Carnival Splendor - January 3-10, 2010
I am sailing this week on the Carnival Splendor, one of Carnival's newest ships and a new class of ships for Carnival Cruise Line. we are sailing from Long Beach, California to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. The Mexican Riviera is a great, easy, fun week long getaway for those of us that live on the West Coast. Most of our group drove to the port, boarded and we were off - very easy!
I've been wanting to sail on this new ship since it first arrived in California in early 2009. Many of our clients and staff have already been aboard and have come back with raving reviews.
When you first hear there are over 3000 passengers on board, many time my first thought is "YUCK"! Who wants to be on be ship with so many other travelers? But one onboard, it becomes apparent what a great job the ship designers are doing these days with these large ships. There are MANY small lounges, spaces, restaurants, pools, walkways and other facilities, that you rarely see lines or large crowds of people.
The boarding process in Long Beach only took about 15 minutes from the time we parked until we were on the ship. All of the check in lines were open, and with the online pre-registration completed, all we had to do was show our passports and credit card, and we were given our keys to our stateroom and directed to board the ship - easy!
Upon boarding we all decided to met up at the Lido Deck, poolside for a cocktail and a chance to relax and get into the "Cruise Spirit"! The pool area of the Splendor was an incredible three decks high with an amazing 50 foot television screen that was used to show all kinds of programming. Music Videos during the day while hanging out at the pool, CNN in the
morning for the early birds who were out for coffee and some fresh air, Movies under the Stars with popcorn and cocktails for "kids" off all ages, and we even watched a few of the Bowl Games so far! The lowest level had the pool, lounge chairs, bars, stage for live music and all the amenities you would expect on a cruise ship. The next level up was a great getaway from the sun, but still a part of all the action around the pool since it was covered by the top deck. The third deck up from the pool was all sun deck - out in the open with lounge chairs and lots of people on the sunny days we had all week. From here you can still hear all the music and all the excitement, but you are far above all the ruckus and people running around. Serene, but
sunny and energetic!
A new feature on this ship and spreading to the other ships in the Carnival fleet, is the Serenity Deck or Serenity area. This is an Adults-only relaxation area! As good a job as the ships do with activities for the kids, it was great to have an area that was completely off limits to kids! This area is outside on the upper sun deck, with quiet music playing, upgraded decking and lounge furniture, a private bar and staff to pamper you. It was a great place to sun, read a book (I've finished two novels already, and it's only day three!), meet friends for a drink or just sit an enjoy the sea.
The Serenity Deck is just another component that continues to make cruising one of the
best vacation option. In the past I used to say that cruising was for everyone and for every type of vacationer. But now it is even better, in the fact that you can have "your" type of vacation on just about any cruise ship. There are so many options, cabin types, activities that you can design your favorite way to vacation by just enjoying the areas of the ship that appeal to you. No more are you limited to meals at set times in set dining rooms, no more do you have to endure the steel drum band and belly flop contests by the pool to enjoy the sun, no more do you have to go the the showroom if you want entertainment in the evening. And for those that want all of that - they are still there too! It is all about choices in todays cruising! Well, my battery is running low and I'm off to the gym for an hour or so - and the rest of the group is of to play golf in Puerto Vallarta! Have a great day!
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