Splendor Review 5/17-5/25/13

[pseudochicken]

Got off the ship about 3 hours ago and I will give you guys a review sometime later today. In the meantime feel free to ask any questions.

[freddymale]

I will be sailing on her in sept..

 

did you do atd and if so was there long waits?

what about lines at the buffet and grill?

 

is there enough seating in the buffet area, or is there some where else close out of the way that we can go to?

 

thanks all I can think of for now..lol

 

and I hope you had a great cruise, can't wait to read your review

[bridgetjonesni]

We're going on Splendor in December and this morning we watched you guys sail in on the NY Harbor Webcam. I don't have any questions but hope you had a good time and can't wait to read your review :)

[geocruiser]

How was the ride? Was it rocky at all?

[Mostradamus]

hi all. i also just got back from this cruise so i'm also open for questions. probably from a different point of few than most older, seasoned cruisers, but still answers nonetheless.:)

[TYSMOM]

I too was on this cruise, I am curious to see what my fellow cruisers have to say about this cruise, as I feel that it wasn't up to par with my previous Carnival Cruises...

[wmowan8485]

Can't wait for your review and pics..:D

[windsbud]

I'm sailing her in August so I am also looking forward to the review.

[pseudochicken]

As promised...

 

Embarkation: Drove to the pier as it was the easiest option. $35 a day for parking. Arrived around 12:30pm. Had to stand in a few lines and wait for a short while but we were boarded by 2:30pm.

 

Sail Away from NYC: Very memorable experience and we’ve always wanted to try this. Ship left an hour late, but we enjoyed great views of the lower west side of Manhattan (port side) and the Statue of Liberty (starboard side). We did this from all the way forward on deck 6 and 7 which is a really cool area. I also recommend all the way forward on deck 9 (right above the bridge) and deck 10. Very few people know about this and it’s generally a great place to take in the ocean, however it is pretty windy. We sailed passed the Verrazano Narrows Bridge within an hour and a half.

 

Dining: Ate at the Lido Buffet for a lunch and breakfast a few times. Lines were pretty long for the buffets. The food was so-so, but plenty of it. Had a few burritos which were OK. This line was actually quicker than the main buffet most of the time. By the end of the cruise we hardly ever ate at the Lido Buffet. We increasingly enjoyed a large breakfast in the Black Pearl, and got a grilled sandwich from the Deli (Lido deck aft) or pizza from the Grill (Lido midship) in the late afternoon. This seemed to be the best option to avoid wasting times in line. Breakfast in the Black Pearl (or brunch on sea days) was probably the best meal of the day. The mixed drinks were very good, but expensive. We had assigned seating for late dinner in the Gold Pearl. We were seated with elderly folks, who were nice, but it was a bit awkward with 3 brothers in their 20s. It’d been nice to be with people closer to our age but a minor point. The food here for dinner was hit-or-miss but overall was decent. Avoid the spaghetti carbonara and most steaks.

 

Service/Staff: To be blunt, the staff seemed to be drained and understaffed. They were mostly nice and as attentive as possible, but you could see the exhaustion in their forced smiles. We had ‘Wee Wee’ as our waitress and she was good. Kodek was our room steward and was excellent. Big Tex, the cruise director was corny, but not nearly as overbearing as other cruise directors. He did make several daily announcements, but they weren’t too intrusive in my opinion. I couldn’t understand a word the Maitre D was saying except for “Shoooooooowwww tiiiiiime.” Drink staff actually did not seem to be too pushy either, which was nice.

 

Ship: I’ve heard complaints about the layout of this ship, specifically decks 3 and 4 where the main dining rooms (Black and Gold Pearl). Simply, the galley separates them and you cannot traverse the entire deck on those levels. Keep that in mind and the ship is actually quite easy to navigate. Admittedly it is not the most intuitive ship I’ve been on, but most of my family knew the ship well by the end of the first sea day. The ship’s décor as my brothers described it was an Elton Jon "nightmare” or “[wonderful] dream” depending on how you look at it. Lots of pink but you do get used to it.

 

I will complain about the sheer volume of passengers on the ship. In a word: crowded. Based on the amenities of the ship, both interior and exterior, it feels as though there are 500 passengers too many. The main lobby and the interior spaces on deck 5 were packed each night, and the upper decks were crowded during the day while at sea. Free lounge chairs are hard to find at certain times despite the fact they choke most of the upper decks. Pools and hot tubs were often filled with people. This eased as the sea day progressed, and I might not have even considered the ship crowded had this been my first cruise. However, compared to other ships I have been on this ship felt crowded. Annoyingly, during the day at the main Lido pool there is constantly blaring music or a 2 star movie. I hardly ever stayed there as relaxing as the main Lido area looked because of the noise. The back pool area was only slightly better but just as loud with pop-music. The upper pool near the slide and Serenity area was at least quieter, so we often relaxed there during the day. Serenity was also nice but typically a bit crowded. My advice would be to find an area on deck 10 or 11 between the main pool and aft pool if you want a non-crowded area provided you can tolerate the engine exhaust noise. Bear in mind, the crowd issue is only on sea days. The outer decks on Deck 3 was also deserted if you want to be close to the sea with quiet.

 

This was the first time we had ever sailed in the open Atlantic, however even in the protected waters of the Bahamas we all noticed that the ship seemed to have a lot of movement and vibrations, particularly the aft. The ship generally seemed to feel the waves a lot for a ship her size, though I didn’t mind. In fact I liked it. I did see quite a bit of passengers with the nausea patches despite the mostly calm seas except the first and last day at sea.

 

Staterooms: My two brothers and I had an inside room on deck 8, near mid ship. Excellent location, but the room itself was tight for 3 adults. Our parents and other friends had balcony rooms which were much more spacious. I did not like the hinged balcony doors since so many people would accidentally slam them closed. Really loud.

 

Fellow cruise patrons: Met tons of people all of whom were very friendly. There was a large group of people that we termed the “Jersey Shore”. Very loud and obnoxious, but they were very nice individually despite their rowdiness. The make-up of the passengers was pretty well mixed from little kids all the way up to seniors with a slight edge to people in their 20s-30s.

 

Night Life: I didn’t attend any of the shows, but my perception was that they were hit or miss with Vroom being very good on the second to last night. Comedy club was crap when I went. Red Carpet dancing club was fun, thumpin’, and crowded on most nights. The casino was hopping, and there seemed to actually be quite a variety of live music through out the ship, despite what I had heard in other reviews. The rock band in the Robusto Bar on deck 4 was excellent.

 

Sea Days: As I said the first and last sea day had some rougher seas with slightly glum weather, but not bad really. The sea days that bookended the ports of call were lovely days (upper 70s-low 80s and sunny). The water-slide wasn’t working on the way out but was on the way back.

 

Ports of Call: On the way down we had to turn around two separate times for ill passengers. My brothers and I had the TV pretty much locked on channel 3 which gives information on ship bearing, speed, location and weather reports 24/7. We immediately knew each time the ship was redirecting. When we saw it the second time we knew Nassau and Grand Turk would be switched around. We never had been to any of these islands, and fortunately had sunny weather every port day.

 

Nassau was a “meh” port. Didn’t feel like paying for Atlantis. We walked westward (to the right) away from the pier to find a beach. Finally settled on Junkaroo beach after finding Sandor’s beach too deserted. Junkaroo had a lot of locals out for a holiday which was a cool experience and were nice. I am pretty sure we were the only tourists there.

 

Half Moon Cay was a beautiful island that I heard so much about. Pretty much as advertised with the annoying addition of the same loud base music found at the main Lido pool. Catering to the partying atmosphere started to get on our nerves here when you had paradise being swamped with pop music the entire time. We found a spot well away from the crowds and enjoyed a section of light blue water to ourselves. The food served was gone pretty early (before 2pm) so some of us missed that – a bit annoying.

 

Grand Turk is a pretty small island, and is technically the only tropical destination. Did the $30 snorkeling excursion at Governor’s beach. The beach was nice, serviceable equipment and the place had friendly staff. I had heard that the island shelf dubbed “the wall” – a 7000ft sea floor drop off – was not too distant from the shores there. My brothers, dad, and I swam out to the wall, dodging out-of-control boats from other random excursions. Well worth the swim but the boats careening around the place was a bit nerve racking. Really cool site to behold though, with about 40 foot of water suddenly dropping off into abyss. Got to see the Carnival Pride pull out from the shore real close which was also a site to behold. I'd only recommend the swim out to the wall if you are a very good swimmer. It has to be at least 500 feet from the beach to get there.

 

Debarkation: Did self-assist check out. Easiest check out we’ve ever done.

 

If I think of other things I will add them. Sorry the review turned into such a long one, things kept popping up in my mind. Overall the cruise was fine and I’d recommend it to someone willing to go on a modestly price cruise from NYC. To me, what makes a good cruise just like any vacation is the company you take along. I’m not sure I would ever sail this again just because I don’t like to repeat ships or itineraries, and the crowds were a bit much. I’d perhaps sail Carnival again on a less crowded ship class such as the Carnival Pride, which looked really nice.

[pseudochicken]

And just as a side note, I would definitely sail out of NYC again. So convenient and quite a spectacle.

[pseudochicken]

I will be sailing on her in sept..

 

did you do atd and if so was there long waits?

what about lines at the buffet and grill?

 

is there enough seating in the buffet area, or is there some where else close out of the way that we can go to?

 

thanks all I can think of for now..lol

 

and I hope you had a great cruise, can't wait to read your review

 

What is atd? Yeah lines were lengthy at both places. Seating wasn't as much of an issue if you looked hard enough; check the deck above the buffet or by the pools. Or above the pools on deck 10.

[TYSMOM]

I would agree with you about the number of passengers on this cruise. I mostly sail out of NY and this was by far the worst crowd (number of passengers and the attitudes of the passengers) I have ever seen. Lines for the buffet were unbelievably long- especially if you wanted to eat at Mongolian wok, the lines to eat in the Black Pearl for brunch were long as well. I had a issue with asking for a table for 2 during brunch and being seated with a table of 8 foreigners that didn't speak English every time we went in there, the last day I finally had to say something and was given an attitude because of my request. Comedy club- waited in line for 45 minutes to try to get into the late shows and were turned away due to full capacity, I mentioned that on previous cruises they clear the lounge for other passengers to see the show- I was told each ship has their own set of rules and this is how they do it on the Splendor. Well when you have people in there for all 3 shows, not leaving I think you need to re-think your process to allow other people in to see the shows. Although I never felt unsafe, I did feel as though security was at a minimum and younger kids and college kids were allowed to do as they pleased, act how they please with no concern for other passengers. HMC- what a mess with renting a clam shell, we waited on line to pay for our clam shell, while the majority of people were just taking them at their leisure, no enforcement of rules- why bother charging some of us when they will simply allow others to just take as they please. Disembarking from the ship was a nightmare, I am platinum and had zone 1 we didn't get off the ship until 9:45! Just crazy- I am not sure why all the issues with this cruise, I think that Carnival should have kept a Spirit class ship in NY... Just my opinion, I have been loyal to Carnival and over have had great experiences in the past- however I am now going to rethink my options with leaving out of NY...

[pseudochicken]

I would agree with you about the number of passengers on this cruise. I mostly sail out of NY and this was by far the worst crowd (number of passengers and the attitudes of the passengers) I have ever seen. Lines for the buffet were unbelievably long- especially if you wanted to eat at Mongolian wok, the lines to eat in the Black Pearl for brunch were long as well. I had a issue with asking for a table for 2 during brunch and being seated with a table of 8 foreigners that didn't speak English every time we went in there, the last day I finally had to say something and was given an attitude because of my request. Comedy club- waited in line for 45 minutes to try to get into the late shows and were turned away due to full capacity, I mentioned that on previous cruises they clear the lounge for other passengers to see the show- I was told each ship has their own set of rules and this is how they do it on the Splendor. Well when you have people in there for all 3 shows, not leaving I think you need to re-think your process to allow other people in to see the shows. Although I never felt unsafe, I did feel as though security was at a minimum and younger kids and college kids were allowed to do as they pleased, act how they please with no concern for other passengers. HMC- what a mess with renting a clam shell, we waited on line to pay for our clam shell, while the majority of people were just taking them at their leisure, no enforcement of rules- why bother charging some of us when they will simply allow others to just take as they please. Disembarking from the ship was a nightmare, I am platinum and had zone 1 we didn't get off the ship until 9:45! Just crazy- I am not sure why all the issues with this cruise, I think that Carnival should have kept a Spirit class ship in NY... Just my opinion, I have been loyal to Carnival and over have had great experiences in the past- however I am now going to rethink my options with leaving out of NY...

 

There were certainly issues, most of which I think have to do with the amount of passengers on the ship. We were definitely a disappointed initially but the trip improved as it progressed in my opinion.

[freddymale]

sorry atd = any time dinning..since you didn't do it I guess you cant comment on it

 

how was the pizza, I know it's always hit or miss

 

and I agree I love the spirit class ship (miracle)

 

great review, you answered alot of the questions i didn't even think about

[Cyber Kat]

Red Carpet dancing club was fun, thumpin’, and crowded on most nights. The casino was hopping, and there seemed to actually be quite a variety of live music through out the ship, despite what I had heard in other reviews. The rock band in the Robusto Bar on deck 4 was excellent.

 

Thanks for the review! Couple of questions ... Is there live music or a DJ in the Red Carpet and do you know the name of the band that played in the Robusto Bar - I was hoping there was a band there. Looks like a good place to hang out at night.

 

I heard that there is a band called True Identity that played in the casino - which I thought was an odd venue for a band. I also heard that they were good.

 

We really enjoyed the cover band Music Unlimited on the Miracle, but I heard they are not playing on the Splendor. If there is a band that's just as good - I'm fine with that!

[Maraprince]

Welcome back!

 

Leaving next Sunday and we will be visiting San Juan, St. Thomas and Grand Turk.

 

Sorry to hear that they do not empty Comedy Club between shows. Had this same problem on the Miracle last year. Missed several of the shows because I could not find a seat and I was not willing to stand up in the back of the room.

 

Could you be picked up on the upper level in a private car without having to cross the street with your luggage?

 

Was there a chocolate buffet?

 

Were there beach towels in the cabin or do you have to request them?

 

MARAPRINCE

[pseudochicken]

A few additional points.

 

Fruit: The fruit for the most part was seriously underwhelming. And they hardly had any berries of any sort. Very few strawberries, no raspberries or blueberries that I saw. The watermelon was bland. The grapefruit was OK. Hardly any grapes. The pineapple was OK.

 

Tender at Half Moon Cay: We left for the theater to wait our turn around 11AM were on our way by 11:15AM. On the way back the lines were monstrous and it started pouring. Took us well over 45 minutes in the rain to board. They seemed to be operating one less tender for the return trip. No idea why.

 

Thanks for the review! Couple of questions ... Is there live music or a DJ in the Red Carpet and do you know the name of the band that played in the Robusto Bar - I was hoping there was a band there. Looks like a good place to hang out at night.

 

I heard that there is a band called True Identity that played in the casino - which I thought was an odd venue for a band. I also heard that they were good.

 

We really enjoyed the cover band Music Unlimited on the Miracle, but I heard they are not playing on the Splendor. If there is a band that's just as good - I'm fine with that!

 

DJ in the Red Carpet. I do not know the name of the band. There was a man-woman duo that often sang in the lobby, the casino, or other places as you said. They were on every night somewhere. Then there was a traditional rock band with 4 people I think. Do not know their name but they were very good, but I only saw them play maybe two or three times and each time was in the Robusto Bar.

 

Welcome back!

 

Leaving next Sunday and we will be visiting San Juan, St. Thomas and Grand Turk.

 

Sorry to hear that they do not empty Comedy Club between shows. Had this same problem on the Miracle last year. Missed several of the shows because I could not find a seat and I was not willing to stand up in the back of the room.

 

Could you be picked up on the upper level in a private car without having to cross the street with your luggage?

 

Was there a chocolate buffet?

 

Were there beach towels in the cabin or do you have to request them?

 

MARAPRINCE

 

Don't know about being picked up in private car at the upper level or about the chocolate buffet. There was a large midnight Mexican buffet on one of the last nights.

 

You can request beach towels from your room steward or at one of two kiosks on the upper decks.

[Mostradamus]

We called the group you call the jersey shore as " the frat boys and co". Being as my boyfriend and I are the same age as them (around about) we were not impressed. Although I did speak to one of them, and I have to admit he was actually kind of nice.

[shof515]

is big tex still the cd or is it malcom? i am leaving sunday

[TYSMOM]

Tex, I don't think Malcolm is due back for at least another month..

[1stTimeRoyal]

The rock band in Robusto is True Identity. They play there 4 nights of the week, then 1 or 2 nights in the Casino, another night in the Cool Club. Also, after their set was done, they sometimes go to the Piano Bar to sing with Hailey. Hailey is very talented, but the Piano Bar never really got going, at least the nights I was there.

 

I thought the location of the night club was kind of weird. On the Spirit class, its hidden, and you have to walk down stairs to get to it. Here, its out in the open, and I don't know but I think it hurts the vibe.

 

Oh, one thing I forgot to mention, our group LOVED the brunch. Don't go for the comedy, they tell like 2 jokes, but the food is good. The french toast with frosted flakes is AMAZING...I know it sounds weird. Steak and eggs also good. I think there were long lines last 2 days after word got around how good it was.

[pseudochicken]

We called the group you call the jersey shore as " the frat boys and co". Being as my boyfriend and I are the same age as them (around about) we were not impressed. Although I did speak to one of them, and I have to admit he was actually kind of nice.

 

Yes, they were about my age I would guess as well. They had beer funnels and would "shotgun" beer right by the main Lido pool. As we mentioned the people were actually nice if you talked to them, just rude as group.

[pseudochicken]

The rock band in Robusto is True Identity. They play there 4 nights of the week, then 1 or 2 nights in the Casino, another night in the Cool Club. Also, after their set was done, they sometimes go to the Piano Bar to sing with Hailey. Hailey is very talented, but the Piano Bar never really got going, at least the nights I was there.

 

I thought the location of the night club was kind of weird. On the Spirit class, its hidden, and you have to walk down stairs to get to it. Here, its out in the open, and I don't know but I think it hurts the vibe.

 

Oh, one thing I forgot to mention, our group LOVED the brunch. Don't go for the comedy, they tell like 2 jokes, but the food is good. The french toast with frosted flakes is AMAZING...I know it sounds weird. Steak and eggs also good. I think there were long lines last 2 days after word got around how good it was.

 

Yeah the location of the night club is a bit odd. A few nights the Red Carpet was pretty quiet, but I assumed it was due to other things going on around the ship, like the big deck party, etc.

 

And I agree the brunch was good.

[sailfirst]

We were on the splendor in April and it was great there were 6 of us we had all great staff. Had Malcom who we are not a fan of but hardy saw him asked where he's been said he was busy! We usually do the spirit class so 1000 more people make a difference but not too bad. The shows were better than the smaller ships bigger productions and a lot of live music

[Sanz]

Welcome back!

 

We were on the same cruise.

 

 

"Could you be picked up on the upper level in a private car without having to cross the street with your luggage?"

 

I sent an e-mail to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal about being picked up and dropped off by car service. The response stated that we could be picked up by a black car on the second level of the terminal. We opted to park our own car. We arrived at 10:30 a.m. and saw people being picked up by private cars/car service on the second level, in front of the terminal (where you enter after being dropped off by private car/car service). If you are hiring a private car, ask them if they will pick you up on the second level, as this may be more time consuming. A private car service might request that you wait across the street.

 

"Was there a chocolate buffet?"

 

Yes, on the last sea day.

 

"Were there beach towels in the cabin or do you have to request them?"

 

Our steward did not replace them for use on the last sea day.