2009's Best New Cruise Ships
Carnival, Splendor
Cabins 1,503, ranging from 185 to 340 square feet
Perfect For Families and singles taken with the line’s round-the-clock entertainment: an endless roster of Vegas-style performances, a sprawling casino, and a robust children’s program (a 5,500-square-foot playroom; talent shows; movie screenings).
Unusual Features A retractable glass dome covers the midship pool; a second pool has a waterslide.
Route A seven-day Mexican Riviera itinerary from Long Beach, California, stopping in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas, launched March 31.
T+L Tip Book an Asian-themed Spa Suite adjacent to the 21,000-square-foot Cloud 9 spa (near the spa pool, which is decorated with dragons and rice-paper lanterns) for priority appointments, two fitness classes, and unlimited use of the Thalassotherapy Pool and Thermal Suite. 800/227-64825; carnival.com; seven days from $649 per person.