Carnival's new 112,000-ton Carnival Splendor will enter service in July, 2008.

Representing a new class of ship for the line, the 3,006-passenger Splendor, pictured left in an artist's impression, being built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, will feature an innovative new design, including a 17,800sq ft spa and a 5,500-sq-ft children's playroom, also the biggest.

"Carnival Splendor will introduce a host of guest-driven facilities and features to usher in an exciting new era of Fun Ship cruising," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

Encompassing two forward decks, the line's largest ever spa features an elaborate thermal suite, a variety of health and beauty treatment rooms, and Carnival's first thalasso therapy pool. Encircling the upper level of the spa will be a winter garden that will include a ceremonial tea house.

The playroom will be located mid-ship, and above it will be a new water play area - another first for Carnival.

Located aft will be a new sports deck featuring arena-style seating for games and other events, while a reservations-only supper club will be located atop the poolside Lido restaurant, providing diners with magnificent ocean vistas.

The mid-ship pool - one of four on board - will be enclosed by two full decks of glass walls. The area will be covered with a two-deck-high retractable dome that can be closed during inclement weather. A large balcony will encircle the upper deck of the pool area.

Its family-friendly facilities will include a water spray park on Lido Deck, along with a two-level 5,500-square-foot childrenÕs play area Ð the largest in the Carnival fleet, part of the lineÕs "Camp Carnival" program - along with a teen club featuring a dance floor, DJ and high-tech sound and lighting system, part of CarnivalÕs "Club O2" program.

Splendorl will also include 1,503 staterooms, 60 per cent of which will offer an ocean view with 60 percent of those featuring private balconies. 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.

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