Carnival Splendor Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,475 reviews

Very Disappointed; Sticking with Royal Caribbean!

Review for the Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Splendor
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jcronin3175
2-5 Cruises • Age 40s

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Sail Date: Jul 2015

We just got back from spending 8 days aboard the Carnival Splendor, and I have to be honest, what a disappointment. Having cruised a few times myself, I was looking forward to taking my in-laws on their first one. After shopping around for some time, we came across the Carnival Splendor, leaving out of New York City, which is literally 20 minutes from our house. I am normally a Royal Caribbean die hard, but I figured why not try and expand my horizons! Reading some reviews on the ship, I was excited for this time with my family, and was unfortunately left unfulfilled.

Carnival Splendor is in dire need of some updating. The entire ship seems to be very tired looking, and very dark and dreary. I felt like I was trapped in my Grandmothers old, dark house. Traveling with other cruise lines, ships I have experienced and enjoyed are open, airy, and sparkling. Splendor has visible rust everywhere, dust and dirt on the floors, and garbage piled up in certain areas. With the walkways being so narrow, we got very well acquainted with some passing strangers, as we had to brush up against them at every pass.

The buffet on the Lido deck was an interesting area. I understand that tables need to be cleaned, but staff walking into cruisers, sometimes with their carts, is inappropriate. Never in my cruise experience have I had to wait 45 minutes for a hamburger, which was the consistency of a hockey puck, and to have it served with a side of attitude, despite my saying please and thank you. Food in the buffet was not very appetizing, nor did it have much a variety. I know that going on a cruise, with my shellfish allergy, is not always the easiest thing to accommodate, but I do not think that it is asking too much for some of the food to not have some sort of fish in it at some point. Breakfast is served up until lunch, but at 2pm, the food is whisked away, never to be seen again until nearly 6, but it is explained that there are other areas in which to get food. Again, if you want to wait 45 minutes in line.

Cabin Review

Port Reviews

New York (Manhattan)

Easy on access. Faster to the Fun is the way to go!

San Juan

Kind of boring.

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