It was okay

Item: Carnival Splendor
Rating: 3
Author: KathleenL

Carnival Splendor Cruise Review to Mexico

KathleenL

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Reviews: 0

Helpful Votes: 6

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Mexican Riviera (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 27, 2011

Ship: Carnival Splendor

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 13 years ago

Review summary

First cruise in over 25 years. It was average. Food was not great but the staterooms were larger than I expected. Pools very small and just not enough hot tubs when you want to use one. The entertainment and shows started slowly but got better during the week. The bars and lounge areas were nice. Did not like the fact that the pop card is now $41.00 not the $22-$25.00 that is advertised on all Carnival information and websites. The embarkation process was ridiculous. THey were late in clearing out the ship (I understand there were some problems) but upon arrival at the pier, no staff there to advise you to either give your luggage to a porter or take it yourself; no one to tell you you must first sign in then go to a designated number. Many passengers like myself just plunked themselves behind people waiting and luckily were informed by other passengers on the proper procedures.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

The "your choice dining" option was not good. Food was served lukewarm at best (when questionned the answer was that it came from downstairs). Very small portions, tables were only for 2 or 4 people nothing bigger, were never asked if you would like to share and meet other people. When we booked this option we asked if we could eat with our friends if we were not booked for their sitting. We were told yes we could but once on the ship it was made clear that they didn't want to do that. Never really saw the Maitre'D, waiters didn't introduce themselves, or ask us if we wanted dessert or a drink. No fun at all, the other dinner sittings were lively, fun, waiters and staff interacted well but not on our deck. We preferred going upstairs to the buffets.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Stateroom steward was great. Dining staff was not.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Always seemed very clean but it would be nice to put a few garbage cans out here and there. I liked the decor.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Size was bigger than I expected. Extremely comfortable bed, large king size, lots of room for clothing, decor was nice. Bathroom large and liked the amenities, shampoo and body wash.

Ports of call

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

3 out of 5

Be sure to negotiate a price for the small boats. For $5.00 person we were dropped off at Lovers' Beach and the boat returned 2 hours later and we got a very information tour of the sights from the boat.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Take the small boats out to the Arch, Lovers & Divorce Beach.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

3 out of 5

I loved the Malecon, strolling along it and seeing the sandcastles that are built for when the cruise ships come in, the market over the bridge at the end of the Malecon. Best deal is to take the local bus to the Malecon area for a cost of $.60 instead of $10.00 cab ride.

Thumbs Up 0

Pros: the beds were really comfortable

Cons: the option of your choice dining

Recommends Carnival Splendor? No.

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Other reviews of this sailing

"Needs improvement"