Cruise Review | Carnival Splendor Details on The Boat Tuesday 04 October, 2016
Hi everyone. I know it seems like I have been a little ghost on my blog as of lately – because honestly I have. Dont beat me up! I been on back to back trips within the last month and I wanted to share that I went on a 8 day press trip with Carnival Cruise! I am excited to share that I got an opportunity to Partner with Carnival and experience their Carnival Splendor ship. This is my second time cruising with Carnival, the first time was last year with my travel ambassadorship and I will say I had more than a blast again. I sailed for 8 days with my friend Nina, as we went to 4 destinations to the Caribbeans of Grand Turk, San Juan (Puerto Rico), St.Kitts and St.Marteen. This post will not be highlighting my travel destinations just yet – as I just want to show you all how awesome the ship was in itself!
Nina and I left from Atlanta to travel to Miami as that’s where the port was to get to Carnival Splendor.
Second Time Cruiser (with Carnival)
With my travel buddy Nina!
Welcome Drinks
We were instantly welcomed by Carnival Drinks to get us excited and await the journey of our sail!
Interior Design of Carnival Splendor
Immediately when Nina and I went inside the boat, the decor blew our mind. It was hues of pinks and metallics that gave the feel of retro glam. Definitely a different feel from went I went on my last cruise with Carnival. This was a little more jazzier in the design!
Fun entertainment daily + nightly in the lobby
The lobby area everyday and night there was a form of live entertainment performed by the staff and the Cruise Director.
Oceanview Room with Two twin beds and a couch + balcony
The room Nina and I shared for the next 8 days was an Oceanview Room with a Balcony. I loved it as the last time I just had a traditional stateroom. This Oceanview Room is much more spaciousas it also had a couch and a balcony, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The balcony with the view everyday was amazing and peaceful and just illuminated our comfy room experience.
Beautiful view of the Balcony
Nina and I loved the balcony. Whether we were just sailing and enjoying the ocean, watching the sunset (which we caught a few times) or waking up and seeing our docking destination view of the town – it was amazing. I think everytime I do a cruise from now on,, it has to be with a balcony with a view! I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Level of Deck where there are hot tubs + additional pools (mainly where you can lounge with kids) and the water slide
Back to the outside portion of Carnival Splendor, there were many levels of seaside enjoyment and lots of options to relax or cool off. There are different levels suitable for families, everyone and adult only designated areas. This view of the is usually where parents and kids can hang out in unison. There is the big slide (which I didnt go on – I was too scared), Pool and hot tub.
Main Lido Deck area with the big Screen for movie nights and where the daily outdoor activities happen
This is the main Lido outside deck where everyone hangs out. The food buffet is also on this level and there are plenty of outside and indoor seating. This is also there area where all the daily games and activities happen, as well as their two nightly movies (one kid friendly and one PG-13 to follow) screened here. This spot host many of the themed parties at night such as the Caribbean parties, Glow Parties, and more!
Main Lido Deck area where everyone hangs out with pool
Adults Only Swim + Lounge + Bar area
Now if you thought you saw enough pools and hot tubs, there were more! I actually hung out in this area the most because it was the Adult Only section. This was a hot spot if you didnt come with your family and wanted to enjoy adult cooling off time. Two hot tubs, a pool and a bar.
Serenity Area : Adult Only Lounging
Not only did they have an adult poolside area, but there was an Adult Only Serenity Area as well. This is the spa level where you could lounge, take a nap, read a book or just catch some sun and enjoy some peace and quiet on the deck. This was another one of my favorite outside areas, I took many naps and social media breaks in this area. It was truly very peaceful and felt just like how a vacation is suppose to feel. Like time stopped and just bliss and calmness.
Plenty of bungalow covered lounge chairs and beach chairs to relax by the ocean + Adults Only
The Casino open 24 hours
Of course on every Carnival Cruise there is a Casino area. I didn’t play this year, I didnt want to. I am not a good risk taker clearly…last year I won $6 from the penny machine on Carnival Sunshine and I stopped right there. I was $6 richer and thats how I wanted it to be! This year No Risk or Penny machines were played by me.
The Taste Bar where on sail days they serve you themed finger food of Carnival’s finest cuisines
I love the taste bar area. Its always served when its Sea Day and right between lunch and dinner time. So its a little snack, but high quality cuisines made by top chefs to serve you an unlimited amount of the themed finger food.
Red Carpet: The Adult Night Club 18+
Last Year I was so tired every night from all the fun that I was having that I never made it to any night clubs on Carnival. I went to sleep literally by midnight so this year I was determined to have a few Night Club experiences. Red Carpet is 18+ that is a fun nightclub on the cruise. This is where all the adults hang out and have a good time. I will admit I only made it to the club 3 nights out of 8! I can’t hang like I used too!
There is also a teen version of Red Carpet called O-Zone. Its not really a club, more so of a teen hangout area and they actually hang out day and night together there. So if you have teens but afraid they wont hang anyone to hang with or get bored with the young kids and the adults – O-Zone is the spot for them! I thought that was cute so the teens wont feel left out on the cruise.
El Mojito : The bar which has different themed mixology drinks
The Piano Bar: Nightly Sing-a-long spot with your favorite show tunes and pop songs from different eras.
The Comedy Club where Carnival’s Punchline is hosted with PG + R rated comedy shows
Carnival Splendor is an amazing ship. For it to be my second cruise with Carnival (and just ever) I was never bored and always something to do. There are other fun amenities that I didn’t get a chance to explore (I couldn’t do everything) such as a spa, gym, beauty area (for hair and nails), a jogging trail, art gallery, and lots of shops to choose from.
Just wanted to show you a taste of the boat experience on Carnival Splendor. As I stated before and you can now see, its a swanky boat decor with fun for both kids and adults. Carnival is really the fun ship and in my next post I can’t wait to share with you all the fun locations we ported at in the Caribbean.
I partnered with Carnival Cruise who hosted my experience on this press trip #CruisingCarnival but all opinions are my own.
Have You Ever Sailed With Carnival Before?
About the Blogger - Kiwi the Beauty
Kiwi is the free spirited blogger and content creator of KiwiTheBeauty.com. As a digital influencer, she produces creative inspiration around beauty, lifestyle, media and travel leisure. Her life mantra is to make manifesting fun! When she’s not blogging, she is eating trendy hipster food, carrying crystals, making it rain at her local farmer's market and binge brunching.
Follow her on her blog and social media at kiwithebeauty.com + @kiwithebeauty
I havent been on a cruise in ages but hubby and I live near the port in Galveston, TX and want to take advantage of it and go on a Carnival Cruise. THanks for the prompting! Your photo’s convinced me its time
I haven’t been on a cruise since high school, so it’s been a long time. I would love to take one as an adult and enjoy some of the adult activities, like sipping on cocktails, staying up extra late and spending time in adult only areas.
Reminds me that it is time to book another cruise with Carnival. I’ve done 3 cruises with them and each one was better than the last. Cruising is such an incredible value that I tell my friends that it’s really the best way to vacation.
I have not ever sailed on cruise before but I have friends who swear by it. Based on the look of your pictures, I definitely need to make that happen soon. It looks like a beautiful ship.
OMG, the pictures you captured are beautiful! I haven’t been on a carnival cruise in about 10 years. I’m long overdue. I really prefer flying to the island itself so that’s what I’ve been doing. I will however sail again. Thanks for sharing!
I actually just went on a cruise with Norwegian 2 weeks ago and your room is MUCH bigger than mine and I had a balcony too (although I had just 1 queen bed but still)! Ours was a booze cruise so there were only a handful of kids and it was just 4 days so it was nice, but I felt bad for the families that did bring their kids (and there were only a handful). Glad you loved your cruise! I certainly will be going on another but I’ll be taking my kids and finding one that is specifically kid friendly.
First, I LOVE that orange dress on you. That pic is gorgeous! I have been on a Carnival Cruise years ago and unfortunately my experience was not positive like yours. I am not a big cruise person as I like to fly somewhere and take my time exploring the area, but I do love the ocean and being on it so perhaps I’ll give it another chance, inspired by your post!
I’ve never been on a cruise but have visited St. Maarten and Puerto Rico. I keep hearing how amazing cruises are and can’t wait until my husband and I go on one together.
It is like a floating lil city! So many incredible activities – I had no idea you could do all this on a boat! Can’t wait to read your next posts about your Carnival adventure!
Finally talked my husband into a cruise recently and now he’s been converted 🙂 . That looks like such a blast. I haven’t done a Carnival one, but l wouldn’t mind at all now. Great recap!
We took a Carnival Cruise last year and our son loved it so much that he wants to know if we can LIVE on a cruise ship.
I’m with him. If you have a room w/ a balcony ocean view, it’s worth it.
I love cruises, I have been on 8 cruises, Ill be on a carnival cruise next month, I am counting down the days. How do you become a travel ambassador and how did you come to work with carnival for a sponsored trip??
I took a Carnival cruise 7ys ago for my hubby’s 40th birthday! I enjoyed it so much. We sailed out of Baltimore but we said next time, we will leave from Florida to be able to go to better ports.
The boat looks beautiful, just yesterday my family was talking about a family reunion cruise. I’ve not been in a cruise before so I’m not completely sold just yet. I see there are plenty of things to do which is great.
I’ve never been on a cruise but that’s on my bucket list for next year. I, like you, would HAVE to get a view. I wouldn’t be able to stand being without one the way my nerves are set up lol.
This cruise ship looks like it is full of fun. I love reading all that I can about cruises since I will be planning to take one with the family very soon.
Sounds like you had a great time. I love Carnival. Their ships are always the best.
This looks like a great ship. I am cruising on the Carnival Valor next week with my 5 of my girlfriends. We are leaving the husbands and kids at home.
It looks like you had so much fun! I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise.
Wow looks like an amazing cruise! I really would love to go on a Carnival cruise one day.
This looks so amazing. I have always wanted to go on a Carnival cruise. I am hoping to go in the fall next year.
Wow, there really was a lot of fun things to do on the boat. It’s nice that they keep things entertaining for the guests.
This looks like such an amazing cruise.
My husband and I went on our honeymoon on a Carnival Cruise! We cannot wait to book our next one through them!!! WE love it.
This looks amazing, I have never been on a cruise but can’t wait to take one with me and my honey.
I havent been on a cruise in ages but hubby and I live near the port in Galveston, TX and want to take advantage of it and go on a Carnival Cruise. THanks for the prompting! Your photo’s convinced me its time
I haven’t been on a cruise since high school, so it’s been a long time. I would love to take one as an adult and enjoy some of the adult activities, like sipping on cocktails, staying up extra late and spending time in adult only areas.
What an amazing time you had. I have never been on a cruise, but my husband and I are saving up for a cruise next year.
This looks so much fun and I love your outfits!! I’ve never been on a cruise before but I’m hoping to do one next year!
What an awesome getaway! Looks like you had a blast! Great review! 😀
Wow, your room was much nicer than the one I had on my first cruise with them. It was tiny!! Need this one next time!
Ive never been on a cruise but all your great photos sure make me want to finally take the plunge and try one.
Reminds me that it is time to book another cruise with Carnival. I’ve done 3 cruises with them and each one was better than the last. Cruising is such an incredible value that I tell my friends that it’s really the best way to vacation.
I have not ever sailed on cruise before but I have friends who swear by it. Based on the look of your pictures, I definitely need to make that happen soon. It looks like a beautiful ship.
Everything always looks fancier and more fun on a cruise! I have not yet taken a cruise, but some day!
OMG, the pictures you captured are beautiful! I haven’t been on a carnival cruise in about 10 years. I’m long overdue. I really prefer flying to the island itself so that’s what I’ve been doing. I will however sail again. Thanks for sharing!
I actually just went on a cruise with Norwegian 2 weeks ago and your room is MUCH bigger than mine and I had a balcony too (although I had just 1 queen bed but still)! Ours was a booze cruise so there were only a handful of kids and it was just 4 days so it was nice, but I felt bad for the families that did bring their kids (and there were only a handful). Glad you loved your cruise! I certainly will be going on another but I’ll be taking my kids and finding one that is specifically kid friendly.
First, I LOVE that orange dress on you. That pic is gorgeous! I have been on a Carnival Cruise years ago and unfortunately my experience was not positive like yours. I am not a big cruise person as I like to fly somewhere and take my time exploring the area, but I do love the ocean and being on it so perhaps I’ll give it another chance, inspired by your post!
What a fun experienced! I’m glad that you had fun there.
Looks like a lot of fun and beautiful images.
https://soundcloud.com/bodzy/sets/unexpected-arrival-ep
what a fabulous trip you had. It’s a dream of mine to take my mom on a cruise.
I need to try Carnival! Looks like a great cruise option! The room seems spacious too.
I’ve never been on a cruise but have visited St. Maarten and Puerto Rico. I keep hearing how amazing cruises are and can’t wait until my husband and I go on one together.
It is like a floating lil city! So many incredible activities – I had no idea you could do all this on a boat! Can’t wait to read your next posts about your Carnival adventure!
It totally looks like you had an amazing time. And why not? That ship has something for everyone. What a fun and relaxing way to travel!
Finally talked my husband into a cruise recently and now he’s been converted 🙂 . That looks like such a blast. I haven’t done a Carnival one, but l wouldn’t mind at all now. Great recap!
We took a Carnival Cruise last year and our son loved it so much that he wants to know if we can LIVE on a cruise ship.
I’m with him. If you have a room w/ a balcony ocean view, it’s worth it.
I love the idea of going on a cruise but my husband is very opposed. I’m going to make him read this tonight in hopes he changes his mind.
I love cruises, I have been on 8 cruises, Ill be on a carnival cruise next month, I am counting down the days. How do you become a travel ambassador and how did you come to work with carnival for a sponsored trip??
I took a Carnival cruise 7ys ago for my hubby’s 40th birthday! I enjoyed it so much. We sailed out of Baltimore but we said next time, we will leave from Florida to be able to go to better ports.
The boat looks beautiful, just yesterday my family was talking about a family reunion cruise. I’ve not been in a cruise before so I’m not completely sold just yet. I see there are plenty of things to do which is great.
I have never been on a cruise before, but they look amazing. Especially all the food! Yum!
Thank you so much for sharing this! It seems as if the folks at Carnival made sure everything you needed to have a great time was accessible.
I am going on a cruise next month. Looking at your pictures now has me even more excited about it!!
I’m always afraid that cruise ships will be tiny but that boat seemed large! Looking for future posts with the destinations.
I have never been on a cruise… I must get over my fear of Titanic, lol.
I’ve never been on a cruise but that’s on my bucket list for next year. I, like you, would HAVE to get a view. I wouldn’t be able to stand being without one the way my nerves are set up lol.
This cruise ship looks like it is full of fun. I love reading all that I can about cruises since I will be planning to take one with the family very soon.
This looks like so much fun. I’ve done one cruise with a bad experience and I keep thinking about trying another one.