Set sail with Carnival Splendor – The ultimate ship guide

Welcome aboard Carnival Splendor, a crowd favourite of the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. She spends the year sailing the sparkling seas around Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific, promising an epic time for every kind of fun-seeker.  

In this detailed ship guide, we’re uncovering all the fun that awaits on board. Start packing your bags folks, because once you read about all her bells and whistles, you’ll be racing to book your next cruise aboard Carnival Splendor.  

Fast facts about Carnival Splendor

Carnival Splendor carries a whopping 3,000+ guests. But with 14 decks and a length spanning three football fields, 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-fit-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 from the upper decks with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background. 

Where does Carnival Splendor sail to?

Carnival Splendor sails to so 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 this 4-day Tasmania cruise. 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 

Sail 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 definitely don’t want to rush your 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 8 to12-day cruise itineraries on offer. One of the favourites showcases the best of beautiful , calling in at Noumea. For a peek of paradise, we recommend this 9-day South Pacific cruise which  includes a stop at stunning Mystery Island in Vanuatu.

Explore all departures from Sydney 

World-class onboard entertainment

No two days are the same on board 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 stage shows are about so much more than just the music. The sets, the costumes and the atmosphere – it’s truly electric and, best of 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

Get involved in the action and go along to one of our game shows or trivia nights. One of our most popular events, Deal or No Deal, brings in a big crowd and gives participants a shot at up to $5,000. 

Laughs unleashed: Comedy club

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

Stars under the stars: Outdoor cinema

Watch the latest blockbuster hits at our 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 one of the only basketball courts 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 holidays! 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, and even have your hair done and our salon at sea.

Kids and family activities: Fun for all ages

Heart-pumping waterslides, pools, parades and video arcades – the kids will be talking about their Carnival cruise holiday for years. Put your putting skills to the test in a game of mini golf, tap into your artistic side with daily Arts & Crafts and 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.

Explore all onboard activities 

Delicious dining options on Carnival Splendor 

You definitely won’t go hungry on a Carnival Splendor holiday. Our wonderful team of chefs can take care of all your cravings. Choose from 10+ restaurants and eateries, all included in your package. And consider splashing out on an elegant meal at one of our six specialty restaurants and cafes. 

From casual bites to elegant fine dining 

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 meal with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, entrees and dessert. 

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 night at the casino bar. 

Check out all dining options 

Room choices on Carnival Splendor

Choosing your homebase is an important part of planning any holiday. The same goes for your room on Carnival Splendor. Each room is cleverly designed and decked out with all the essentials to suit singles, couples, families and friends, including: 

Suite: Luxurious retreats at sea

Welcome to your dream floating hotel room. Our suites offer a luxurious escape from the electric atmosphere throughout the ship. Carnival Splendor has five types of spacious suites, the showstopper being our Cloud 9 Spa suite that features your own whirlpool tub, a large private balcony and unlimited use of the Thermal Suites and Hydrotherapy Pool. Plus, exclusive discounts on spa treatments!

Balcony: Private panoramas on deck

Soak up the sea views from your very own balcony. These staterooms feature all the bells and whistles – soft linens, climate control, a dedicated room attendant – but the private balcony is the star of the show. Kick back and watch the world float by.

Ocean View: Ample room to enjoy the seascape

Spread out in our beautiful, naturally-lit ocean view staterooms. With four options to choose from in this category, you’ll still get that gorgeous sea view at a more affordable price. Want to go all-out? Choose the Scenic or Grand Scenic Ocean View room – featuring floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the view.

Interior: Comfortable rooms inside the ship 

Our Interior rooms might be our most affordable option, but they still offer all the perks of a Carnival room. They offer a range of configurations, sleeping up to four guests with interconnecting rooms available for larger families and groups. Some rooms feature a window, others have a porthole – and some are just a simple-yet-comfy homebase for all your adventures onboard.  

Check out all Carnival Staterooms 

Carnival Splendor deck plans: Find your perfect room location on the ship

Want to be in amongst the action or tucked away in a serene part of the ship? Location matters, so check out our detailed deck plans to find your sweet spot. You’ll see which room types are available on which parts of the ship.  

Plus, it’s a great idea to familiarise yourself with the layout in advance so you don’t miss any of the restaurants, activities or attractions on board.  

Carnival Splendor deck plans