I am off to Dover, England for the July 10 inauguration of Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor. Splendor represents a new class of vessel for Carnival and offers new innovative on-board features and facilities, highlighted by a 21,000-square-foot health and fitness center – one of the largest at sea – which will feature Carnival’s first elaborate thermal suite and thalassotherapy pool covered by a glass dome. Surrounding the facility will be 68 exclusive “spa staterooms” – also a first for Carnival.

The inaugural on July 10th will also have a naming ceremony like not other — Royal Navy divers will christen the ship by breaking an English sparkling wine bottle under water. Stay tuned with live blogs from the ship.