New updated information for Carnival Splendor
Carnival Splendor 7 night Mexico Rivera, visiting ports of Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and Mazatlan, departing Sundays from Long Beach, California
Inaugural Cruise July 02, 2008
Guests Occupancy 3734
Passenger Decks:13
7 stateroom categories, ranging from inside upper/lower staterooms, to Balcony Grand Suites
All staterooms offer telephones, 110AC Current, climate control, Carnival Comfort Sleep Systems, hair dryer, safe, minibar, and flat screen TV
I have wanted to see the Carnival Splendor for a while now, so I was definitely excited when the opportunity came along for me to do just that. Because of security delays, I was only able to spend a couple of hours onboard before being having to disembark on a beautiful summer's day in Long Beach, California. During our delay, I was able to explore some new things about Carnival that I had not noticed before, such as the Vip Lounge for special guests for priority check-in. I have always noticed a "table" that is set up in the pick-up/drop off area, however there is actually a lounge located right outside the terminal when Vip Guests can get checked in prior to anyone else. Very Impressive!!
I also noticed that no cameras of any sort are to be used within the terminal, including all phones and other electronics.
Once on board I had exactly 45 minutes to completely tour the ship before our lunch meeting. I was first impressed with what I'll call the Art Deco decoration of the ship. Lots of color and excitement filled the air as I rushed to see all the staterooms that were opened especially for our viewing. I have always loved the bathrooms in the staterooms. They are larger than other cruise lines that I have sailed on and toured, and I love that Carnival gives you the "extra amenities" making your stay more comfortable, such as packaged razors, along with the standard bathroom amenities by Elemis. Each stateroom that I toured offered only showers but large enough to accommodate any size passenger. Being a tall woman, I don't want to take a shower where I have no room to move around. I even took notice that the handicapped bathrooms are equipped with every thing needed such as wider showers with "benches" to sit.
Each room had bathrobes and beach towels. Nicely appointed with a king or twin bed, I noticed how the sofa sleeper actually would be comfortable for a third adult or small children. At 175 square feet, I thought that the inside staterooms seemed to be a bit smaller than the outside or balcony staterooms. Balconies looked small with clear Plexiglas for sitting back and enjoyment. Even in some of the obstructive view staterooms, there was plenty of sunlight filtering in without the large lifeboat directly in front of the window. Each stateroom offer ample drawer and closet space, with a private safe, located in it's own " counter top closet'
Carnival also offers Spa staterooms in inside, outside, and balcony staterooms. These staterooms offer you a private elevator that takes you directly to the Cloud 9 Spa, located on deck 11. In each Spa Stateroom you will find bathrobes, and slippers, with Deluxe Spa Products and special spa amenities and privileges. Unfortunately during my limited time onboard, Cloud 9 spa was closed to inspections.
One of the staterooms viewed was decorated for some type of celebration. I was very impressed with this, something more than just balloons outside your door.
After viewing the staterooms, I had 15 minutes to tour the public areas abroad the Splendor. I did not realize that Carnival offers Movies and Concerts outside on the Lido deck. With a "drive-in" type of screen, on board guests will have plenty of space to kick back and enjoy a good concert or movie. I enjoy watching from the pool or Jacuzzi, definitely something different.
Camp Carnival offers 5,550 sq ft of pure fun for children of all ages, including a section for teens only. The DJ was already at her booth and it was only 2:00 pm. I over heard one parents "introducing his teens to the Teen Club, reminding me how many times I have been on a cruise myself and noticing how within days, I noticed how quickly the teens onboard make friends with one another. My own daughter had "her crew" within what seemed like hours on our first day of cruising. With an impressive 2 story water slide, located on Deck 14, I thought of the "happy' adults that would have a ball decks below. There is definitely a adult only pool sandwiched between Deli/Grille and Pool Bar.
There are 3 main dining rooms, the Black, Gold, and Pink Pearl restaurants. I had lunch in the Pink Pearl and loved that the chandeliers seemed to be made with wooden balls in a spiral formation. I heard one of the agents comment that Carnival had come a long way in terms of their food on board. I must admit that everything that was on our menu was not only quite appetizing, but also served in large portions. I regret not having to be able to take my lunch home in a doggie bag, because there was no way I could finish everything in one seating. We were also entertained by the waiters, with one of the songs from Slumdog Millionaire. Lunch was excellent. My main course was Medallion Beef with mashed potatoes and mushrooms.........mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmm Good!
Other Public areas consists of a Sushi Bar, Duty Free shops, A Piano Bar, 1 large Theatre with about five other on board venues for your entrainment pleasure.
I noticed a picture of a past guest that had won several thousand dollars on board in the Royal Flush casino. Wouldn't that be nice to take a Carnival Cruise and win big like that as a take home life time memory.
The Pinnacle Steakhouse on board at 30.00 per guest offers everything from 3 different cuts of beef, to lamp chops, chicken, lobster and sea bass. Boarding guests can see actually steaks and lobster sizes as they make reservations for dinner. There are 32 culinary delights to choose from on the menu, including starters and deserts with a large selection of International Wines and After dinner drinks
Starting in February 2011, Carnival will take over as the only Cruise line, offering 3, 4, and 7 night Mexico sailings from the Port of Long Beach
Overall Carnival Splendor should deliver the fun and excitement for families and singles of all ages. I'll still miss the other Cruise line that departs in January of 2011, but still love the fact that between Sand Diego and Long Beach departures, the West coast still offers something convenient without having to fly to another departure state or country.
Look for two 15 night round trip San Diego and Long Beach Hawaii cruises starting from Long Beach/Los Angeles on December 2, 2011 and departing from San Diego on April 13, 2012. T
There are Early Saver rates now available for booking, offering rate protection coverage should your rate go down before your cruise. Certain restrictions do apply. additional discounts available for Residents, Seniors, and Military
