Carnival Splendor Nears Completion in Italy

Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor -the largest vessel ever constructed for the line- is undergoing final exterior and interior outfitting in Italy in preparation for its debut in Europe next summer.

The first in a new series of vessel for the line, Carnival Splendor will include a two-level, 5,500-square-foot children’s play area -the largest in the Carnival fleet- and a 21,000-square-foot “Cloud 9 Spa” featuring a thermal suite. Adjacent will be 68 spa staterooms and suites, another first for the line.

Following a one-time eight-day European voyage from Genoa July 2, the 3,006-passenger ship will launch Carnival’s first 12-day Northern Europe cruise program from London (Dover) July 13, followed by a series of 12-day cruises from Rome to the Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey.

The ship then repositions to the U.S. to operate seven-day cruises from Fort Lauderdale, followed by a series of 14- to 18-day South America cruises, also a first for Carnival. After this program, Carnival Splendor will be deployed to Long Beach, Calif., to operate year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises.