Just off the Splendor 11/1-11/9

[dvond]

We are 17 time cruisers and 8 with Carnival and just off the Splendor for the 1st time as a family of 4 and in a group of 12, and as any cruise is a good cruise and better than being at home there were a few issues;

 

Dining- The menu/food is the same as it has been for years, nothing outstanding but always had something to eat. The prime rib, crab cake, and crawfish lagostino's were the best things I ate. The worst was lasagna, lamb shank, and the shrimp seemed the same 4 different times and all filler, The melting cake had issues on many nights, basically chocolate soup. We had a table of 12, and our server was fine but slow, we ended up being last in the dining room every night. The lunch was the same as always but the burrito bar was by far the best item there and was very good. The new pizza was very thin but it it upscale frozen pizza like.

 

Service- It was solid, nothing stood out and room was a tad dirty but not awful overall, some nice workers on the ship

 

Entertainment- The staff were upbeat and friendly all week and did the best they could with the activities they were given, Malcolm the Cd was around and heard all week but the "Woo Hoo" got very tiring. Not enough to do on cold sea days, too much bingo, trivia, bean bag toss and same old line dances, a friend of ours had to show them some newer dances. The big screen was ok but most of the movies were dated and shown at odd times. And the same concerts were shown, Genesis, Carey and Beyonce, which got old. The highlight of the week was watching the football game outside in the sun by the pool on Sunday,one of the best activities of the week. We saw all the comedians many times and Malcolm, was great , Wiley and Acosta were very good but Katz was awful, time has passed him by. Wiley was a great guy socially outside as well and spoke to my 10 year old about comedy and gave him tips for 10 minutes.

The pool was also closed too much when the roof was up just nothing for kids to do as a few days with bad weather. They also cut back to 2 singers for the show we saw "The Beat" no need to see ti ever again, other shows were same old same old.

 

Camp Carnival- We have a 10 year old and 17 year old who have been on 14 and 15 cruises and knows all the camps very well. Our 10 year old gave it a 7/10 but his age was with the 6-8 in same room which became way too loud and many games were with too babyish, or too much free play, scavenger hunts and movie times. Only 2 late night parties, not enough special event after hours. The 15-17 year old club was a joke, no activities, barely open and no later night parties with dancing and music, the worst ever as per my child, thank god she had friends on this ship. It was a shame because it was a great room.

 

Ports-Florida, the weather was awful, tried to go to beach but had to come back early should have stayed on the ship. Nassau, we got within a few hundred yards but then they truned around and skipped the port. Two other ships were able to get in earlier and if they knew the wind and waves were tough, they should have gotten their earlier, very disappointing. We were going to stay on the ship in Freeport but since the 1st 2 were busts we went to Junkanoo beach and since it was a nice day it was ok, $7 per adult and kids free. The beach was nothing special but did the job and was much better than Port Lucaya.

 

Overall it was a good cruise, made better y our group but as for the cruise itself, it probably ranks around 13/17 we have been on as the ship is very clunky and has no flow to try and get to places, basically same setup as Victory with a few differences, no idea why they would do that 8 years after building that ship, just a bad design.

[mking8288]

Welcome home & didn't you folks ran into choppy seas coming back up? Thank you for sharing - it's always nice to learn something new & see how others feel.

 

Did you eat in the MDR for breakfast/brunch & is the comedy intro routine gone?

 

We didn't know what to make of Malcom, the CD & espeically his Woo Hoo - part of my childhood was the Bronx & I wasn't sure of one of his jokes about it during our sailing. Anyway, we don't sail or cruise b/c of who is the CD for the ship, etc. But, I tend to side with you on we felt (and, this is highly subjective, IMO) the ship of the Splendor class could & should have more activities - especially on Sea Days, besides hanging out at the "smallish" pools (not our thing) or doing karaoke or running a tab at the bars. Well, we're "grateful" for having CNN as one of the available in-room TV channel.

 

Big question is, would you sail her again - especially if the price is right and your calendar is good ??

[dvond]

We did have choppy seas the whole cruise, the brunch in MDR was comedy free and pretty good. The price and ports woudl have to be right but if was the same as the Pride, or NCL Gem, or RCL we would not, not impressed enough for close to even or more

 

 

 

Welcome home & didn't you folks ran into choppy seas coming back up? Thank you for sharing - it's always nice to learn something new & see how others feel.

 

Did you eat in the MDR for breakfast/brunch & is the comedy intro routine gone?

 

We didn't know what to make of Malcom, the CD & espeically his Woo Hoo - part of my childhood was the Bronx & I wasn't sure of one of his jokes about it during our sailing. Anyway, we don't sail or cruise b/c of who is the CD for the ship, etc. But, I tend to side with you on we felt (and, this is highly subjective, IMO) the ship of the Splendor class could & should have more activities - especially on Sea Days, besides hanging out at the "smallish" pools (not our thing) or doing karaoke or running a tab at the bars. Well, we're "grateful" for having CNN as one of the available in-room TV channel.

 

Big question is, would you sail her again - especially if the price is right and your calendar is good ??

[MsTabbyKats]

I appreciate your insights.

 

I have a cruise booked on the Splendor because the dates are perfect and the ports are OK.

 

However, on our last cruise, which was NCL Gem...the quality of just about everything was much better than that of our prior Miracle cruise.

 

DH doesn't even like cruising....he only goes because I like it. The Gem was the first cruise that he really enjoyed...based on entertainment and fruit. But, we both get bored on sea days. (Him more so than me....because I like to hang out in the casino.)

 

Is any part of the spa available...such as steam room or sauna...or is that just if you have a Spa Cabin or buy a pass?

 

I'm just not fully committed to taking this cruise yet....

[Lerin]

Interesting review. Sounds like you had a lousy time?

 

OK, could you expand on what went well? You didn't really mention anything positive in that quick complaint/reflection. There must have been something good since you didn't give it a 0/17. And why 17 points? Just curious, that's such an arbitrary number. It that 13th place out of 17 cruises? Which 4 were worse?

[KillaFee]

Thanks for your honest review! We'll be on the Splendor on the 25th and over Thanksgiving week. It was a bonus vacation for the two of us - we couldn't beat the price - under $1000 total for an outside room for the two of us so we figure that even if it's not the most amazing ship and itinerary ever (which we know it's not), it's probably better than working, cooking, and cleaning at home all week, haha.

 

Hopefully we'll have decent weather, but if not....did you happen to check out the spa or gym at all? We're thinking we might get the spa package so that if it IS inclement weather, at least we'll have something relaxing to do. Were they selling day passes, by any chance?

 

 

Thanks!

Laura

[dvond]

You have to buy a pass and we are not spa people especially at those prices. I would go again if cheap like the one we just got off which was less than $40 per day fro 4 people on a balcony

 

 

I appreciate your insights.

 

I have a cruise booked on the Splendor because the dates are perfect and the ports are OK.

 

However, on our last cruise, which was NCL Gem...the quality of just about everything was much better than that of our prior Miracle cruise.

 

DH doesn't even like cruising....he only goes because I like it. The Gem was the first cruise that he really enjoyed...based on entertainment and fruit. But, we both get bored on sea days. (Him more so than me....because I like to hang out in the casino.)

 

Is any part of the spa available...such as steam room or sauna...or is that just if you have a Spa Cabin or buy a pass?

 

I'm just not fully committed to taking this cruise yet....

[dvond]

They do sell passes but not our thing and I take the week off from the gym on vacation plus I had my son with me a bunch so not the place for him, a cheap ok cruise is always better than being home

 

 

 

Thanks for your honest review! We'll be on the Splendor on the 25th and over Thanksgiving week. It was a bonus vacation for the two of us - we couldn't beat the price - under $1000 total for an outside room for the two of us so we figure that even if it's not the most amazing ship and itinerary ever (which we know it's not), it's probably better than working, cooking, and cleaning at home all week, haha.

 

Hopefully we'll have decent weather, but if not....did you happen to check out the spa or gym at all? We're thinking we might get the spa package so that if it IS inclement weather, at least we'll have something relaxing to do. Were they selling day passes, by any chance?

 

 

Thanks!

Laura

[NYcruzzer]

Welcome home. When I sailed on the Splendor in May they still has the Sushi Bar. Has this been replaced with The Taste Bar ? I'm sailing on her again this January and am hoping The Taste Bar has been added.

[dvond]

No cruise is lousy at all, I originally ranked it 13th out of our 17, we had a bad one on NCL, had a cruise to nowhere which was better so maybe really 15th.

 

The positive is we were with a big group which was fun and being away and having our roomed cleaned and meals made for us is always a positive. 3 of the comedians were good which was a plus, the entertainment staff was solid, and seeing the football game on the big screen outside was fun as well but other than that nothing stood out at all.

 

 

Interesting review. Sounds like you had a lousy time?

 

OK, could you expand on what went well? You didn't really mention anything positive in that quick complaint/reflection. There must have been something good since you didn't give it a 0/17. And why 17 points? Just curious, that's such an arbitrary number. It that 13th place out of 17 cruises? Which 4 were worse?

[dvond]

Yes the taste bar was there, we stopped there before dinner the 4 nights it was open and some things were tasty, its a small plate on the way to dinner

 

 

Welcome home. When I sailed on the Splendor in May they still has the Sushi Bar. Has this been replaced with The Taste Bar ? I'm sailing on her again this January and am hoping The Taste Bar has been added.

[ja_martin]

Welcome home. When I sailed on the Splendor in May they still has the Sushi Bar. Has this been replaced with The Taste Bar ? I'm sailing on her again this January and am hoping The Taste Bar has been added.

 

I'm on The Splendor in December. Do they still have The Mongolian? It's the only food I care about on a Carnival cruise.

[NYcruzzer]

Yes the taste bar was there, we stopped there before dinner the 4 nights it was open and some things were tasty, its a small plate on the way to dinner

 

Thank you for the quick response. I am looking forward to trying a few of The Tastes $5.00 drink specials.

[dvond]

Also the band True Identity were great but they were stuck in the smokey casino with no real stage, dance floor and only way to watch them from sit on the side, just an awful setup, never got to play by the pool and if you did not time it right you could not hear them since they played 6-7 songs and then had a 30 minute break

 

 

 

Interesting review. Sounds like you had a lousy time?

 

OK, could you expand on what went well? You didn't really mention anything positive in that quick complaint/reflection. There must have been something good since you didn't give it a 0/17. And why 17 points? Just curious, that's such an arbitrary number. It that 13th place out of 17 cruises? Which 4 were worse?

[4merlurker]

Yes the taste bar was there, we stopped there before dinner the 4 nights it was open and some things were tasty, its a small plate on the way to dinner

 

So is the sushi bar gone? is the taste bar "in addition"? I'm confused. :confused:

[funfunfuncruzininthesun]

So is the sushi bar gone? is the taste bar "in addition"? I'm confused. :confused:

 

I am wondering the same? :confused:

[4merlurker]

I am wondering the same? :confused:

 

Looking forward to your review Fun!

[njcruiser52]

I am wondering the same? :confused:

 

Yes, the sushi bar is gone. The taste bar is open only on sea day evenings. You get a little cup of soup and a small appetizer.

Be prepared to wait for the Mongolian Wok. My wife had to wait for

40 minutes. In fact, be prepared to wait for pizza, burritos, omelets, a sandwich at the deli and for Indian food at Tandoor buffet. IMO

this ship has too many cabins for the ship accommodations.

[4merlurker]

Yes, the sushi bar is gone. The taste bar is open only on sea day evenings. You get a little cup of soup and a small appetizer.

Be prepared to wait for the Mongolian Wok. My wife had to wait for

40 minutes. In fact, be prepared to wait for pizza, burritos, omelets, a sandwich at the deli and for Indian food at Tandoor buffet. IMO

this ship has too many cabins for the ship accommodations.

 

You were on the splendor?

[mking8288]

Disclaimer - the following is mostly subjective opinions of ours:

 

Hmmm, the Mongolian Wok is definitely NOT worth a wait of more than 5 to 10 minutes (that is, a short & moving line - which it isn't, as it is "cook" to order.) The idea of picking & mixing your own choice of ingredients to stire fry is good but regardless of which of the 4 sauces you "pick" - they are all high in sodium (in plain language, too salty.)

 

The few times we had to wait for pizza, it moved quickly - no more than 5 minutes and we're off like rabbits.

 

Overall, upstairs at Lido - expect lines everywhere for food & at the beverage stations - including a slow moving one for cook-to-order omelettes, pass the bacon patrol checkpoint. :D

[blueshine]

Also the band True Identity were great but they were stuck in the smokey casino with no real stage, dance floor and only way to watch them from sit on the side, just an awful setup, never got to play by the pool and if you did not time it right you could not hear them since they played 6-7 songs and then had a 30 minute break

 

We really enjoyed True Identity as well and were lucky enough to see them play in the Robusto lounge as well as the casino. We only found it smoky in the actual casino, not the hallway where the band was playing. We also liked Fandango. They had a lot of energy.

 

"Yes, the sushi bar is gone. The taste bar is open only on sea day evenings. You get a little cup of soup and a small appetizer.

Be prepared to wait for the Mongolian Wok. My wife had to wait for

40 minutes. In fact, be prepared to wait for pizza, burritos, omelets, a sandwich at the deli and for Indian food at Tandoor buffet. IMO

this ship has too many cabins for the ship accommodations. "

 

I love the Mongolian Wok. I tried to go when it first opened or just before closing to avoid the lines. I do miss the Sushi bar, however my DH doesn't like sushi so he loved the Taste bar. As far as lines go, with over 2000 people on board there are clearly going to be lines. They changed up the room service menu a bit since our last cruise, but it still has a nice variety and we never waited long for delivery.

 

The activity schedule has definitely gotten shorter since last year. I cruise because I don't want the hectic, running, amusement park style vacation, and am perfectly content to amuse myself during the day, but I wish they had more going on in the evenings.

[dvond]

So is the sushi bar gone? is the taste bar "in addition"? I'm confused. :confused:

 

Sorry no Sushi Bar only Taste bar

[dvond]

All about timing on the lines, noonish was not bad at all but 2 pm was a madhouse

 

 

Disclaimer - the following is mostly subjective opinions of ours:

 

Hmmm, the Mongolian Wok is definitely NOT worth a wait of more than 5 to 10 minutes (that is, a short & moving line - which it isn't, as it is "cook" to order.) The idea of picking & mixing your own choice of ingredients to stire fry is good but regardless of which of the 4 sauces you "pick" - they are all high in sodium (in plain language, too salty.)

 

The few times we had to wait for pizza, it moved quickly - no more than 5 minutes and we're off like rabbits.

 

Overall, upstairs at Lido - expect lines everywhere for food & at the beverage stations - including a slow moving one for cook-to-order omelettes, pass the bacon patrol checkpoint. :D

[PAPERBKWRITER]

Thanks for your honest review! We'll be on the Splendor on the 25th and over Thanksgiving week. It was a bonus vacation for the two of us - we couldn't beat the price - under $1000 total for an outside room for the two of us so we figure that even if it's not the most amazing ship and itinerary ever (which we know it's not), it's probably better than working, cooking, and cleaning at home all week, haha.

 

Hopefully we'll have decent weather, but if not....did you happen to check out the spa or gym at all? We're thinking we might get the spa package so that if it IS inclement weather, at least we'll have something relaxing to do. Were they selling day passes, by any chance?

 

 

 

I was on the same cruise and found plenty to do. And the entertainment was much better than past Carnival cruises, especially VROOM. So take what you read here with a grain of salt. Everyone has different expectations and opinions. IMO the food was fine and the crew worked very hard to make the cruise as pleasant as possible. Its Carnival, not Cunard just keep that in mind.

[njcruiser52]

Thank you for the quick response. I am looking forward to trying a few of The Tastes $5.00 drink specials.

Drinks are not served at the Taste Bar and there are not any $5.00 drink specials anywhere on the Splendor.