Myleene Klass, a British chart-topping musician, singer, and television personality, had the honor or christening Carnival Splendor on 10 July, 2008.  As a nod to British tradition, the Carnival Splendor was christened in the port of Dover with the assistance of the Royal Navy Divers.

While Myleene played classical piano music on Lido Deck, Royal Navy Diver lieutenant Ian Richardson broke a bottle of vintage 1994 Nyetimber English sparkling wine on Carnival Splendor's bow.  At that time, Carnival Splendor was the largest ship to ever sail from the port of Dover.

She then pursued her inaugural season in Europe by sailing to the Baltic Capitals before proceeding to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, South America, and ultimately made her home in the port of Long Beach, California to sail year-round Mexican Riviera cruises.

The central theme of the Carnival Splendor is 'Splendid Things' and is a celebration of the magnificent, lustrous, and elegant.  Prominent throughout the ship are stainless steel four-inch circular cutouts backed by pink-stained wood with black pigment rubbed into the grain.

While this look is most prominent in the Splendor Atrium, the stainless steel, gold leaf, and wood elements can be seen throughout elevator lobbies, stairwells, and the Oceanview Promenade.