Thread: Carnival Splendor Arrives At Fort Lauderdale Friday, Nov. 14

Carnival Cruise Lines’ 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor – the line’s newest and largest “Fun Ship” – made its U.S. debut Friday, Nov. 14, 2008, when it arrived at Port Everglades this morning following a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Europe.

Carnival Splendor will kick off its Fort Lauderdale–based program with a series of three one-time voyages — a two-day cruise to Nassau Nov. 15-17, a four-day Bahamas/Turks & Caicos cruise Nov. 17-21 and an eight-day eastern Caribbean voyage Nov. 21-29.

Then, beginning Nov. 29, the ship will embark on a series of 10 seven-day eastern Caribbean voyages featuring four highly popular ports of call, including Casa de Campo/La Romana, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas/St. John, U.S.V.I.; San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Nassau, The Bahamas.

“Carnival Splendor features an exceptional number of innovative, guest-driven amenities that represent the continuing evolution of the ‘Fun Ship’ vacation experience,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “We’re delighted to bring this spectacular new ship to Port Everglades, a valued business partner that provides a convenient, close-to-home departure point for our guests.” Cahill noted that, including Fort Lauderdale, Carnival sails from 14 U.S. homeports – the most in cruising.

“We are delighted that Carnival selected Port Everglades for the U.S. debut of the Carnival Splendor,” said Port Everglades Director Phillip C. Allen. “We estimate that this new ship will bring 80,000 cruise passengers to Broward County and will generate approximately $34 million in our community.”

As the largest “Fun Ship” ever constructed, Carnival Splendor offers a host of on-board facilities and features, highlighted by a 21,000-square-foot “Cloud 9 Spa” — the largest in the fleet. The expansive two-level health club includes a thalassotherapy pool, a thermal suite and 17 private treatment rooms. Surrounding the facility are 68 exclusive staterooms and suites – a first for the line.

Dining options include two two-level formal dining rooms, a 1,400-seat poolside eatery with a 24-hour pizzeria and an elegant reservations-only supper club.

Further bolstering Carnival’s distinction as the family cruise leader carrying 600,000 children annually, Carnival Splendor offers a wide range of kid-friendly amenities, including a 5,500-square-foot play area – the largest in the fleet — part of the top-rated “Camp Carnival” program. Older kids can enjoy “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year-olds and “Club O2,” for ages 15-17, with programming and facilities for each age group.

Carnival Splendor also houses 1,503 staterooms, including hundreds of balcony cabins and several levels of suites. All Carnival Splendor accommodations feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high-quality linens and pillows.

Carnival Splendor originally debuted in Europe in July, and following its Fort Lauderdale–based program, will operate a series of 14- to 18-day South America cruises – a first for Carnival. The ship will then launch year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, Calif., beginning in March 2009.

I had the opportunity to be on the first sailing from the United States, specificly, Ft Lauderdale, FL on Saturday November 15, 2008, and this is a very nice ship. Here are some Pictures of the Splendor.

1. Splendor Welcome Banner
2. Carnival Splendor at Terminal 29, Port Everglades, FL
3. Carnival Splendor docked in Nassau Bahamas.
4. Carnival Seaside Theater, Lido Deck
5. Veranda Deck 8 Elevators.

Just added lots of new pictures of the Splendor in the Cruise Gallery, check them out.

Great photos, Ken.

Love the photos, Ken!! It looks like the Splendor will be a welcome addition to the West Coast in March 09.

Thanks John and Janice.

It's a very nice ship, Janice, people on the West Coast will love it. You can tell it's bigger than the Conquest Class ships.

Here's another photo of the Splendor, this time front and side view.

Originally Posted by stanford's girl

Love the photos, Ken!! It looks like the Splendor will be a welcome addition to the West Coast in March 09.

I'm already counting the days!!

Originally Posted by CaliTraveler77

I'm already counting the days!!

Just remember you have to come back and tell us all about it, Josh!!

Originally Posted by stanford's girl

Just remember you have to come back and tell us all about it, Josh!!

Oh I don't mind telling you guys ALL about it, I'm just not sure I'll wanna come back!

Originally Posted by stanford's girl

Love the photos, Ken!! It looks like the Splendor will be a welcome addition to the West Coast in March 09.

It is a gorgeous ship. You won't be disappointed.That's why we had to check her out before she heads west.