I often cruise for the ship experience but this time I went for the port experience. Yet this smaller ship did not disappoint. I didnt expect much because of the age of the ship but i was pleasantly surprised...Im very happy with Carnival Splendor's food, service, activities, and cleanliness. Its a great value!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
It was easy and quick to get from the airport to the ship. We signed up for Carnival shuttle and it was a large comfortable air conditioned bus that picked us up.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The ship is a bit smaller than what we are used to but we were happy with it overall. We opted for the drink package and we were glad we did. We saved about 500.00 off regular bar and specialty drinks by purchasing that. The food in the dining room was good and the selection was great every night. The buffet had fabulous desserts, a middle eastern section, off the grill, a late night Mexican cuisine station, 24 hour pizza, a Wok station, and good old American food. The Chef's table was fantastic. I highly recommend it for any foodies. It was superior to other so called "higher end" cruise lines. I would love to have seen a hand washing station in the buffet area.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
I didn't do the pools but saw they were crowded. The hot tub was empty but it was 95 degrees on our cruise so I am not sure if they are heated or not. The fitness center and spa were clean, well stocked, and enjoyable. The fitness center has lots of great equipment and offers three free early morning classes. The casino was hopping yet too smoky for me. There were lots of Bingo games, trivia games, and an on going Clue game.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Great shows and comedy every night. It was alot of loud rock and roll the week we cruised and we loved it! The cruise director (Leigh) was incredibly fun and always hosting one crazy show after another and always mingling among the passengers. Four different comedians, all who performed early PG shows and late night R rated shows.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Waiters were very attentive, some more professional, some more relaxed yet all were friendly and helpful. The room stewards use your name (not always the case) but only come to service your room once a day on this ship. Not sure if that is Carnival policy fleet wide. But it was fine, we had plenty of towels and toiletries. The staff remembers you after a few trips to their stations and that makes one feel welcome and valued.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
The ship was in constant upkeep (painting, too) while we were there. Its an older ship and has some wear in all the seats and chairs throughout the dining room, bars, and rooms. It appeared clean other than that. The layout was fine and easy to maneuver although we took a few wrong turns only to end up in a dead end behind the Black Pearl Restaurant and on the deck. We also had to walk by the smoky casino to get to our destination in the ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
I entered once when the steward was cleaning and I was glad to see doorknobs being washed down. The suite had two huge closets, a jacuzzi tub, handheld shower head, and double sinks. I cant ask for a better ship bathroom. There is a small refrigerator and a safe in it. The suite was comfortable and very clean, not to mention affordable. Lots of extra pillows in different styles and comfort. Kudos to Harri, out steward.
Cabo is a very pretty area but the water was really choppy the day we were there. We rented glass bottom kayaks and still had a good time despite the wind.
I didn't realize that Mazatlan is such a large city. We did Salsa Salsa excursion which was really fun. We made 6 salsas and then learned to dance salsa. Its at a hotel so bring your bathing suit to swim in the pool afterwards.
A beautiful city with so much to experience! There is a Walmart at port so if you need something, you can walk across the street to get it. We went into the town market and what a fabulous place to shop. We went to sunset horseback riding and the guides were great.
The Splendor was one of the first ships we went on 2 more sleeps and we leave Sydney for LA then join the Splendor after a trip to sin city :-))) and cruise from Long beach to Singapore.. the Splendor then Spends one month in Singapore for a refit then heads to Sydney Australia to make Sydney her home so will probably have a few more from Sydney while she's permanently here ...
Can you tell me if Dessi is the Matrde in the Main Dinning room ???
Thanks and happy cruising guys
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