Carnival Splendor Review

Cruise saved by the service of the staff, poor structure of ship

Review for the South Pacific Cruise on Carnival Splendor
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towelanimal718
2-5 Cruises • Age 40s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Jan 2020
Traveled with children

I chose this cruise as a single parent with a young child. The cruise staff were outstanding, especially the kids' club (3-5 yr olds). Honourable mentions go to Miss Candy (Mary Jean), Miss Pizza (Roisin) kid's club, Yaowaluck ("Lucky"- amazing cabin steward) and Head waiters, Joel, Roy and Welly. However, v disappointed with the layout of the ship, especially since the ship has recently undergone a retrofit. For more than 3500 passengers (and we travelled at the peak time during school summer holidays) there were only two small swimming pools which were consistently full, as were the deck chairs around them. So for the entireity of the cruise, I didn't get the chance to swim on the ship. Likewise, the two spas in the adults only area were constantly crowded, either with mixed groups or entirely men who staked out their territory for the day. As a single woman there was no way I was going to hop into a small jacuzzi with 15-20 semi-naked strange men. It would be helpful if one of the spas could be designated for women only. The layout of the ship was designed to narrow, not widen the flows of traffic. The only espresso café, candy shop and juice bar were all grouped at the back of the ship, with the only major access via walking your children through the casino (dark, endless slot machines). This was a major design fail. There was an average 45 min wait for tender boats on shore days which resulted in the ship offering optional full discounts for shore excursions. The programming and entertainment, especially the kids' entertainment (all the Dr Seuss related events) was excellent (don't miss the Towel animals Theatre).

Dining options were fair, including good gluten- free options.

Cabin Review

Cabins were clean and well kept, thanks to the excellent cabin staff.

Port Reviews

Lifou

The beaches at the pier are very good.

9 Helpful Votes
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