Carnival Names New Ship

Carnival Splendor is the name Carnival Cruise Lines has chosen for its new 112,000-ton cruise ship scheduled to enter service in spring 2008. Representing a new class of ship for the line, the 3,006-passenger vessel will be constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and feature an innovative new design, including the largest spa and children’s facilities in the Carnival fleet. Highlights include a 17,800-square-foot spa. A 5,500-sq. ft. children’s playroom will be located mid-ship. Located aft will be a new sports deck featuring arena-style seating for games and other events, while a reservations-only supper club will be located atop the poolside Lido restaurant, providing diners with magnificent ocean vistas. The mid-ship pool – one of four on board – will be enclosed by two full decks of glass walls. The area will be covered with a two-deck-high retractable dome that can be closed during inclement weather. A large balcony will encircle the upper deck of the pool area. The vessel will also include 1,503 staterooms, 60 percent of which will offer an ocean view with 60 percent of those featuring private balconies. Carnival Splendor is one of three new ships currently under construction or on order with Fincantieri.