Carnival Splendor: the ultimate family cruise ship

Welcome aboard Carnival Splendor, a crowd favourite of the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. Spending the year sailing around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, she promises unforgettable fun for every type of traveller. In this detailed ship guide, we uncover all the experiences waiting on board, so start packing, because once you see her highlights, you’ll be racing to book your next Carnival Splendor cruise

Fast facts about Carnival Splendor

Carnival Splendor carries a whopping 3000+ guests, but with 14 decks, the ship never feels crowded. You’ll find kids’ zones, adults-only areas and loads of spots for the whole family to hang out. Carnival Splendor really is a one-size-fits-all with plenty of fun for everyone. As with all Carnival cruises, you’ll be treated to delicious food and drink, daily activities and live entertainment – and most of it is included in the cruise fare!

Where does Carnival Splendor leave from?

Adventures aboard Carnival Splendor begin in Sydney, where you’ll get to snap an iconic pic of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from the upper decks.

Where does Carnival Splendor sail to?

Carnival Splendor sails to many great holiday spots south of the equator. Shorter trips tick off the gems of Australia’s east coast while longer journeys can take you to the crystal–clear waters of the South Pacific or the picturesque fiords of New Zealand.

Australia: From coastal cities to the Great Barrier Reef
From quick weekend getaways to 10-day escapes, Carnival Splendor makes it easy to soak up some of Australia’s most iconic sights. Food lovers and history buffs can head down to the Apple Isle on a five-day cruise of Tasmania. If sun and sand are more your style, spend some time visiting Moreton Island or sail even further north to explore Cairns and Port Douglas.

New Zealand: Scenic wonders and heritage sites
Glide across the Tasman and see the highlights of New Zealand on one of Carnival Splendor’s many Kiwi itineraries. Taking your time is key here – you don’t want to rush a visit to this beautiful country. Visit Wellington and Christchurch, then prepare to be gobsmacked by the stunning views in Fiordland National Park.

South Pacific: Island paradise and hidden gems
Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and island exploring, that’s what a cruise in the South Pacific is all about. Carnival Splendor has a range of eight to 12-day cruise itineraries on offer. Spend some time in paradise on a nine-day South Pacific cruise and stop at stunning Mystery Island in Vanuatu.

World-class onboard entertainment

No two days are the same aboard Carnival Splendor. From stage shows and live performances to movie nights and all-in deck parties, you’ll always find something fun to do.

Electrifying musicals: Spotlight performances
Performers from all over the world set sail with Carnival Splendor to put on some of the most magnificent shows at sea. These performances showcase incredible sets, costumes and talent – and it’s all free!

Dance all night: Live music and dance floors
When was the last time you danced? We mean really danced? Toss your inhibitions aside and embrace the pure, unadulterated fun of having a good boogie. Our nightclub DJs always play a crowd-pleasing combination of today’s hits and golden oldies.

Play along: Game shows & trivia challenges
Dive into the centre of the action by hitting up one of the game shows or trivia nights. One of the most popular events is Deal or No Deal, where participants have a chance at winning up to $5,000.

Laughs unleashed: Comedy club
Catch some laughs after dinner at the famous Punchliner Comedy Club. You’ll see a mix of rising stars and established comics every night. Some shows are family-friendly, while others are on the cheeky side.

Stars under the stars: Outdoor cinema
Watch the latest blockbuster hits at the Dive-In Movie cinema. Cosy up with a blanket in a lounge chair or catch the film from the pool. And, of course, there’s plenty of popcorn to go round.

Top activities and ways to spend the day

From high-energy fun to laid-back relaxation, Carnival Splendor has it all in spades. Here’s a snapshot of how you’ll spend your days at sea.

Sports and recreation: Get moving and make waves
Shoot some hoops on the only basketball court at sea or have a go at pickleball, a super-fun mish-mash of tennis, ping pong and badminton. Keep up your running routine at the outdoor jogging track or check out the schedule of fitness classes, you’ll find everything from yoga and Pilates to heart-pumping cycling and boot camp sessions.

Spa and wellness: Indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation
You’re on holiday, so why not treat yourself to a day at the spa? Carnival’s signature Cloud 9 Spa is the ultimate destination for total relaxation. Spend some time in the Thermal Suite and Hydrotherapy Pool, or have your hair done at the salon.

Kids and family activities: Fun for all ages
With heart-pumping waterslides, pools, parades and video arcades, the kids will be talking about their Carnival cruise holiday for years. Putt your stuff at the mini golf course, tap into your artistic side with daily Arts & Crafts, or discover the magic of Seuss at Sea.

Retail therapy: Explore onboard shopping

It wouldn’t be a holiday without a few souvenirs, right? Grab some Carnival merch at the onboard boutique or splash out on a special piece of jewellery at one of the ship’s Fine Jewellery outlets. Plus, you can grab a sweet treat from the Cherry On Top lolly shop or grab the ingredients for your favourite cocktail at one of the Fun Shops.

Delicious dining options on Carnival Splendor

You definitely won’t go hungry on a Carnival Splendor cruise. The wonderful team of chefs will take care of all your cravings! Choose from a range of restaurants and eateries, all included in your package. And consider splashing out on an elegant meal at one of the specialty restaurants or cafes.

Grab juicy burgers from Guy’s Burger Joint, savour a slice of pizza from Pizzeria del Capitano or dig into a stacked sandwich from The Deli. Fancy something from the sea? Enjoy lobster rolls, fresh prawns and the classic fisherman’s basket at the Seafood Shack. Of course, if you’re up for something a little more elevated, head to Fahrenheit 555 for a premium cut of beef, cooked exactly the way you like it. For a truly VIP experience, book your spot at The Chef’s Table and settle in for an intimate degustation with paired wines. 

Say ‘cheers!’ at Carnival Splendor’s bars

Keen for a chilled-out afternoon? Head to the RedFrog Pub for good tunes, cold drinks and relaxed vibes. Don’t forget to try Lord Nelson’s Smooth Sailing Cruising Ale – our signature beer aboard Carnival Splendor.  Kick things up a notch with a frozen marg at the BlueIguana Tequila Bar or sip on something more tropical at RedFrog Rum Bar. If you love cocktails, pencil in an evening at Alchemy Bar, where expert mixologists shake up tasty custom concoctions.  

Special celebrations: From birthday breakfasts to vow renewals

If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary or even renewing your vows, we can help make it one to remember! A few ideas that spring to mind: a martini masterclass, wine tasting or a high tea at sea. 

*Please note: onboard offering is subject to change. Venues, services and entertainment vary by ship and charges apply to some activities, entertainment and venues. Please see www.carnival.com.au for more details.

This article was produced with content supplied by Carnival Cruise Line and is a Holidays with Kids digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter here below.

Keep reading:

• 11 reasons why your kids will love a Carnival cruise
• Seven irresistible reasons to set sail with Carnival Cruise Line
• Carnival Cruise Line review: endless fun for all on Carnival Splendor
• Why a Carnival Cruise is great for families: a teen’s perspective

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