Just off the Splendor

RTlady....American Table is now on the Splendor. I went to the Tandoor a couple times during the cruise. All I had was the roti though. The corn on the cob there looked and smelled really good, but I did not try it. I kept going back hoping they would be serving paneer, but they never did :( I also made my way up to the Rotisserie. There, I had the mac 'n' cheese and the tomato and mozzarella slices with pesto. Although there is no Guy's burgers, there is Off the Grill - which serves hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken and veggie burgers. I believe they also served nachos there as well. I had a veggie burger (as I don't eat meat) and it was pretty good. There was always a long line for the grill. I think I ate my weight in pizza...it was sooooooo good!!! I only ate from the lido buffet for breakfast and for lunch on embarkation day. Nothing really appeals to me there. My family went to the buffet for dinner on the night of the Sam Hunt concert. They said the food was decent. Why didn't I join them, you ask? I went to wait in line for seats for the concert. People started lining up before 6pm. The concert started at 8pm. That same night there was a Mega Deck party and the lido buffet served a late night Mexican fiesta. Surprisingly, the food was delicious. They had churros!

 

If there are any other questions, I am happy to answer :)

Thank you for the update - hubby was kind of looking forward to the old menu. The duck and the alligator bites and a couple of other choices are not on the American Table but we have survived and enjoyed the new menu LOL

We had Faster to the Fun...so we were onboard about 11:30-11:45 (don't remember the exact time). I'm pretty sure this is the new way to obtain S&S cards. They said that your card would be in your mailbox when your room is ready, but as we walked down the hallway to our room we noticed that all the cards were already in the mailboxes. So nothing is really stopping someone from just sneaking by their room ahead of time to grab their card.

 

The one comedian was named Kenny Miller. The other guy was Brad...something (sorry I can't remember his last name). They were both ok and amusing - with Brad being the funnier of the two - but I kept thinking of my Breeze cruise 2 years ago when the comedian had me laughing so hard that my face hurt. I did not happen by the paino bar, but I can say that the piano player from the bar was the warm up for the 88 Keys show. He was really good!

 

The other thing I wanted to mention is that going through security at the port, they confiscated our clothes steamer. We have brought this on every single past cruise without an issue. The lady said that this was a new policy that came into effect 3 weeks ago. I assumed that we would be able to obtain it back after the cruise was finished, so I asked her where we could pick it back up and she replied "go put it in your car". We obviously didn't drive to the port, so that was out of the question. Anyone care to enlighten me on this *new* policy???

I think you just got lucky, they have not been allowed as far back as I can remember.

Additional Prohibited Items

Clothing irons and steamers (All Carnival ships offer laundry facilities with irons and ironing boards. Fleet-wide valet laundry service is also available for a nominal fee.)

Electrical and household appliances, such as a coffee maker, hot plate, toaster, humidifier, etc. (see Exemptions below)

Heating Pads

Hookahs

Alcohol (hard liquor) and Beer

Wine or champagne (sealed, unopened bottles brought on at embarkation) beyond the allowable limit of one 750 ml bottle per adult (21 years of age or older)

Non-alcoholic beverages in containers other than a can or carton; excessive quantities per person (over 12 cans/cartons per person); excessive size per can/carton (over 12 ounces each)

Large coolers

Handcuffs

Candles and Incense

Knives with blades longer than four (4) inches (Recreational dive knives are allowed but must be held in the custody of the Guest Services Manager or Chief Security Officer and must be checked out/in by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise.)

Scissors with blades longer than four (4) inches (Large scissors of the type used by scrapbook and quilting enthusiasts are at times permitted with prior notification from the Security Services Department, but are held onboard in the same manner as dive knives.)

Bicycles (this includes travel bicycles that can be folded up)

Surfboards, boats and canoes

Scooters (only permitted if used for mobility – must be stored in guest’s stateroom)

Inflatable Kiddie Pool

Any footwear with wheels, such as, Heely’s type shoes

Kava

Fish of any kind; if fish are caught during an excursion, they must be shipped home.

My poor daughter thinks she will die without her flat iron (for her hair) - At one time, I thought they were prohibited (along with curling irons) but I see otherwise? I don't see that these are prohibited??? :confused:

I always bring my hair straightener and have never had an issue.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

I must agree .... we got married on the Ship in NYC in 2014. The ship crew was awful, the entire experience was not very good. The actual wedding was quite good with a great staff on the boat but we had several problems. Overall the Splendor was not my favorite ship.

I must agree .... we got married on the Ship in NYC in 2014. The ship crew was awful, the entire experience was not very good. The actual wedding was quite good with a great staff on the boat but we had several problems. Overall the Splendor was not my favorite ship.

Ships routinely go through a crew turnover once every 4-6months I believe. Someone really know what the turnover rate actually is?

Ships routinely go through a crew turnover once every 4-6months I believe. Someone really know what the turnover rate actually is?

A Filipino bartender once told me that he is excited for the following week to come home since his contract expires after 9 months on the ship.

Steamers have been on the prohibited items list for as long as I can remember. Glad to see they're cracking down and enforcing it.

Just because someone has done something or brought something that isn't allowed on "x" amount of cruises before, doesn't make it right. I'm not saying this directly to the OP, but as a general statement. I get tired of hearing it from people as a way to justify disregarding the rules.

Ships routinely go through a crew turnover once every 4-6months I believe. Someone really know what the turnover rate actually is?

Everyone is on different contracts that start/end at different times. Even the amount of months can vary depending on position, how much time off they want or need, as well as staffing needs. There isn't a set time for a ship to "turn over " nor will there be a time when everyone on the ship is new. In other words, they don't disembark the whole crew and start over like guests so there is not an answer to your question.

My poor daughter thinks she will die without her flat iron (for her hair) - At one time, I thought they were prohibited (along with curling irons) but I see otherwise? I don't see that these are prohibited??? :confused:

I always bring my flat iron (a narrow one) and it has never been confiscated.

Happy Sailing!!!

I always bring my flat iron (a narrow one) and it has never been confiscated.

 

 

 

Happy Sailing!!!

That's because they are allowed.

Here is the part that is missing from the previous post on prohibited items -

Exemptions

Personal grooming devices such as hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons and shavers are allowed on board when used with proper caution. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard, they will be removed and returned the last day of the cruise prior to debark.

Electronics such as laptops, cameras, cellular phones, etc. are allowed on board when used with proper caution.

Please review: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Smartphone - Precuations.

Electrical devices such as fans, power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, and extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed on board when used with proper caution. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard, they will be removed and returned the last day of the cruise prior to debark.

Medical gas bottles/oxygen cylinders are allowed in connection with a certified medical condition but cannot be packed in baggage. Oxygen cylinders must be delivered to Guest Services and stored in a designated safe area.

If you use a CPAP machine, please note you will need to pack your machine with your carry-on luggage. Should you wish to bring your own distilled water with you to use with your CPAP machine, it must be hand carried along with your CPAP machine. For your convenience, distilled water is sold on board for $3.00 USD per gallon by contacting Room Service.

Coolers: Small, personal-sized coolers no larger than 12” x 12” x 12” for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage.

Live Animals: Only qualified service animals once approved by Guest Access Services at time of booking.

Flowers and Plants: Only permitted on board if ordered through Carnival’s Fun Shops or delivered by a florist in the port of embarkation but are not permitted to be taken off the ship in the United States, per the U.S Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Agricultural Division.

Musical Instruments: We will allow musical instruments on board, however, if a noise complaint is received, the instrument will be confiscated by shipboard security and returned to the guest on the last day of the cruise prior to debark.

Radios/Boom Boxes: For the comfort of all our guests, radios and boom boxes can be used with headphones or earpieces when used in public areas.

Ham Radios/Amateur Radio Equipment: Permitted to be used on board.

Google Glasses are permitted on board in public areas but cannot be worn at any gangway operation.

Floatation Devices: For the comfort of all our guests, rafts, tubes and floatation devices other than those used as life preservers (water wings) cannot be used in the swimming pools on board.

Wrapped Gifts: Guests may bring wrapped gifts on board; however, due to heightened security, the gift may have to be unwrapped, upon request.

Digital Cameras/Camcorders, DVDs/VCRs, USB sticks, iPods, Nintendo/X-Box Play Units cannot be used with the TV in the guest's stateroom or suite as the connection ports are disabled.

Food Items must be pre-packaged and unopened; homemade items or pre-cooked foods will not be permitted onboard. Limitations on permitted food items are directly related to concerns for food safety and contamination prevention. We are unable to provide food preparation, refrigeration or storage for personal food or beverage items.

Seashells may be brought onboard from the ports visited if they appear to be clean and sanitized and do not have the odor of a living organism.

For your reference, these items may be brought onboard but can only be used off the ship, while in port.

These items cannot be taken off the ship in the United States during the cruise or debarkation day.

I am not so much upset that the steamer was confiscated (we ordered another one that will be delivered any day now). I am more upset on how the situation was handled.

I am not so much upset that the steamer was confiscated (we ordered another one that will be delivered any day now). I am more upset on how the situation was handled.

This is a good reminder to read the rules and regulations each time before cruising that way things like this won't happen. Although I'm surprised you didn't know as it's been listed for a long time on the website.

One week to the Splendor! :D

The list of items is right on Carnival's website, included in their FAQ section. A link instead of a long cut-and-paste should be sufficient. Most websites (and I believe this one is included) request posters to quote only a small portion of text with a link to the full page. And site your source. But then, if people were capable of clicking on links and reading, they'd probably know if something was prohibited or not! ;)

And, as already stated, they aren't consistent. Just because a prohibited item has gotten through before doesn't mean it should have or will in the future.

As for the vibe of the ship, some are better than others. I'll be boarding Splendor on Sunday and have sailed her the past 2 years, about a year apart.

First was the 8-night repo from San Juan to Miami. It was a great cruise. Last year, it was the 1-time Norfolk to Bermuda. It was also a great cruise. The crew and staff I encountered were just as pleasant as on every other cruise.

Every sailing is different. Your experience will be entirely different from the people in the cabin next to you, depending on your choices of where you go, when you go, who you encounter, your own expectations, etc.

I'm interested in thoughts about the American Table menu. Had it for the first time on the Vista Inaugural and wasn't terribly impressed. I'd read the menus online prior to sailing and had expected to see more of my old favorites, but they weren't there. I think the service and food quality on that sailing wasn't up to par, but I wrote it off as being the first sailing. Many of those teams (in the MDR and in the kitchen) had probably never worked together. Of course, I didn't go hungry. Just looking forward to seeing how the experience differs on Splendor.

p.s. My family's from Watauga County. I grew up in Cleveland but lived in the mountains two different times; the most recent being for about 15 years. Left 10 years ago. So beautiful but hate the winters. It's why I left Cleveland in the first place! :p

p.p.s. Hi Shake-n-Bake!

I would hope that if I read the rules and regulations it wouldn't tell me about poor customer service interactions...or would it??!! [emoji13]

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I was also on the 10/6 sailing. Elegant Nights were first Sea Day and Grand Cayman day (switched from Cozumel due to Concert).

I have to disagree with other posters. I thought the Ship and Crew were some of the best. I turned Platinum and found our room steward and MDR waiter to be very friendly as well as the servers in the Casino. Thought CD Chloe was Great. Staff in Steak House were fun and friendly also. Agree the group FUNtology was EXCELLENT. the Casino Manager Daisy was fun also.

Would have liked to have watched Carnival Quest the night they had it but started at 11:30 and we had an early excursion the next day.

Saw the Captain out and about on a regular basis and he always seemed very pleasant to passengers and crew.

Inflatable Kiddie Pool :eek::eek::eek:

WHY ITS NOT ALLOWED? what harm it can do to ship?I understand not allowed to use on ship but what if someone wants to use it on beach ?

As for the vibe of the ship, some are better than others. I'll be boarding Splendor on Sunday and have sailed her the past 2 years, about a year apart.

 

First was the 8-night repo from San Juan to Miami. It was a great cruise. Last year, it was the 1-time Norfolk to Bermuda. It was also a great cruise. The crew and staff I encountered were just as pleasant as on every other cruise.

 

Every sailing is different. Your experience will be entirely different from the people in the cabin next to you, depending on your choices of where you go, when you go, who you encounter, your own expectations, etc.

 

I'm interested in thoughts about the American Table menu. Had it for the first time on the Vista Inaugural and wasn't terribly impressed. I'd read the menus online prior to sailing and had expected to see more of my old favorites, but they weren't there. I think the service and food quality on that sailing wasn't up to par, but I wrote it off as being the first sailing. Many of those teams (in the MDR and in the kitchen) had probably never worked together. Of course, I didn't go hungry. Just looking forward to seeing how the experience differs on Splendor.

 

p.s. My family's from Watauga County. I grew up in Cleveland but lived in the mountains two different times; the most recent being for about 15 years. Left 10 years ago. So beautiful but hate the winters. It's why I left Cleveland in the first place! :p

 

p.p.s. Hi Shake-n-Bake!

Hi Joan!

I just want to add that the CD Chloe was great and very personable and this is coming from a person who hardly even pay attention CD's. She even sent some goodies to my cabin on my birthday last month. I was on Splendor twice this year and 3 times all together and had a great time on the cruises. Look for Maria in the Atrium Bar while listening to Funkology, she makes awesome drinks. :D

Curious - was on Splendor week of 10/8 - hurricane matthew time = wondering how many people missed this cruise due to "matt". seen some cabin keys in mailboxes for a couple of days.

Thought cabin steward wasn't all that friendly/cabin on the very dusty side. Really wasn't crazy about the ship (wasn't the color, pink, either). Trying to find out what kind of ship i.e. conquest etc.was. This is my 14th cruise w/carnival.

Seattleny.....the Splendor is in its own class, and the only one in its class. I believe it was meant for parent company Costa cruises, but was delivered to Carnival instead. I have no complaints about the crew. If anything, our cabin steward seemed, at times, that he was trying to be overly friendly. I always tend to find that the least friendly crew on the ship, and any ship for that matter, are the bar staff. It could be because I'm cheap and only spring for bottomless bubbles lol.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

We're on the Splendor on December 4th, too! Can anyone suggest anything we need to bring with us?

If you don't care about the shows, go check out the live band FUNkology. It plays good music (70-90 hits) and the female lead singer has a very good voice.

I suggest this too! We made friends with Ollie (the male lead singer) during our muster drill, and we ended up going to see them play almost every night. Very fun!

I also was on the Splendor, we had a great cabin steward, we had our stateroom done morning and night. Our steward was wonderful, he even gave us a gift and my sister was in the stateroom next to us and he gave them something also.

I enjoyed the dining room waiters, the food, I am not that picky about food except that I do not eat fish, my husband had fish most of the night. I like the desserts the best, I sure had enough of that for the week. We were on Carnival last year to Hawaii, and the shows were amazing, I didn't see that in this cruise, the last night was the best. They need to change the lead singer, she doesn't have the greatest voice and I think they need to change that.

We had a room on the Verandah deck, I was worried about the noise from above, but we did hear anything, we slept very well. We did most of the trivia games in the lobby. Breakfast and lunch buffet was very good, I feel that there were a lot of choices. We went to the comedy club every night and I thought the comedians were funny and we enjoyed it.

I can say also that getting on the ship was organized, you received your number and waited to get on, we got to the pier about 11:30 and we were on by 12:30. Plenty of seats to sit and wait.

We just returned from our cruise on the Splendor, last Sunday the 30th. Love to cruise and enjoyed our vacation. But I have to agree with several of the previous posters - this is the first cruise that I was not completely satisfied and happy.

I kind of chalked it up to the weather because we did get quite a bit of rain, mostly in the late afternoon into the evenings. Didn't effect the port visits with the exception of Grand Turk - rained all day!

I missed the Dive In Movies because the Lido is just a 2-story rectangular room with a pool and 100 or so deck chairs, no tiered decks like many of the other ships. If you didn't find a seat really early, there was no place to watch the movies. The roof can close in inclement weather, which is nice - but it is just too small out there for the size of the ship.

I enjoyed all the playlist productions, though I agree that the lead singer wasn't the greatest - she still did a decent job. FunkOlogy was very good as previously stated.

The MDR / American Table menu is just meh. Some nights ok, other nights I had a hard time deciding on the uninspiring menu. But that's just me - others may find it perfect!

The crew in every single case was awesome! Accommodating, friendly, outgoing always smiling and happy.

Again, will chalk it up to the dreary weather, but many many rude, pushy people on this cruise. There are always a few in every group situation - but there were many and every day, too! There were even several physical altercations - a couple of them involving fighting women.

Still, it won't keep me from my favorite vacation! But personally, I wouldn't choose Splendor again.