Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor – representing a new class of vessel with a host of innovations including exclusive new “spa staterooms” that surround a luxurious 21,000-square-foot health and wellness center – will debut in July 2008 operating the line’s first-ever Northern European cruise program.  These 12-day Northern Europe voyages, which will operate July 13 – Aug. 30, 2008, will offer guests a diversity of shoreside experiences with visits to historic, centuries-old cities in Denmark, Germany, Finland, Russia, Estonia, and The Netherlands.  Following the Northern European voyages, Carnival Splendor will operate a unique 12-day London-to-Rome cruise Sept. 11, 2008, then sail on a series of 12-day Mediterranean voyages Sept. 23 – Oct. 17, 2008.

Carnival Splendor will be the second Carnival ship deployed in Europe next year, joining the Carnival Freedom which will operate a program of 12-day Mediterranean cruises May-October 2008.  

“Consumers are discovering that cruising is the best way to see Europe as it provides the opportunity to experience and explore multiple destinations while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a modern ‘floating resort,’” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. “Carnival Splendor represents a new class of ‘Fun Ship’ offering a number of innovative facilities and features and, for its inaugural season, we’ve assembled a truly diverse schedule that showcases the fascinating cultures, history and architecture that has made Europe such a sought-after cruise destination,” he added. 

Also included in Carnival Splendor’s 2008 inaugural season will be a 16-day transatlantic voyage departing Rome Oct. 29, as well as a series of seven-day Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale commencing Nov. 22, 2008.  A special one-time four-day eastern Caribbean cruise will depart from Fort Lauderdale Nov. 17, 2008.

As the first in a new class of “Fun Ships,” Carnival Splendor will offer a host of innovative on-board features and facilities, highlighted by a 21,000-square-foot health and fitness center – one of the largest at sea – which will feature Carnival’s first  elaborate thermal suite and thalassotherapy pool covered by a glass dome.  Surrounding the facility will be 68 exclusive “spa staterooms” – also a first for Carnival.  Guests in spa staterooms will have exclusive entry access to the adjacent spa facilities and will receive a wide array of special offerings including priority spa appointments, unlimited use of the thermal suite and thalassotherapy pool, complimentary fitness classes and other amenities. 

Its family-friendly facilities will include a water spray park on Lido Deck, along with a two-level 5,500-square-foot children’s play area – the largest in the Carnival fleet, part of the line’s “Camp Carnival” program — along with a teen club featuring a dance floor, DJ and high-tech sound and lighting system, part of Carnival’s “Club O2” program.

A comprehensive golf program with opportunities to play top European and Caribbean courses will also be available.

Of the ship’s 1,503 spacious staterooms, more than 60 percent will offer an ocean view or private balcony – ideal for scenic European cruising.