Being this was our 35th Anniversary and we went all out with 10th floor stateroom and drink package. We found the cruise to be some what disappointing for the reasons I have written on in each of the review sections above. I do not like writing negative reviews, however I felt this must be addressed.
We understand things happen. However, if there were more communications from the Captain and his crew, in reference to the problem with ship, the rumor mill would not have been so bad. Even the staff had no idea. One staff member said we were moving on the way. This was not accurate. We were still anchored in Los Angeles.
Our main concerns were with the way the staff treated us just asking for the receipts due to the issue we had drink package. I actually heard a staff member at the coffee bar complaining about us to her co-worker. When I said I heard you and just give the receipt she finally did. This did not seem to bother her at all. I explained this every time I asked for a drink, no matter whether it was an alcoholic beverage or coffee from the coffee shop.
Another issue was being charged taxes on the beverages we had, due to the fact we were stuck in port because of the faulty ship. Then Carnival embarrassed itself by giving out a $50 on board credit, thinking would take care of any complaints.
One of the worst issues was skipping the main port of call we wanted to stop at Mazatlan, Mexico. Not much needs to be said. Very disappointed!!!
Next was the fact our steward was not up to par, as to referred in the issue with, something as simple as soap. Seemed more concerned about greeting us. We do not believe she told any maintenance personnel about the shower door.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Getting on the ship was very good. We were in a stateroom suite. Our was supposed delivered by 1:30 pm at the latest. However our did not arrive until approximately 5 pm. We asked about our luggage and crew said they would check, however when we asked again they advised they could not locate the luggage..
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Due to fact we do not dine early our meal options were to the buffet, pizza and deli. The buffet food was luke warm most of the time. The deli sandwiches were good. The pizza was good also. We had the anytime dining,m however we were going to shows that ran into the dinning times.
After the we were done attending the shows, only meal options were pizza and sandwiches.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We went the pool and found it to be very nice, however as on every cruise the saved seating (towel on seats) was out of control. We saw seats that were saved for 2 hours and no one was sitting in them. There should be some sort of control method for this.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Good shows, however the same show with different music.. Performers were very good...
Children's Programs
No children!!!!!
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
I can not say this for the entire crew.
Disappointed in the entire crew for not keeping us appraised of the situation with the ship and possible departure from Los Angeles. If there were communications from the Captain and his crew, the rumor mill would not have been so bad. No one had any idea of what was going on. Poorly done.
However our room steward was disappointing. Simple things like getting soap and other items were a challenge. It took 3 days to finally get soap from her. She kept telling us she forgot. When we saw her and reminded her again she gave us 3 soaps as to make up for the missed days. (Silly) We had an issue with our drink package. On the first day we were charged for 6 drinks when we only had 3 (1 beer and 2 drinks). We reported this to Guest Service (Christian) and were advised by the Guest Service to get receipts for each beverage we received. However when asking for the receipts members of the bar areas and coffee shop would continually refuse to give us a copy of the receipt. We actually went to Guest Services and made a complaint. Very disappointed. Made us feel fools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
The lay out of the ship was very nice for us. Everything from our stateroom suite was very accessible.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
The cabin was very nice. Spacious. The layout of the cabin was very good. Balcony was excellent. The only problem was the glass shower door was coming apart. We reported this to the crew, believing it was a possible safety issue. No one came to the cabin to repair the door and nothing was ever done. First glass panel that rolled from right to left to enter the tub.
We were told when we booked our cruise though in November of 2018, that our stateroom would have a complete mini bar. There was no such thing. In fact a staff member told us that Carnival stopped this practice several years ago. Sounds like a bait and switch....
Ship tip
Do not waste money on a stateroom. You do not get treated any better. Do not purchase the drink package for $830. You must sit at the pool, restaurant, or a bar to use it You cannot get drinks delivered to your room unless you pay for them. Also you get a can of soda for yourself because you will be told your on the package. It was as if it was made difficult to use. We just wanted to sit on our balcony with a couple of drinks and enjoy the view.
Were unable to see Los Angeles due to the fact we were stuck on the ship. Knowing we were not going any where, we should have been able to use the time to visit the Queen Mary (Right next to the Carnival Splendor). Would have helped pass the time while waiting. Did not leave on time due to mechanical issues. Spent the first night anchored away from the pier. While sitting there and using our drink package we were charged taxes for everything we had. Ship gave everyone a $50 on board credit. Worthless. We are saying this was in fact the least and we mean the very least.
Unfortunately this was stop we took the cruise for. We were told by all of the people we know that took this cruise, this will be your favorite stop. Well I guess we will never know.
We will be celebrating our 42nd anniversary on the Splendor leaving on the 29th. I hope to have a great time, but as long as I'm with the love of my life and best friend. I don't think anyone or anything will spoil our vacation.
There is a lot of things that could of been addressed and fixed ..
Except of course the ship having issues of course was something that could happen anytime to any ship and out of everyone control.
The $50 that was given to you was probably because you missed a port .
Why did you not go to guest services and vent your disappointment much of this could of been solved..why spoil your vacation....
We also have Anytime dining on every cruise that offers it and have never had any problem having our dinner and getting to the show on time. We also prefer dinner at 7:30-8 pm.
If you were looking for a more upscale experience, Carnival was probably not the cruise line. Celebrity, Princess or Azamara would probably be better options. I am confused about your comment regarding the dining options available. You said you all don’t dine early, however the Main Dining Room has Traditional Late seating at 8:15 and is open until 9:30 PM for those with any time dining. You mentioned that the shows ran into your dining time, but on most cruises I have been on, they have two shows most nights that are timed so that you can still go to dinner before or after the show. We generally do anytime dining and eat at 5:30 or 5:45 and have not run into any issues with missing shows or dinner.
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