Construction of Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest “Fun Ship,” the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic, continues at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, in preparation for the ship’s May 2011 debut.

The 130,000-ton vessel is scheduled to operate an inaugural series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona May 1 – Oct. 16, 2011 – the line’s first-ever voyages from that port.

The second in the line’s Dream-class, Carnival Magic will offer a variety of popular features including an expansive aqua park, an outdoor promenade with cantilevered whirlpools extending over the ship’s sides, and a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue.  Several innovations unique to Carnival Magic will be announced in the coming months.

A third vessel in the series, also under contract with Fincantieri, is scheduled to debut in spring 2012.