Aug 09 2010

Great trip on the Carnival Splendor!

by Sandra Weaver, Senior Travel Consultant

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 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 special guests’ VIP Lounge for priority check-in. I had always noticed a table set up in the pick-up/drop off area, however there is actually a lounge located right outside the terminal where VIP guests can check-in prior to anyone else. Very impressive!

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 on other cruise lines I have sailed on and toured, and I love that Carnival gives you the "extra amenities" to make 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 they were large enough to accommodate any sized 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 everything necessary, such as wider showers with "benches" to sit on.

Each room had bathrobes and beach towels. Nicely appointed with a king or twin bed, I noticed how the sofa sleeper would actually be comfortable for a third adult or small child. 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 offered ample drawer and closet space with a private safe located in its 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, as well as Deluxe Spa Products and special spa amenities and privileges. Unfortunately during my limited time onboard, the Cloud 9 Spa was closed to inspections.

After viewing the staterooms, I had 15 minutes to tour the public areas aboard the Splendor. I did not realize that Carnival offers movies and concerts outside on the Lido deck. With a "drive-in" type of screen, onboard guests have plenty of space to kick back and enjoy a good concert or movie. I enjoyed watching from the pool or Jacuzzi; it was 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. The teens onboard made friends with one another very quickly, often within what seemed like hours on our first day of cruising. There is also an adult-only pool sandwiched between Deli/Grille and Pool Bar, as well as an impressive two-story water slide, located on Deck 14.

There are three 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 on our menu was not only quite appetizing, but also served in large portions. I regret not being 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 songs from Slumdog Millionaire. Lunch was excellent. My main course was Medallion Beef with mashed potatoes and mushrooms.........mmmmm mmmm Good!

Other public areas consisted of a Sushi Bar, Duty Free shops, a Piano Bar, and a large theatre with about five other onboard venues for your entrainment pleasure. I noticed a picture of a past guest that had won several thousand dollars onboard in the Royal Flush Casino. Wouldn't that be nice, to take a Carnival Cruise and win big like that as a take-home lifetime memory?

The Pinnacle Steakhouse onboard, $30.00 per guest, offers everything from three different cuts of beef, to lamp chops, chicken, lobster and sea bass. Boarding guests can see actual steak 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. Between San Diego and Long Beach departures, the West Coast still offers something convenient without having to fly to another departure state or country. Call your favorite All-Travel specialist to book early for the best deals and stateroom locations!

To plan your next Carnival Cruise, Click Here or call Sandra at 1-800-300-4567!

About Sandra Weaver

I have been a travel planning specialist for the last 14 years, working with All-Travel for 8 of those years. I specialize in all-inclusive vacations to both Mexico and the Caribbean. I am certified as a SuperClubs specialist, offering all inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Panama, and Brazil for singles, families, and adults only. Club Med is also one of my specialties.

I also specialize in creating customized travel experiences to the beautiful islands of Hawaii and Tahiti. In addition to handling land vacations, I have completed agent training with Holland America, Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Disney, Crystal, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Cunard, Norwegian and Carnival cruise lines. I am also a graduate of the Princess and Cunard Cruises’ prestigious training academy and have been awarded a special status as an expert on both Princess and Cunard. I have cruised several times, with my favorite being Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. Once I go, I know! My number one goal with all of my clients is to offer my very best at all times. I use my travel experiences to better address whatever questions or concerns you may have about your vacation. I believe in providing excellent customer service and have won awards to prove it. 

This year I would love to expand my travel experience to more international destinations such as Ireland, London, and Amsterdam. Brazil would be great as well.

One of my greatest passions would have to fall under travel blogging. I love traveling and then coming home to share my experiences by blogging about it.

Here at All-Travel, we are your travel managers. We are always willing to go the extra mile in planning your most memorable vacation!