Golfers sailing aboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor during its inaugural season in Europe will have the opportunity to play a variety of beautiful and challenging golf courses throughout Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Finland, Denmark and Estonia.

                The courses will be featured within Carnival Splendor’s comprehensive golf program which, in addition to exciting golf opportunities ashore, offers professional instruction, Nike brand equipment rental, a demo and retail program, putting contests and clinics, and other golf-related activities for golfers of all proficiency levels.

                Carnival Splendor is slated to debut July 2 with a special eight-day Europe cruise from Genoa followed by the line’s first-ever 12-day Northern Europe program from London (Dover) July 13, 2008 – Aug. 30, 2008. 

                The ship will then sail on a 12-day Western Europe cruise from London (Dover) to Rome (Civitavecchia) Sept. 11, 2008, positioning the vessel for a series of 12-day Mediterranean voyages Sept. 23 – Oct. 17.  Carnival Splendor will conclude its inaugural Europe season with a transatlantic crossing departing Rome (Civitavecchia) Oct. 29 and arriving Fort Lauderdale Nov. 14, 2008.

 

Featured courses on the Carnival Splendor’s 2008 Europe cruises include:

Golf Club Villa Condulmer (Venice – Grand Mediterranean) – Boasting both a championship-style 18-hole course and an executive nine-hole course, Villa Condulmer was designed by famed Brescian architect Sebatoni. The 5,800-yard course features native trees that tower over elegantly shaped hedges, rose bushes and 16th Century statues.  

Volturno Golf Club (Naples – Grand Mediterranean) – Designed by architects Mezzacane and Croze, Volturno is a challenging nine-hole course with double tee boxes, numerous sand dunes and water hazards, and a varied landscape. Reminiscent of Scottish links-style courses, the course offers magnificent views of the sea and Island of Ischia.

Il Picciolo Golf Club – Messina, Sicily (Grand Mediterranean) – The island’s only golf course, Il Picciolo’s 18 holes are nestled among oaks, hazels and vineyards, with the Mount Etna volcano dominating almost every hole. At 650 yards above the sea, golfers enjoy magnificent views and cooler-than-average temperatures.  Simply an unforgettable golf experience.

 

PGA de Catalunya Golf Course (Barcelona – Grand Mediterranean) — Voted one of the top 10 golf courses in Europe, Catalunya is truly stunning with the Pyrenees Mountains as a backdrop, adding to the course’s beauty.  Located near the quaint town of Caldes de Malavella, the course features an undulating landscape with stately evergreens, oak trees and heather lining picture perfect fairways.

 

Royal Mougins Golf Club (Cannes – Grand Mediterranean) – This Robert Van Hagge-designed gem consistently ranks one of Europe’s best.  On its 6,100-yard track, club selection is key and golfers must keep the ball in play and avoid the water hazards that dot all 18 holes.  Royal Mougins makes up for its relatively short length with a combination of tight fairways and strategically placed bunkers.  

 

Cosmopolitan Country Club (Livorno – Grand Mediterranean) – A must play for the golfing enthusiast, Cosmopolitan is a seaside-links style course where golfers must battle wind, sand and water.  Cosmopolitan is considered one of the most competitive courses in Italy, with water coming into play on 11 of 18 holes.  This, combined with a tactical layout and native foliage, make for an unforgettable round. 

 

Copenhagen Simons Golf Club (Copenhagen – Northern Europe) — Founded in 1898, Copenhagen Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Scandinavia.  Located in the Dyrehaven nature preserve, Copenhagen Golf Club is friendly to players of all levels and surrounded by lush trees and sprawling plains.  Golfers play amid deer, birds and other animals which are often seen throughout the course.

 

Helsinki Golf Club (Helsinki -Northern Europe) – Helsinki Golf Club, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, is the country’s oldest and most prestigious golf course. Located in the beautiful park called Tali Manor, the 5,400-yard Helsinki Golf Club has hosted more championships than any other course in Finland, including the Ladies European Tour competition for the past two years.

 

Tallinn Golf Club Niitvälja (Tallinn – Northern Europe) – The first and oldest golf course in Estonia, Tallinn Golf Club Niitvälja is an 18-hole beauty located 30 miles outside the city. The 5,719-meter course, while relatively short in distance, is quite challenging, with tight, tree-lined fairways and strategically placed bunkers and water hazards.  Golfers are rewarded for accuracy and must navigate the creatively designed layout to score well.

 

Golf d’ Etretat (Le Havre – Western Europe) — France’s oldest golf course, Golf d’ Etretat was completely renovated by renowned architect Didier Fruchet, who placed his unmistakable stamp on this historic course, with meandering fairways, strategically placed water hazards, lush foliage and a host of  other interesting features.  In addition to a highly creative layout, golfers are challenged by swirling winds and dense terrain.

 

Campo de Golf Meis  Vigo, Spain  (Western Europe) — Carved out of a forest of Galician pines, Campo de Golf Meis is distinguished by gorgeous lakes, rugged mountain ranges, and numerous natural obstacles, all of which adds up to a memorable round.  Accuracy is rewarded on this Spanish beauty, which includes several doglegs, deep rough and smallish greens.

Penha Longa Golf Club (Lisbon – Western Europe) – Situated within a historic estate overlooking the Sintra mountains, Penha Longa was designed by noted architect Robert Trent Jones II who incorporated steeply sloping terrain, native foliage and breathtaking scenery into this magnificent track. Massive pine trees, verdant hills and awe-inspiring views highlight this course, considered one of the best in European golf.

Real Club de Campo Malaga (trans-Atlantic) – Adjacent to the Mediterranean coast, Real Club de Campo was designed by legendary architect T Simpson, who incorporated the natural beauty of the Spanish landscape in its design. Although relatively flat with wide, tree-lined fairways, golfers need a powerful and accurate stroke to keep the ball in play.

Golf Park Mallorca – Palma de Mallorca, Spain (trans-Atlantic) – This beautiful 6,000-yard course is located within a sprawling 1,650-acre estate and built around natural vegetation, including pines, wild olive trees and carob trees.  The local landscape is complemented by well-manicured tee boxes, fairways and greens and strategically placed bunkers and water hazards.   

Palheiro Golf Club – Funchal, Portugal (trans-Atlantic) – Boasting fantastic views of both the bay and city, Palheiro Golf Club was designed by Cabel Robinson and set within the expansive parkland of the Quinta de Palheiro Ferreiro. Renowned for its tight fairways, fast greens, and beautiful native foliage, Palherio Golf Club is not only breathtaking but a worthy challenge for all handicap levels.

 

Le Querce Golf Course (Civitavecchia/Rome – European homeport) – Carved out of the Italian countryside by three illustrious architects — George and Jim Fazio and David Mezzacane – Le Querce is ranked 13th in Golf World’s European ranking system and offers panoramic views of the green, hilly terrain. Elevated tees and well-placed bunkers make for a memorable and challenging round. 

                Carnival Splendor’s golf program also includes a certified shipboard golf professional who accompanies golfers on their excursions, conducts private and group lessons, specialty golf clinics, and complimentary putting contests, and performs custom club fittings aboard ship.

                Nike Golf products such as soft spike golf shoes, balls, caps, gloves and apparel, are available for purchase and can be charged to guests’ shipboard Sail & Sign accounts.  Nike clubs are available for rent, as well.

                 The program also includes early debarkation from the vessel for golf outings, transfers to and from the course, and priority tee times.

State-of-the-art “V1” teaching computers providing split-screen, side-by-side comparisons of top tour professionals to help golfers improve their swing and ultimately lower their handicap. A home version of the “V1” software can also be purchased for use on golfers’ home computers.

Courses featured within the Carnival Splendor’s program are among the nearly 50 different golf options available within the line’s fleetwide program. Managed by Sunrise, Fla.-based Elite Golf Cruises, the program is available on every Carnival “Fun Ship” and includes courses throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, and New England.

                 Advanced reservations are advised and itinerary, course descriptions and pricing information are available by visiting carnivalgolf.com or calling 1-800-324-1106.  Requests can also be faxed to 1-954-382-5398 or guests can stop by the shore excursion desk once on board.

                For additional information and reservations on Carnival’s “Fun Ship” vacations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.