Carnival Splendor Returns to Sydney with Upgrades After Drydock

The Carnival Splendor is set to return to Sydney on September 9, showcasing a range of new upgrades after undergoing a drydock in Singapore, according to a press release.

The ship now features enhanced dining venues, refurbished staterooms and a new red, white, and blue hull design that includes a Southern Cross motif—an element familiar to P&O Cruises Australia ships that will soon join the Carnival fleet.

Kara Glamore, Carnival Cruise Line Australia vice president, said: “From her beautiful new look outside to the upgraded amenities and new entertainment onboard, Carnival Splendor has more fun to offer our guests sailing from Sydney than ever before.”

Among the ship’s new offerings are the new and updated menus from grill restaurant Mad Sizzle, the Indian restaurant Masala Tiger and other dining venues, such as Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.

Refurbishment extends to the staterooms, where balconies have been fully upgraded and suites now feature new whirlpool tubs.

Wellness amenities have also seen improvements, with updates to the basketball court, jogging track and gym equipment, as well as a refreshed Thalasso therapy pool at Cloud 9 Spa.

Families will find new excitement in the revamped Carnival waterpark, featuring waterslides and the Splashy Cove children’s play area. The mini-golf course has also been fully refreshed, and Camp Ocean and Club 02 now offer new video gaming areas.

The casino and retail shops have been refreshed for more entertainment. Carnival Splendor has also introduced the new Playlist Productions show, “Dear Future Husband,” which premiered in Australia earlier this year. The interactive pop musical follows a wedding adventure onboard a Carnival cruise. After the show, guests are invited to join the cast for a wedding reception-themed party.

By March 2025, the ship will be joined by Carnival Luminosa and two additional sister ships, the Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, which will be renamed the Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter following their transition from P&O Cruises Australia.

Carnival Debuts New Dinner Menu Onboard Carnival Dream

Carnival Cruise Line is launching its new dining room offerings onboard the Carnival Dream on Tuesday, June 20.

The updated offerings include new entrees, appetizers and desserts as well as steakhouse selections. 

Some of the featured dishes that will be served onboard the Carnival Dream include:

  • Beef Spring Roll with noodles and honey barbeque sauce;
  • Hawaiian Shrimp Poke with avocado, edamame, rice and creamy spicy sauce;
  • Southern Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes and scallions;
  • Spaghetti Carbonara with parmesan and garlic;
  • Eggplant Cutlet la Parmigiana with mozzarella, basil and crushed tomatoes;
  • New York Strip Loin Steak;
  • Grilled Lamb Chops;
  • Nana Cream Pie;
  • A selection of ice cream and sorbet.

Carnival Cruise Line announced earlier this month that it will be enhancing its main dining room offerings in the upcoming months to feature nearly 60 new entrée presentations on rotation across the fleet.

The updated menus were created by Carnival’s culinary team led by Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse.

Carnival Cruise Line Raises Food Prices, Makes More F&B Changes

Carnival Cruise’s iconic Whale Fluke Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Citing inflation, higher fuel prices and supply chain challenges, in an effort to cut down on food waste, Carnival Cruise Line is making a number of food and beverage adjustments.

In a letter sent to booked guests, Carnival cited food supply chain challenges that have been further complicated by global politics and a “myriad of laws regarding how we should source products and how crops and animals are farmed and handled.”

Carnival said it had reached a point with its food costs where it must take a modest but specific action.

Changes:

  • Steakhouse prices increased to $48 per person from $42.
  • Prices are speciality dining restaurants on select ships will increase, with Carnival citing rising food costs.
  • In the main dining room, the free lobster will continue to be offered on cruises lasting six days or more but will be moved to the second elegant evening.
  • Free 24/7 ice cream is being trimmed back to set hours.
  • Guests ordering the third entrée in the main dining room will see an additional $5 charge.

The company noted that for sailings departing through Dec. 31, speciality dining reservations paid in advance will be charged the current price, but reservations made onboard will be subject to new prices.