Carnival Splendor Questions/Concerns (not just a dry dock update thread)

[sarj04]

Hi everyone,

 

Veteran cruiser here...my girlfriend (first time cruiser) and I will be on the Splendor for the April 17 sailing. I am an itinerary centered traveler...I selected this sailing 100% for the dates and ports, which offer the best diving and activities for a Miami-based cruise out of any cruise line out there. While we'd love 10 specialty fine-dining restaurants and a huge resort at sea, the real priority is where we'll be off the ship.

 

However, I am starting to have a couple reservations about the ship. I was hoping the scheduled March dry dock would update and spruce things up a bit, but recent news seems to suggest otherwise. To be clear, I do not care if the ship has a burger joint or if a few bars are re-branded...that's not a priority for me.

 

Unfortunately, the negative reviews about food, older menus, dated ship features, and overall maintenance seem to be piling up for the Splendor. The fact that the comprehensive 2.0 updates have been shelved given the plans to send this ship across the globe in 2017 gives me the concern that the Splendor is a lame duck on Carnival's back burner that will just be going through the motions in the Caribbean for the balance of this year.

 

Can any insiders, veteran cruises, etc. who are familiar with the Splendor assuage my concerns?

[Ohio Bucki]

I was on the Splendor November 2015 and would not call the ship a "lame duck" at all. It seemed very well maintained from my point of view, I am not picky about little things. The pink donut décor is a little much for me but after a day or two I never gave it a second thought.

 

The ship overall seemed very nice to me and should be even nicer after a dry dock. I would not have any reservations about booking the ship again. Enjoy your cruise!!

[springs741]

Until the dry dock is completed we really won't know for sure. My prospective is that Carnival will do everything they can to "spruce her up" to allow the Splendor to be competitive in China. I agree that "Guy's" won't likely be part of the update. I hope they keep the old menus. I am NOT a fan of the American Table. I will be sailing her in late May.

[bamboozel]

Just off the Splendor a couple of weeks ago!! Not my favorite ship but we had a super time!!! We also picked this cruise for the ports not the older ship!!! The layout is awkward but you get use to it!!! The food was good and the crew was friendly!!! The decor looks like pink donuts everywhere but it didn't bother us!!! It's all that you make it!!! For an old ship, it was kept up and looking good!!! I don't think I would sail the Splendor again but overall it was a great cruise.

[Florings]

I wouldn't call Splendor an "older ship", being built in 2008. Only a few of Carnival's fleet were built after her - 90% being built before her.

 

Not being able to traverse from front to rear on certain decks can be said of the Glory, Conquest, and Paradise (through personal experience) and others as I've seen on their deck plans. Once we get the hang of it, that's never created an issue, though it is nice being able to walk the entire length of the ship on any of the public decks.

 

I've not sailed on any of the new ships - Breeze, Dream, Magic. They probably have a lot more activities and options, but I think you will be fine without all of those things if you are looking at the ports and onshore activities.

[chrislo]

We were on the Splendor over Thanksgiving and read many of the same complaints. We loved this ship and didnt think it was old or worn down. If you have picked this ship for the itinerary then I expect you will enjoy the trip and the ship.

[poz222]

Although the ship is not getting the 2.0 upgrades, they will be doing cosmetic updates (flooring, tiles, carpet, casino, repair of ceilings walls etc). Just not any structural upgrades.. So the ship will definitely be "spruced up" for sailing.

[quickrate]

Just got off of her a couple of weeks ago, and out of 24 Carnival cruises, in my top 5 cruises. the staff is wonderful, the layout is easy once you learn which decks go straight thru, loved the adult pool aft, love the closing roof on Lido for days that were not good weather or chilly evenings. My only compaint is when she goes into dry dock she will be getting the Playlist shows which IMHO, is so inferior to the stage shows with the live show band. the entertainment during our week was wonderful and enjoyable!!

Pat

[Vitamin_Sea]

As you can see in my sig, We have sailed Splendor 3 times and loved each one.

Nothing wrong with the ship at all. She sure is not old (2008).

The old ships in the fleet are the fantasy class.

 

Splendor is a bit different as she was suppose to be a Costa ship at first.

She may not have the 2.0 goodies but don't let that scare you off.

 

enjoy your cruise

[Jeepenfun]

Hi everyone,

 

Veteran cruiser here...my girlfriend (first time cruiser) and I will be on the Splendor for the April 17 sailing. I am an itinerary centered traveler...I selected this sailing 100% for the dates and ports, which offer the best diving and activities for a Miami-based cruise out of any cruise line out there. While we'd love 10 specialty fine-dining restaurants and a huge resort at sea, the real priority is where we'll be off the ship.

 

However, I am starting to have a couple reservations about the ship. I was hoping the scheduled March dry dock would update and spruce things up a bit, but recent news seems to suggest otherwise. To be clear, I do not care if the ship has a burger joint or if a few bars are re-branded...that's not a priority for me.

 

Unfortunately, the negative reviews about food, older menus, dated ship features, and overall maintenance seem to be piling up for the Splendor. The fact that the comprehensive 2.0 updates have been shelved given the plans to send this ship across the globe in 2017 gives me the concern that the Splendor is a lame duck on Carnival's back burner that will just be going through the motions in the Caribbean for the balance of this year.

 

Can any insiders, veteran cruises, etc. who are familiar with the Splendor assuage my concerns?

 

I'm on this same cruise in April. I picked this ship and itinerary because its best choice for what i was looking for. Its one of the newest ships. built in 2008. There is only 4 other ships newer then Splendor out of the fleet of 23 ships so i guess i don't understand how this is an older ship to you.

Dry dock is required by maritime law every 5 years for all passenger ships. It is closely monitored and inspected by coast guard through its dry dock time. Coast guard inspects every nook and cranny and maintenance needs. Its not going to go to dry dock to just vacuum carpets and clean windows. They will refurbish, paint, replace, equipment maintenance and cleaning, some things may get re-built and changed. 2.0 upgrades? according to John Heald its not going to happen. But ship already has a burger/hotdog grill, burrito bar, many other bars. 2.0 features is just a name.

 

From what I've read a majority of people don't like the new american table menu. They took away a lot in it. But for all we know Splendor may be on new menu after dry dock. its already on new room service menu.

 

What maintenance issue are you referring too that are piling up? It had an engine fire in 2010? several other ships have too. it happens. but since these engine fires on Splendor, Triumph, Liberty and who knows what other ships too that were never reported a whole new fire suppression system is in place on all ships AND massive diesel generators up top to power most of the ship in case it happens again.

 

I've read quality of food and service is anywhere from top notch to horrible. You cant please everyone. But a majority of the reviews i've read is food and service is great. They have over 3,000 people to feed constantly. again they cant please everyone, they are human too.

 

There's no such thing as a perfect vacation but you will still have a great time. make the best of it and just relax and go with the flow.

 

Carnival still has a quality standard to uphold no matter what ship it is and the future of the ship. They will do everything in their power to make sure you have a great time.

 

 

Now off the ship. Grand Cayman most popular this to do is stingray city. Snorkeling and diving is pretty good.

 

Cozumel has several all inclusive beach resorts to veg out on. Take the ferry across the waterway to Playa Del Carman and go shopping on 5th avenue. Mayan Ruins, Dolphin swim

 

Belize most popular thing is the cave tubing adventure. It is NOT advised to go off on your own in the city of Belize though. its a rough city with many muggings and crime against tourists who take off on their own to explore on their own. Other things to do is the all inclusive resorts on the little cay or key islands off shore to again just sit on the beach and veg.

 

Roatan Island is the place to go for diving and snorkeling though. Half moon Bay has some of the best coral reefs in the world are there. West bay beach or West side beach area is the popular place to go. Tabyana beach is said to have really good snorkeling right off the beach. Other things are more all inclusive resorts like Little French Key, Maya key and Las Sirinas

 

Good food at any of these places? I have no clue. i'm sure the all inclusive resorts vary but have good food.

Edited February 17, 2016 by Jeepenfun

[Vitamin_Sea]

Also, If your into spa treatments. Splendor also has a huge, Cloud 9 spa, thalassotherapy pool and thermal suite.

[Ahays00]

Also, If your into spa treatments. Splendor also has a huge, Cloud 9 spa, thalassotherapy pool and thermal suite.

 

Do you happen to know what a spa pass cost? Day or week? I'm on splendor April 10th.

[Vitamin_Sea]

Do you happen to know what a spa pass cost? Day or week? I'm on splendor April 10th.

 

They have different packages. The first day, you go up to deck 11 forward and they will explain everything. We took the tour and liked the spa but my GF didn't wanna spend the money.

 

I think it was ..

 

7 day pass...149 single..249 couple

 

daily is about 40 single

[poz222]

The spa will get a facelift during the DD too.

 

Sent from my SM-G900H using Tapatalk

[SMSACE6]

They have different packages. The first day, you go up to deck 11 forward and they will explain everything. We took the tour and liked the spa but my GF didn't wanna spend the money.

 

I think it was ..

 

7 day pass...149 single..249 couple

 

daily is about 40 single

 

:o I am not really a spa kind of person, and with 9 cruises, I have never been to a spa on a ship, much less on land. question is; for those prices, what do you get in the spa? The older I get, the more, I am into pampering myself, especially since I only get to cruise/vacation once a year. Would love to know what those prices include, or where to go to find out. I have heard that Splendor's spa is very nice.:) and thanks

[Vitamin_Sea]

:o I am not really a spa kind of person, and with 9 cruises, I have never been to a spa on a ship, much less on land. question is; for those prices, what do you get in the spa? The older I get, the more, I am into pampering myself, especially since I only get to cruise/vacation once a year. Would love to know what those prices include, or where to go to find out. I have heard that Splendor's spa is very nice.:) and thanks

 

I think just the use of the spa/pools/special loungers. But the place is huge. Treatments are all ala carte.

When you board, you take the tour and decide if its worth it.

 

Of course they run specials when in port

Edited February 17, 2016 by Vitamin_Sea

[SMSACE6]

Sounds good, thanks, will take that tour and decide. I have seen photos of that special pool, and while I don't normally do pools on ships, this looks like it might be worth it. thanks for the info.:)

[Ahays00]

They have different packages. The first day, you go up to deck 11 forward and they will explain everything. We took the tour and liked the spa but my GF didn't wanna spend the money.

 

I think it was ..

 

7 day pass...149 single..249 couple

 

daily is about 40 single

 

Awesome thanks!

[Wheatie59]

We did a seven night cruise on Splendor in January. My wife bought a spa pass right after boarding for $139. No treatments included, just access to the facilities. She loved the heated tile lounges.

[riclop]

Hi everyone,

 

Veteran cruiser here...my girlfriend (first time cruiser) and I will be on the Splendor for the April 17 sailing. I am an itinerary centered traveler...I selected this sailing 100% for the dates and ports, which offer the best diving and activities for a Miami-based cruise out of any cruise line out there. While we'd love 10 specialty fine-dining restaurants and a huge resort at sea, the real priority is where we'll be off the ship.

 

However, I am starting to have a couple reservations about the ship. I was hoping the scheduled March dry dock would update and spruce things up a bit, but recent news seems to suggest otherwise. To be clear, I do not care if the ship has a burger joint or if a few bars are re-branded...that's not a priority for me.

 

Unfortunately, the negative reviews about food, older menus, dated ship features, and overall maintenance seem to be piling up for the Splendor. The fact that the comprehensive 2.0 updates have been shelved given the plans to send this ship across the globe in 2017 gives me the concern that the Splendor is a lame duck on Carnival's back burner that will just be going through the motions in the Caribbean for the balance of this year.

 

Can any insiders, veteran cruises, etc. who are familiar with the Splendor assuage my concerns?

We love the Splendor and it's our favorite, just go and enjoy.

[sarj04]

Thank you all for the info and reassurance. One other concern to point out...right here on cruise critic, the satisfaction rate of 68% is 2nd lowest in Carnival's entire fleet and that number would be right at or very close to the bottom of all other major cruise lines as well. Not questioning my trip, just trying to temper expectations...

[slwillwin]

Sounds good, thanks, will take that tour and decide. I have seen photos of that special pool, and while I don't normally do pools on ships, this looks like it might be worth it. thanks for the info.:)

 

My wife and I did a Spa 9 balcony cabin a few years back in the Dream and loved it. We would hit the pools and steam rooms after getting back from port. Included was one or two classes, I remember taking yoga one day. We are on the Splendor in August, we picked the ship due to the itinerary. We will also have the kids with us, so no Spa Cabin thus time. I'm looking forward to being on a one if a kind in the fleet. Screw the reviews, when we went in the Dream people were trashing it. We had an amazing time,

[lovingCCL]

My sister and I did the Splendor in March and we loved it. The food was exceptional....loved the steakhouse and the rotisserie! The service was wonderful and it was an all around wonderful week and I would sail her again quite happily.

[SMSACE6]

My wife and I did a Spa 9 balcony cabin a few years back in the Dream and loved it. We would hit the pools and steam rooms after getting back from port. Included was one or two classes, I remember taking yoga one day. We are on the Splendor in August, we picked the ship due to the itinerary. We will also have the kids with us, so no Spa Cabin thus time. I'm looking forward to being on a one if a kind in the fleet. Screw the reviews, when we went in the Dream people were trashing it. We had an amazing time,

 

I am definitely going to check out this spa and at least take the tour on day one. Also, I am not worried about the negative reviews of this ship, as there seem to be just as many if not more positive ones. Last year I was on the Victory, and I read a ton of negative reviews, yet saw none of what those people complained of. I have not had a bad or disappointing cruise yet. Thanks for the spa info.:)

[PGBSAB]

We are on the Splendor the first week of may for and 8 day. We loved the itinerary and are patiently waiting until May comes around. I was wondering if the ship was going to get the blue iguana and red frog...I am confused I have red yes and not in different placed. Anyone know? My husband love the red frog.