Carnival Splendor

The only vessel in the Splendor class of cruise ships, the Carnival Splendor was built to plans based on the Concordia class, which was designed for Costa Cruises.

When it debuted in 2008, the ship was christened by its godmother, Myleene Klass, and it was the largest liner in the Carnival Cruises fleet - an honour which it held until the Dream was launched the following year.

As a resort-style vessel, the Splendor can carry up to 3,700 passengers and, like the other Carnival liners, it has been built with the company's Fun Ship concept in mind.

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The Splendor sails to a number of destinations, mainly around California and the Mexican Riviera. Popular ports of call include Los Angeles, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Cruises are also available between LA and Honolulu, with various stops around the Hawaiian Islands.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 3,700
Year entered service: 2008
Beam (ship width): 105.6 feet
Draught (ship depth): 27.2 feet
Length: 951.4 feet
Tonnage: 110,239
Crew: 1,150
Maximum speed: 21 knots
Number of passenger decks: 13
Number of lifts: 18
Number of swimming pools: 4
Number of cabins: 1,487

Food, cuisine and dining

There are two main dining rooms on the Splendor. These are the Gold Pearl - which seats 1,122 guests - and the smaller Black Pearl, which has room for 744. Both are two-decks high and lavishly decorated. They also offer the same delicious cuisine.

Breakfast and lunch are served on an open-seating basis in the Gold Pearl, while both venues operate set dinner times - although Your Time Dining is also available for passengers who prefer more flexibility.

Another popular dining option is the Splendido Lido, a self-serve buffet, which offers a huge range of fare throughout the day. Alternatively, if you're looking for an elegant meal in an extremely stylish environment, then the Pinnacle Steakhouse is the place to go - although eating there will incur an extra fee.

On-board entertainment and activities

The Splendor is home to the biggest children's playroom on any Carnival vessel and there are three dedicated spaces for youths of different ages. Camp Carnival is for two to 11 year-olds, Circle "C" is for kids aged 12-14 and Club O2 is a teen hangout for those between 15 and 17.

Depending on the age range, a number activities and entertainment options are offered throughout the voyage - including edutainment, movies, video games, arts and crafts sessions and discos.

For adults, the various lounges are the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a bit of conversation and your favourite drinks. The Spectacular Showlounge offers cabaret and Las Vegas-style shows on a nightly basis, while the smaller El Morocco offers smaller-scale performances.

The winter garden is a spectacular setting, even when the weather's not ideal. It even includes a ceremonial tea house for those who wish to enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea.

Of course, there are plenty of options that guests of any age will enjoy. There's a nine-hole miniature golf course, a three-deck high waterslide and the Seaside Theatre which hosts movies on a giant outdoor screen.

There's also a new sports deck, where games like basketball and volleyball can be played - and there's even arena-style seating for spectators.

Spas and fitness facilities

If you're looking for the ultimate in relaxation, then a trip to the Cloud 9 Spa is the perfect choice. This elegant and peaceful setting is the largest of its type on any Carnival cruise ship. It includes a relaxation lounge, as well as a thermal suite with saunas and steam rooms. There are also treatment rooms where you can book massages and other therapies.

A large fitness suite has plenty of exercise equipment, while aerobics, Pilates and yoga classes are held throughout the day. Meanwhile, the full-service salon offers services like manicures, pedicures and facials.

Elsewhere on the ship, there are plenty of other places to relax. There are a number of swimming pools for a splash around or a few laps - and one of them has a retractable roof, meaning it can be a great place for a swim, even when the weather's not perfect. Hot tubs are also scattered around the ship - most of which offer gorgeous views out to sea.

Cabins

There are nearly 1,500 staterooms on the Splendor. These range from the cosy interior cabins - which are perfect for those wanting to save money with cruise deals - through to opulent Cloud 9 Spa Suites.

Rooms and their prices vary by size, location and amenities, as well as whether they include a view or balcony. No matter which you choose, you'll enjoy comfortable furniture and the room will be equipped with a television and a desk/vanity unit.

All accommodation includes private en-suite bathrooms. A complimentary toiletries kit is provided in each room, which contains a variety of high-quality soaps and conditioner, as well as deodorant, mints and sweets.

Carnival is famous for its towel animals and passengers will be delighted by the menagerie of critters that the room will be stocked with over the course of the cruise. Just some of the creatures that you may find your linens shaped into include elephants, pigs, swans, monkeys, frogs and gorillas.