My week on Slendida

Hi all,

had a week on Splendida out of Southampton 7th-14th Sept,and what a fabulous cruise it was!!

Had a good deal from MSC for a Fantastica cabin, Allgrissimo drink package and free parking at Southampton. The parking was easy as we just asked directions at dock gate 10 were directed to car park and luggage taken off in a van-we then walked over to the terminal.

The terminal was very busy and MSC were selling the drinks packages 26 euro for allgrissimo and 44 euro for the premium. MSC also giving out free drinks-not alcoholic mind! .At check -in you have your photograph taken and given your cruise card.

What a beautiful ship!! Splendida must count as the most stunning ships I have sailed on--gorgeous. The swarovski staircases are beautiful.

Loved all the bars on the ship each one is aesthetically pleasing .Our favourite was the Aft bar and Piano bar. We had the most amazing duo from Brazil in the Piano bar the girl had a great voice and sung lots from my favourite artists-Amy Winehouse,Nina Simone and Billie Holiday.Unfortunately they left the ship in Germany as their contract had ended--sure hope another cruise ship employs them soon. The Aft bar was great fun owing to the entertainment staff-such fun-thank you Gary from S,Africa.Lots of other bars and good music .Never got around to trying them all is so little time and lots to do. Heard the dicso stayed open till very late.

Having sailed on Magnifica in 2014 we knew what to expect in terms of food,mmust say we enjoyed it all. We had early dining at La Reggia and sat with 4 other british people. Servers Asa and Mohammed were very attentive and great fun and knew what drinks we wanted even though we only ate there 3 times. We ate there the first evening and it was Italian night-dancing and singing waiters.lol. The other 2 evenings were the Gala night all food enjoyed and a great atmosphere, enjoyed the Chef's parade. We had one meal in Tex Mex and enjoyed the food--lamb chops for me and rib eye steak for my sister.

Other evenings were spent in the Buffet due to lateness of excursions.

Buffet area is extensive. I love buffet's so enjoyed my meals in here-lots of choices. MSC bake their own bread and it is delicious ,had lots of this with salads and olive oil, different meats, lots of fish and gorgeous fresh pasta-not a fan of pizza but seems very very popular. My sister even found roast hound one night ,I meant to take a photo of that but forgot.lol. The only thing I did not like in the buffet was there was no aft outside space to sit and have your food,did have big windows with a good view of the ships wake though. Have a good walk around buffet as it is very large and different food stations.

Pool deck 14 has the indoor swimming pool also outdoor pools and hot tubs and 3 bars,usual ly crowded on a hot day as with most ships I have sailed on, but service good and very nice looking area. Smoking is allowed on this deck on port side-always packed.The best pool area is aft deck 15----fabulous.

Theatre on Splendida is huge. Enjoyed the shows we saw especially Pura Passion,great costumes and dancing. MSC why no Michael Jackson show on Splendida they have it on Prezioza and Divina-bit disappointed over that.

We did not use spa services-meant to but just did not find the time, we were to busy eating, drinking, sunbathing and sleeping.lol. Did manage to get our hair washed and blow dried 31 euro. Look out for the spa deals on port days.

Did take 2 ship excursions which I will write about elsewhere on the site.

Lastly the Atrium and bars on decks 5/6.Beautiful atrium with those stunning staircases also a piano which have the crystals on top. Great singing duo here most night and always hard to find a seat ,but you can always go up one deck and listen- Also enjoyed the Piazzetta bar,so pretty with its pillars and water fountain,yummy cakes and again great staff.

We had fun in the stunning casino and for smokers there is a great smoking lounge.

Lots of different nationalities on the ship ,British,American,Russian,Brazilian,Indian everybody enjoying themselves.

Gala nights I saw some beautiful outfits-men and women- but also lots of people in casual clothes.

Did not do any daytime activities as I said so little time-really needed another week on board.

Had a fabulous week aided by great weather-loved the ship and all staff were fantastic-especially in the aft bar--thanks boys. Cant wait to book Spendida again.

Great review. Splendida is one of my favourite ships. I agree that 7 nights is just too short to enjoy everything - I wish MSC would offer more 9-12 nighters.

Thanks for the review.

 

My sister even found roast hound one night ,I meant to take a photo of that but forgot.lol.

I enjoyed your review very much. We sail on Splendida in 3 weeks.

One question. I must ask you what is roast hound? I am hoping "hound" has an entirely different meaning in Europe.

Timm

Awesome, great to hear you enjoyed her. I'll be sailing her in 6 months so this is very nice to hear!:D

I enjoyed your review very much. We sail on Splendida in 3 weeks.

 

One question. I must ask you what is roast hound? I am hoping "hound" has an entirely different meaning in Europe.

 

Timm

It's a type of fish, Timm. The first (and only) time I've seen it on a menu, was also on a Splendida cruise in 2013 - the item listed was 'Stewed smooth hound'. I did take a photo, which I've just checked out to find the exact wording of the listed item LOL Looks like they're still serving it!

It's a type of fish

I first googled roast hound and got pictures of dogs (not roasted). After your response I did come across Houndfish. Never heard of it but will keep an eye out for it.

Thanks ... Timm

Looks yummy and friendly.

Ha Ha my sister said it was in the buffet ,meant to take a picture but too busy enjoying myself!!

How does one post pictures on this site. I keep getting fail when I try to upload them.

Great review. Will be sailing on Splendida in December. Getting excited with the recent reviews

How does one post pictures on this site. I keep getting fail when I try to upload them.

I may be the size or format?

Thanks Ti2m, have to get my son to show me how.

Great review. Will be sailing on Splendida in December. Getting excited with the recent reviews

We're also boarding on December 3rd. (67 days and counting...)

Thanks for the review.

Looks yummy and friendly.

Lol lol..Missed this!

Thank you for your review, this time next week we will be on this ship and can't wait

Thanks for all your replies .Hope you all have a wonderful time aboard the beautiful Splendida.