Carnival’s New Splendor Undergoes Final Sea Trials

Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor underwent final sea trials in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of Sicily. Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri, Italy, the 3,006-passenger vessel is slated to debut July 2 with an eight-day voyage from Genoa to London (Dover), after which it will begin a series of 12-day Northern Europe cruises July 13.

Representing a new class of vessel, Carnival Splendor will offer innovations, including a 21,000-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa. Adjacent to the facility will be 68 spa staterooms and suites, a first for Carnival. Family-friendly features will include an expansive two-level, 5,500-square-foot children’s play area and a water spray park.

Following its Northern Europe cruises, Carnival Splendor will operate 12-day cruises to the Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale for seven-day Caribbean departures. Carnival Splendor will sail a series of 14- to 18-day South America voyages, then be deployed to Long Beach, Calif., for year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera voyages beginning in March 2009.