sofsolnanny

Did see curry in the buffet on Splendida the other week, I think they had it on two different evenings. Lots of different foods in buffet and main dining rooms eg;lamb,turkey,suckling pig,veal,beef,pasta's ,fish ect.

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.

Just off Splendia--no problems with taking mine through.

Hi Duncan,

like Jorrie just off Splendida today. We also had pre paid parking from MSC and went to dock gate 10 where the guy at the gate directed us to the first parking lot on the right hand side. My sister showed the printed slip from MSC and we were checked off on a computer link. Bags were then put into a van and we were directed to follow the red line over to the terminal. No car keys taken or mileage checked, so not sure why Jorrie's experience was different to ours. All very easy. Hope you enjoy your cruise--we had a fantastic time.

Really enjoying your review .Especially helpful are your postings of the spa and hairdressing prices. We sail Splendida next month.

Sailed on the Emerald Princess a few months ago and my sister paid $60 just to have her hair put up in a French pleat:eek:(no wash/blow dry). MSC prices seem much more reasonable.

Great photos.

Clarksfan,where are you? :confused:Please,come back! Your review has been so exciting and different from others,you had many grateful readers; I think none of us knows what happened with your missing post,so do not punish us and WRITE again!!!!

ditto

Hi,

you do not have to use your debit/credit card. Just go straight to passenger service desk and hand over your cash:).You will be able to start using your cruise card for purchases straight away. Next to passenger service desk. near entrance to casino is a cruise card machine where you can swipe your card and check your balance.

Hi,

you can put as much cash in as you like. I sailed Emerald in April and changed my pounds to dollars before I sailed-- as the exchange rate wasn't bad at the time.

You should factor into your budget things like spa packages speciality restaurants, drinks packages, shore excursions, make up ,handbags, perfume, cheap cigarettes ect. You can spend as little or as much as you like. Although I gave cash I also had my card as a backup (but didn't need to use it ). Also forgot to mention the aduld only serenity area which is more doller:):)s. Hope this helps.

Hi,

if anyone is interested ,I sailed Emerald Princess from UK in April. Smoking allowed in small corner of the disco on top deck. Smoking/Cigar Lounge and on one side of casino -side near cigar lounge--only if you playing machines, reinforced by casino staff.

Thanks Pete, Very pleased with the look of that cabin, almost cheered me up after watching Wales lose to Portugal!!

Brilliant thread Pete.

I was just about to ask if you have a photograph of a HC cabin,and Essiesmom has posted one!!:).

We have HC cabin deck 10 aft on Splendida so presuming its the same as pic above.

Thanks for your reply RudiRatlos. Hoping to find a hot tub that's not too crowded.

Hi all,

looking at the deck plans for Splendida I see there is the adults only Playa Del Sol pool area--is this similar to a sanctuary area on Princess ships, and do you have to buy a pass to use it. Also there is the Top 18 Exclusive Solarium----is this for YC members only.

Thanks.

Hi,

thanks for that. Not sure if we will be hungry after eating all those lovely courses for dinner, but nice to know that some food will be available....just in case ;).

Hi all,

just paid my balance today for my cruise on Splendida:):):).

We have early seating dinner so just wondering if slightly peckish later on in the evening, is there anywhere to get a late night snack.

Thanks in advance.

Going to have such fun trying out MSC's cocktails:)

.Looking forward to trying out their vodka martini's.

Hi,

yes agree the itinerary is not very exciting-have visited these ports lots of times ,but not much choice of 7 day trips from the UK.

I must say that Splendida looks a stunning ship-love the crystal staircase. Glad to see they have eggs benedict and salmon for breakfast and thanks for the tip about the coffee.

Free pour-----wonderful:):)

What s a French 75 and purple rain.

Hi all,

having recently sailed on Emerald Princess I have to say to me their cocktails lacked taste- or alcohol Their Pina Colada was like drinking liquid sugar:eek:.Good job I had a drinks package because I kept having to order different drinks, could only find one that I really liked which was a Rasberrytini. Would you say the cocktails on MSC are strong. Did sail Magnifica in 2014 but to be honest cant remember too much about the drinks. I seem to remember they did a nice Mohito in the sports bar.

Thanks.

Hi ,

thanks for your review.

I see you have won another trip on the Splendida--would that be from the uk's largest forum-If so you will be getting off when we are getting on.:)

We booked this cruise for a great price. Fantastica balcony and 24 hr drinks package, plus free parking at Southampton. Itinerary is not the most exciting but beats being at work!!

Have a great trip. Looking forward to seeing the photographs.

Hi,

booked to go on Spendida in September and would like to know what entertainment there is on the ship. I have been reading the latest Divinia review and that ship seems to have some really good acts. Wondering what kind of entertainment we will have sailing from UK--Hope its as good as Divina.

Cheers.

Hi all,

I have pre- purchased my coffee card for my cruise this coming Saturday ,now if I ask for a small cappuccino that's one punch from my card ok, but if I want a large cappuccino is that 2 punches and if I want an extra shot in small or large coffee will I be charged 1 dollar. :confused:

Hi,

this afternoon I pre purchased the 12 (500ml) water package for my cruise on the Emerald this Saturday. The cost was £4-49---cant believe how cheap this is. BTW service charge is included.

At the International Cafe you simply show your coffee card for free brewed coffee during the cruise where the coffee card is purchased.

 

Coffee from the buffet & dining room is made from coffee concentrate (from ground coffee on Regal & Royal) and is always free.

Sorted!! thanks for clearing up.