Photo Blog - Ben the Bendy Man's Splendid Splendor Adventure, July 3rd, 2014

[Nalagh]

I really enjoyed the sandwich station, NCL could learn a lesson here!:p

[$hip$hape]

Enjoying the review and photos!!!!:)

 

I Agree !

I read and enjoy all of Kyle and Ben's threads,

even the "All-Inclusive Ultimate Q & A Everything You Wanted to Know But Afraid to Ask Where It Went" Thread.:rolleyes:

(Ooops!):o

[kylenyc]

I Agree !

I read and enjoy all of Kyle and Ben's threads,

even the "All-Inclusive Ultimate Q & A Everything You Wanted to Know But Afraid to Ask Where It Went" Thread.:rolleyes:

(Ooops!):o

Thread? What all-inclusive thread? ::sighs:: :(

 

P.S. Thanks $hip$hape.

Edited July 31, 2014 by kylenyc

[Cyber Kat]

First time in forever I haven't had another cruise already booked when I got off a ship. :( I have been VERY SPOILED, but maybe things will change soon. Waiting for CCL to put another ship in Manhattan. We live 20 minutes from the port so we sail exclusively from there and bummed they will not have a ship there for a while. :mad:Surely will miss the turkey wraps at the deli and the mac and cheese from the rotisserie! And I LOVE the potato salad from the Grill too! :p (and just about everything else lol)

 

Steak house meals are fabulous! Come join us on Sept 1 on the Splendor to Canada!

[swim25]

Hey Ben is this all of the review? How was your day in Bermuda? Get your assistant Kyle to post some more.

[kylenyc]

Sorry for the long hiatus from this review. I hope you've all been enjoying the summer weekends! Ben's been galavanting around Coney Island and Atlantic City, and just this week booked another 4-Day mini-cruise on Splendor to St. John, Canada for the Labor Day Weekend ::grins::. Would it be too much to ask Carnival and Mother Nature to push us to Bermuda again? Needless to say Ben enjoyed this Splendor mini-cruise and can't wait for the next Labor Day Weekend getaway.

 

And without further adieu... Ben smacks his typist on the back of his head "Finish this blog already!"

 

Friday afternoon, July 4th, 2014

Some brief exploring, and planning, and scheming oh my!

 

After his yummy lunch at the Splendor Deli, Ben and his entourage strolled around the ship and already started planning for a Sailaway Cocktail Party he wanted to host with Cherie, Peggy & George for all his new Cruise Critic friends. Ben browsed the wine package while Cherie spoke with the cashier in the Candy Shop. After a lengthy conversation Cherie walked away rather more than a little irritated. Ironically, planning a party and spending money on board was going to be surprising and frustratingly difficult.

 

Note: Most passengers will never experience the frustrations we faced trying to plan a party. However, passengers may have faced a common theme that we encountered - Senior staff/officers were unwilling to speak to us directly to answer questions, help plan our party, or listen issues/complaints. We had specific questions that the helpful crew we're not equipped to answer, and when we attempted to raise the issues with management, they flat out refused or didn't get back to us. While most every crew member through the cruise were helpful, the senior staff seemed completely disconnected from our needs and concerns. Their procedures are rigid and fixed and clearly consists of direct passenger questions/issues/complaints to Guest Services to be entered into their computer system. Ben would also run into a similar problem on "Elegant Night". John Heald is aware of the issues that Ben's encountered and hopefully will pass his feedback to Carnival.

 

Ben had a wonderful time aboard Splendor in many respects but planning a party and dealing with the brick wall of Guest Services and was not some of them. The Food/Beverage Directors he ran into were like robots "Go to Guest Services". Never did he encounter a manager who was willing to even spend a moment to listen and attempt to help us directly. Officers such as the Hotel Director were unreachable and refused to speak with us nor attempted to contact us until it was very too late into the planning (we pretty much given up by then). They did eventually respond to our complaints the night before the party and tried to make things right, but it would have been far easier and less frustrating had they spent a few moments to listen us help make things happen.

 

More later on how Carnival surprised and tried to make it up to us.

 

Lido Deck Pool

 

George stares down the dizzying view to the Atrium below

 

 

Atrium glass elevators - Yikes! It's a long pink way down.

Edited August 17, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Friday afternoon, July 4th, 2014

Slot Pull and "Revenge is a dish best served green"

 

Ben retreated to his cabin to prepare for the Slot Pull he was organizing while Cherie, Peggy & George returned to their suite. Cherie is a big Philadelphia Eagles fan and had played an April Fools joke on our innocent naive easily fooled flexible friend. So when she mentioned something about taking a quick shower, our ingenious imp immediately spun his two months long revenge back into motion...

 

Picking up some supplies he had kept carefully hidden out of sight from his friends throughout the trip, he knocked on their cabin door under the guise of a casual visit. When Cherie finally stepped into the shower after an agonizingly long wait, Ben pulled out his bag of New York Jets paraphernalia (strategically chosen for its matching green) that he had carefully hidden beneath a clipboard and sign-in sheet.

 

Ben wasn't sure his Philly friends Peggy & George would go along with the gag but Georgeleaped at the chance to contribute to prank, helping him string up pendants and suggesting Ben intermingle some of the matching green Jets pendants stealthily among the Eagles emblems. After finishing by draping a big Jets blanket over Cherie's bed, our chuckling champion of cheer made a swift exit down to safety casino to start the Slot Pull and hopefully seek safety in numbers among his new friends.

 

Cherie's view when she steps out of the shower. Danger Eagles Fans! You're now in Jets Country!

 

What a comfy fleece blanket!

 

Will she be too distracted notice the new additions? Yup and doesn't notice it the longest time. ::chuckles::

 

Ben's typist focuses on the Slot Pull ignoring the commotion behind him. Something about "Who defiled my suite with Jets <expletive>"

 

Ben's new fiends at the Slot Pull

 

Mike is the big winner of the side jackpot. Congrats!

Edited August 17, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Friday evening, July 4th, 2014

Pinnacle Steakhouse, Part II

 

Ben was relieved he wasn't thrown overboard by any crazed Eagles fanatics. And so after smoothing over relations with one in particular, they all decided to again dine the Pinnacle Steakhouse. We were treated to a seat by the window where we tested the patience of dear Marina (Restaurant Manager) and her entire staff. It was "Elegant Night" and Ben's manservant was wearing jeans and was surprised and mortified when politely told to leave and go change. Fortunately, after a long and unsuccessful search, and smacking his butler a few times for not packing any slacks, he spoke with Marina who, after calling her own manager for permission, discreetly ushered him through a side door and seated him at the table, jeans under the tablecloth hidden from view.

 

Dinner was full of yet more distractions as Cherie unsuccessfully continued attempting to plan the cocktail party and waiting for a promised call from a manager that never came. The poor staff managed to finally take our orders and serve us. We were disappointed that tonight's amuse bouche was not the mini hamburger slider from the night before but what he had was definitely delicate and delightful. Cherie ordered the Surf & Turf and was rather shocked by the oddly shaped dark brown lump (filet trimmings?) sitting next to what looked like half a lobster tail. This was far from the steakhouse' best work. Obvious tip which begs repeating here... Avoid the "Surf & Turf" entree and make your own by ordering The Broiled Lobster Tail entree and a Spice Rubbed Ribeye and sharing.

 

A different amuse bouche tonight - Compliments of the chef.

 

Shrimp cocktail. Yum!

 

A disappointing Surf and Turf(d)? The lobster was edible but the brown lump was not and a far cry from the fantastic ribeye.

[SMSACE6]

YaY. Glad you are back with another installment of your very entertaining and enjoyable review!:)

[kylenyc]

YaY. Glad you are back with another installment of your very entertaining and enjoyable review!:)

Thanks! I'm happy and relieved I didn't lose everyone :o

 

Steak house meals are fabulous! Come join us on Sept 1 on the Splendor to Canada!

Wish I could Kat but instead booked the Aug 28 to Sept 1 over the holiday weekend. I can't fit in a midweek getaway. Bon voyage! (Another East Coast resident discount and no solo passenger surcharge surfaced again Woohoo!)

 

Enjoying the review and photos!!!!:)

Thank you!

 

Hey Ben is this all of the review? How was your day in Bermuda? Get your assistant Kyle to post some more.

Bermuda coming up!

Edited August 17, 2014 by kylenyc

[Eng23]

Thanks for the review. I sail the Splendor twice next year. I shall continue to follow along here! Thanks again!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Nalagh]

Ben, your pictures are awesome except the ones that prove a defiled suite! :p

The surf and turf still makes me laugh....:)

[Cyber Kat]

Sorry for the long hiatus from this review. I hope you've all been enjoying the summer weekends! Ben's been galavanting around Coney Island and Atlantic City, and just this week booked another 4-Day mini-cruise on Splendor to St. John, Canada for the Labor Day Weekend ::grins::. Would it be too much to ask Carnival and Mother Nature to push us to Bermuda again? Needless to say Ben enjoyed this Splendor mini-cruise and can't wait for the next Labor Day Weekend getaway.

 

We're on this Splendor 9/1 Labor Day cruise! Looking forward to seeing you and your typist around the ship! I wouldn't complain about a trip to Bermuda either :)

[shaharis1701]

Loving the review! Keep it coming!! :D

[kylenyc]

Thanks for the review. I sail the Splendor twice next year. I shall continue to follow along here! Thanks again!

Awesome! Bon voyage!

 

Ben, your pictures are awesome except the ones that prove a defiled suite! :p The surf and turf still makes me laugh....:)

:p

 

We're on this Splendor 9/1 Labor Day cruise! Looking forward to seeing you and your typist around the ship! I wouldn't complain about a trip to Bermuda either :)

Oh sorry Kat. I'm on the Aug 28 one. Bon voyage though!

 

Loving the review! Keep it coming!! :D

Thanks! :)

[Cyber Kat]

 

Oh sorry Kat. I'm on the Aug 28 one. Bon voyage though!

 

 

LOL - I think those of us on the Sept 1 sailing are going to have a mostly empty ship. I know more people going before or after!

[kylenyc]

Saturday morning, July 5th, 2014

So long Arthur, and thanks for the Bermuda-ful day

 

Ben woke up the next morning anxious to see what the weather was like, still nervous and wondering how are Arthur's reach was. He was instead greeted by a near picture perfect day - cloudy but with the sun peeking through clear blue skies.

 

 

 

 

Edited August 19, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Saturday morning, July 5th, 2014

So long Arthur, and thanks for the Bermuda-ful day (Continued)

 

This was Ben's fifth cruise to Bermuda and our exuberantly elastic explorer wanted to finally explore the Dockyard a mere short walking distance from the ship but never got around to it. After having made his personal paparazzi take extensive photos and blog about his last to trips to Bermuda, he decided to give his help a break. So they stayed on board enjoying the gorgeous view just simply being thrilled to be in Bermuda thanks to Carnival and Ben's new best buddy "Arthur".

 

Here are some pictures courtesy of Peggy & George (peg01), after which are some picture of Ben's past visits and some of the many lovely things you can do on this Bermuda-ful island.

 

 

 

 

 

[kylenyc]

Things to do (Flashback - Bermuda September 2012)

 

Bermuda is one of Ben's favorite islands with beautiful free public beaches, pink coral sand and no irritating vendors hawking their wares repeatedly unlike other islands, and an excellent public transit system of ferries and buses that takes you to many of Bermuda's tourist attractions.

 

In 2012, Ben decided on walking tour consisting of a taking the shuttle bus from King's Square to Fort. St. Catherine, then walking to Tobacco Bay, the Unfinished Church, Somers Garden & Moongate, St. Peter's Church, and return to the square.

 

Tips:

• Affordable bus/ferry passes and tokens are sold in the tourist information center immediately upon leaving the ship and at kiosks on the walk into the Royal Naval Dockyard.

 

Bermuda public transportation fares

Bus (Adult/Child)

Tokens $2.50/$2.50 -- Cash $3.00/$2.50 (Exactly change, coins only)

 

Ferry

Adult $4.50 -- Child $2.50

 

All Day Bus Ferry Transportation Pass

Adult 1/2/3 Day Pass $15.00/$25.00/$35.00

Child 1/2/3 Day Pass $7.50/$12.50/$28.00

 

Bus map, schedule and fares

http://www.gov.bm/portal/server.pt?o...ode=2&userID=2

 

Summer Ferry map, schedule and fares

http://www.seaexpress.bm/Documents/F...ule%202014.pdf

 

Ferries take you to the historic town of St. George and Hamilton for shopping.

 

Greeted by a Town Crier of St. George - They'll be a ducking (dunking) of the town gossip in King's Square at noon

 

Shuttle bus from King's Square to Fort St. Catherine.

 

Exploring the bowels of Fort St. Catherine. Very interesting!

 

Loading cannon shells.

 

Ben always wanted to try this!

Edited August 19, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

Things to do (Flashback - Bermuda September 2012)

 

Tobacco Bay (Beach and concession stand not pictured)

 

Unfinished Church

 

Somers Garden and Moongate

 

Tips:

•This summer, Bermuda started a private mini-bus shuttle service from the Royal Naval Dockyard to their most popular beach at Horseshoe Bay. Bermuda Transportation used to run extra public buses. Not only is the private shuttle service more expensive, it's rumored to that now neither private or public service to Horseshoe Bay is running efficiently. Hopefully things will improve.

 

Exploring the beaches and coves between Horseshoe Bay and Warwick Long Bay

 

 

Ben promises to give his butler a raise.

[kylenyc]

Things to do (Flashback - Bermuda September 2013)

 

Here are some pictures of the many beaches and coves between Horseshoe Bay and Warwick Long Bay. Horseshoe Bay beach may be reached by public bus or private shuttle mini-bus (see previous posts), and of course taxi, ship excursion/transfer service, and private tour.

 

Horseshoe Bay is the most popular beach. People tend to gather closest to the concession stand where you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. However, the crowds quickly thin out after a short walk east along the beach. Continue on the main path and you reach peaceful coves with few and sometimes no people.

 

...And NO vendors walking up and down the beach hawking drinks and souvenirs. Tranquility is just a short stroll down the beach away from the crowds.

 

Horseshoe Bay Beach

 

Crowds quickly thin out as you walk further away from the concession stand

 

Even fewer people the next beach/cove over

 

 

 

Edited August 19, 2014 by kylenyc

[SMSACE6]

Loving!!!!! these photos of Bermuda. I have been twice on land vacations, but not yet on a cruise. Bermuda is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable places I have ever been. I do hope to get there on a cruise some day!:)

Edited August 19, 2014 by SMSACE6

[kylenyc]

Things to do (Flashback - Bermuda September 2013)

 

Ben can't leave the island without a few more quintissential experiences such as enjoying a Dark N Stormy and Bermuda Fish Chowder at one of the many pub restaurants at the dockyard or in the towns of St. George and Hamilton. You can even make your own Dark N Stormy by purchasing a mini-bottle of Gosling's Black Seal Rum (The Dark) and a can of Bermuda's very own Barritts Ginger Beer (The Stormy).

 

Just be careful and drink responsibly (and tip your butlers) or you may end up locked up in King's Square.

 

Fish chowder and a DIY Dark N Stormy. Deeeeeeeeelish!

 

Yummy and packs a wallop!

 

King's Square Stockades

 

Waking up in a daze. Oh yeah... That raise he promised his butler?

 

Next up:

Anytime time dining, boleros, and dancing waiters... Oh my!

Edited August 19, 2014 by kylenyc

[kylenyc]

LOL - I think those of us on the Sept 1 sailing are going to have a mostly empty ship. I know more people going before or after!

Yeah, I just can't spring any more vacation days so these holiday weekend mini-cruises fit nicely.

 

Loving!!!!! these photos of Bermuda. I have been twice on land vacations, but not yet on a cruise. Bermuda is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable places I have ever been. I do hope to get there on a cruise some day!:)

Thanks! I can't wait to return too!

Edited August 19, 2014 by kylenyc

[Cyber Kat]

Yeah, I just can't spring any more vacation days so these holiday weekend mini-cruises fit nicely.

 

 

Thanks! I can't wait to return too!

 

I didn't have many days left either because we went to Bermuda (intentionally :) ) in July for 11 days. We LOVE Bermuda!

 

I wanted to go on a cruise too and I saw the Sept 1 cruise leaves on Labor Day and comes back on Sat so I only needed 4 vacation days. Worked out perfect! Looking forward to Canada, but I wouldn't complain about getting diverted to Bermuda! :cool: