Carnival Cruise Line is making waves in Australia with its expansion plans, welcoming back the Carnival Splendor to Sydney after a comprehensive refurbishment. The ship, set to dock in Sydney Harbor on September 9th, boasts an array of upgrades that elevate the onboard experience for passengers.
The Carnival Splendor has undergone a complete transformation, starting with its exterior. The ship now proudly displays the signature red, white, and blue hull design that has become synonymous with Carnival Cruise Line, while also incorporating the Southern Cross motif, a symbolic feature borrowed from the P&O Cruises Australia fleet, signifying the integration of both brands.
Inside, the ship offers a plethora of enhancements. Dining options have been revamped, with the addition of Mad Sizzle, a new kebab and satay restaurant on Deck 9, providing delicious slow-roasted meats. The popular Indian restaurant, Masala Tiger, has been relocated to a larger space on Deck 10, now offering an à la carte dinner menu to complement its existing lunch offerings. Other dining venues, like the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, have also received menu updates, introducing signature dishes like T-bone steak and fresh New Zealand pink snapper.
The staterooms have received a fresh makeover, with balcony areas undergoing complete refurbishments and suites featuring new whirlpool tubs. Fitness enthusiasts will be delighted by the updated basketball court, jogging track, and new gym equipment, along with a refreshed Thalasso therapy pool at the Cloud 9 Spa. The ship’s casino has also been upgraded, retail shops revamped, and the Dreams Photo Studio relocated to Deck 3 in the Atrium.
For younger guests and the young at heart, the ship offers a fully revamped mini-golf course and a newly updated Carnival WaterWorks waterpark. This waterpark provides the ultimate aquatic adventure with thrilling waterslides and the Splashy Cove children’s play area. The kids’ clubs, Camp Ocean and Club O2, have also been enhanced with new video gaming areas, adding an extra layer of fun.
Carnival Splendor also introduces a new addition to its entertainment lineup: “Dear Future Husband,” a pop musical that premiered in Australia this year. The interactive show follows the journey of a bride and groom embarking on a wedding adventure aboard a Carnival cruise ship with their best friends, creating a unique and engaging experience for guests.
“From her beautiful new look outside to the upgraded amenities and new entertainment on board, Carnival Splendor has more fun to offer our guests sailing from Sydney than ever before,” said Kara Glamore, Carnival Cruise Line Australia vice president. “Carnival is set to be Australia’s largest cruise brand from early next year and we’re proud to continue to provide new ways to bring more fun to our guests.”
Starting in March 2025, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, which operates seasonally from Brisbane, will be joined by two more sister ships as P&O Cruises Australia integrates into Carnival Cruise Line. The ships Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will be rebranded as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, respectively, further expanding the Carnival fleet in Australia.
