Before the volcano: Splendour of the Seas Cruise Review by spirite
Splendour of the Seas
4
* Background Information This was our first cruise as Platinum Crown and Anchor members - so it made it a bit special - would we be treated any differently?
* Hotel Info We arrived in Venice a couple of days early - after a couple of near misses, we always do this - no chance of missing the ship. By luck we stayed at the Arlechinno hotel just off the Piazzale Roma, a great location and very convenient for the shuttle bus to the port.
* Embarkation This was the best embarkation we have had (better than Miami or Tampa). Luggage disappeared off the shuttle straight onto trailers and off to the ship (presumably via security). This is where we first felt special - a dedicated check-in for Platinum (+). Check-in was no quicker - but the cakes and champagne were a nice treat.
* Sailaway The sailaway from Venice down the Guidecca canal is stunning. Some of the best views in the world.
* Stateroom Our stateroom was fine - normal inside cabin. We didn't More spend too much time in it. The only complaint would a lack a pressure and warmth in the water in the shower.
* Dining We enjoyed the food - all good quality and never had reason to send anything back. The service on MyTime dining was often slow - half an hour to get a bread roll or find your wine bottle is not good enough.
* Children's Clubs Our children were disappointed by the kids' clubs. The activities were less well organised than we have experienced in the past. Our teen often left the club bored by the lack of activities, playing on the Wii seemed to be the only activity.
* Entertainment Normal Royal Caribbean fare. The singers and dancers were fine. A good West End singer and a fun magician did well. But overall, I don't cruise for the shows and find them rather poor - wonder if the larger ships are any better?
* Disembarkation This is when the effects of the Iceland volcano hit. We had been told that airports and flights were cancelled - the internet lounge was packed with people trying to rebook flights and hotels. We had paid for a "late departure". This is an excellent programme - for around $30 per person you stay on board on departure day - we had use of the lounges, pool, windjammer etc- all for the price of a meal in Venice. Due to the ash problem, there was a lot of confusion about whether the programme was actually running - at one point we were asked to leave. When we finally disembarked, we were straight through security , got our bags and the a taxi to the (closed) airport. Due to the ash we were in Venice for a further 5 days before eventually flying home. Less
Published 07/02/10
spirite
Overall Member Rating
Before the volcano
Sail Date:
April 2010
Destination: Europe - Eastern Mediterranean
Embarkation: Venice
Destination: Europe - Eastern Mediterranean
Embarkation: Venice
* Hotel Info We arrived in Venice a couple of days early - after a couple of near misses, we always do this - no chance of missing the ship. By luck we stayed at the Arlechinno hotel just off the Piazzale Roma, a great location and very convenient for the shuttle bus to the port.
* Embarkation This was the best embarkation we have had (better than Miami or Tampa). Luggage disappeared off the shuttle straight onto trailers and off to the ship (presumably via security). This is where we first felt special - a dedicated check-in for Platinum (+). Check-in was no quicker - but the cakes and champagne were a nice treat.
* Sailaway The sailaway from Venice down the Guidecca canal is stunning. Some of the best views in the world.
* Stateroom Our stateroom was fine - normal inside cabin. We didn't More spend too much time in it. The only complaint would a lack a pressure and warmth in the water in the shower.
* Dining We enjoyed the food - all good quality and never had reason to send anything back. The service on MyTime dining was often slow - half an hour to get a bread roll or find your wine bottle is not good enough.
* Children's Clubs Our children were disappointed by the kids' clubs. The activities were less well organised than we have experienced in the past. Our teen often left the club bored by the lack of activities, playing on the Wii seemed to be the only activity.
* Entertainment Normal Royal Caribbean fare. The singers and dancers were fine. A good West End singer and a fun magician did well. But overall, I don't cruise for the shows and find them rather poor - wonder if the larger ships are any better?
* Disembarkation This is when the effects of the Iceland volcano hit. We had been told that airports and flights were cancelled - the internet lounge was packed with people trying to rebook flights and hotels. We had paid for a "late departure". This is an excellent programme - for around $30 per person you stay on board on departure day - we had use of the lounges, pool, windjammer etc- all for the price of a meal in Venice. Due to the ash problem, there was a lot of confusion about whether the programme was actually running - at one point we were asked to leave. When we finally disembarked, we were straight through security , got our bags and the a taxi to the (closed) airport. Due to the ash we were in Venice for a further 5 days before eventually flying home. Less
Published 07/02/10
Cabin review: K Large Interior Stateroom
Read All Large Interior Stateroom (K) Reviews >>
Port and Shore Excursions
The ship's excursion to Athens was professional and very well done. There are probably cheaper ways of doing the Acropolis but we were always safe and had no chance of missing the ship!
Read 1048 Athens (Piraeus) Reviews
Another beautiful stop. Olympia is magnificent (again we hear there are cheaper ways of getting there than the ship's excursion but it was good value). Katakolon was a lovely end to our trip.
Read 431 Katakolon (Olympia) Reviews
Beautiful Greek island and a complete contrast to Athens. Charging 10 euro for the shuttle into town is a bit steep. There is a lovely small beach with a taverna within walking distance of the dock.
Read 842 Mykonos Reviews
A lovely port town with a lot of history. Unfortunately on a wet Sunday morning in April it was very quiet and took a while to wake up. It did make us consider a Croatia holiday in future.
Read 295 Split Reviews
A magnificent city. Stunning sailaway. It's expensive - but kids are easily kept happy with 1 euro Italian ice creams. One tip - public toilets are expensive (1.50 euro). Instead buy a coffee (1 euro) and use the cafe's toilets instead.
Read 1151 Venice Reviews
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Read Cruise Critic’s Splendour of the Seas Review >>
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spirite
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