Ship Comparison
Carnival Glory vs Carnival Splendor
Carnival Glory offers a vibrant, classic Carnival experience ideal for shorter, fun-filled getaways, while Carnival Splendor provides a broader range of activities and extensive spa facilities for longer, more relaxed voyages.
The verdict
Choosing between Carnival Glory and Carnival Splendor truly depends on the cruise experience you're seeking. Glory, with its 2003 launch and 2024 refresh, shines as a lively option for quick escapes, offering a homey atmosphere and distinctive decor that feels both nostalgic and well-maintained. Splendor, launched in 2008, presents a slightly larger, more contemporary vessel with an emphasis on extensive wellness facilities and diverse dining, catering well to those on longer journeys who appreciate variety and relaxation. Both deliver on Carnival's promise of fun, but in their own unique ways.
Choose Carnival Glory if…
Carnival Glory is perfect for those seeking shorter, high-energy cruises with a classic Carnival vibe, appreciating unique design and a host of complimentary dining options. Families and first-time cruisers will find its easy-to-navigate layout and refreshed children's programs particularly appealing.
Best for
- Short, high-energy cruises to the Bahamas
- First-time cruisers seeking an easy-to-navigate ship
- Families with children who enjoy Dr. Seuss themed activities and water parks
- Travelers who appreciate unique, eclectic decor and a classic Carnival vibe
- Guests looking for excellent complimentary poolside dining options like Guy's Burgers
Avoid if
- You prefer a quiet, understated cruise experience without quirky decor
- You are sensitive to crowds during peak times, especially in popular dining areas
- You are looking for the very latest ship amenities and technology
- You require extensive spa and wellness facilities beyond basic offerings
- You dislike the idea of a 'party-hard' atmosphere
Choose Carnival Splendor if…
Carnival Splendor appeals to guests looking for longer cruises with a focus on comprehensive wellness amenities and diverse culinary adventures, alongside plenty of family-friendly entertainment. Travelers who enjoy a lively atmosphere but also desire ample opportunities for relaxation will find her a fitting choice.
Best for
- Longer cruises with diverse dining and wellness options
- Families seeking extensive kids' programs and thrilling waterslides
- Guests prioritizing spa facilities, including thalassotherapy pools and thermal suites
- Travelers who enjoy a lively ship with plenty of entertainment variety
- Foodies interested in unique complimentary offerings like Masala Tiger and Mongolian Wok
Avoid if
- You prefer modern, minimalist interior design over bold, sometimes dated decor
- You are seeking a very intimate or quiet cruise experience
- You expect consistently fast service in main dining rooms for quick turnarounds
- You prefer less structured activity or a more subdued onboard environment
- You are looking for a ship with recent major cabin refurbishments for a fresh feel
Overall Vibe
Carnival Glory
The Carnival Glory, a Conquest-class vessel launched in 2003 and refreshed in Spring 2024, exudes a cheerful, old-school charm with its distinctive Farcusian decor. You'll find whimsical to sometimes zany interior creations, creating an atmosphere unlike anything else at sea. Carrying 2,980 guests across 14 decks, she feels surprisingly homey and relaxed, despite being a 'party-hard' ship at heart. The recent refit ensures she sparkles, making her an easy-to-navigate choice that balances vibrant fun with comfortable, familiar spaces for all onboard.
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Splendor, a large Conquest-class derivative launched in 2008, presents a lively and fun-focused atmosphere with a bold personality. Accommodating 3,012 passengers across 14 decks, her interior design is known for its sometimes overwhelming yet distinctive 'splendid things' theme, incorporating bright colors and patterns. While her decor can feel dated, it contributes to a spirited environment. The ship's overall vibe is geared towards providing a wide array of activities and entertainment, making her a value-oriented choice for families and groups seeking constant engagement.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory fosters a vibrant and happy atmosphere, particularly suited for those who enjoy a lively social scene. With a guest capacity of 2,980, the ship buzzes with energy, especially on shorter 3 or 4-night cruises. The design, while quirky, contributes to a relaxed and unpretentious feeling, inviting guests to let loose. The crowd tends to be a mix of families, couples, and groups of friends, all drawn to the ship's reputation for fun. The easy-to-navigate layout helps maintain a friendly, approachable environment.
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Splendor maintains a lively and family-friendly atmosphere, attracting a diverse crowd of all ages. With a capacity of 3,012 guests and a dedicated crew of 1,160, the ship manages to offer a multitude of activities without feeling overwhelmingly crowded in all areas. While public spaces can be bustling, especially around the Lido pools, there are also dedicated retreats like the Serenity Adult-Only area for quieter moments. The overall vibe is one of continuous fun and engagement, appealing to those who appreciate a dynamic cruise experience.
Dining
Carnival Glory
Dining on Carnival Glory offers a satisfying blend of complimentary and specialty options. Guests can enjoy the popular Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina poolside, both highly regarded. The main dining rooms, Golden and Platinum, serve diverse international fare, including a Sea Day Brunch. For a more exclusive experience, The Chef's Table offers a multicourse VIP dinner with wine pairings. The Red Sail Lido Restaurant provides a buffet with various stations, while the Emerald Room Steakhouse offers a quiet, upscale alternative for a surcharge.
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Splendor boasts a broad culinary landscape with many complimentary choices. The Gold Pearl and The Black Pearl main dining rooms offer traditional and flexible dining, featuring new selections from Emeril Lagasse and a dedicated vegan menu. Splendido Lido is a bustling buffet, also home to the popular Mongolian Wok and Masala Tiger for Indian cuisine. Guy's Burger Joint and Pizzeria del Capitano are poolside favorites. For a surcharge, guests can indulge in The Chef's Table or the elegant Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, offering robust menus and polished service.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory ensures evenings are packed with energy, from theatrical Playlist Productions in the Amber Palace Main Show Lounge to laughs at The Punchliner Comedy Club, offering both family-friendly and adults-only shows. The Ivory Club Grand Bar hosts lively karaoke, while the White Heat Nightclub keeps the party going late. Poolside Dive-In Movies offer a relaxed evening option. For those feeling lucky, the Camel Club Casino provides various gaming. Daytime activities include Carnival WaterWorks with two large slides, mini-golf, and a giant chess board.
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Splendor offers a diverse spectrum of entertainment. The Spectacular Spectacular Theatre hosts Broadway-style shows and interactive game shows. The Punchliner Comedy Club in El Morocco Lounge provides nightly laughs, while the Grand Piano Bar offers sing-alongs. For nightlife, The Red Carpet Dance Club keeps the energy high for adults. Families can enjoy Dive-In Movies on the Lido Deck with a retractable roof, WaterWorks featuring the Green Lightning thrill-slide, and an elaborate pirate-themed mini-golf course on Deck 14.
Cabins & Suites
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory's 1,487 cabins were refreshed in Spring 2024, featuring new soft furnishings, bedding, and modern bedside lighting with USB ports. Standard cabins are spacious, with many accommodating up to four. Suites range from Junior Suites to the expansive Captain's Suites, which offer 548 sq ft of living space, a 258 sq ft balcony, two full bathrooms, and VIP perks. Unique options include Scenic Ocean View staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and Interior with Picture Window cabins that overlook a walkway, providing natural light.
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Splendor offers 1,503 cabins, though some of the decor feels dated since its 2008 launch. Standard interior, ocean-view, and balcony cabins are a comfortable 17 square meters. Suites, including Ocean Suites and Grand Suites, feature larger bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and VIP benefits. A unique offering is the Cloud 9 Spa cabins, which provide exclusive spa access, upgraded toiletries, and fitness classes. Some interior cabins have windows overlooking walkways, offering natural light but with privacy considerations, and porthole cabins are available on lower decks.
Service & Onboard Style
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory maintains a warm and attentive service style, consistent with Carnival's reputation for friendly crew. Stateroom attendants ensure comfort with soft linens and ample storage. For suite guests, the service is elevated with VIP check-in, priority boarding, and complimentary laundry service, adding a personalized touch to their journey. The overall onboard style, characterized by its unique Farcusian design, contributes to a fun and unpretentious atmosphere where guests feel welcome and well-cared for, making for a truly memorable vacation.
Carnival Splendor
On Carnival Splendor, the service is generally attentive and friendly, with a crew count of 1,160 dedicated to guest satisfaction. The singing wait staff in the main dining rooms adds a distinctive, joyful flair to meal times. Guests in Cloud 9 Spa cabins receive enhanced service, including priority spa reservations and exclusive amenities, providing a personalized wellness experience. The ship's bold and colorful interior design, while sometimes polarizing, creates a lively backdrop for the overall fun-focused and approachable onboard style.
Best Itineraries
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory is ideally suited for shorter cruises, particularly the popular three or four-night itineraries to destinations like the Bahamas. Her vibrant atmosphere and array of entertainment options are perfectly tailored for quick, fun-filled getaways, appealing to those looking for a lively weekend escape or a brief, refreshing break at sea. The ship’s compact size, for a Conquest-class vessel, makes it easy to explore during shorter voyages, maximizing the fun and relaxation without feeling rushed.
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Splendor, with her broader range of facilities and slightly larger size, is well-suited for longer itineraries, such as those often found sailing from Australia. The extensive Cloud 9 Spa and diverse dining options, including Masala Tiger, support extended voyages where guests have more time to indulge in relaxation and varied culinary experiences. Her comprehensive kids' programs also make her an excellent choice for families embarking on lengthier cruises, ensuring sustained entertainment for all age groups.
What reviewers say
Carnival Glory
4/5Carnival Glory reveals itself to be the perfect ship for a three or four-night cruise, offering a compelling mix of cozy public rooms, well-kept staterooms, and unique décor. This creates a perfect experience that rivals newer vessels, providing a happy, relaxed atmosphere for any traveler seeking fun or a quiet escape.
Carnival Splendor
4/5Carnival Splendor offers a fun-filled, value-packed cruise experience with ample activities and entertainment for all ages. While its decor is bold and cabins could use updating, the ship's festive spirit and extensive spa make for a memorable voyage.
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Carnival Glory
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