First off, we found it to be a big waste of money buying Faster to the Fun. Upon arrival to the port (before 11:am) we found one initial check in line that was designated for the FTTF people, so we got to show our Passports to a Customs Agent quicker than the huge line of people. Next stop was the X-ray machine then off to get our Sail & Sign cards, there was no FTTF line for this instead we were herded into a large crowded line that took forever to get to the front of. Just as we got to the counter we heard the general boarding announcement. Finally got our cards and headed onboard. Just as we got to our room we heard the announcement that all rooms were ready. So we did not experience any expedited check in, boarding or room availability since we got to our room around 12:30 (an hour and a half to board) I suppose later our luggage did show up slightly sooner than the general population, no big deal!

Unfortunately there were two large groups onboard (500 people each –half of the passenger population) for this sailing, consisting of the rudest foreigners we have ever encountered. I don't want to come across as racist so I'll self-edit my comments but suffice to say they were rude, unnecessarily agressive. Competing for access to the water & ice dispensers. Cutting in line at the buffet and one brat actually ran between my Wife's legs in the Buffet line. I caught one jerk smoking on his balcony two floors below and 2 cabins forward twice. I witnessed this Einstein flicking his lit butts overboard and watched the butt blow back onboard another balcony further aft. (An awesome way to light a fire!) I called guest services twice with my concerns and to my knowledge nothing was ever done. With the exception of a few stand outs (Cabin Steward & Black Pearl Dining Room Wait staff - especially Howard) Service was mediocre at best. Entertainment was weak, we went to the shows with an open mind but ended up leaving early for most of them. I don't recall staying to the end of any of the shows.

We ran into complications during a shore excursion at Grand Cayman which caused us to miss our excursion's departure. (So much for priority tendering with FTTF.) The Carnival Shore Rep "Nom" was over the top helpful and got us on another excursion leaving a little later, She really saved the day. We remain extremely grateful for her kindness. Nom ROCKS! With reductions in onboard staff comes delays in clearing tables, always hard to find a place to sit and eat. Carnival needs to step it up in the Buffet area. Every other ship we have sailed on (6 ships 3 other Lines) have been much quicker to clear tables and make room. The deli made excellent sandwiches, I loved the Ruben, you should not miss this option for lunch! In conclusion we had a good time but for the price we have had better. We walk away from the Splendor disappointed. It is important to note we tend to find our own fun in most situations. We still had a good time but there was definitely a "taint" to this cruise that we found lacking. If you look at my other reviews here and on trip advisor and yelp you'll see I tend to look for the good in most situations so there are now sour grapes. I will be looking for another cruise line for my future business - Carnival won my business for the last three cruises in a row, I am moving on. I suspect Royal Caribbean or Celebrity will be our next choice.