Carnival is slipping, the ports are the best part
Carnival Splendor Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern
8 Night Southern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)
Sail date: November 05, 2016
Ship: Carnival Splendor
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 1026
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 7 years ago
Review summary
First, I will recommend the cruise for the ports of call. I had never been to the Turks & Caicos (does this "fake" port count?), Dominican Republic (would like to go back and do more exploring), Curacao (very charming place, plan a lunch at the fort behind the wall towards the sea; we were late to find it), and Aruba (our favorite island, we may go back for a timeshare week).
That being said, I was disappointed by Carnival and the Splendor. We had a spa room. The Thalassotherapy pool is always great but the steam rooms were all broken (fountains of water on the rocks and the two showers). The showers are special if they work and have multiple jets and ceiling jets. Never worked and no explanation.
The food is OK but overall quality of everything has slipped over the years as they try to cut costs and stay competitive. Now if you want a good steak during the cruise you must pay $35 and go the steakhouse. Other examples, they used to have a sushi bar every day before dinner freshly made, and that is long gone. They used to have a "welcome back party" for you even if a GOLD member and that is long gone. The slots are very tight (don't believe me, play 'em). The chocolate in your room each night is gone. Turn down service must be requested or they only come in the morning. The list is long but the result is the same. Carnival has slipped to the point that I have cancelled my credit card and do not plan on sailing with them again. It is too bad but it is no longer the "fun ship". Newbies are impressed but those of us that built the company up know the truth.
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Ship tip
Enjoy the ports