With more than 30 bars, lounges and restaurants offering food and drink on the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor, the architects probably felt compelled to also create large fitness and spa facilities  onboard. So there’s about 21,000 square feet of potential calorie-burning space, or places to be pampered, depending on your mood.
UPDATE:
In February 2018, Carnival Cruise Line announced Carnival Splendor will come to Sydney Harbour in December 2019, to operate year-round down under. The ship is scheduled to undergo a dry dock in November 2019.
ARTICLE BELOW WRITTEN IN MAY 2009:
The Splendor is designed with 68 exclusive spa staterooms that feature proximity to the luxurious Cloud 9 spa, a private elevator to the area, unlimited free use of Carnival’s first thalassotherapy pool, a Turkish bath-style thermal suite, 17 private treatment rooms and peaceful indoor and outdoor relaxation areas.
Carnival expects Splendor passengers to indulge in more than 5,000 slimming treatments, 8,000 facials and 2,000 personal fitness consultations during its first year. Services also include acupuncture and teeth whitening.
The thalassotherapy pool has bubbling water with effervescent ingredients to ease stiff muscles and sore joints. The thermal suite offers herbal steam rooms, sauna grottos and heated chaise lounges. The mud lounge is an herbal steam temple where you can apply clay mud that claims to draw out toxins and have them washed away in a tropical rain-style shower.
The enormous gym overlooking the sea is stocked with more than 30 treadmills, bikes, elliptical trainers and weight machines. Another large area is lined with free weights and benches. Fitness classes range from Tai Chi and yoga to bike spinning and Pilates. A running track, volleyball court and four pools are outside.
The health and fitness interest is passionately encouraged on board, and no wonder – in one week Splendor passengers consume about 45,300 eggs; 60,480 slices of bacon; 3,200 steaks; 2,150 pounds of lobster; 38,550 cans of beer and 4,425 bottles of wine.
Splendor provides guests with a delectable array of international cuisines.
The two main dining rooms, which seat about 1,866 passengers, offer at least six different appetizers, six different entrees including the popular broiled lobster tail and a variety of decadent desserts such as Carnival’s signature Chocolate Melting Cake.
The reservations-only, 108-seat Pinnacle Supper Club offers USDA prime steaks such as a 24-ounce porterhouse, as well as favourites such as filet mignon. Impeccable service, the finest china, stemware and an extensive wine list make the $20 (U.S.) per person charge worth it.
The 1,396-seat Lido features an Indian tandoori buffet and Mongolian barbecue venues, as well as a deli, salad bar, pasta and meat-carving stations.
A grill outside by the pool serves fast food fare.
The Coffee Shop is the place for cappuccinos and the California Roll serves sushi. Late-night buffets have a variety of themes. Cabin service and the pizzeria are open 24/7.
No matter what menu you are reading, there are always many low-calorie spa cuisine options, as well as vegetarian choices.
A focus on health, fitness and sumptuous food isn’t the Splendor’s only mission. The ship also features the line’s largest, two-level children’s area at 5,500 square feet and a water spray park. (Carnival expects to see 600,000 children on their 22 ships in 2009.)
The Splendor’s retractable sky dome slides over the main pool area and the 270-square-foot outdoor TV screen offers movies under the stars. There are seven whirlpools – including two that overhang the side of the ship for unobstructed sea views if you’re not afraid of heights.
For evening entertainment, see Broadway-style musicals in the 1,400-seat show lounge or try your luck in the 484-seat casino. The bars and lounges also feature comedians and musicians. If you’re still intent on burning calories past midnight, the disco is open until dawn.
For more information call 1-800-CARNIVAL
Written May 2009
