Australia’s newest and biggest cruise ship Carnival Splendor has arrived in Sydney to take “fun” to a new level thanks to the oversized water features.

The 11.3 metre free-fall “Green Lightning” waterslide, with a human slingshot into an 8.2 metre pool is just one of the new ‘fun’ features on board the 3,012 passenger ship that sailed into Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal from Singapore for the first time yesterday.

There’s also a giant splash park, a new adult’s only Serenity pool and deck area, a revamped Cloud 9 spa with a thermal suite and a thalassotherapy pool, and 17 different food and beverage destinations on board.

In all, the ship remains in keeping with the Carnival brand, being all about ‘Fun’. In an exclusive interview with Vice President and General Manager of Carnival Cruise Line Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke, it’s bringing all the elements of fun that will most appeal to the Aussie market this summer when seeking an affordable family cruise.

Ms Vandekreeke says the Carnival Splendor brings a “bigger, bolder, better” experience for Aussies, catering for close to 4,000 passengers and will now call Australia home, alongside the Carnival Spirit which will move to Brisbane as her new homeport and sail year round in 2020.

Water park adventures, numerous dining options, relaxation and adult’s only areas – they’re all the top features that keep entire families happy on a cruise, according to Ms Vandekreeke.

It’s a tactic aimed directly at Aussie cruisers – focused around the giant, never seen-before waterpark facilities – larger than the previous record held by for the adventurous crowd and impressive new additions to the Cloud 9 Spa area for those seeking a relaxing escape.

Carnival takes their levels of fun very seriously. Ms Vandekreeke says that before every element of the ship was installed, the fun team at Carnival (yes, there actually is a team of people employed to determine that every aspect is in fact considered “fun”!), looked at it and asked the ultimate question… “Is it going to be fun?”.

“This is a world first for water park facilities, with our Green Lightning water slide. It’s an 11.3 metre free-fall and then a slingshot, before landing in an 8.2 metre pool. It has even been named by an Aussie, and features the colours of green and gold!” Ms Vandekreeke says.

The entertainment options on board promise to please young and old. A sneak preview of the new Airia aerial show featuring Australian aerialist and illusionist Alisha Manion was a dazzling display of lights, hoops and rotating stage props.

So with a ship this size, how does she still make every guest feel special?

For Carnival, it’s all about options and choice. “We make sure every passenger has options. Whether it be dining or activities, there are numerous options and free choice for passengers,” says Ms Vandekreeke.

“The idea is that you come as you are. Because every person has a different definition of fun. It may be relaxing with a magazine and a cocktail at the adults only Serenity pool, or it may be one of the 45 activities on board that are available,” says Ms Vandekreeke.

So, for passengers who define fun as anything from a day inside a serene spa with personal touches, or an action packed adventure park that will delight the craziest of families and kids, then the Carnival Splendor will be a welcome addition to her new Aussie home.