Welcome aboard the magnificent Carnival Splendor, a cruise ship that truly lives up to its name! Embark on a comprehensive photo tour with us as we delve into every captivating corner of this beloved vessel. For many cruisers, the Carnival Splendor represents a delightful blend of classic Carnival charm and contemporary fun. While newer ships boast the Carnival 2.0 upgrades, the Splendor proudly maintains its original, vibrant design and unique artistic flair, offering a distinct and memorable experience from the moment you step onboard. Her vibrant personality and whimsical decor invite guests to explore every deck, discovering something new and enchanting around each corner.
From eye-catching, pink-hued donut-like walls to an array of playful and imaginative artworks, the Carnival Splendor’s aesthetics are a joyful journey in themselves. This ship isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a floating masterpiece of fun, encouraging exploration and sparking joy throughout your voyage. Prepare to be immersed in an atmosphere that is both captivating and incredibly entertaining.
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An Unforgettable Visual Journey: Carnival Splendor Highlights
Step onboard the Carnival Splendor and instantly feel the rush of excitement and the promise of endless fun that awaits you. This ship is designed to ensure every moment of your cruise vacation is filled with delightful discoveries and memorable experiences. Our comprehensive photo tour aims to visually transport you onto the decks of the Carnival Splendor, showcasing the array of amenities and vibrant spaces that make this ship a fantastic choice for your next getaway.
Having spent seven wonderful days exploring every facet of the Carnival Splendor, we can confidently say it’s a ship we’d happily return to in a heartbeat. The combination of its classic design, diverse dining options, engaging entertainment, and attentive service creates an unparalleled cruising atmosphere. We invite you to enjoy this detailed visual guide, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about planning your own Carnival Splendor adventure!
Your Home Away From Home: A Look Inside Carnival Splendor Balcony Cabins
Comfort and convenience are paramount when choosing your cruise accommodation, and the Carnival Splendor’s balcony cabins deliver just that. Imagine waking up to the gentle rocking of the ocean, stepping out onto your private balcony, and breathing in the fresh sea air as the horizon stretches endlessly before you. These cabins offer a serene retreat after a day full of onboard activities or exciting port excursions.
For a more immersive view, check out this video walkthrough of a Balcony Stateroom on the Carnival Splendor:
Beyond the cabins, the ship’s hallways themselves are a canvas of creativity. The artwork adorning the corridors of the Carnival Splendor boasts a super retro and undeniably fun aesthetic, adding another layer of visual interest to your journey. Each piece tells a whimsical story, making even a simple walk to your cabin an enjoyable experience.
A Culinary Voyage: Restaurants and Bars on the Carnival Splendor
Dining and drinking on the Carnival Splendor are an adventure in themselves, with a wide array of options to satisfy every palate, from casual bites to elegant dinners. The ship is brimming with fantastic venues, each offering a unique atmosphere and delicious offerings, ensuring your culinary journey is as exciting as your destination.
The Abundant Lido Deck Buffet
The Lido Deck Buffet is a bustling hub of activity and a haven for food lovers. As you enter, you’re greeted by an impressive spread of international cuisines, fresh salads, hot entrees, and delightful desserts. This expansive dining area offers a vast amount of seating, ranging from cozy booths by the windows to larger tables perfect for families and groups. The excellent air conditioning provides a welcome respite, and the comfortable seats make it an ideal spot to linger. It’s a fantastic area to relax, enjoy your meal, and simply watch the sea pass by, perhaps even spotting a whale or two in the distance.
With an incredible variety of food options, the buffet ensures there’s always something new to discover. From themed culinary stations to daily specials, every day brings a new treat or delightful surprise, making each meal an exciting part of your cruise experience.
The Carnival Splendor Coffee Shop
For those needing a caffeine fix or a sweet indulgence, the Carnival Splendor Coffee Shop is your go-to destination. Located conveniently on board, it offers all your favorite espresso drinks, from lattes and cappuccinos to iced coffees. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Indulge in decadent boozy milkshakes or sophisticated boozy coffee drinks, perfect for a special treat any time of day.
Carnival Splendor Pinnacle Steakhouse
Elevate your dining experience with a visit to the Carnival Splendor’s Pinnacle Steakhouse. Located on Deck 12, this specialty restaurant offers an intimate and romantic setting, complete with breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean. It’s the perfect venue for a celebratory dinner or a quiet, romantic evening at sea. The menu features an array of premium cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and exquisite appetizers and desserts, all prepared to perfection. You’re guaranteed to leave feeling completely satisfied and pampered.
Carnival Splendor Pizza Pirate
A true cruise staple, the Carnival Splendor’s Pizza Pirate offers delicious, freshly baked pizzas around the clock. Whether it’s a late-night craving or a casual lunch, the pizza here is always a hit. And for those who dare to defy convention, joining the “pizza for breakfast” club is a delightful indulgence – a secret pleasure many cruisers happily admit to!
Social Hubs: Carnival Splendor Bars
The Carnival Splendor boasts a fantastic selection of bars, each with its own unique ambiance, ensuring there’s a perfect spot for every mood and occasion. From lively piano tunes to sophisticated cocktails, these venues are designed for socializing, relaxation, and pure enjoyment.
The Lively Piano Bar
The Carnival Splendor Piano Bar is where the magic happens, especially at night! This lively venue is consistently “hopping,” with a talented pianist entertaining guests with singalongs and requests. Get ready for an evening filled with laughter, great music, and camaraderie. It’s an incredibly popular spot, so we recommend arriving early to secure your seats and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. You won’t want to miss the fun!
El Mojito Wine Bar
For a perfect start to your evening, whether it’s before a delightful dinner or an exhilarating comedy show, the El Mojito Bar is an excellent choice. This chic venue is known for its fantastic bartenders who craft exquisite cocktails, including signature creations like the Caribbean Sunset Martini, the refreshing Sea Blue Martini, and the always popular Island Mojito. Tucked away in a quieter part of the ship, it provides a more relaxed setting, perfect for intimate conversations and savoring expertly made drinks.
Despite its central offerings, this bar often provides a tranquil escape, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful moment during their cruise.
The Dynamic Carnival Splendor Sports Bar
Sports enthusiasts, rejoice! The Carnival Splendor Sports Bar is your ultimate destination to catch all the live action. With multiple big screens strategically placed, you won’t miss a single moment of your favorite games. Gather with fellow cruisers, cheer on your teams, and enjoy up-to-the-minute game updates in a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to combine your love for sports with the joy of cruising.
The Grand Carnival Splendor Lobby Bar
The Carnival Splendor Lobby Bar is often the first magnificent sight to greet you as you embark, setting the tone for the entire cruise. Located at the heart of the ship’s multi-deck atrium, it serves as a bustling central meeting point. It’s an ideal spot to rendezvous with friends before dinner, grab a pre-show drink, or simply sit back and enjoy the lively atmosphere as cruisers pass by.
Fun in the Sun: Lido Deck and Pools
The Lido Deck is the pulsating heart of outdoor fun on the Carnival Splendor. This expansive area is designed for ultimate relaxation and entertainment, featuring sparkling pools, inviting hot tubs, and an abundance of comfortable lounge chairs where you can soak up the sun or simply enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. From exhilarating water slides to giant chess boards, there’s always something exciting happening here.
Splash into Excitement: Carnival Splendor Waterworks
For thrill-seekers and water lovers of all ages, the Carnival Splendor Waterworks is an absolute must-visit. This exhilarating aqua park features an array of slides and water features designed to provide hours of splashing fun. The star attraction is the iconic 214-foot-long Twister Water Slide, a twisting, turning adventure that plunges you into a refreshing pool below. It’s the perfect way to cool off and create unforgettable memories under the sun.
Tranquility at Sea: The Serenity Deck
When it’s time to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle, the Serenity Deck offers an adults-only oasis. This tranquil retreat is exclusively designed for guests 21 and older, providing a peaceful environment perfect for lounging, reading a good book, or simply watching the captivating ocean views. With comfortable seating and a serene atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot to relax and rejuvenate. During sea days, the Serenity Deck can become quite popular, so consider arriving early to secure your favorite spot and begin your tranquil escape.
Fun for All Ages: Mini Golf on the High Seas
Looking for some friendly competition or a casual outdoor activity? The Carnival Splendor’s mini golf course provides endless fun for guests of all ages. Enjoy putting your way through a series of exciting holes, all while surrounded by magnificent ocean views. It’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon with family and friends, creating laughter and lasting memories on the high seas.
Shopping, Entertainment, and More
Beyond dining and outdoor activities, the Carnival Splendor offers a wealth of additional amenities designed to enhance your cruise experience. Decks 4 and 5, particularly around the main lobby, are bustling with activity, featuring a variety of great stores where you can find souvenirs, duty-free items, and essentials. This area also houses the photo library, where you can relive and purchase professional photos taken throughout your cruise.
Test Your Luck at the Carnival Splendor Casino
Feeling lucky? The Carnival Splendor Casino invites you to try your hand at a wide array of games. From exhilarating slot machines to classic table games like blackjack, poker, and roulette, there’s a game for every preference and skill level. Immerse yourself in the exciting atmosphere and see if fortune favors you with a big win!
Spectacular Spectacular Lounge: The Heart of Entertainment
The Spectacular Spectacular Lounge is the ship’s main show lounge and a hub of incredible entertainment. This grand venue hosts a variety of engaging events, including the hilarious Lip Sync Battles where guests showcase their inner rock stars, and the spectacular Playlist Production Shows featuring dazzling costumes, talented performers, and captivating musical numbers. Prepare to be amazed and entertained night after night in this impressive theater.
Engaging Family Fun: The Game Room
The Carnival Splendor’s Game Room is a wonderful space dedicated to family fun and relaxation. It’s thoughtfully stocked with a variety of engaging board games and card games, offering a perfect environment for quality time together. It’s truly heartwarming to witness families connecting, laughing, and creating cherished memories over a friendly game, making this room a beloved spot for cruisers of all ages.
Stroll and Relax: The Promenade Deck
The Promenade Deck on the Carnival Splendor is an idyllic space designed for leisurely strolls and peaceful relaxation. Lined with comfortable padded benches and chairs, it offers ample seating perfect for curling up with a good book, enjoying a quiet moment, or simply soaking in the fantastic ocean views. During sea days, it’s an especially popular spot, offering easy access to the coffee bar for a quick sweet treat or a perfectly brewed coffee. The gentle sea breeze and panoramic vistas make it a truly rejuvenating experience.
To make your cruise even smoother, remember to download the essential Carnival Hub App before you sail! This indispensable app provides detailed deck plans, up-to-date dining schedules, showtimes, and even allows you to chat with fellow cruise guests, ensuring you stay connected and informed throughout your vacation.
Carnival Splendor: Where She Sails and Her History
The Carnival Splendor has a rich history of exploring diverse and beautiful destinations across the globe. While she has previously sailed from various ports, including Long Beach, California, offering memorable voyages to the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, and spectacular Alaskan adventures, her primary homeport is currently Sydney, Australia. From Sydney, the Carnival Splendor delights guests with cruises exploring the stunning coastlines of Australia and New Zealand.
During her time sailing from Long Beach, the Carnival Splendor offered remarkable itineraries, such as 14-day Alaskan journeys that featured awe-inspiring sites like the majestic Hubbard Glacier and day-long visits to Icy Strait Point, a pristine wilderness renowned for some of the best whale watching and bear viewing in the state. These voyages immersed guests in spectacular destinations including Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, and Sitka, Alaska, along with calls at Victoria, British Columbia. Each port provided unique cultural opportunities, historic landmarks, and awe-inspiring natural wonders like calving glaciers and magnificent fjords. A wide variety of shore excursions, from helicopter flightseeing to kayaking expeditions, enhanced these unforgettable experiences.
In 2019, the Carnival Splendor repositioned to Sydney, Australia, undergoing a significant bow-to-stern upgrade to cater specifically to Australian guests. This extensive refurbishment introduced a variety of new dining experiences tailored to local tastes and a brand-new waterpark, solidifying her status as a premier cruise ship in the region. She continues to be a favorite for those seeking an incredible cruise vacation Down Under.
When was the Carnival Splendor built?
The Carnival Splendor embarked on her inaugural cruise on July 2, 2008, beginning her journey as a beloved ship in the Carnival fleet.
We sincerely hope this extensive photo tour has inspired you to embark on your own amazing vacation aboard the Carnival Splendor! From the exciting entertainment, like experiencing incredible performances on the Lido Deck (we once witnessed Carly Rae Jepsen herself!) to the endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure, the Splendor offers an unparalleled cruising experience. A huge thank you to Carnival for providing such fantastic opportunities to explore and share this wonderful ship.
Explore More Carnival Cruise Insights
Dive deeper into the world of Carnival Cruises with these additional articles and guides:
- Delicious Carnival Cocktail Recipes
- Discover the Red Frog Rum Bar
- Experience the Blue Iguana Tequila Bar
- Unwind at the Red Frog Pub
- Cooling Fun at Carnival Waterworks
For a complete collection of tips and guides, check out all of our Carnival Cruise Travel Guides.