggest difference with "2.0" is in the branding, not in content.

 

I have been on a number of Carnival ships, and I enjoyed that the Splendor was just different enough to be interesting, but still very similar to the other (especially Conquest class) ships. Some examples are the retractable roof over the middle Lido pool (instead of aft), the covered deck encircling Lido area, the kids "splash" water area, slightly different deck layout, etc. Yes, it is decorated with pink, but I think it works for the ship - and after all, you're only there for a week!

 

I agree with others that a cruise is what you make of it. Although we sometimes second guess when booking, we have never regretted booking a non-2.0 ship (same thing happened for us on Victory). We enjoyed the Splendor! Go with an open mind and experience Splendor before she moves to Australia. Enjoy your cruise!

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I'm looking at a cruise in the fall on the Splendor. Wondering if anyone has current reviews or pictures. Thx

 

 

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We have been on the Splendor 7x first was in 2009 out of Long Beach but it had been years since we had been on until APRIL 2017 and yes it's showing it's age and the shows were the worst we have ever seen on our over 35 cruises and he buffet food was horrible. I guess we have been spoiled by the MSC entertainment which is the best at sea.

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Can you elaborate for those of us who haven't been on a lot of carnival ships?

 

 

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When we were on 3 years ago it had none of the upgrades and while we always enjoy our cruises it was just far from our favorite ship.....you will still have a good time no fears.

 

Sent from my XT1585 using Forums mobile app

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We have sailed her twice. Third time will be November 26 this year. Have had spa cabins. We love them.

 

The ship is beautiful and the crew has always been great. Thru many issues on her we have enjoyed sailing her.

 

 

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Hi, I was wondering the same thing as you when I booked my cruise for September on Splendor. After reading reviews and such and getting feedback. I determined that it is the favorite of many people. It is different and very pink. It's like everyone said. I believe it's what you make up. Some of the stuff people complain about wouldn't even cross my mind. I am there to have fun and sleep when needed.

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We have sailed her twice. Third time will be November 26 this year. Have had spa cabins. We love them.

The ship is beautiful and the crew has always been great. Thru many issues on her we have enjoyed sailing her.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Hey deborahjo~~~~~~we were on the Splendor swine flu cruise with you !

 

Patti

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It is only 9 years old. I dont consider that old for a cruise ship. I was on the ship last September, and found it to be fine, and just as good as any other Carnival ship that I have been on, most of which, if not all have been older ships than Splendor. But no, I dont consider the ship to be old, and liked it a lot, including the pink and decor.

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We have been on the Splendor 3x and a 4th coming up next month.

 

We love the ship and crew and don't care that it doesn't have the 2.0 upgrades.

 

We are also thinking about doing the Panama Canal cruise in January on the Splendor.

 

Book the trip and form your own opinion as everyone has different tastes.

 

Happy Sailing!!

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