Carnival Splendor questions :)

[Cruiselkm]

Hi everyone. Im looking at booking a 8 nighter on Carnival Splendor for next august, will be myself and my 15 year old daughter. After doing 3 previous cruises on P&O, Im obviously expecting it to be somewhat different.

So if someone has time, could they answer some questions for me, as I understand she is a new ship for Australia.

Do they have a zipline, and/or outside climbing activities ( rock wall, walk the plank etc )? My teen loved that at P&O.

Is there a section where you can and choose your food, like a buffet ( P&O Pantry style)?

Alcohol. Im a wine drinker, how are the prices?

Entertainment. Lots to see? My daughter wont be going to any kind of teen kids club so whatever we see will be looking at together.

Gosh, probably lots more qyestions but a big too excited to think, wasnt planning another cruise for a few years so this has kind of just happened. Oh, and the price we have seen is $869 each for 8 nights to Pacific Island, Noumea, Isle of Pine, Mare. What do you think of this price?

 

Thank you all so much and please let me know anything and everything 🙂

[Relaxing Robbies]

The Splendor does not have zipline, climbing or walk the plank. It has waterslides, splash park, mini golf, pools and hot tubs. 

 

There is a buffet area with many options on Lido Deck 9, as well as Guys Burgers, Masala Tiger (indian), Mongolian Wok, The Deli, and 24 hour pizza and soft serve icecream.

 

Not sure about current Australian alcohol prices, but someone else will be able to answer this.

 

There is a main theatre where the musical shows are usually good. Some nights there may be variety entertainers eg hypnotist, illusionist etc. The Red Frog pub has a very good band called Music Manilla. There is also music in the atrium and near the casino, and a piano bar. There is a Comedy Club every night, but be aware that some of the content may not be what you consider suitable for your 15  year old daughter. Some of the earlier comedy shows are advertised in the Fun Times newslatter as family friendly.

During the day there are many trivia and music based activities and competitions.

 

Prices of cruises vary all the time. What type of cabin were you looking to book? Is there any onboard credit included? Do you get to choose your cabin or is it a guarantee cabin where they choose the particular cabin for you at a later date? Many variables affect the pricing.

 

 

[Gerko]

Splendor is not terribly well designed and you'll keep running into roadblocks trying to get from A to B, but I guess you'll find your way around after a few days. Wine works out at about $9.50 - 12.50 a glass, but you might like to buy a bottle and carry it around as bar service on Carnival isn't great due to very limited table service, and often insufficient bar staff. Serving wine, the staff first pour it into a measuring bottle and then into your glass, and at least at one bar they only had one measuring bottle. If you're going to try their specialty steakhouse, go on the first night as they throw in a bottle of wine. Without that, it's dubious value at $55 a head. The Buffet is not like The Pantry on P & O but a more traditional buffet where people move along each food area pushing their tray. Plenty of food and good choices but invariably never warm enough. I would recommend using the main dining room as I think the menus on Carnival are much better than P & O. The shows are generally good and the main showroom is very well designed. Generally speaking, Carnival is a bit too lively for me and Splendor has a eccentric decor you'll either love or hate, but I'm probably a bit older and I'm sure you'll have a great time.