Splendido Lido Pool

Linear Aft Lido Pool

Carnival Splendor
July 2008
All Things Splendid
Part Two

Public Areas
The heart of Carnival Splendor is certainly her vast Splendor Atrium, that we looked at in Part One, but the area sure to dazzle most passengers is the incredible Splendido Lido Pool. Completely redesigned, the central pool deck is an open glass-walled two-decks-high area that can be totally covered by a retractable Sky Dome, making it the ship's largest "indoor" public room. Featured within is "Carnival's Seaside Theater" with a 270-square foot screen for showing full length movies, concerts, and on board programming.

There are no whirlpools adjacent to the Splendido Lido Pool on Deck 9. Instead they are sensibly located on either side of Deck 10, shaded by the overhead cover and right alongside the outside rail for uninterrupted sea views—those views are also a theme at the aft located Linear Lido Pool where two whirlpools flank the swimming pool. With the retractable pool roof moved to the mid-ship pool, instead of cutting off the view from the aft pool, the ship’s wake is a splendid sight.

Whirlpools at the aft pool and the Thunderball Pool (where the waterslide is located) are not covered for those who prefer full sun. Such thoughtful planning insures there are spaces to satisfy everyone’s preference. And if your preference is for a kid-free zone, the adults-only Serenity area forward on Deck 12 is the spot where you'll find plush padded loungers, a bar for refreshments, and total tranquility.

Don't overlook decorative details that even extend to pool areas: the Splendido Lido Pool's hanging planters add an organic and colorful touch, while the aft Linear Lido Pool pays homage to the grand liners of the past with wall mounted models of the Queen Mary and Normandie and a bar shaped like ship's prow.

El Morocco Lounge

Spectacular, Spectacular, the main show lounge, anchors three decks forward. With sparkly fiberglass stage curtains surrounding the room, "The idea is that the whole room is the stage," according to designer Farcus. Tiered seating beneath draped dome-like chandeliers provides good sight lines on all three levels and views of the stage are obstructed by few columns.

The main promenade on Deck 5 connects the entries to a variety of lounges and public rooms, each with a distinctive style reflected in the decor and all reflective of the more splendid things in life:

• Our House Sports Bar, celebrates the "home team advantage"—models of famous stadiums are displayed in glass cases on the walls and tabletops are inlaid with images of popular sports stadiums. Sporting enthusiasts can watch the games of the present on multiple plasma television screens while perched on some of the most unique ball-style seating at sea.
• Royal Flush Casino, depicts a "splendid winning hand" in a variety of card combinations of royal flush hands, with the sculpted "characters" emerging from the cards
• California Roll Sushi Bar, has tile surfaces made of natural mother of pearl shells and is flanked by models of koi goldfish
• Coffee Cafe, the promenade patisserie resembles a coffee warehouse with its bar-front "barrels" of coffee, tea, and sugar
• Red Carpet Dance Club, join the line-up of "beautiful people" in the VIP line at the velvet rope to enter the hottest dance spot aboard
• El Mojito, the cozy feel of a Havana sidewalk cafe with lanterns and Cuban posters on aged stucco walls and a terracotta floor 
• Grand Piano Bar, features distinctive outlines of grand "pianos" on walls and ceiling
• Cool Jazz Club, a sophisticated, and smoke-free, lounge for listening and dancing, which pays homage to jazz innovator Miles Davis
• El Morocco Lounge, recreates the atmosphere of the famous El Morocco Club of 1930s New York with zebra patterned banquettes, lanterns, palm trees, and murals of Moroccan scenes.
• Club O2, the expansive Teen Dance Club and gaming center is a totally-hip and oh-so-cool hangout

Deck 4 is where you'll find:

• Alexandria Library with a modest selection of books and board games
• Internet Cafe to surf the Internet if you didn't bring your own laptop to capture the ship-wide WiFi signal (even available in cabins)
• Robusto Cigar Bar, an inviting hideaway furnished with deep leather sofas and chairs perfect for savoring an after-dinner brandy and cigar

Chinese Foo Dogs "guard" Carnival Splendor's Thallasotherapy Pool

For Active Lifestyles
Staffed by Steiner Leisure, the Cloud 9 Spa on Decks 11 and 12 boasts a full menu of salon treatments and spa indulgences. For those who can't miss a daily workout, the Gym sports state-of-the art equipment and a wide range of exercise classes. For sheer serenity, the spa's thallasotherapy pool is a haven "guarded" by Chinese Foo Dogs. Day passes for the thermal sanctuary, which includes the therapy pool as well as the thermal suite and relaxation area are currently $35. If you aren’t into scented steam rooms and the spa’s other sensory delights, you don’t have to miss out on a sauna after your workout. There are complimentary saunas for men and women in changing rooms adjacent to the gym. Sadly, unlike the Conquest-class ships, Carnival Splendor’s don’t have floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking the sea.

Joggers and walkers can complete laps on the uninterrupted jogging track's cushioned surface aft on Deck 12. If sunning is your thing, the mid-lido pool has ample deck chairs and there are more surrounding the quieter pool aft, as well as one deck up overlooking the action. Grills for burgers, the pizzeria, and ice cream serving stations are close to the Lido pool as well so you won't lose sun tanning time if you get a case of the munchies. Should the weather turn foul, the lido pool features a retractable cover that insures you won't miss any swim time. Nearby bars serve soft drinks, beer, and cocktails.

For a quick thrill, try the 214-foot "Twister" waterslide at the Thunderball Pool!

Club O2 "Mocktail Lounge"

Camp Carnival
With record numbers of families setting sail on cruise vacations, Carnival Splendor's Camp Carnival counselors are prepared. The 5,500-square foot play area is dedicated to delighting youngsters with structured activities tailored for specific age groups. Toys, games, computers, a children's water park with water spray apparatus... and, most importantly, the trained counselors—Camp Carnival provides an entertaining, educational, and safe environment for kid-fun.

Carnival Splendor boasts the first purpose-built "Circle C" club. Gaming pods, plasma screen TVs, a juke box, and dance floor set the scene for parties, movie nights, and other activities that appeal to the 12- to 14-year old 'tween set.

Teenagers 15 to 17 years old can opt to participate in a wide range of sports, dance parties, and entertainment options offered in the Club O2 program or simply hang out with new-found pals in the adult-free 2,365-square foot teen game room/dance club.

Kids of all ages can challenge their parents to a round of golf at the pirate-themed Seaside Mini Golf Course on Deck 14.

The Carnival Splendor Experience...
Should satisfy the tastes of even the pickiest passenger—there's a little something to appeal to everyone. When you're not ashore exploring the ports of call, if nothing appeals to you, there's always your private balcony, a quiet corner to read, or a deck chair from which to contemplate the sea. 

What You WILL Find:

• Activities to suit a wide range of interests for all ages
• Tasty meals, creatively presented
• Service by a friendly staff
• Numerous triple, quad, and connecting staterooms suitable for families
• Attention to accessibility for the physically challenged
• Well stocked duty free shops
• A meeting room for corporate functions, weddings, and religious celebrations
• A computer center and ship-wide WiFi connectivity for laptop users
• Huge, well-equipped areas for children, pre-teens, and teenagers
• A 21,000 square feet Spa, Salon, and Health Club
• Some of the most professional entertainment afloat, presented by the Carnival Splendor production team and guest performers
• Self-service passenger laundry rooms with ironing facilities
• Stroller rentals and group babysitting services
• Fountain Fun Cards for children and adults, which provide unlimited soft drinks throughout the cruise for a one-time, flat fee
• Gratuities are automatically added to all accounts, but can be adjusted as deemed appropriate
• Fun, fun, fun!

What You WON'T Find:

• Boredom

Fast Stats

• 113,300 tons
• 952 feet long
• 116 feet wide
• Speed 22.5 knots
• 3,006 guests, double occupancy
• 4,914 total guest capacity (all berths, including uppers)

The Spirit of FUN Permeates Carnival Splendor
After her inaugural season of cruises in Europe, Carnival Splendor will sail Caribbean departures from Fort Lauderdale for the winter 2008-09 season, followed by repositioning cruises around South America. Her final homeport is Long Beach, California, from which she will offer 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises beginning March 29, 2009.

Back to --> Carnival Splendor (Part 1)

Images © CruiseDiva.com

Cruise Diva's Blog Highlights from the Carnival Splendor Inaugural cruise from Dover:

• Carnival Splendor: On Board In Dover
• Carnival Splendor: A World of Splendid Things
• Carnival Splendor: A Splendid World For Kids
• Carnival Splendor: A Splendid Home Away From Home

---

Carnival Cruise Line - Cruise Reviews

Carnival Cruise Line Profile

---

More from CruiseDiva.com:

Articles & Advice

Cruise Reviews

Cruise Line Profiles

Order My
Latest Book

Don't Miss!
at Fodors.com
Cruises Guide & Cruise Forum