Carnival Splendor Review
Mostly excellent staff, pretty hideous decor
Rating by category
Additional details
This was my first Carnival Cruise. The only other was a Princess Cruise last year.
The ship itself wasn't bad. I liked the retractable roof over the main pool, especially for the dive-in movies. The layout was similar to the other ship I cruised on, Royal Princess. Pools on the lido (9) and and another on 11. Also on 11 a small splash pad, hot tub, and the landing spot for the water slide. Clubs, casino, theater, and main dining restaurants on lower decks.
The decor was something all together hideous. Not sure when pink and black zebra circles on silver metallic wallpaper was chic. And black ceramic tile with pistachio green grout was odd. In the dining rooms (Black Pearl, Gold Pearl) I understand they were going for seashells with pearls in them, the execution ended up looking like either nipples or Marvin the Martian's eyes. Not sure if they hired Peggy Bundy or RuPaul as a designer, but spectacularly hideous.
Cabin Review
Balcony
We had the room configured for four, so twin beds, sofabed and the pull down bed. Storage was well thought out and we were all able to store our stuff.
Port Reviews
Puerto Vallarta
Just jumped off the boat and grabbed a taxi. Great shopping and drinking
Mazatlan
Private tour of $20 a person. Saw the cliff divers and other sites
Cabo San Lucas
Been here before, so great time drinking in the sunshine