Carnival Splendor Review
Rating by category
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Service was not up to the usual smiling friendliness I have become used to on Carnival, or maybe I'm paying more attention to all crew. Cruisers have complained about the pink overload/décor but to me it's typical "fun" carnival, although it's looking dated. Casino décor was the best I've ever seen on a cruise (8 total). Food was typical Carnival, which gets old after three days but that's why there are ports and Steakhouse, right? Steakhouse was up to usual excellent standards, for a price of course. Lido deck food was mostly disappointing, but there were a couple shining stars. The "Off The Grill" burgers were grey and just plain bleh. The Tandoor was a huge disappointment as I read some glowing reviews about it on Cruise Critic just before embarking. It may be that my standards are high, given Washington, DC has great Indian food - but I would rate it as the worst I've ever had. Pizza Pirate, prosciutto e arugula pizza is very good. Mongolian Wok is very good as long as you the cook not to spray that NASTY Pam on the wok. Food in port was much, much better, thanks to TripAdvisor restaurant recommendations. Casino has 3-D sculpted playing cards all around, and nicely lit, oversized playing cards as ceiling panels. Layout of the Promenade reminds me of Valor (and Victory, I think).
I miss the tablecloths for every-night dining, it seems the lack of tablecloth no longer goes with the excellent service, but then again it matches the average food better.
Lots of varied fun, games and activities all day, every day.
Cabin Review
Interior
Typical inside cabin you expect from Carnival.
We had to call twice for the stopped-up shower drain.
Port Reviews
Grand Turk
We walked down the beach about 3 football fields to where the oversized rocks disappear from beneath the water. Jack's Shack is a fun stop, and more laid-back than the area just off the ship. The food is better than Carnival's but not great. Topher the dog is fun to watch and the beach, for swimming, is my second favorite after Half Moon Cay. Warm water and no sharp objects under foot, nice gentle swells that don't break. Note: there's a big difference between the beach just off the ship and the beach at Jack's Shack - Jack's Shack being much better.
Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)
We took a taxi/walking tour for $35 each, four hours. It was great, we got to walk all around Puerto Plata and we would visit again. Amber Cove itself was typical Carnival port except the Carribean was very murky, almost muddy-looking. There is a water park we did not visit.
St. Thomas
As far as Carribean ports go, this was one of our favorites. We walked about 45 minutes to downtown Charlotte Amelie and there was a lot of typical shopping running the full range of local crafts to higher end shopping. We walked another 15 minutes to Frenchtown. Hook, LIne and Sinker has a nice view of this ship and harbor, and wonderful variety of fresh fish, filet or whole fish, just caught, with sublime French sauces. Hook, Line and Sinker will be our first stop next time in St. Thomas.
San Juan
We walked around the calles, window-shopping. Excellent House Mojito and fresh fish (also their beans and rice is outstanding) at Mojito's, just a ten-minute walk from the ship.