Carnival Splendor Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,476 reviews

First time cruiser and a little disappointed.

Review for the South Pacific Cruise on Carnival Splendor
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Lethal61
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Feb 2020
Cabin: Porthole
Traveled with children

Decided that as this was a fun ship we would take our youngest daughter and eldest grandson with us. We were so looking forward to the experience but unfortunately we were a little underwhelmed. The colour scheme of the ship reminded us of Willy Wonka - tacky. We were advised four days before the cruise that the Isle of Pines was not allowing cruise ships to dock. (Coronavirus). We were diverted to Moreton Island where were to drop anchor and spend a number of hours there. Well as much as they tried to get the boats to dock alongside the ship to pick up passengers to go to the island were in vain. This meant more time at sea. We did get a few more hours in Noumea and time to go snorkelling but the communication on the pier was terrible. We were told to meet our guide once we got off the ship but instead were ushered on to a bus even though we said what we were doing. We eventually met up with our group near the passenger terminal. Great shore excursion (snorkelling). Felt being on board for 6 of the 7 days was too much. Felt that the ship was not designed well as we needed to go up stairs or lift to move to the back of the ship and then down again to dine. The live shows at night were great - the best entertainment on the ship. Felt that a family friendly cruise did not need to have the Casino in full view of children - we had to walk past it every night to get to dinner. Would not be allowed on land. Pools were quite small when you have a full ship - no room to move. Food selection was reasonable. The shops were overpriced and some were in $US which makes no sense if you have left an Australian port. Over the top photography every night almost to the point it became annoying - and overpriced. It seems all the company wanted to do was get us much money out of you as possible. Cabin was basic but comfortable- we did have an ocean view. Not real big for 4 people though. Will need to try another company to see if my expectations are totally warranted but based on what we experienced not sure we will travel Carnival again.

Cabin Review

Porthole

Clean and comfortable but even though the ship is only 12 years old already in need of a makeover.

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