I had been on the Carnival Legend twice 2003 and 2004. I didn't find the Splendor to be as outdated and worn as some of the reviews I read on this site. Embarkation was very smooth and went pretty fast. We were on the ship be about 1:15. The cabins were almost ready.
We went to have lunch on the Lido deck. My first disappointment was the food selection. It looks as though Carnival is catering to the League of Nations, not Americans. I really had a hard time making up my mind. On all other cruise lines I have been on, They had a pasta station where a person fried up pasta with your choice of condiments. Not so on Carnival. I was very disappointed that there was not an Italian Restaurant on the ship. Most other ships also have one. I am not really that hard to please. I could eat pasta all the time, but there really wasn't that much offered.
All the Cabin stewards and their assistants and the waiters and their assistants were great. The cabin was always clean and they knew us by name. The waitresses and waiters were fine also. I'm sorry I can't spell their names to give them praise for their good work. They work very hard and long hours.
The cabin (7356) was kept neat and clean by our room Steward and His assistant. Clean towels were always given when needed. There was always ice in the ice bucket. I give these workers an A for their efforts.
We stopped in a restaurant right across from the dock for a bowl of Clam Chowder. Delicious. It wasn't New England, it was St John Clam Chowder. The natives are very friendly.
Halifax is a very nice and friendly port also. They have a Bagpiper on the dock as the ship docks and when you leave. the people are friendly here also. we just walked along the waterfront and enjoyed the sights.
I really don't like New York. If they would put cruises back in Philadelphia, I would be very happy.