There’s something about stepping onto a cruise ship that instantly flips your brain into holiday mode. For our girls weekend, just the three of us, we boarded the Carnival Splendor for a five‑day escape, and it delivered everything we needed: sunshine, silliness, cocktails, history, and a whole lot of laughter.
Day 1 — Boarding, Bunk Beds & Blue Skies
Boarding was surprisingly smooth. Straight through the terminal, straight to our muster station, and then straight to guest services to load cash onto our Sail & Sign cards. (Pro tip: using cash avoids those annoying credit‑card holds that can linger for days.)
We attempted the buffet next… and immediately turned around. It was packed. Instead, we wandered to the back of the ship and grabbed sandwiches from the deli. This is where tragedy struck: they no longer serve Reubens. I’m still grieving.
After lunch we explored the ship and checked out our interior cabin. Honestly? For three women, it was surprisingly spacious—and the bunk bed setup works so much better than the sofa bed you get in ocean‑view rooms.
Then it was time for the bar. I ordered a red wine (my first proper drink of the year) and it went straight to my head. Naturally, I had another. We chatted with some interesting people beside us, laughed our way through the afternoon, and then headed up to the top deck for sail‑away.
Sydney Harbour put on a show: blue skies, warm autumn sun, and that golden glow bouncing off the water. Pure magic.
Dinner that night was in the main dining room. We had assigned seating and were placed at a shared table with two other groups of three women—nine of us in total. We were nervous at first, but by the end of the cruise we were all besties. I had steak and veg for dinner, fresh fruit for dessert, and then we finished the night with a 70s‑themed show. It was fine… not life‑changing, but fun enough.
Day 2 — Sea Day Shenanigans
Sea days are the heart of cruising. We started with SeaDay Brunch (always a favourite), then attempted trivia. We were terrible. Like, impressively terrible.
We wandered the ship, donated some money to the casino (you’re welcome, Carnival), sipped cocktails, lounged, people‑watched, and just enjoyed being away from real life. Dinner, more wandering, and an early night to prep for Hobart.
Day 3 — Hobart: My Heart Belongs Here
Hobart, Hobart, Hobart… I love this city. Every time I visit, it charms me all over again.
We started with breakfast in the dining room—yoghurt parfait and eggs benedict—and then walked straight off the ship into the crisp Tasmanian air. For late April, the weather was shockingly perfect: sunshine, no breeze, just that cool, clean Tassie air.
We wandered the harbour, admiring the historic buildings, before heading to Brooke Street Pier to catch the Posh Pit ferry to MONA.
Mona — A World of Its Own
From the outside, MONA looks modest. Inside? It’s an underground labyrinth carved into sandstone, filled with art that’s bold, bizarre, brilliant, and sometimes downright confusing. It’s one of those places you can’t really explain—you just have to experience it.
After exploring MONA, we ferried back, wandered Hobart’s streets a little more, and then returned to the ship for late lunch (pizza, obviously) and cocktails. Another early night for us “oldies,” and honestly, no regrets.
Day 4 — Port Arthur: History, Heartbreak & Hilarity
Port Arthur blew me away. I knew it was historic, but I didn’t realise just how vast and detailed the site is.
We started at the visitor centre, then spent the morning walking through the grounds—church ruins, the asylum, the penitentiary, the gardens. Every corner has a story. Set across 100 acres, you could easily spend two full days exploring. Wear good shoes.
After the walking tour, we joined the harbour cruise to learn even more about the settlement and its past. It was fascinating, sobering, and beautifully presented.
Back on the ship, we grabbed cocktails and watched the football on the big screen. I may have enjoyed one too many drinks because by dinner… let’s just say I was very cheerful. The waiters did their nightly dance, and I somehow ended up waving my wig around instead of a napkin (Yes, I’m in my 30s and love a good wig). Zero regrets.
We finished the night with a Beatles tribute show—one of my favourite bands—and it was the perfect end to a very fun, slightly blurry day.
Day 5 — One Last Sea Day
Our final day was classic cruise relaxation: brunch, wandering, casino time, cocktails, dinner, and soaking up the last bits of holiday freedom before reality returned.
Final Thoughts
This girls weekend was exactly what we needed. Carnival Splendor isn’t fancy or pretentious—it’s fun, friendly, and full of energy. We laughed, explored, ate too much, drank just enough (or maybe a little more), and made memories that will stick with us for years.
Sometimes the best trips aren’t the longest or the most exotic—they’re the ones where you let go, lean in, and just enjoy the ride.
Fairway Footprints 
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