Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2006 23:50:55 -0500
From: "Michelle Breakiron" <break-iron2@earthlink.net>
Subject: Review - Splendour of the Seas - March 4 - 9, 2006

My family and I just returned from our first cruise and we had a blast. My husband and I have 4 kids ages 15, 14, 13 and 3. We also had 2 large interior staterooms. My family was also on the cruise with us. In total we had a total of 14 people in our group. Before the cruise, I scoured this website and many others obtaining as much helpful info as I could. I would first like to share with you some of the most helpful information I received.

**First, even though your ticket booklet says DO NOT arrive at the port before 2:00, get to the port between 10:30-11:00 am. You will sail through customs and then you will be allowed to wait in a reception area until the boat is ready. The boat was ready at about 11:10. We waited only a few minutes. We were then able to explore the ship without the crowds. We went straght up to the top and played putt putt with our 3 year old and within minutes my others kids were back and had taken pictures of the theater (they were on stage), dining room, library, casino, lounge, and shopping areas. You are not allowed in your stateroom until 1:00 but the pursers desk at level 4 said they would hold our bags. What a great first day it was.

**Another bit of info I will share is you are NOT allowed an iron on board the ship for insurance reasons. They strictly inspect your luggage for this and it will be taken out of your luggage.

The dining room was awesome I have no complaints at all. Our waiter was awesome and we were very sad to say good bye.

**The only complaint I have is the kids program for ages 3-5 year olds. I put my 3 year old there the 2nd day and the staff was trying but I surely was not impressed. The had no toys anywhere and were not really playing with them. The children were given crayons and paper but the girls with them were not what I would call "children people". They surely were not real happy to be there. My daughter never wanted to go back and she was not the only one. After all I had read this was a big let down to me. The older programs seemed much better but this one was not at all unique. More like a baby sitting service not a "fun, unique program" as advertised.

***Excursions: I would not recommend buying them from the ship. They are way over priced. We are a family traveling with children and we went to Playa Mia Beach Resort in Cozumel for 1/2 of what the cruise charges. They had something for all of my children including a playroom/area for my 3 year old. In Costa maya you never have to leave the shopping area. There is a huge pool right in the center with live entertainment and shops all around. I highly reccomend renting a golf cart, it is a fun cheap way to see the city.

**Lastly, if you are traveling with kids..do NOT buy everyone in your family a coke card. This may be a good deal for teenage boys but what a stupid purchase on our part. They just put a sticker on your Sea Pass card. No one looks at it and when you buy the card they add gratuity to it!!! Do not tip for your cokes they have already billed you about $6 a person. You might need to buy 1-2 packages but do not buy more than that you will regret it. There is always something free to drink.

We really had a good time in the evenings my teens always went up to the teen area and they always had fun. I hope this info is helpful if you have any questions yopu can e-mail me at break-iron2@earthlink.net