I am pleased to have just published my latest photologue on shipcafe.net, that of the Carnival Splendor. After her inaugural season visiting the Baltic Capitals and the Mediterranean, she pursued a Caribbean season and is currently circling South America before she finds her full-time home in Long Beach, California.

As with all of the most recent updates to my site, the newest photologue link can be found on the main page. (www.shipcafe.net)

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Originally posted by Atlantic:
Nice webpage! I was on the Splendor a couple of months back. Great cruise.

I can just imagine the criticism that will start pouring in from our fellow "CTers" about the ship.

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It's all been said before. There is nothing left to say. Surely not the most beautiful ship in the world or in the Carnival fleet for that matter.

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Originally posted by Atlantic:
Nice webpage! I was on the Splendor a couple of months back. Great cruise.

I can just imagine the criticism that will start pouring in from our fellow "CTers" about the ship.

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As for the ship: the lido restaurant is tolerable....other than that, it's more of the same stuff that Farcus is known for. It's one big yawn in my book.

The main 'Pearl' restaurants are nothing short of hideous.

Still, my opinion aside, people will cruise on her and love it.....

The Atrium is too busy (and too much pink) for my taste, but off all the public spaces, I like the show lounge and the Cigar Bar.

Edit:
I want to add that certain design elements of this ship seen to be influenced by Royal Caribbean: The children Splash Park and the ocean view hot tubs on the 2nd level of the lido pool.

[ 02-23-2009: Message edited by: Waynaro ]

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Originally posted by shipcafe:

Haha after publishing this and then heading off to the gym I was thinking about that and what I'd come back to!

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Hey, Carnival ships cater to a certain clientele, those that love it, adore it, those that hate it, take another cruise line. Mickey and Joe know their audience.

I might add like at all luxury hotels, you pay extra for almost everything yet you don't feel nickle and dimed. Quality and service are of the highest standard and that is why people come here again and again. It's all very unobtrusive yet you want for nothing. There are also little surprises like special Hawaiian gifts left on your bed each night at turndown. Of course there are no announcements and no games by the pool. The pool attendant covers the chair you wish with a special cover and provides large towels. Ice cream bars and water are passed out twice a day with no charge.

At night entertainment consists of a Hawaiian band by the ocean while the sun is setting and a piano player in the lounge. There is no sit-up bar at the hotel. Everything is brought to you. The best part is if you want more action all of Waikiki is at your doorstep, but then it's so nice to come "home" to The Halekulani.

As I mentioned, it's about as opposite to Carnival as you can get. It's been a while since I took a completely non-cruise vacation and I must say I'm really enjoying it. I'll go back to cruising because I love ships but this type of vacation has a lot going for it. For instance no huge lines to check in and no security. In fact you are escorted to your room and checked in, in private. It feels like there are almost as many staff as there are guests.

So I'm sure the jaring décor of Carnival will be in my future, but for now it seems a million miles away. One thing is for certain, I'll be traveling with friends as my partner doesn't plan to step foot on another Carnival ship. In fact he would be quite happy giving up cruises completely but that is not going to happen!

Ernie

[ 02-23-2009: Message edited by: eroller ]

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Originally posted by eroller:
It's interesting, the hotel I'm currently staying at in Hawaii is about as different from the Carnival Splendor as you can get. Rooms at The Halekulani are of a very high quality but void of almost any color. This is done on purpose as they are designed as a soothing retreat. The same can be said of the rest of the property as well. The ocean at you doorstep, beautiful orchid pool, and lush gardens and greenery are all the color you need.

I might add like at all luxury hotels, you pay extra for almost everything yet you don't feel nickle and dimed. Quality and service are of the highest standard and that is why people come here again and again. It's all very unobtrusive yet you want for nothing. There are also little surprises like special Hawaiian gifts left on your bed each night at turndown. Of course there are no announcements and no games by the pool. The pool attendant covers the chair you wish with a special cover and provides large towels. Ice cream bars and water are passed out twice a day with no charge.

At night entertainment consists of a Hawaiian band by the ocean while the sun is setting and a piano player in the lounge. There is no sit-up bar at the hotel. Everything is brought to you. The best part is if you want more action all of Waikiki is at your doorstep, but then it's so nice to come "home" to The Halekulani.

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quote:

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Originally posted by eroller:
It's interesting, the hotel I'm currently staying at in Hawaii is about as different from the Carnival Splendor as you can get. Rooms at The Halekulani are of a very high quality but void of almost any color. This is done on purpose as they are designed as a soothing retreat. The same can be said of the rest of the property as well. The ocean at you doorstep, beautiful orchid pool, and lush gardens and greenery are all the color you need.

[ 02-23-2009: Message edited by: eroller ]

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Ernie, Have fun there. That hotel has been my family's favorite Waikiki hotel for years. On you next Hawaiian holiday try the Hotel Hana Maui www.hotelhanamaui.com. I have never been to a place that was so spiritual (it is were hundreds of Hawaiians died in battle) and serene. I had to go back three times

We love intimate resort hotels and we'll be at the Four Seasons Punta Mita Mexico in 3-weeks. Can't wait!

[ 02-23-2009: Message edited by: lasuvidaboy ]

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Originally posted by lasuvidaboy:

Ernie, Have fun there. That hotel has been my family's favorite Waikiki hotel for years. Try the Hana Maui on your next Hawaiian trip. It and the stunning location are magical. We love intimate resort hotels. We'll be at the Four Seasons Punta Mita Mexico in 3-weeks. Can't wait!

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I haven't heard of the Hana Maui. I will have to look it up. On this trip we split our time between The Kahala and Halekulani. Both are fantastic properties and have different things going for them. It will probably be some length of time before we vacation in Hawaii again. When we lived in LA (which we may again in a year or two) getting to Hawaii was easy. From Atlanta it's a 10 hour haul and that is on non-stop flights. We can go to Europe and South America in less time. Well, all the more reason to make our last night count!

Oh yes, the other thing is the time change. I'm beat by 10pm (3am my time) and find myself waking up at 5:30am (10:30am my time). It's getting better but now it's time to fly home tomorrow! As a late night person, it's disturbing feeling so tired at 10pm!

Ernie

From your description i can't believe it cost the same as a carnival cruise.

Isn't then unfair to compare this very very delectable hotelview with a carnival cruise, or even most cruises ? Often complaints I heard about land based resorts for the "mass" holidays like in Turkey or Spain, is also lines etc, no service, small pools etc etc

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Originally posted by Johan:
Ernie, just out of curiosity (i don't know Hawaii, and it s even further for us than for you), but at what comparable price range is it with cruiseships ?

From your description i can't believe it cost the same as a carnival cruise.

Isn't then unfair to compare this very very delectable hotelview with a carnival cruise, or even most cruises ?

J

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Hawaii has hotels for every budget all in close proximity to each other. The Halekulani is more in the range of Silversea if I had to compare it to a cruise line.

I was only comparing the décor to Carnival which is in stark contrast. Of course you don't have to spend a fortune for nice décor, and Celebrity is a great example of that.

Mainly what I am comparing is this high end resort experience to cruising in general and there are some major advantages over cruising. I would say my week in Hawaii is costing about the same as a week on Silversea. What surprises me most is how much I'm enjoying this and not missing being on a ship. On Saturday I watched Pride of America sail by from my balcony ablaze in lights, and I actually had no desire to switch places. That is unusual. Perhaps after over 70 cruises they are losing some of their appeal?

Anyway, it's been fun taking a non-cruise vacation for a change. It has also helped re-understand why some people are turned off to cruises, especially if they are used to staying at nice resorts.

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Originally posted by eroller:

Anyway, it's been fun taking a non-cruise vacation for a change. It has also helped re-understand why some people are turned off to cruises, especially if they are used to staying at nice resorts.

Ernie.

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Both offer great vacations but they are different.

This is our third March at the Four Seasons in Punta Mita (we are so predictable) but it is really a fantastic experience. What is wonderful about a luxury resort is the feeling of space w/out the crowds-even when it is fully booked (even w/the recession, the resort is fully booked for March as are the Alaska Airlines flights departing LAX) there is the feeling of great space and no crowds.

On topic. Steve you did it again, another fine photologue. Find the vessel a bit dark inside. What is you're idea.

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Originally posted by Maasdam:
Hmmmmm it's about Carnival not about a resort on Hawaii not Silversea and totally not about bloody Celebrity.

On topic. Steve you did it again, another fine photologue. Find the vessel a bit dark inside. What is you're idea.

Greetings Ben.

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Ben,

Despite many others not particularly caring for Carnival, I still hold to the fact that they deliver a solid product and you get what you paid for : fun. I've sailed them to the Caribbean, Canada & New England, and the Mediterranean and had a blast each time.

As for the ship itself, yes it is loud. That said, the décor of a ship (whether refined or loud) is to transport the guest from their everyday life to somehwere much different for their vacation experience. The ship is a feast for the eyes and there is always something new to find. That is what I like about her and all of the Carnival ships.

To me, ships like Princess are very safe - much like you would expect to see walking into a Sheraton hotel. To me that is not really escaping status quo. I like the sensation of walking on a ship for the first time and saying, "wow" whether it be from sheer size or from the wild and wacky décor. Each ship and product delivers the brand message it supports. Carnival is, and always will be, about fun. The on board programming reflects and as do the ships' interiors.

The Pride class of ships is great in that they are a little bit more refined but still have that wacky sense of edge to remind you that it is, after all, Carnival.

Steve

[ 02-24-2009: Message edited by: shipcafe ]

quote:

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Originally posted by Maasdam:
Hmmmmm it's about Carnival not about a resort on Hawaii not Silversea and totally not about bloody Celebrity.

On topic. Steve you did it again, another fine photologue. Find the vessel a bit dark inside. What is you're idea.

Greetings Ben.

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Take a chill pill Ben. I promise you it's not the end of the world when a thread goes off topic. In fact it happens all the time on CT, with Cunard or the "bloody" Vista Class taking over most of
the time. You can choose to go with it or ignore it.

FYI all Carnival ships have dark décor. Light and airey they are
not. I've always felt they were better viewed at night after
several drinks.

Ernie

Ps - anyone that has participated on CT any length knows that some of our most interesting and engaging threads have been the ones which went completely off topic.

[ 02-24-2009: Message edited by: eroller ]

i'm NOT interested in Hawaii resort stories

PLEASE stay on TOPIC

[ 02-24-2009: Message edited by: buddhaJoe ]

[ 02-24-2009: Message edited by: buddhaJoe ]

quote:

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Originally posted by eroller:

Take a chill pill Ben. I promise you it's not the end of the world when a thread goes off topic. In fact it happens all the time on CT, with Cunard or the "bloody" Vista Class taking over most of
the time. You can choose to go with it or ignore it.

FYI all Carnival ships have dark décor. Light and airey they are
not. I've always felt they were better viewed at night after
several drinks.

Ernie

Ps - anyone that has participated on CT any length knows that some of our most interesting and engaging threads have been the ones which went completely off topic.

[ 02-24-2009: Message edited by: eroller ]

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No we Dutch have nothing with chill pills we don't need them! Cunard and Vista you are dragging about Vista clones lately. And glorify Celebrity in numerous topics about Carnival and there vessels. I start to believe that in you're eyes nothing is good about Carnival and there subsidiary's. And now you start to compared them with a land based resort.

quote:

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Originally posted by shipcafe:

Ben,

Despite many others not particularly caring for Carnival, I still hold to the fact that they deliver a solid product and you get what you paid for : fun. I've sailed them to the Caribbean, Canada & New England, and the Mediterranean and had a blast each time.

As for the ship itself, yes it is loud. That said, the décor of a ship (whether refined or loud) is to transport the guest from their everyday life to somehwere much different for their vacation experience. The ship is a feast for the eyes and there is always something new to find. That is what I like about her and all of the Carnival ships.

To me, ships like Princess are very safe - much like you would expect to see walking into a Sheraton hotel. To me that is not really escaping status quo. I like the sensation of walking on a ship for the first time and saying, "wow" whether it be from sheer size or from the wild and wacky décor. Each ship and product delivers the brand message it supports. Carnival is, and always will be, about fun. The on board programming reflects and as do the ships' interiors.

The Pride class of ships is great in that they are a little bit more refined but still have that wacky sense of edge to remind you that it is, after all, Carnival.

Steve

[ 02-24-2009: Message edited by: shipcafe ]

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Cannot more agree with you Steve as you're splendith replay on my question.