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 Carnival Splendor, the newest and largest cruise ship home ported in Australia, today returned from her maiden cruise to the South Pacific.

Sailing into Sydney Harbour in the early hours of the morning, the 113,573-tonne ship was carrying approximately 3,500 guests on its first Australian voyage, an 8-night cruise to New Caledonia.

Jennifer Vandekreeke, VP and GM Australia, Carnival Cruise Line, said: “Prior to arriving in Australia, Carnival Splendor underwent the ultimate ‘Aussie transformation’ where we added fresh new features and world firsts to ensure she delivered more fun to our Australian guests. Our guests sailing on Carnival Splendor on her first South Pacific cruise were able to experience all she has to offer and created plenty of fun-filled memories along the way.”

She added: “There’s a great fit between Carnival and Australians. So much so that Australia has quickly become Carnival’s second largest market after the USA.”

Despite its American spelling, Carnival Splendor now showcases new and exclusive features for the Australian market, including:

  • Green and Gold waterpark: The action-packed Carnival Waterworks™ has been built specifically for Australia in green and gold colours, complete with a new world first on a cruise ship – the Green Lightning thrill-slide that begins with an impressive 11.3-metre free-fall drop. Waterworks™ also boasts a 104-metre-long Twister Waterslide™, power drencher tipping bucket and mini racing slides.
  • Splashy Cove: Splashy Cove is a special waterpark created just for little ones with fun to be had splashing about with spray toys and mini waterslides. It’s also home to a colourful mural inspired from drawings by patients from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
  • Airia: A new aerial illusion show, Airia, was specifically designed for Australia and the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Headlined by homegrown talent Aleisha Manion, the show is packed with illusions, aerial manoeuvres, special effects, dazzling costumes, and an infectious soundtrack.
  • Cloud 9 Spa and Serenity™ Retreat: For Aussies who love to relax, Carnival Splendor features The Cloud 9 Spa and Suites, also an Australian first, offering locals everything from a thalassotherapy pool, thermal suites and state-of-the-art fitness centre. Adults can also unwind at the well-known adults-only Serenity™ Retreat and enjoy the sea breeze with a cocktail in hand.
  • Dining Options: Featuring over 17 different dining options including Masala Tiger, made precisely for Aussies’ adventurous tastebuds and offering fresh and flavourful Indian cuisine straight from the tandoor. Juice and Java, a juice and coffee bar, has also been created exclusively for the Aussie market. These tasty offerings join Carnival fan-favourites, such as Seafood Shack, Pizzeria del Capitano and Guy’s Burger Joint. 
  • Australia’s favourite coffee: Carnival has partnered with Vittoria Coffee, Australia’s number one pure coffee brand, to make sure the fresh new JavaBlue Café delivers flat whites, long blacks and lattes to perfection.

Vandekreeke concluded: “We’re excited to welcome Aussie families, couples and friends onboard the newly transformed Carnival Splendor – she’s three footy fields long, 14 decks high and packed with things to see, do, taste and try.”

Home ported in Sydney, Carnival Splendor offers 7- to 12-day cruises to destinations such as the South Pacific and shorter ‘Fun Size’ cruises around Australia, from Tasmania to Tangalooma, Moreton Island.