Back from Carnival Splendor - Feb 21 - 28/10

[Baxter]

Just back from 7 days on the Carnival Splendor. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.

 

Overall, the cruise was fine. A tad chilly sailing from and back to Long Beach. But the days in port were beautiful.

 

I do think that casual elegant nights lean more towards the casual than the elegant. I did see a couple of tuxedos (literally 2). But the idea of having someone in a tuxedo seated next to a guy in a ball cap for dinner on those nights is not right, to me. I guess it is good that people can do what they want, but it no longer seems special.

 

Ask away...

[newbieMom]

Did they still do a Michael Jackson tribute thing?

[Great-Oz]

I was just on that same cruise.

 

I agree that the ports of call were beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed each of them.

 

I did not enjoy all of the movement on the ship, especially when we tilted at a 45 degree angle just past Cabo (listening to the liquor bottles at the bar fall and break and hearing about the table service in the dining room sliding off the table was amusing though). The cruise directors claim of high winds causing this tilt didn't really sit well with me. This ship makes this journey every week and should be prepared if high winds could be an issue (I can only assume that a weather report is provided to the captain/crew if storms, winds, or other weather could be an issue). It was obvious that none of the crew was prepared for "the tilt" as I like to call it. I knew it is a substantial tilt when the entire casino staff stopped in the middle of their games, looked out the window, and had to grab their tables to keep from falling over (and ALL of the casino staff stopped and looked, including the pit bosses). The little quarter pushing machines by the cashiers area really paid out well during this time.

 

Some people in our group had staterooms on Deck 1 and they told us that the water level was over their window when the ship tilted. I had to see how far up this was, so I checked where the windows were when we arrive a Puerta Vallarta. Those deck 1 windows are a LONG way up, so we must have been leaning over a pretty good ways .

 

Our wait staff in the dining room informed us that we were 1 degree away from being sent to the life boats

[phyzz]

OMG -- I would have had a heart attack . Was everyone freaking out ? how long did this last ?

[Baxter]

We were on deck 2 and my parents on deck 8. We slept through the whole thing. My mother was up on the Lido deck and said it was quite the event.

[cruise52]

We were on deck 2 and my parents on deck 8. We slept through the whole thing. My mother was up on the Lido deck and said it was quite the event.

 

What day & time did this occur? Was this before or after the Earthquake in Chile? I am surprised that there has not been more discussion about this or that it was posted on the "Events at Sea" forum on Cruise Junkie. We are leaving on the Splendor 3/21 so this news makes me a tad nervous. This reminds me of the Crown Princess a few years ago. Very Scary.

[Crystalbast]

It was on Tuesday afternoon. Half of the water in the pool came out. Before it was over, the entire Lido Deck was wet. There was a definite tilt to the ship for a little while. I had a portside Deck 2 cabin and some of my drawers came sliding out.

[khop]

I booked Splendor in October out of LA. What were the highlights of the ship? I have only been on one cruise and the rest of our group (of about 10) are all first time cruisers.

 

I am also trying to plan what to do in the ports. Did you do anything special? Hear of anything that sounded worth doing?

 

Im sure I have lots more questions...I just can't think of them :)

[misterjohnny]

IThe little quarter pushing machines by the cashiers area really paid out well during this time.

 

I'm going to have to remember this one!

Some people in our group had staterooms on Deck 1 and they told us that the water level was over their window when the ship tilted. I had to see how far up this was, so I checked where the windows were when we arrive a Puerta Vallarta. Those deck 1 windows are a LONG way up, so we must have been leaning over a pretty good ways .

 

I've got a 1st deck cabin. That would be really cool/scary to see!

[lovepea]

I'd love to hear what you thought of the entertainment on the ship. What types of activities did you join in on? Did you attend any shows?

[Baxter]

Did they still do a Michael Jackson tribute thing?

 

Several. Hour in the bar where they play videos. The movie on the big screen.

[Baxter]

I am probably less helpful than others -- I was travelling with a 3 year old. The entertainment, in my opinion, was passable. The production-style shows were not great...low-end cruise ship quality, in my opinion. The usual shenanigans by the pool. The bands were fine.

 

Our "excursions" were self-directed. In PV, we bought a day pass at the Los Palmos for $40...took the local bus there. In Mazatlan, we took the water taxi (really, a smallish fishing boat) to Stone Island and spent the day on the beach. In Cabo, we took the water taxi to Modano Beach (spelling might be slightly off). Great for young kids...I would do these again in a heartbeat!

[missmandygirl]

We are booked on the Splendor in March for Spring Break and from some of the reviews I have reading, they said that debarkation is really bad. Some missed their flights because they couldn't get off the ship, did you experience any problem or hear of anyone else that did? Since the cruise gets back on Sunday, I really need to get my boys back to school the next day, so missing our flights wouldn't be any fun.

[gargoyle999]

How was embarkation and seating on the Lido during lunch?

 

Did they have a late night bistro (grill type food) on the Splendor?

[jpbullfrog]

How was embarkation and seating on the Lido during lunch?

 

Did they have a late night bistro (grill type food) on the Splendor?

 

Embarkation when I was on in Sept of '09 wasn't too much of a problem. I would say about 20-25 minutes from entering the building to boarding the ship. The Lido was PACKED because the rooms weren't available yet, however I went back up to the Lido after rooms were available and it was quiet (around 1:30). The grill food consist of the traditional 24 hr pizza, calzones and salad and hamburgers/hotdogs.

[Scorpion-Mai-Tai]

Thanks for the info! Our group is booked for the July 18-25, 2010 cruise and we were just discussing having to purchase some new clothing. I am not a suit guy anymore but instead wear slacks with a nice camp shirt to most nice events. This is the type that Charlie Sheen wears on his show Two and a half men. I do have a suit jacket still that might fit, I have to check on that. I was thinking of buying a new jacket but I would only wear it for the cruise or maybe a wedding. For casual nights I should fit right in, maybe a little dressier than others in jeans or shorts. For Elegant dress nights I am not to sure. I really do not like nor respect those who would wear a baseball cap during these nights. That is just to tacky or ghettofabulous what my kids might say! Are you serious that people on this cruise during elegant dress were just street casual? Hard to believe. If so I can't believe they were not told something. When we cruised Carnival in 1994, everyone dressed in jackets and tuxes. Anyone out there who works for Carnival, please give some more input on this matter?

Thanks

[Baxter]

We are booked on the Splendor in March for Spring Break and from some of the reviews I have reading, they said that debarkation is really bad. Some missed their flights because they couldn't get off the ship, did you experience any problem or hear of anyone else that did? Since the cruise gets back on Sunday, I really need to get my boys back to school the next day, so missing our flights wouldn't be any fun.

 

No issues for us. Based on our tag, we were to be called ay 10:15. We were off the ship by 10am. If you can, do the self-assist disembarkation...drag your bags off with you. That was set to begin around 8:15am.

[Baxter]

How was embarkation and seating on the Lido during lunch?

 

Did they have a late night bistro (grill type food) on the Splendor?

 

We were there by 11am due to an early flight and a Carnival transfer. We were embarkation group 4, and were on the ship around 12:30. Seating wasn't bad...I was worried it would be horrible. No issue finding a seat.

 

In addition, to what was reported, the sandwich (hot and cold) station was also open until 11pm, I believe.

[Baxter]

Thanks for the info! Our group is booked for the July 18-25, 2010 cruise and we were just discussing having to purchase some new clothing. I am not a suit guy anymore but instead wear slacks with a nice camp shirt to most nice events. This is the type that Charlie Sheen wears on his show Two and a half men. I do have a suit jacket still that might fit, I have to check on that. I was thinking of buying a new jacket but I would only wear it for the cruise or maybe a wedding. For casual nights I should fit right in, maybe a little dressier than others in jeans or shorts. For Elegant dress nights I am not to sure. I really do not like nor respect those who would wear a baseball cap during these nights. That is just to tacky or ghettofabulous what my kids might say! Are you serious that people on this cruise during elegant dress were just street casual? Hard to believe. If so I can't believe they were not told something. When we cruised Carnival in 1994, everyone dressed in jackets and tuxes. Anyone out there who works for Carnival, please give some more input on this matter?

Thanks

 

The Capers spelled out what couldn't be worn on the casual elegant night...basic swim wear type stuff, and I believe it said no jeans (I will double check that later). Saw LOTS of jeans in the dining room on those nights.

 

At the end of the cruise, my father concluded he would no longer bring a suit with him on Carnival cruises. He was not one of those who dragged it along begrugingly, but after looking around the room and what others were wearing, he didn't see the point.

[mom22tinks]

The Capers spelled out what couldn't be worn on the casual elegant night...basic swim wear type stuff, and I believe it said no jeans (I will double check that later). Saw LOTS of jeans in the dining room on those nights.

 

At the end of the cruise, my father concluded he would no longer bring a suit with him on Carnival cruises. He was not one of those who dragged it along begrugingly, but after looking around the room and what others were wearing, he didn't see the point.

 

Oh, that is a big bummer! Part of the thing I like about cruising is having the chance to dress up. Being a SAHM I don't have many chances to get out and dress up. Thanks for letting us know. I don't think I'll even bother bringing my dressy dress or my DH's suit.

[Baxter]

Oh, that is a big bummer! Part of the thing I like about cruising is having the chance to dress up. Being a SAHM I don't have many chances to get out and dress up. Thanks for letting us know. I don't think I'll even bother bringing my dressy dress or my DH's suit.

 

If you enjoy it, I think you should take it and wear it. I'm with you -- I don't get many chances to get dressed up. My 3 year old told me I looked like a Princess...that was worth bringing it for. As our kids get older, I look forward to dressing them to the 'nines and having portraits taken. Just don't get hung up on others' interpretations of what casual elegant means. That's the part I have to work on :)

[cruise52]

The Capers spelled out what couldn't be worn on the casual elegant night...basic swim wear type stuff, and I believe it said no jeans (I will double check that later). Saw LOTS of jeans in the dining room on those nights.

 

At the end of the cruise, my father concluded he would no longer bring a suit with him on Carnival cruises. He was not one of those who dragged it along begrugingly, but after looking around the room and what others were wearing, he didn't see the point.

 

I have seen two posts discuss "casual elegant" night. Is this actually referring to "Cruise Elegant" night or something else?

[luv2cruise777l]

I am probably less helpful than others -- I was travelling with a 3 year old. The entertainment, in my opinion, was passable. The production-style shows were not great...low-end cruise ship quality, in my opinion. The usual shenanigans by the pool. The bands were fine.

 

Our "excursions" were self-directed. In PV, we bought a day pass at the Los Palmos for $40...took the local bus there. In Mazatlan, we took the water taxi (really, a smallish fishing boat) to Stone Island and spent the day on the beach. In Cabo, we took the water taxi to Modano Beach (spelling might be slightly off). Great for young kids...I would do these again in a heartbeat!

 

Can you tell me more about Las Palmos you visited in PV. What is included in the day pass cost of $40.00 and how far was it from the cruise port? I don't see much talk about this resort, how did find out about it?

 

Thanks in advance!:)

[Baxter]

Can you tell me more about Las Palmos you visited in PV. What is included in the day pass cost of $40.00 and how far was it from the cruise port? I don't see much talk about this resort, how did find out about it?

 

Thanks in advance!:)

 

We went solely because my brother was staying there when we were in PV. It was about a 7 minute bus ride from the cruise port. The resort itself is nothing special -- probably a solid 3.5 stars. But the pool was excellent (since we had little ones), the bar service was good, and they had a little beach area with nice sunning beds and chairs. The food was edible. We are snobs and generally only stay at 5 star resorts when we travel...I wouldn't stay there for a week, but would probably go back and use the facilities for the day.

 

The cost included run of the resort, beverages (alcoholic and non) and lunch. The pass "expired" at 6pm.

[Baxter]

I have seen two posts discuss "casual elegant" night. Is this actually referring to "Cruise Elegant" night or something else?

 

My apologies...I checked the Caper and you're right.

 

It states "The dress code for tonight is "Cruise Elegant". No tank tops or beach wear please".