Cruise Talk: Splendour of the Seas/RCI

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Topic: Splendour of the Seas/RCI

USAMorson
Just Boarded
Member # 463

posted 01-11-1999 06:59 PM

I am booked on an 11 night Western Caribbean cruise on the Splendour of the Seas and this is my first cruise ever...was wondering if anyone has any comments about the ship/staff that may be helpful. (Have a cabin with a balcony)

Posts: 9 | From: Pomona, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Jan 99

SF
First Class Passenger
Member # 407

posted 01-16-1999 11:30 PM

We took the Splendour Of The Seas two years ago for a British Isles tour of Europe. We all had a great time. The cabin was comfortable and the staff friendly. The ship itself is very nice with plenty of activities to choose from if you wish. The food was ok, but definitely not as good as some of the other lines we were on. We've done the Western Caribbean itinerary several times and always enjoyed the ports. If you're going to Ocho Rios climb the falls at Dunn's River. If you are going to Grand Cayman you'll really enjoy the beaches there. I'm sure you'll enjoy your cruise especially since it's your first. We like Royal Caribbean's Line so we are planning on taking the Enchantment of the Seas in a few weeks and the Splendour again for another European cruise. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Happy sailing!!!!

Posts: 23 | Registered: Jan 99

USAMorson
Just Boarded
Member # 463

posted 01-20-1999 11:39 AM

SF: Thanks for the words of wisdom regarding the ports. I am very excited about the cruise and just hope that everything will go well as this is most likely a one time vacation for me. I've heard that Royal Caribbean is a good cruise line and am confident with that but was unsure about the ship. Thanks again for replying to my inquiry..it was greatly appreciated!

Posts: 9 | From: Pomona, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Jan 99

BMGBSG
Just Boarded
Member # 28

posted 01-22-1999 02:00 PM

Hi USA!
Are you on the splendour leaving April 10TH? My husband and I along with my parents are going the Splendour for an 11 day. I've been to most of the ports. email me if you would like.

Posts: 1 | From: Auroroa, IL | Registered: Jan 99

sbush
Just Boarded
Member # 764

posted 01-23-1999 03:35 PM

I sailed last year on the Splendour and have sailed on RCI 16 times. You will really enjoy the ship, and that deluxe cabin you booked! On the Panama Canal sailing I went on, people were at the front of the ship at dawn (or maybe even before) waiting for the transit. you will see a lot from the back and sides of the ship, with no "waiting", etc. I would be happy to give you tons of tips if you email me: stacy.bush@gte.net

Posts: 1 | From: Reston, VA | Registered: Jan 99

Bob
First Class Passenger
Member # 41

posted 01-26-1999 08:29 PM

Hey USA
Was on that cruise early last year and it was great. Have your camera ready for Curacao. Your cabin will mean great photo ops. Jamaica do the Falls or a tour. You can walk to a mall that's just at the end of the dock around the corner but if you're put off by pesky people give up two bucks for a cab. It's not far really. Watch out for Grand Cayman i think you're there on sunday we found banks & lots of places are closed. Fav spots Aruba and Cozmell. Great beaches and you can't get lost. They are small islands. Oh yah go to Peppers on Key West and say hi to Sandy. Clinton Market Square 291 Front St. the best collection of hot sauce ever. Rccl +great ship and you'll be back.

Posts: 25 | From: BC Canada | Registered: Jan 99

luvtocruise
First Class Passenger
Member # 680

posted 02-07-1999 09:57 PM

Just returned home from 11 days on Splendour. What a beautiful ship! The 11 days compared to the normal 7 day cruise can't be beat. I always had a cabin with balcony, loved it. The only problem was quite a lot of vibration in cabin. Don't know if all cabins had this problem, but was quite annoying. This was my 1st cruise with RCI, have sailed twice with NCL. Would I rate one over the other -- each one did some things better and some things worse. RCI was much better with their sea/air program. We purchased the pre-cruise hotel stay. We were greeted at the airport by RCI (even though we were 4 hours late) and were taken to our hotel. The next morning, RCI was there to do all of their check-in procedures so that we didn't have to check-in at the ship -- great!! All we needed to do was go through security, then right to our room. Cruise staff is sitting by the stairs and elevators on each floor to give you your room keys. I was quite disappointed in the food on RCI -- the fish was horrible. Many at our table would send it back. Luckily, our waiter was fanastic and always worried if you did not eat everything on your plate -- always wanted to please without being a pain. The food in the windjammer was usually cold but edible. Check out the guy making omelets near the bar area (in the center)for breakfast and had cold cut sandwiches for lunch made to order. Wish they had a sign up, took us a few days to notice. Some of our table mates did not know about this at all. One complaint that I had was lack of beverages (ice tea or lemonade) during the day. The bars would charge you for it if you didn't get it the windjammer (which is only open for 2 hours at lunch). If they could give you free coffee, I think that they could at least supply this to the non-coffee drinkers. Our room steward was another story, had to remind him constantly about things (like we have no toilet paper!!!!). The min golf course was so much fun -- especially when at sea, you never knew where the ball was going to go (note -- $5 fee per person, or $30 per person for unlimited play with an additional $15 per person for additional family members). We actually paid for the unlimited play because we were having so much fun. Most of the shows were very good, though a few were horrible (But everyone has different tastes!). Word of advice, if you enjoy being near the pool -- get a chair early, some chairs would be reserved (which you are not supposed to do) by 7:30am. I usually had to go to the 10th deck which was very windy. Would I sail with RCI again, probably but it wasn't all that I had expected.

Posts: 20 | Registered: Feb 99

Bob
First Class Passenger
Member # 41

posted 02-27-1999 02:04 PM

Hey USA
Did you go? Are you There? Are you Going? Did we help ?

Posts: 25 | From: BC Canada | Registered: Jan 99

USAMorson
Just Boarded
Member # 463

posted 03-01-1999 11:48 AM

Bob: OF COURSE YOU ALL HELPED ME TREMENDOUSLY!!!!!! And no, I have not gone yet..I'm going on the April 10th sailing out of Miami.

Posts: 9 | From: Pomona, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Jan 99

USAMorson
Just Boarded
Member # 463

posted 03-01-1999 11:53 AM

Sorry about the short message above...sent it by accident before I finished. As I was saying..you have ALL helped me tremendously and I appreciate ALL your comments.

I have to admit though that I have heard a lot of CONS now about the Splendour AND RCCL but I am not going to let that spoil my excitement. The negatives are few: cabin vibrations, food not good, and Jamaica port not being one that is very safe. What do you think? Bob..you've been on the ship..give me some more pointers. If you would like to email me send to _USAMorson@Yahoo.com (and don't forget the dash in front of USA okay?).

I thank you ALL for your responses and votes of confidence. I still have a million questions, but too many to ask on here.

Hope to talk to you soon and promise to give a report once I've returned!!!

Posts: 9 | From: Pomona, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Jan 99

Hillary
Just Boarded
Member # 182

posted 03-18-1999 05:12 PM

WOW after reading some of the comments about the Splendour and the 10 or 11 day cruise to the Caribbean I'm pretty nervous. We have sailed once on RCCL on the Sovereign of the Seas and had a great time. Are there any positive comments out there. We are not sailing until next March... Help!

Posts: 2 | From: Fredericksburg, VA USA | Registered: Mar 99

luvtacruise
First Class Passenger
Member # 679

posted 03-28-1999 01:01 PM

Hillary -- Don't be nervous about your cruise. Though Splendour does have a few cons, the pros do outweigh them. As with any cruise, there are good points and bad (and the more one cruises, the more comparisons can be made). I loved the longer trip, in fact I've booked a 10 day for next year (no not RCI, wanted to try a different line). The ship is beautiful -- the prettiest I've been on. Yes, I did not enjoy the food as much as other cruises that I've been on, but it wasn't horrible. Believe me, I still ate (quite a bit if you must know). Just enjoy your trip -- after all, cruising is the best vacation that you can get. Happy Sailing!!!!

Posts: 18 | Registered: Mar 99

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