Splendour of the Seas
Splendour of the Seas / Royal Caribbean International / Michel Verdure
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Izumi
Izumi / Royal Caribbean International / Michel Verdure
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Solarium
Solarium / Royal Caribbean International
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Nursery
Nursery / Royal Caribbean International / Michel Verdure
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Dog House
Dog House / Royal Caribbean International / Julien Rambaud
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R Bar
R Bar / Royal Caribbean International
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Diamond Club
Diamond Club / Royal Caribbean International
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Balcony Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom / Royal Caribbean International
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Cruise Royal Caribbean

Splendour of the Seas

Our Ship Review
Royal Caribbean
Cruise Line
by Aaron Saunders
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Be advised: Splendour of the Seas is no longer part of the Royal Caribbean fleet. In June 2016, the ship relaunched with the U.K. line Thomson Cruises as TUI Discovery.

At just 867 feet in length, Splendour of the Seas is smaller than most of her Vision-class fleetmates — and that’s just how guests like it. With a passenger capacity of 1,830, this ship feels surprisingly roomy. She also houses some unexpected features for a vessel her size, such as an indoor swimming pool topped by a retractable glass magrodome and a two-story dining room flanked by rows of floor-to-ceiling windows.

What We Love

Open Deck Space: Splendour of the Seas offers an enormous amount of open deck space for a ship her size, including a wraparound jogging track on the upper deck and a broad, open pool deck with plenty of loungers for soaking in some sun.

The Centrum Experience: Royal Caribbean’s live acrobatic show seems to work even better aboard Splendour of the Seas, with thrilling stunts performed in the ship’s soaring, multi-deck atrium.

Best Known For

Windows, Windows, Everywhere: Splendour of the Seas was originally dubbed a "Ship of Light," thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows that line each and every public room. If you enjoy staring at the sea, this ship features a better connection to the waves and the horizon than more modern mega-ships.

Specialty Dining Venues: A 2011 refurbishment added an array of specialty dining options, including Asian-fusion at Izumi, steaks at Chops Grille, bite-size portions of classic dishes at Viking Crown Lounge, and a multi-course tasting menu at Chef's Table. 

Who It's Best For

Value-Conscious Cruisers: Because Splendour of the Seas sails shorter or less-in-demand routes (she's in the Arabian Gulf this winter), some sailings can be booked at bargain prices.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

She’s Bidding Royal Caribbean Farewell: If you want to sail aboard Splendour of the Seas, book right now: Royal Caribbean is transferring her to German cruise operator TUI in April 2016. She’ll sail as Thomson Discovery beginning in June 2016.

Aaron Saunders
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger
After a career editing animated television shows, Aaron Saunders pursued his love of ships and the sea. He writes regularly about the cruise industry for the Vancouver Province newspaper, Canadian Traveller, Avid Cruiser, River Cruise Advisor, and USA Today. He is the author of two books on maritime history: Giants of the Seas (Seaforth Publishing, 2013) and Stranded (Dundurn Press, 2015). When not at sea, he makes his home in the land-locked city of Calgary, Canada.