We went on the Carnival Splendor to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel on a 6 night/7day cruise. I booked a balcony cabin for 4 people - 2 adults, 2 children. As expected, the cabin was small. However, I did not expect the outdated, tacky decor. It was horrible. Red/orange carpet, 70s style furnishings, and a horrible bathroom. The bathroom was not clean and there was unsightly grime on some of the surfaces. The ship looked like it was over 30 years old and had never been re-decorated. The rest of the ship was also pretty horribly decorated...not visually appealing at all.

Activities: there was a ton of activities going on throughout the ship - spa activities, fitness center, comedy shows, singing/dancing shows, etc. My daughter (8) and I went to a 70s song and dance show which we both really loved. The material for the comedy show was the same on two different nights. However, overall, the activities on board were plentiful and entertaining. Fun for kids, too. I also utilized Camp Carnival which I would give 5 stars to. My youngest (3) absolutely loved it - face painting, coloring, games, toys, friends, and FUN! The "camp counselors" are amazing and both my girls loved them. They really know how to make the kids feel comfortable. They do issue cell phones (first come first serve) so they can reach you if your child needs you, which was comforting.

Spa: I used the spa on the two days at sea for massages. My first experience in the spa was excellent - excellent, relaxing massage which actually took away a lot of shoulder/neck pain I was having (deep tissue). The second massage I had was a hot stone massage with which I was totally unimpressed. No pressure or relief of tight muscles... Basically I was rubbed with hot stones. Then the masseuse got pushy at the end wanting me to buy product - lotions, body brushes, etc. I had already spent over 250$ on massages and I didn't want the product. She seemed annoyed which was unbecoming to say the least. Read more