Splendour of the Seas October 23

[CruisingCatherine]

I have only been on the Mariner and I am somewhat worried that I will be dissapointed with the Splendour. It seems so much smaller than the Mariner. What was you overall opinion of the ship itself? Elegant? What kind of shape is she in? Did you find the food and service to be better or about the same as the larger ships?

 

Thanks in advance

[cruisetoscrap]

Is their self serve Laundry on board

[navel1ring]

Catherine-

 

We loved the ship, the dining room was especially elegant. All glass for 2 floors. So beautiful leaving the French Riviera to see Monte Carlo in all its glory! We were very happy with the ship. From what I have read on the boards, it was refurbished in the last 8 months February if I am not mistaken). We thought the ship was great & we have sailed on Voyager within its 1st year at sea & were actually surprised at how well we liked the Splendour. Food on the Voyager was a little better, but we were more impressed with the ports than the food & all in all it was quite adequate. We did hear complaints from fellow passengers who thought the food was below standard. They said their worst meal was Lobster night when they got Prime Rib. I also got Prime Rib & thought it was my best meal on the cruise, so I guess it is all "to each his own"! We cannot say one negative thing about the cruise.

 

I don't know about the laundry service as we did not use it.

 

Wendy

[Icky]

No self service laundry but the ship's laundry service was reasonable. We used it three times and our clothes were done very nicely.

 

I also loved the Splendour. I'm easy to please but my DH is very particular. He loved it. We were happy with the food--and the food in port is a tough act to follow!

[Icky]

Even though the Splendour is a smaller ship, I thought it was perfect for the European itinerary. We didn't participate in any of the ship's activities (which were limited compared to a larger ship) and pretty much went right from port to dinner to bed. We wanted to maximize our time in port so we were up by 6:00 every morning (yikes!). I think if you had several days at sea or didn't plan to spend much as time in port, you may want a bigger ship with more activities/amenities. We sailed this ship for the itinerary and were pleasantly surprised.

 

When we sailed the first week in November, the ship was full but I never felt crowded. Service was excellent.

[cruisetoscrap]

thanks for the info! I CAN'T WAIT!

[CruisingCatherine]

While we were on the Mariner we didn't spend much time doing ships activities. We spent most of our time eating, attending the evening shows, enjoying our balcony, and playing in the casino. So it sounds like this will be the perfect size for us. We were worried it would run down or that it would be very crowded. Thank you very much for the information. You have put me at ease!!

[navel1ring]

For you asked about the Splendour trip - my review is posted here!

[Harlow2]

Navel1ring - Thank you for taking the time to post an outstanding review. The information will be valuable in planning our cruise on the Splendor!!

[LEtue]

I don't think you'll be disappointed in the Splendour! We loved her so much we're booked again for the 10/22/05 sailing. Last trip was the 12 night itinerary and I'm sure that this 7 day trip will fly by. The Splendour had a wonderful crew and it does seem to be the perfect size for the Med ports.

 

Anyone here on the same sailing? A group of us from work are sailing with our families :D

[mimicsr]

Ltue4: I think we've chatted before. We are on the 10/22 sailing with you, and we are moving to Spring Hill (Timber Pines) next week!! We are still searching for reasonable air fare with no luck yet; however, we still have time. I'm coming up with $750-$900 now through Side-Step. Since we're retired we have lots of options including staying over for 1-2 days in London or Paris, so maybe we can find something cheaper. Fingers are crossed!!

Regarding the ship, it is still beautiful and perfect for European market. We went on the same exact cruise in Sept.'02 and loved it so much, that's why we're going again, this time with daughter and SIL. As many have said, the itinerary is so exhausting, it doesn't matter if some of the activities are not available. We found the entertainment excellent, by the way.

Hope to meet you on the ship!!

Mimi R.

[LEtue]

Ltue4: I think we've chatted before. We are on the 10/22 sailing with you, and we are moving to Spring Hill (Timber Pines) next week!! We are still searching for reasonable air fare with no luck yet; however, we still have time. I'm coming up with $750-$900 now through Side-Step. Since we're retired we have lots of options including staying over for 1-2 days in London or Paris, so maybe we can find something cheaper. Fingers are crossed!!

Regarding the ship, it is still beautiful and perfect for European market. We went on the same exact cruise in Sept.'02 and loved it so much, that's why we're going again, this time with daughter and SIL. As many have said, the itinerary is so exhausting, it doesn't matter if some of the activities are not available. We found the entertainment excellent, by the way. Hope to meet you on the ship!!

Mimi R.

Hi Mimi! Yes, I do think we chatted before :D I have been monitoring the fares too and I think it is a bit too early. We are also considering pre-cruise options in London or Paris so let me know if you find anything! I started a roll call but I have only got one other person to respond. Here is a link so maybe you can stop by and help me keep it going....

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=90655&highlight=Splendour+Seas+10%2F22%2F05

 

Linda

[Judyumcer@aol.com]

Just read your postings and thanl you very much. We have done this itinerary 3 times and are going back a 4th. This time on Oceania 9/22/05; Barcelona to Istanbul. We will be in Barcelona 3 nights before the cruise. We are on our own and staying at the Royal Hotel Barcelona on the Las Ramblas. Never stayed there but refused to pay the Le Meridien prices. We did stay there before and it has a good location but worth the price. Also stayed at the Barcelona Hilton. Terrible location in a financial district away from everything and the rooms just fair. I want to take a trip to the seaside town of Sitges that you mentioned.

We did the Baltics last year on Radisson. What an amazing trip that was. Russia was really beautiful. Want to see Istanbul this time.

[pc21214]

Thank you so much for the info navel1ring! We are planning to go on the Splendour this 10/29/05 and are looking to take some of the same shore excursions that you took in Rome and Florence/Pisa. You saved me a lot of time and guesswork about what the cruise would be like!

[navel1ring]

Glad I could help. I got sooooo much information off the board before our cruise, I just wanted give some back. We are doing Alaska this year & the Alaska boards have been just as helpful.

 

Wendy