Carnival Splendor

Carnival Splendor is a Concordia class cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line. She entered service on 2 July 2008 and carries around 3,000 guests, placing her in the large ship category. The ship was originally designed and ordered for Costa Cruises before being transferred to Carnival during construction. She was christened in Dover in 2008 by her godmother, Myleene Klass, in an unusual ceremony involving a Royal Navy diver who climbed several decks on a rope to break the champagne bottle against the bow.

One of Carnival Splendor's most distinctive features is the retractable glass dome covering the main pool. The ship also introduced a large Cloud 9 Spa, with fitness facilities, treatment rooms and a Thalassotherapy Pool. Spa cabins were another addition, giving guests staying in these rooms access to selected wellness facilities. Around the ship, more than two dozen bars and lounges provide a variety of settings, from the 1930s inspired El Morocco Lounge to a dedicated jazz club. There are also swimming pools, waterslides and a casino.

Dining covers a broad range of tastes, with options including Indian dishes, sushi and stir fry alongside the main restaurants. Guests can also choose speciality steakhouse dining in an elevated setting. The variety makes it possible to keep meals casual or choose somewhere more suited to a special occasion.

Carnival Splendor has 1,508 staterooms across 33 categories, including inside cabins, oceanview rooms, balcony staterooms and suites. There are also 66 Cloud 9 Spa cabins and 29 wheelchair accessible rooms. Accommodation ranges from compact cabins to larger suites with generous private balconies, giving couples and families several options.

Entertainment continues throughout the day and evening, with comedy, live music and activities for different age groups. The mixture of busy venues, outdoor spaces and quieter lounges means guests can choose their own pace rather than spending the whole day around the main pool.

Carnival Splendor suits families, couples and travellers who enjoy a large ship with plenty of choice. The combination of dining, entertainment, wellness facilities and varied public spaces gives guests room to find either a lively atmosphere or somewhere quieter to relax.