Carnival Splendor Review
4.0 / 5.0
4 Awards
Greg9542
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s
Rating by category
Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Additional details
Sail Date: Sep 2022
Cabin:
I am a 60 year old male who travels solo. I booked this cruise from Seattle to Australia because it was close to where I live plus the itinerary was interesting and the cruise was still on COVID pricing. I was hesitant to go even up to the final day of embarkation because of all the negative reviews I read. I am so glad I went!!! I found the negative reviews were completely erroneous. If the decor and color scheme (huge giant pink doughnuts everywhere) and the fact that the ship was a bit older bothers you than stick with a high end cruise.
I took Amtrak from Portland to Seattle and then an Uber to the terminal. The terminal was a madhouse because 2 Carnival ships were leaving at the same time. The line for the Splendor was out the door and into the parking lot. There was NO checking of checking times, however I found this on every ship I have been on. I was supposed to board between 1245 and 1. I didn’t get onto the ship until about 4 hours. Later learned that the snafu was because people didn’t have the proper documentation like a visa for Australia. Once I was onboard I went to my cabin and one of my bags was already there. After muster drill I went to the Lido deck where many of the eateries were already closed. However, I got a Reuben at the deli and it was very good. I did not go to the singles meeting nor MDR because I wanted to be up top when we cruised out of Seattle through Puget Sound.
The Cruise Director was Andy and he did a wonderful job keeping the ship entertained and fun everyday!!! This must have been a challenge on a 23 day cruise. There was always activities going on throughout the cruise without a dull moment. Because of Covid and the visa requirement many backed out at the last second and many were denied boarding because they didn’t have a visa. Therefore the ship went from oversold to about 2,700 onboard. Never had a problem finding a seat in the buffet, at the shows, or getting a lounge chair!! Ship never felt full. I was told that majority on ship were sailing complementary because they were big high rollers. Therefore, the casino was always packed but the rest of the ship was fine. The only line I waited in was one lunch at Magnolia Wok. Also, the final day the buffet was packed with people with their suitcases and bags waiting to get off ship.
Cabin Review
Couldn’t ask for a better cabin. Everything was spotlessly clean everyday, the cabin is well laid out, and I appreciate the sofa in the oceanview rooms. I was on the bottom floor so the cabin was always quiet and relaxing.
Port Reviews
Honolulu
Spent the day at Waikiki beach. So much to do you can’t begin to see it all.
Hilo
I took the waterfall and volcano excursion. It was in a small minivan with several very big people that made it very crowded
Kona (Kailua Bay)
The tendering was very messed up with people who did’t take ship’s excursions stuck on ship for hours. I went snorkeling at the sight where Captain Cook was assasinated. Took high speed catamaran and saw caves and other interesting lava flow formations. Guide was very knowledgeable and informative about Hawaii legends
Maui
Only port and excursion that was bad. Port is in the middle of nowhere with no maps or guides giving direction. I went on a “Snorkeling with Turtles” excursion which should have read “Snorkeling and afternoon cruise” Although drinks and a lunch was served, I wanted to see turtles. The way the description read I thought we were going to a turtle sanctuary or place to see turtles. We didn’t see one but the people who did other land excursions saw dozens of turtles on the beach. Take the Nada Drive excursion!!!!
Suva
Take an excursion outside the city. Suva is a poor third world town. I took a canoe excursion down a river through the jungles and Canyons to a waterfall to swim in. The waterfalls and lush greenery was awesome. I really expected Tatto to pop out of the jungle because it was so beautiful! Afterwards we visited a nativeFijiian village for a ceremony and lunch where the whole tribe showed up. Very informative.
Port Denarau
If the east side of Fiji is heavenly with its waterfalls and lush jungles, the west side is paradise!! I took an excursion on a big sailboat to a pristine island about an hour away. It was situated between the islands where Blue Lagoon and the Tom Hank’s movie were filmed. Never, ever saw such clear water. You could actually see the sharks swimming around. It included a delicious Fiji lunch. I took a wonderful scuba trip while there and it was worth every penny.
Seattle
Total chaos. Took almost 4 hours to get onboard. There was two ships boarding at same tim. Also delay was caused because people did not have proper documentation with them such as proof of insurance and a visa. Quite a few were turned away. But it was a 23 day cruise so what’s the rush. I would have been furious on a 7 day cruise!! Seattle is a dirty and violent city where there is major crime, transients all over, trash and graffiti everywhere and no law enforcement. Shame because before 2020 it was a beautiful city!!! One woman on the cruise was mugged right as she was leaving Nordstrom the day before the cruise!!!
Sydney (Australia)
What can I say, Sydney is Sydney. One of the most beautiful and delightful cities in the world. The cruise port is right downtown with ferries and the subway just yards away. I spent a week in Sydney and it wasn’t enough time. Australians are the happiest easy going bunch of people I ever met!!!
3 Helpful Votes