We've been back two weeks from the cruise to the Mexican Riviera on Carnival Splendor.  We did extensive research before selecting Splendor and glad this was the cruise we settled with.   The ship was mega-ship.  It was new, celebrating its 1 year in service July 1st.  We had an inside cabin on deck 9 which was perfect since this was the Lido deck and the deck with the buffets, the pools.  The deli was the great with delicious tasting pastrami sandwiches.  We had 2nd seating for dinner and altho it is late for our normal routines, it worked well with the port stops.  Allowed us more time to be at the ports.  We highly recommend self debarkation.  We were off the ship in 15 minutes once they cruise line cleared customs.  As long as you can haul your luggage off the ship yourself you can self embark.  Embarkation worked well also.  We got there Saturday appx 10am, and was onboard the boat around 1230 enjoying the buffet.  We totally enjoyed the serenity area with the calm soothing music and padded lounge chairs.  This cruise being July4th was packed, and the serenity area was nice for relaxation.   We did the Puerta Adventures which was ziplining, rapeling, crossing bridges, hiking.  This was by far the best experience ever.  it was scenic, thrilling.  It was a zodiac ride to the southern end of the puerta vallarta bay to a small fishing village.  Then it was a 40 minute jeep ride to puerta adventures through rural countryside.  Then a mule ride to the top of the zip lines.  The operators of the adventure were very good with the harnesses.  the only disappointment is they would take photos and at the end it was pricey to purchase.  But we bought it since it was a nice souvenir.  As the cruise director kept saying "You're on vacation".  We did not buy the excursion to Mazatlan from the ship.  Once you are in the port there are vendors who will take you to see mazatlan key view points for $25 per person.  We enjoyed the city with this tour.  In Cabo San Lucas we did the Sea and Land Tour.  This was very long tour interesting to start with the boat tour around the los arcos.  then we were on a bus to tour through San Jose del Cabo.  As far as staff support it was good service, but we felt they were not as personable as other cruise ships we've been on.  It could be because they know the gratuity will be charged to the room, so they don't have to be as friendly.  But we had no issues with their service.  The times I visited the gym it was packed, but it did have lots of equipment.  We were surprised with this being the 1 year for the Splendor that they did'nt serve b-day cake.  Also we cruised July 4th and there wasn't any fireworks or special event.  We thoroughly enjoyed the Stars on board where the winners of the karaoke contest participated in a production.  It was very entertaining.Cruising is great.  We had some excellent table mates and thats part of the joy of cruising to meet people who enjoy cruising.  We will cruise with Carnival again.  This was our 3rd cruise.