Carnival Cruises are bringing the Carnival Splendor to Australia – and increasing her capacity from 3,000 passengers to 3,900 guests.
She’ll be arriving in Australia next year and according to a spokesperson, she will be able to accommodate an extra 800 passengers.
The Splendor will be a big addition to the enormously popular Carnival fleet, which is a favourite among young families with children and she arrive in December 2019.
It is believed the 10-year-old vessel, which was last refurbished two years ago, will be dry-docked before her first season down under for “Aussification” and more Fun Ship elements to be added including the Green Thunder slide as well as special coffee machines for Aussie coffee.
The announcement was made aboard the Carnival Spirit this morning in Sydney Harbour. line president Christine Duffy and Vice Presidentn Jennifer Vandekreeke, who has done most to build the line’s presence in Australia to one of the country’s favourites.
“We just celebrated our five-year anniversary in Australia, and we know our Australian cruise market are fun, high-spirit and family friendly. We looked around our fleet because we are increasing our capacity, and we thought we could get a larger ship for the Australian market, thus the decision to deploy the Carnival Splendour all year around here,” said Ms Duffy.
They made the announcement along with staff on the back deck of the Spirit.
Carnival Splendor entered service on 2 July 2008, and was then the largest ship in Carnival Cruise Line.
Two years ago, it was announced that the ship would be transferred to the P&O Cruises Australia fleet in 2019 but a year ago it was decided that Splendour will remain with Carnival, while Princess transfers out the Golden Princess in 2020 to P&O Cruises Australia.
The 3,006-passenger vessel has a 21,000 sq ft state-of-the-art, indoor Cloud 9 spa on two forward decks – the largest spa on any Carnival ship. It includes an elaborate thermal suite, a variety of health and beauty treatment rooms, and Carnival’s first Thalasso therapy pool.
There is an adults only retreat and at one stage the ship featured a winter garden with a ceremonial tea house.
The 5,500 sq ft children’s playroom located midship was at one stage considered the largest in the Carnival fleet. Above the facility is a dedicated water play area, a first for Carnival Cruise Lines.
A sports deck featuring arena-style seating for games and other events as at the stern of the vessel.
A reservations-only supper club is located atop the poolside Lido restaurant, providing diners with magnificent ocean vistas. The mid-ship pool, one of four on board, is enclosed by two full decks of glass walls.
The area is covered with a two-deck-high retractable dome that can be closed during inclement weather. A large balcony encircles the upper deck of the pool area. There are flat screen televisions in every stateroom and award-winning shows are offered.
Bookings open next month!
