After 23 cruises on various lines I think we may be justified in our review. The Splendor was our 3rd Carnival Cruise having been on Freedom over New Years and The Splendor the same time in 2013. We have sailed on Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Disney so here it is:

Being in my late 40's with wife in mid 40's together with 18, 15 year old sons; this ship was awesome.

I am not going to break it down into dining, entertainment, ports, service, and misc. I am going to give it to you straight. Weather was perfect 7 days of sun in 80's and 90's and calm as can be… We were worried about embarkation because of immigration inspection so we delayed and arrived at 12:45. $320 parking fee is a joke. We were on ship by 1:30 and room was ready and off to lunch we went. The next 8 days comprised of spectacular service; meeting friends from all over with a shout out to wonderful families from Hershey, Pa. and Hamden, Ct.. We spend a lot of time in trivia: sports, music, history etc. and the Splendor had a wonderful variety. What a great place to meet people and the sports bar was also a place to meet friends with common interests. Anyhow I digress; two areas that set Carnival apart are the Comedy club (4 sea days) and the Brunch option; don't ever get rid of that. It is unique and enjoyable. The food in the dining room Gold Pearl early seating was 5 star along with the service. The cuts of meat, lobster, seafood, and appetizers were delicious and this is coming from a big man who can eat… Reynaldo and Reuben table 419 were the best restaurant staff we have had in 23 cruises. We arrived at dinner every night at 6-6:10 PM and were finished with dessert by 7:15 PM. Food was hot and variety was excellent. Try an NCL cruise with baby shrimp and limited menu and then complain about choices. Never did we feel compelled to eat at specialty restaurant, like they push incessantly on other cruise lines. Read more