Review: Carnival Splendor 9/18-9/23

Good morning everyone, I just got back from the PINK Splendor. This review will be a mix of mine and my family's thoughts, concerns and compliments. No pictures (yet). We got FTTF, and the thalassotherapy pools/sauna couple pass.

We had 10 people, in three balcony rooms. All three were next to each other, with me in the middle. It had 2 60's year old (my mom, my MIL) and my two daughters in the first cabin (3 and a fresh 7). In my room was myself (33), my DH (33), my 14 month son and my BIL (27). Next door was my sister ( 38) and her DH (50). My mom has a lot of disabilities (Parkinson's and Polio) , and most of our concerns dealt with that.

Day 1) Going from OTP to Altanta airport. We live about 45 minutes from the ATL. Our plane was to leave at 0735 the morning of sailing. We had a little personal hiccups leaving and were a few minutes late. We parked at the Parking Spot (1), with our two cars (8 of us at this point). My mom brought her walker, her cane and a step-stool to help her get on and of the shuttles. No issues here, they were very nice. We did tip them well. We then get to the airport, and that is when choas started. I always plan our vacations, and organize everything. In the pass, I would stand at the front, and hold every ones passport or birth certificate, and boarding pass. TSA started yelling at me for this, and said it is not allowed. He even wanted my children to hold their own information (Not happening). He yelled that I cant bring baby food or bottles/cups with milk (not true). Previously, I contacted South West and requested a wheelchair for my mom. On prior trips, they always take the W/C, and we go with the agent as a family. They tried to separate us and my mom was freaking out (several anxiety). Then they wanted her to walk thru the scanner, with her arms up. Not happening. We finally got through, and barely made it to the gate for boarding. Since security took so long, we didnt get to eat. So I grabbed some pasties right next to our gate. This is our fault.

We then leave and land in FLL. The agent at that airport took my mom, and waited for us. She was wonderful, and took us all the way through baggage claims and even to the private shuttles area. I called J. R shuttles, and there was some communication issues there (mostly since it was so loud). Our driver was very pleasant, and told us all about FLL on our short trip. He even has his own step-stool for people that need some more help. But my sister and I handled my mom.

We got to Port Everglades, where we meet my BIL and MIL. At that time, they started to separate me from my mom and kids. My girls were NOT happy and my 3 year old started to cry. Some how our FTTF came up. Less confusion but still upset kids. We checked in, and waited. Since the FTTF area was full, we sat in the general area. At 1215ish, we started to board. At that time some one realized that we were a group, and let us go on together.

Our cabins were ready right away. 6-288, 6-292 and 6-298. Our SS cards were in the mail box. However,I didnt see our cabin steward for a long time. Maybe 2 hours? We dropped our carry ones off and got lunch and the drink of the day. Came back to our luggage being delivered. Started unpacking and went to explore. The ship was older with some wear and tear, but very clean. My DD's loved the pink and the lights everywhere! Dinner that night was wonderful, and our staff was amazing. My son passed out at dinner, and we went back to our cabin. My family went out, and I stayed in.

Day 2: Fun day at sea!

We had breakfast brunch, and I had the steak and eggs. Which was amazing. We went to the pools, and my girls had a blast. My 3 was too small for the slide, but my 7 year old loved it. They loved the splash park too! The staff was very nice everywhere we went. I did not see a lot of chair hoarding either. Lunch was good. The was a long line for the pizza and burrito bar, but it went fast. The girls then went to the Ocean Clubs. They were in separate rooms, but each had a blast. I was able to go to the Spa for a dip in the pool and then the saunas. OMG, it was fantastic! I could have moved in there for ever. My Dh loved the pool more than the sauna, but I felt they were amazing together.

Dinner that night was amazing. Than (spelling), was wonderful and our girls loved him. So much delicious foods, and I seriously could eat their ceaser salad every day. I am not a chocolate person, but the rest of my party got the melted chocolate cake. Again little man was exhausted, so I went back to our cabin. Every one else went out. This wasnt my choice my son's demands.

Nice start. Sounds like a rough experience with airport's TSA.

Will be following along.

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Day 3: Jamaica!

We had breakfast on the Black pearl, right as we pulled into Jamaica. After breakfast, we got ready for the beach!

We decided on Margaritaville, even though it is not the 'nicest' beach around. It was fun. We got 3 chairs and an umbrella. They brought my kids some sand toys. My girls loved the water, and my son loved the sand. We each had a margarita. We split a cheeseburger and fries, which was very good actually. The staff was very friendly, and worked hard for their tips and what not. However some of started smoking weed on the beach and that was our cue to leave. We did some shopping after it, got some nice Christmas ornaments.

We then went back to the ship, showered and dressed. At 430, the boat started to blast its horn, and they started to announce peoples names to confirm that they were on the boat. At 5pm, they announced that their system was down and had to verify people other ways. It was almost 6pm when we left Jamaica ! I had a facial once we got back. I have never had microdermabration before. I loved it. Dinner was incredible as always.

I was able to go back to the spa again

Day 4: Grand Cayman.

Ok, so little man was just not having it today. He fussed all night and through breakfast (Lido deck). Dh really wanted to do some shopping here. So I stayed behind with the kids and my mom. Little man just needed a long nap (3 hours). The girls went to the Ocean clubs, and my mom and I just relaxed on the balcony. Right at lunch time, my son woke up and I was headed to get the girls when my DH came back. We went to lunch, then to play in the pools. I was able to go to the Spa for the pool and sauna too. Still in heaven there.

Dinner was perfect. We had a blast with them. My dd love the dancing.

Day 5: Fun day at sea X2

Dh is an engineer since this was our anniversary, I surprised him with the Fun Behind the Scene tour. He came back with a giant grin. Best wife ever. He could not stop talking about this and that and stuff I didnt understand. He was happy, so I was too.

I then had a bamboo massage. Wow and ouch. That does not give at all. It will break down any knots. I love massages and love this one too. My MIL had one also, and said the same thing. She then had the tooth whitening thing. She was super pleased with her results. Lunch at the lido deck, some more pool times. We did some shopping on board, including the pictures. I got a Christmas ornament from the Splendor. Dinner was so good, and we had a blast. They sang happy anniversary to us. We all danced with the staff. So much fun!

I went to the spa for one last trip to the pool and sauna.

Day 6: Leaving!

Leaving so sad sad, but super easy. We had a later flight, so decided to eat at the Black pearl.

We made our way down to the holding area for W/C needs. We barely got their when they asked if we were ready to go. We went down as a family and customs were so nice. They laughed and joked with us.

I called J. R transport, and they were on their way. Then a fire truck came with lights going. The port stopped transporter from coming to the curbs for about 5-10 minutes. I have no idea why. Then our shuttle came, and took us to FLL. It was almost 10am at the point, but our plane didnt leave until 435 back to ATL. They usually dont let you check your back and check in until 4 hours prior to departure. However, since there was so many, they did allow certain flight to check in early. I think we stood outside for 1 hour waiting in that line.

Security pissed me off. Again, my mom was in a wheelchair. But they kept bringing people in between our family. At one point they had my two daughter walk through, then grabbed like 5 random people to go in front of me. I started to go around them and go through the detector. They started to stop me. I had to say " Not happening, those are my two girls there and I will be with them now". He started to yell that I cant decided when to go. A supervisor stepped in with in seconds and said to him "wait, you separated small children from their mother? " He was pulled aside and we were sent through.

We got to our gate, and found a spot. A few of us got hungry after a bit then went to get airport food.

It was a long four hour wait, but we were together. No issues there. The flight was fast and they even pulled my girls into the cockpit! They loved that.

We found our bags right away and went to the the shuttle area. They were lovely.

After a bit, we were back in our own cars and on the way home.

General issues and review: So my mom's neighbors decided that their balcony was a part spot. They had a radio and had it up high blasting it until 1 or 2 am, every night. They also smoked pot everyday several times a day.

It took several calls and days until security finally came up. After that, it was nice.

The food was amazing. My DH loved the burrito bar, and my sister loved the Mongolian walk. The spa was amazing. Our cabin steward was good, but not the best (Maybe a B+). Our dinner room staff was a A+. The pools were nice. The casino's were fun. They had two sides, some of smoky, and barely could breathe smoke. The Ocean club was great. The ship is older, but kept clean. I really enjoyed her.

I would give this cruise a A- rating. I would sail her again in a heart beat.

Thanks for the review. Do you know if they had big taco shell salads at the burrito bar? Thanks!

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Thanks for the review. Do you know if they had big taco shell salads at the burrito bar? Thanks!

 

 

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My DH and I are 99% sure that they did.

How nice it is to read a review which generally has a very positive note. Must say the accepting attitude to life of the OP contributed greatly.....son has an off day,....enjoy your balcony with your mum, don't see it as the end of the world!

So too bad TSA seems to have a lot of attitude....glad supervisor put at least one on the right track. You will always have great cruises I bet! Congrats.

Thank you for reviewing your cruise.

Appreciate the feedback.

Thanks for the review.

 

Day 1) . . My son passed out at dinner, and we went back to our cabin. My family went out, and I stayed in.

This alarmed me until I remembered that you're son is just a tot. Whew, not a medical emergency or a result of inebriation, just a normal reaction after an exciting and busy day.

Thank you for your review/trip report.

Keith

Thank you for the review. Sailing in Jan for a week so good to hear a lot of positive comments. Thanks.

I enjoyed your review and am glad you enjoyed your cruise.

Your airport experiences reminded me once again how lucky we are to be able to drive to the port.

Happy sailing.

Day 5: Fun day at sea X2

Dh is an engineer since this was our anniversary, I surprised him with the Fun Behind the Scene tour. He came back with a giant grin. Best wife ever. He could not stop talking about this and that and stuff I didnt understand. He was happy, so I was too.

I then had a bamboo massage. Wow and ouch. That does not give at all. It will break down any knots. I love massages and love this one too. My MIL had one also, and said the same thing. She then had the tooth whitening thing. She was super pleased with her results. Lunch at the lido deck, some more pool times. We did some shopping on board, including the pictures. I got a Christmas ornament from the Splendor. Dinner was so good, and we had a blast. They sang happy anniversary to us. We all danced with the staff. So much fun!

 

I went to the spa for one last trip to the pool and sauna.

How did you find out about the Fun Behind the Scene Tour??? My husband and daughter would love to do that. My daughter is a Ocean Engineering major and this would make her cruise!

You have to book the Fun Behind the Scene Tour at the excursion desk once on board the ship.... You can not purchase it before.... We are hoping to do it for our up coming cruise next week. It is our 5 year Anniversary and my husband really wants to do this tour....

Day 6: Leaving!

 

Leaving so sad sad, but super easy. We had a later flight, so decided to eat at the Black pearl.

 

 

 

We made our way down to the holding area for W/C needs. We barely got their when they asked if we were ready to go. We went down as a family and customs were so nice. They laughed and joked with us.

 

I called J. R transport, and they were on their way. Then a fire truck came with lights going. The port stopped transporter from coming to the curbs for about 5-10 minutes. I have no idea why. Then our shuttle came, and took us to FLL. It was almost 10am at the point, but our plane didnt leave until 435 back to ATL. They usually dont let you check your back and check in until 4 hours prior to departure. However, since there was so many, they did allow certain flight to check in early. I think we stood outside for 1 hour waiting in that line.

 

Security pissed me off. Again, my mom was in a wheelchair. But they kept bringing people in between our family. At one point they had my two daughter walk through, then grabbed like 5 random people to go in front of me. I started to go around them and go through the detector. They started to stop me. I had to say " Not happening, those are my two girls there and I will be with them now". He started to yell that I cant decided when to go. A supervisor stepped in with in seconds and said to him "wait, you separated small children from their mother? " He was pulled aside and we were sent through.

 

 

 

We got to our gate, and found a spot. A few of us got hungry after a bit then went to get airport food.

 

 

 

It was a long four hour wait, but we were together. No issues there. The flight was fast and they even pulled my girls into the cockpit! They loved that.

 

We found our bags right away and went to the the shuttle area. They were lovely.

 

After a bit, we were back in our own cars and on the way home.

I'm so glad the TSA supervisor stepped in and helped you! FLL has been the only airport I've encountered rude TSA agents, and it's been the last 3 times there.

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