May 21-27 Splendor Review (Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Amber Cove)

[ButterflyGirly]

Happily following!

[Buffalofirsttimer4]

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[momof3cruisers]

Really enjoying your review so far! Thanks for taking the time.

[mrscastle]

DAY THREE (and, just so this doesn’t get overly confusing, DAY TWO of the actual cruise)

NASSAU

 

Typically, the toddler is the first one up, and rudely wakes us by some form of jumping or yelling. However, today, I woke up before him and my husband (around 6 a.m.) so I took advantage of some alone time. I headed to the Lido deck to get a cup of coffee and took my Kindle to the outside deck near the adults pool. I read tips to bring your own travel mug and bottle for water – I didn’t bring the mug, but I did bring reusable water bottles – and I didn’t feel like they were necessary since I had Cheers. If I wanted a bigger coffee, I went to the coffee bar, and if I wanted a water bottle, I got one from the bar. I think I only filled up my bottle on the Lido deck once; I didn’t really want to carry it around with me.

 

Once the buffet opened around 6:30, I headed in for some food. I never got made-to-order eggs because I’m not a huge egg person. I didn’t eat the scrambled eggs, either.

 

What I liked:

- Eggs benedict.

- Variety of breakfast potatoes.

 

What I didn’t like:

- Bacon. It just wasn’t very good.

- The orange juice.

 

What I wish they had:

- They had a good fruit salad at lunch, but at breakfast, they only had melon, grapefruit, canned pears and some other lackluster fruit. I wish they had that lunchtime fruit salad with pineapple, grapes, etc., in the morning.

- Smoked salmon for the bagels.

- More bagel variety – they just had pre-sliced, pre-toasted plain bagels.

 

But, don’t worry, I never went hungry! In fact, I’m sad to report that the scale told me that I gained 6 pounds over the course of our9-day vacay. Tip #5(ish): Always take the stairs.

 

So, now we’re to the part that it seems like most people are anticipating — ports! We arrived in Nassau at 9 a.m., and four of us had an excursion planned at 9:30 – a private snorkel and sail tour with Island TimeCharters. Additionally, my parents had attended an excursion presentation the day before and won an outing to Balmoral Island with lunch, which started around 10:15, I believe.

 

We had toggled back and forth about bringing the toddler on the boat with us, but when he seemed to love the kids club on the first day,our decision was made. We dropped him off there right as they opened at 9 a.m.and, after giving us kisses and hugs, he ran in to play without a second thought.Score! Tip #6: Don’t assume anything. Toddlers are tricky. Wait for it…

 

 

Welcome to the Bahamas!

 

Anyway, we headed off the boat (Another Carnival ship was right next to us…I think it was the Magic?) and followed the directions in the emailI received to walk all the way down to Senor Frogs and look to the right, and there they were! It was a small boat, but there were just four of us, so it wasn’t an issue at all. Two people – brothers, who were awesome – were sailing the boat and/or explaining things to us. As we sailed out of Nassau, they pointed out all the different celebrities’ houses, landmarks, etc., and it was very interesting! They told us all about growing up in a rural area of theBahamas and their lives now – fascinating!

 

 

Double Dockage

 

We had ordered a gallon of Rum Punch to take along with us,though that ended up being the only snafu of the day – I had documentation stating that the punch was $30 a gallon (we could have brought our own on,too), but later, when we paid the remaining balance, they tried to say that it was $50. Because we had also given a tip in cash, we told them that I had emails stating it was $30, and that’s what we were paying. I hate to think that they might have had to take money out of their tip, but I’m also a little suspicious that they were trying to get an extra $20 in cash out of us. Who knows – I paid what I was originally quoted, plus a cash tip, and hopefully it all worked out on their end.

 

 

Stopping by another boat to pick up the rum punch (which was delicious!)

 

Details – it was $525 for up to six of us for four hours;unfortunately, my mom gets seasick in small boats, and my dad has shoulder problems, so he didn’t think he could easily get in and out of the boat. So, it was pricey for the four of us, but I think we thought it was worth it in the end. He first took us to a very small and shallow shipwreck to make sure that we were all comfortable snorkeling and swimming safely.

 

I will say, my husband and I have snorkeled in Jamaica andMexico and always have had problems with fogging masks – these NEVER fogged. It was fantastic, and the water was so clear!

 

Next, they took us to a little deeper area, which is the place we all really loved. Tons of fish and interesting underwater plants/coral. After about 30-40 minutes, he took to us an even deeper area tha the told us was going to be even better, but we actually didn’t think so – not quiteas much sea life. Overall, we saw some stingrays, eels, spiny lobster and tons of fish.

 

Finally, he gave us the option of snorkeling more or going to a beach on a small island – we chose the latter, and there we hung out until about 1:15, drinking the rum punch, swimming and chatting. The island was beautiful, and we could still see Atlantis in the distance, so it wasn’t too far away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I didn't know how salty the water in the Bahamas is, but it's awesome for its floating potential. I just laid on my back and floated for a while -- I've never been able to do that before.

 

Our excursion was up at 1:30, and they dropped us back off at Senor Frogs. We thought about getting lunch on our walk back, but I wanted to get the toddler and the streets along the main road are pricey (and lunch on the ship is free!) We walked back, stopped in a couple stores to get Christmas tree ornaments, and I bought a coconut to drink.

 

As soon as we got back on the ship, husband and I headed up to the Kids Club to get the boy. They looked at us funny, asked how old he was and we joked around about how he seems so much older because he’s so tall, and they said, “no, we’re just making sure you’re in the right room. He’s not here, someone picked him up.”

 

WHAT?

 

More to come….

 

 

(Also, my husband has not uploaded the pictures from our GoPro yet, so I only have my iPhone photos….better photos of the snorkeling excursion will come later)

[FloridaMommyof3]

Following! I'm taking a similar itinerary on the Magic in just 10 days.

[tamikasn1]

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I'm new to this site, How can I do this?

[sunsetme]

would love to know how your parents enjoyed Balmoral Island

[Buffalofirsttimer4]

I'm new to this site, How can I do this?

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[watermelonqueen99]

Awesome review so far! We sailed on the Splendor last year and had an amazing time. We also get the Cheers package, we won't cruise without it. And may the Universe bless ya'll, because you couldn't pay us to cruise with our 15 and 10 year olds, much less a toddler. Lol Looking forward to more!

[ABQrobin]

following

[yukongold]

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Did not know that. Thanks for the tip.

[tamikasn1]

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I found it, Thank you!!

[mrscastle]

Picking up from where I left off....our toddler wasn't in the kids club when we got back from our Nassau excursion.

 

Well, as I'm sure you guess, my mother signed him out (she had permission on the forms from me) because little guy was upset after about an hour there. We later realized there was a note from my parents outside of our room, but we hadn't gone back to the room yet.

 

To refresh your memory, my parents had won an excursion to Balmoral Island through the ship. Children under 5 are free, so they asked if they could bring him along. It was fine....except apparently you need separate authorization from the parents to take someone else's child off the ship, PLUS his Sail and Sign card was in our cabin. Long story short, they jumped through a lot of hoops, were able to get a new Sail and Sign card and were the last people on the transportation to the excursion.

 

Sadly, I have no photos from them for that day, but I'm told they had a great time and enjoyed the island; however, the provided lunch was pretty meager and it was $13 for another hot dog for the little guy (plus $25 for a baseball hat to protect his blondie head). There were apparently a lot of little tide pools that my mom (the former science teacher) thoroughly enjoyed exploring with the little dude.

 

I felt terrible that toddler was upset and I wasn't there, and I'm glad the kids club managed to get ahold of my parents before they left the ship. I'm also glad that Carnival has those policies in place (re: taking someone else's kid off the boat), even if it was a hassle for them at the beginning!

 

Anyway, so I panicked for a little while (knowing that logistically, the kid was OK because he was with my parents, but still being a worrywart irrationally), then headed to the BBQ upstairs to have some lunch. It was still early in the week, so there were only a few people in line. YUM -- this is probably some of the best food on board.

 

 

Monday (the second night of the cruise) was a formal night. We saw everything from gowns to jeans; they did not enforce it in the dining room, as there were people at a table by us who were in shorts. My family opted for slightly dressed up (button-down shirts and sports coats for the guys; I wore a strapless maxi dress made out of casual fabric). The menu was great for this night.

 

 

Cocktail Menu

 

The not-spicy-at-all-but-still-delicious pineapple martini

 

My husband and I each had a lobster tail, and then we split the prime rib. Something of note: If you want two entrees, you get two FULL entrees, one after another. There was one night that I just wanted the grilled shrimp off another entree to be added to my flat iron steak, and the waiter said sure, but he ended up bringing me a separate full meal.

 

Because I had gone to the cabin with the toddler the night before, my husband took his turn tonight while I went out on the ship with my sister and brother-in-law. We played in the casino (I lost.), saw a comedy show (not very funny, but it was a PG one -- supposedly this comedian was funnier in the R-rated shows), went upstairs to the steakhouse bar to get the famed $20 glass of Champagne (but did not get it, as we only asked for Rose Champagne, and we were served a $10 glass...but whatever, it's Champagne and I like it) and then danced at the nightclub until a little after midnight. I hit my 15 drinks here -- oops. They'll definitely tell you right up front when you're done, and they're pretty good about warning you when you're getting close.

 

After dancing, we headed to the Lido deck for some late-night food. My sister got pizza (but the line was long) and I got a burger (there was also hot dogs). La La Land was just finishing up on the movie screen, so we sat in a lounge chair and enjoyed. Then, it was bedtime.

 

Next up, Half Moon Cay

Edited June 2, 2017 by mrscastle

[mrscastle]

A few GoPro pictures from Nassau

 

Jumping into the water at the first snorkeling spot

 

Snorkeling

 

Relaxing by the island (I'm pretty sure that's me floating there, with no effort at all)

 

Enjoying a coconut

 

Also from the GoPro -- the Adults Only pool on the ship

 

[CourtNicole620]

went upstairs to the steakhouse bar to get the famed $20 glass of Champagne

 

 

 

I've never heard about this famed glass of champagne... if you would have gotten the right one would it have been included in the Cheers package ? And the one you got was it included in the Cheers package?

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[mrscastle]

I've never heard about this famed glass of champagne... if you would have gotten the right one would it have been included in the Cheers package ? And the one you got was it included in the Cheers package?

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Yeah, if you do a search in Cheers program threads, you'll find the name of it. I just didn't write it down. It's included in Cheers, but the one we got was, too, and it was good anyway :-) I didn't feel like bothering to sign into the Internet package and deal with the slow speeds while in the steakhouse bar to try to find the name of it.

[FLArmyWife]

loving your review. Taking notes on dos and don'ts

 

By chance did you happen to see/hear if they have a photo package? like spend $x and you get y# of photos.. or spend $a and get a cd of all photos?

[sunsetme]

waiting in suspense for more

[sk84fungirl]

I've never heard about this famed glass of champagne... if you would have gotten the right one would it have been included in the Cheers package ? And the one you got was it included in the Cheers package?

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Heard about the champagne and will have a glass on my birthday. I hope I good! :cool:

[mrscastle]

loving your review. Taking notes on dos and don'ts

 

By chance did you happen to see/hear if they have a photo package? like spend $x and you get y# of photos.. or spend $a and get a cd of all photos?

 

I'm sorry, I didn't see! I only bought one photo, and it was an 8x10 for $21.99 (insert eye-roll on the crazy price here)

[mrscastle]

Sorry to keep you guys in suspense! I try to avoid the computer on the weekend, and my husband went out of town, so I was spending lots of time with the 3-year-old. Anyway, so where were we? Ah, Half-Moon Cay! Here we go.

 

Day 4 (Day 3 of the cruise)

Half Moon Cay

 

I'm sorry to say that I have surprisingly few picture of this port. However, it's just as beautiful as everyone says it is, and it's a great place to just relax. We only spent a few hours on the island, as we wanted to take advantage of a quiet ship, but I enjoyed our time there.

 

The problem? The tendering. Not that Carnival did anything wrong, but these are the kind of boats/situations where I can get really seasick. Couple that with staying out until 1 a.m. with my sister the night before, and things weren't good. Tip #6: Take dramamine. It took a LONG time for them to the load the double-decker boat, and it was very choppy next to the cruise ship.

 

We didn't realize that, having FTTF, we didn't have to wait in the dining room to get a tender sticker. So, we waited in line, and then, as we're about to board the boat, my sister and brother in law came down the elevator and joined us. Lucky them! It wasn't a big deal, though. We were tender 6 (I saw tender numbers as high as 38), so we were some of the first on the island. Because of that, we got front row lounge chairs not too far down the beach, which was nice. Being in the back would have had such a nice view.

 

 

 

 

So what did we do on HMC? Nothing, really. We lounged, played in the water and that's about it. My dad snorkeled a little, but he said there wasn't much to see.

 

There was prompt wait service, but as other people have said, you can't use Cheers on the island. I'm not going go into how stupid that is. My husband and brother in law ordered a couple of buckets of beer over the few hours we were there, and I stuck with a diet coke. I have no idea how much they spent -- maybe $35 each?

 

Five of us headed back to the boat after lunch, while my sister and brother in law stayed on the island to eat. They said the food was the same that was on the boat, and that it was good. I decided to try out Mongolian Wok. It was incredibly good; however, there were only six or seven people ahead of me, and it took FOREVER. I wouldn't even dare to try it when there are a lot of people on ship, even if both lines were open. They can only cook 3 dishes at a time, and while they're very efficient in doing so, it simply takes time.

 

I'm going to be honest, I don't really remember what we did this afternoon. Lazed around, read books. My biggest goal on vacation is to read as many books as possible, so that's basically all I did if I wasn't out doing something with the family. The kiddo tried out the kid club again, and he was OK for an hour or two at a time -- but only during the day, he was never willing to try dinner time or after dinner.

 

Edit: I remember the deal with the kids club this day. We were going to drop him off and stay on the same deck to see how he would do. So I did, but he didn't want me to leave -- he wanted me to play with him. He wanted someone to play with, and was too shy to ask the 2 or 3 other kids in there if he could play with them. It took 10-15 minutes of me playing and cajoling and telling him that I would be right outside before a counselor finally stepped in (keep in mind, it's not like they were doing anything else) and started playing with him so I could leave. I was a little frustrated that they didn't help out earlier -- after all, it's their job, isn't it? But, he did OK there for an hour before we picked him up and took him back to our room to relax and get ready for dinner.

 

I forgot to take menu pictures tonight — I was so tired! — but if you scroll down to day 3 on this page, that was the menu. I enjoyed the seared tuna and kale Caesar salad for an appetizers (I have a bit of a kale salad obsession, and this one did not disappoint), and a flat iron steak (cooked medium rare) with, I think, green beans on the side. Tip #7: Always ask for your steak as medium rare, and it will come as medium.

 

I mostly drank Oyster Bay Sauvignon blanc with dinner throughout the week, as it's one of my favorites. A New Zealand SB, it's very crisp with a good minerality. I don't think that's actually a word nor a descriptor of wine, but I'm going with it.

 

After dinner, it was my turn to take the kiddo back to the room while my husband went out to have some fun with the others. I was so exhausted from the previous day, that I had no issue with that!

 

And it was good I did, because we did a lot on Wednesday! Next up, Grand Turk.

[FLArmyWife]

I'm sorry, I didn't see! I only bought one photo, and it was an 8x10 for $21.99 (insert eye-roll on the crazy price here)

wow that is pricey!

 

Glad you mentioned dramamine... I'm sure I'll be one to get sea sick on the tender boat (which will be a new concept to me as we've never been on a ship that needed to tender).

 

I know you have little man but was there an adult only part of the beach?

[mrscastle]

wow that is pricey!

 

Glad you mentioned dramamine... I'm sure I'll be one to get sea sick on the tender boat (which will be a new concept to me as we've never been on a ship that needed to tender).

 

I know you have little man but was there an adult only part of the beach?

 

Not that I saw, but I'm sure if you made the effort to walk much farther down the beach, the crowds would drop -- and, ergo, the kids. Of course, given that we sailed while school was still in session, I didn't feel like we had a ton of kids on our cruise.

[CourtNicole620]

wow that is pricey!

 

 

 

Glad you mentioned dramamine... I'm sure I'll be one to get sea sick on the tender boat (which will be a new concept to me as we've never been on a ship that needed to tender).

 

 

 

I know you have little man but was there an adult only part of the beach?

 

 

I've never been there but I've read that if you go right instead of left when you get off the boat it is more private.

 

 

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[mrscastle]

Day 4 follow-up -- I forgot that we did the Build-a-Bear workshop after coming back from Half Moon Cay! It was super-cute, and definitely worth the money (it was actually the only souvenir that my toddler got that week). He chose the Cat in the Hat to build, as we had been hyping up that he was going to meet the Cat this week on the "big boat."

 

The Cat cost $30, while the other animals were less expensive (but, you didn't have to buy clothing for the Cat!) As the child walked in, they picked a little stuffed heart out of a basket, then when they got started, they all did a cute little dance/routine with the heart. Then they called each child up in order that they arrived, picked an animal, stuffed it, then had it sewn up. It was a pretty speedy process -- I have a impatient child, and we were about 10th on the list and it didn't take super long.

 

I think they did this 3-4 times throughout the week.

 

Doing the dance

 

Stuffing his cat (he got to step on the pedal, so he did most of the stuffing!)

 

Sewing him up