Carnival Splendor vs Carnival Adventure: which is the best ship out of Sydney?

Carnival Adventure has been sailing under the Carnival banner for about nine months, giving plenty of cruisers the chance to try out the ship that was previously Pacific Adventure, as part of P&O Cruises Australia.

With more cruisers now having had the chance to take the new ship for a spin, Cruise Passenger ran a series of surveys to see what passengers are thinking about Carnival Adventure, particularly in relation to the other Carnival ship out of Sydney, Carnival Splendor.

The results showed some interesting insights. One survey was given to a Facebook group that has always been dedicated to Carnival cruisers and another that was previously a P&O Facebook group, dedicated specifically to Pacific Adventure, which now foucsses on Carnival Adventure.

Of the Carnival cruise fans surveyed, 74 per cent said that Carnival Splendor is a better ship than Carnival Adventure.

But the other had slightly different results.

For those surveyed who were traditionally P&O cruisers, it was much more even, with the results almost a dead heat.

What does this say about the ships? Amongst P&O fans, that are many die hards hoping the P&O Australia character will be maintained.

However, it also demonstrates that even amongst those who were more inclined to cruise with P&O rather than Carnival, half still recognise Carnival Splendor as a superior ship.

The results make sense. Splendor is newer, has more to do and has better included perks in the fare. However, Carnival Adventure certainly has its charm and its fans, and the only way to really know which one is best for you is to take them both for a spin!

Furthermore, in a bit over a year, Adventure will enter dry dock for a refit, making it even more competitive between the two ships.

What do cruisers say about comparing the ships?

Cruise Nicola Smith says: “I think if you are travelling with younger kids Splendor is a better choice, I love the Edge activities on the Adventure and I prefer the layout of Adventure. Love the Spa facilities on the Splendor with the option to upgrade to the spa rooms to use the thermal suites and I prefer the theatre area on Splendor, but I like the black circus on Adventure and prefer the pantry and different restaurants included on Adventure. 

“No free ice cream in the pantry on Adventure but you can get free ice cream in the restaurants and limited hours of free pizza. I also like the option for the Byron Beach Club access on Adventure.

“My pick is Adventure but it is what you make it!”

Cruiser Jenny Zhang offered: “Just came back on the Adventure. Loved both for different reasons. Disliked both for different reasons too. Couldn’t find a quiet relaxing spot on the Splendor- everywhere had music pumping. 

“Difficult to navigate and felt a little cramped. But, we preferred the food options on the Splendor. The food was a bit better quality, more variety, especially at breakfast, and there was more availability esp late night for snackers like our kids. Shows on both were awesome. Loads of things to do too!”

Peta Tuckerman said: “We love both ships…and have been on both twice each…but my personal favourite is Splendor…I found it really easy to navigate…and just that bit nice…I definitely wouldn’t say no to any cruise ship.”

Carmen Talbot said: “Depends what you want from your cruise.

“Adventure = More laid back. More food options. More relaxing spots. More swimming spots. Nicer suites. VIP areas.

“Splendor = More fun. Smaller ship. more on the go with lots of entertainment. more consistent meals with consistent servers. More of a party vibe

“For my family, we’ll go on Adventure. For a party, Splendor.

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Carnival Splendor 

The numbers 

Carnival Splendor fits in 3012 people at double occupancy and weighs 113,000 gross tonnes. The ship has 13 decks, 1150 crew members and was built in 2007. 

Food and drink

Carnival Splendor has a range of different included dining options. For a classic cruise feast you can head to the main dining room for a three-course meal, or Lido Marketplace as another if you don’t have a particular craving and want to check what’s around. 

A Carnival favourite is Guy’s Burger Joint, by Guy Fieri and Pizzeria Del Capitano is often thought to have one of the best pizza slices at sea by Carnival cruises. 

Asian food is another big hit on the Splendor with Mongolian Wok and Masala Tiger offering two distinct options. The full list of included and non-included dining can be found below. 

But nothing beats the Baked Alaska on Carnival Ships’ main dining room – once upon a time served flaming from the kitchen by scores of waiters in a conga line, but nowadays flamed in the kitchen. While my experience was several years ago, the wait staff the sang and danced on the side tables while we ate!

Included dining

• The main dining room 
• Lido Marketplace
• Pizzeria del Capitano
• Seaday Brunch
• Swirls
• Mongolian Wok 
• The Carnival Deli
• Sweet Spot
• Masala Tiger

Specialty dining

• Steakhouse
• Seafood Shack
• Pizza Delivery 
• JavaBlue Cafe
• Mad Sizzle

Accommodation

Carnival Splendor has four main categories of staterooms, being interior, ocean view, balcony view, and suite. Then within these, these are further subcategories, based around where you are on the ship, how good your view is, and so on.

However, a key feature of Carnival Splendor accommodation is that the accommodation category also has a Cloud 9 Spa upgrade available. If you opt for this your room will have a range of extra amenities, upgraded toiletries, more premium linens, and more, as well as a range of onboard perks. For example, you’ll have complimentary spa access, access to fitness classes, discounts to other services and more.

Entertainment 

The biggest show on Carnival Splendor is Playlist Productions, where classic songs take on a musical theatre life and get transformed into Broadway-esque shows. Classic Aussie and international songs across rock, pop, disco and more get transformed into all-out spectacles. The Punchliner Comedy club is another classic spot to head for an entertaining night out, with both family-friendly and adults-only shows on offer. 

Plenty of other entertainment can be found from live music and dancing across the ships nightclubs and bars, free karaoke, movies under the stars, and more. 

Activities/Facilities 

Carnival Splendor is home to a huge range of activities, of all types. More recreationally guests can try their hand for free at pickleball, mini-golf, volleyball, basketball and plenty more. Or for an extra cost guests can also check out Sky Zone, cooking classes, bingo, martini tastings, and more. 

For those looking to enjoy the finer things, there’s also a decked-out spa with massages, thermal suites, hydrotherapy, facial treatments, and plenty more on offer. These aren’t included in the cruise fare. 

There’s always plenty happening for kids with three different kids clubs available free of cost, and the possibility of paid care for children less than two years old. Carnival Splendor has build-a-bear workshops, science labs, movie nights, the waterworks waterpark, Dr Seuss story time, and plenty more for kids.

There is also a range of bars and lounges, from the tequila-infused cocktails and Blue Iguana to the classic cruise sing-a-longs at the Piano Bar. 

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Carnival Adventure

The numbers

Carnival Adventure fits in 2636 guests, across 12 decks. The ship weighs 108,865 gross tonnes, has 1100 crew members, and was built in 2001. 

Food and drink

A number of classic P&O eateries will be staying on Adventure, most notably Luke Mangan’s restaurants, Luke’s Bar & Grill and Luke’s Burgers. These will be specialty dining options.

Three more restaurants will be coming over, Angelo’s, Dragon Lady and Waterfront restaurants, these are included in the cruise fare.

It’s not yet confirmed which Carnival eateries will be present on the ship.

Unlike Carnival’s all-day free pizza and soft serve, Adventure will have free pizza just from 11am to 4pm, and New Zealand Natural Ice Cream as a paid option for soft serves or other desserts. 

Accommodation

It hasn’t yet been revealed exactly how or if the current P&O cabins will be changed. However, it has been confirmed that the Byron Beach Club, an exclusive space for those in suites and some min-suites will continue to be available.

Entertainment 

It’s confirmed the Carnival ‘Fun Squad’, crew members who facilitate parties, activities and more, will be on Carnival Adventure. Furthermore, Carnival’s theme nights such as the 80s Rock-n-Glow Party and Elegant Night will be coming over to Adventure as well. 

Guest favourite show Blanc de Blanc, an extravagant adults-only show will be staying on Adventure. 

It’s not confirmed what other entertainment will come over from Carnival or stay with P&O.

Activities/Facilities 

Edge Adventure Park, including P&O’s famous zip lines and climbing walls, will be coming to Adventure. 

Adventure will also be getting Carnivals Turtle Program childcare, for kids two years and younger, as well as other activities for kids from Carnival such as Zumbini, Build-a-Bear, Conga for kids, and more.