Carnival Splendor Review
Rating by category
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At first sight the ship seems much smaller than we have been accustomed to. Height, therefore decks, are less than other ships we have sailed on. The decor is over the top with no imagination spared with regard to colours or lights. No doubt the difference is made clear by the offering in the buffet. There is a distinct lesser grade of buffet than what we have been accustomed too. Dishes that are offered all the time on other lines are absent here.The buffet operates on a schedule, , which means eating only at certain times. Outside these hours is a grill bar offering a limited but ample choice of burgers, a Deli offering toasts/sandwiches and a pizza bar, 24hours a day. Plastic plates are used vis-à-vis crockery on other lines. Selection is much smaller, but ample. The main, surprising, difference is that the room steward did not introduce him/her self to us, which is the norm on other lines, in case one has special requests, as well as making a much friendlier atmosphere. Like a 2/3 star hotel, one checks in, goes to the room and the room attendants are, for the most part, “anonymous”.
The cabin is a fair size with double bed, couch, vanity table/desk, safe, flat screen T.V. and a comfortable bathroom. However, when will Carnival get into their heads that a shower cubicle is so much more convenient and less messy than the antiquated curtain in use today! Shower has a dispenser for shampoo and one for shower gel. Soap is supplied for the sink. Ample shelf space and a shaver plug as well.
The staff/crew, as well, are not as “guest orientated” as we have become accustomed to. Minimal greetings and rare interaction, mostly, only if initiated by guest, between crew and guests making for a much “cooler” atmosphere.
Cabin Review
Ocean View
Cabin 2548 – “Normal” sized cabin near the aft of the ship.Little passing traffic so don’t hear/feel passing traffic. Large window giving ample view of what needs to be seen. More than ample cupboard space, bathroom with shaver plug and enough shelves for our toiletries. Shower/taps have high pressure. Shampoo and shower gel dispensers in shower and soap, toothpaste supplied.One negative comment: Why do Carnival still use shower curtains instead of shower cubicles? Cabin 2474 – Last cabin on deck, facing backwards, with a smaller window to the aft. One less cupboard than the previous cabin although sufficient. Due position and part of a two cabin suite, we have a “small entrance hall” with its own door, meaning at night we have a two door noise protection. Passing traffic absolutely minimal as last cabin on deck.Being a corner cabin, its larger than the norm.Only negative point is hearing the machinery when docking, both on arrival and departure, due closeness to, I assume, machines for securing the ship. Since at a most reasonable time, no impact on sleep quality.