Carnival Cruise Lines’ wide-ranging charitable endeavors are highlighted in a new Web portal at www.carnival.com/carnivalfoundation.

The site provides a comprehensive overview of many philanthropic efforts that are supported through the Carnival Foundation, which oversees millions in annual financial contributions and in-kind donations by the company and its employees.

While Carnival’s support extends to a wide variety of social service, educational and arts-related agencies and organizations, the company primarily focuses its efforts in South Florida, where its headquarters are located, and in its homeport communities throughout the U.S.  

The site also includes information and images of the F.U.N. (Friends Uniting Neighbors) Team – a group of employees who volunteer their time participating in a variety of hands-on service projects in South Florida — as well as the efforts of shipboard personnel who support organizations throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico.

A listing of many of the charities supported by Carnival, along with application guidelines for organizations seeking the company’s assistance, is included, as well.  Also featured is a profile highlighting a different charity each month.  The current “Partner of the Month” is Big Brothers Big Sisters, which has teamed up with Carnival on an innovative workplace-mentoring program for Miami-Dade high school students.

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For the first time ever, Carnival Cruise Lines will operate a schedule of seven-day Alaska cruises round-trip from Seattle beginning in May 2010. 

In total, 17 week-long Alaska cruises will operate from the Port of Seattle from May 11 to Aug. 31, 2010 departing Tuesdays aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit. 

Port calls on these voyages include the popular Alaskan destinations of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, as well as Victoria, Vancouver Island, and cruising Tracy Arm Fjord. 

Each of these destinations offers a rich history and culture, along with awe-inspiring natural wonders, including calving glaciers, magnificent fjords and native sea and animal life. A wide range of shore excursions – from helicopter flightseeing and rainforest canopy tours to hiking, canoeing and kayaking expeditions – are also available.

The Carnival Spirit also features an on-board naturalist who educates guests on the region’s colorful history and points out animal and marine life from the ship’s bridge.

Prior to the start-up of the new program, Carnival Spirit will operate two special voyages – a six-day Inside Passage voyage from Vancouver to Seattle departing May 5, 2010 and a seven-day Glacier Bay cruise from Seattle to Vancouver Sept. 7, 2010.   Both voyages include a cruise through the Inside Passage along with port calls at Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan; and the seven-day cruise also includes a day of cruising in spectacular Glacier Bay. 

Carnival Spirit is the ideal ship for Alaska, with 80 percent of staterooms featuring an ocean view or balcony – perfect for viewing the passing scenery — along with indoor and outdoor promenades, a 14,500-square-foot health and wellness center and 16 themed lounges, bars and nightspots.  

Dining venues include the two-level Empire Restaurant with specially prepared “Just For Alaska” menu items featuring local fish, game and other ingredients, as well as the La Playa Grille, a casual eatery featuring a 24-hour pizzeria, and the Nouveau Supper Club, an intimate reservations-only restaurant offering prime steaks and other gourmet cuisine.

Kids sailing on Carnival Spirit can enjoy three different children’s programs – Camp Carnival for ages 2-11, Circle “C” for ages 12 to 14, and Club O2 for 15- to 17-year-olds – with facilities and counselors dedicated to each group.  Many activities in these programs feature fun, educational activities with an Alaska theme.

            Carnival Cruise Lines is launching a new promotion offering “cash back” of up to $240 per stateroom for a wide range of “Fun Ship” departures this summer.

            The new promotion is available in conjunction with virtually all three- to eight-day summer departures, including voyages to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico from 14 convenient North American homeports. Bookings must be made between March 9 – May 10, 2009, to qualify for the promotion, which is valid with the line’s “Fun Select” advance purchase discount fares.

            The cash back option is provided in the form of a shipboard credit that can be redeemed once on board.  Guests will receive a $100 per stateroom shipboard credit on three- and four-day cruises; $150 per stateroom shipboard credit on five-day voyages; and $240 per stateroom shipboard credit for six-, seven- and eight-day sailings. 

            The shipboard credit is automatically applied on guests’ Sail & Sign accounts when they board their cruise and can be redeemed toward shore excursions, spa treatments, supper club reservations, gift shop items and a variety of other shipboard purchases. Any unused funds at the end of the cruise will be returned to guests on debarkation day in the form of a check.

           The new promotion is capacity controlled and applies to new individual bookings for stateroom categories 4A to 11. Guests must request fare code OCB when making the reservation.

Matthew Meisenhelder of Wilson, N.C., is the winner of Porthole Magazine’s “Bloggers Cruise” contest, earning a free cruise for two on the “John Heald Bloggers Cruise” aboard the Carnival Fantasy from New Orleans Feb. 7-12, 2009. 

The five-day cruise brings together fans of the popular blog written by Heald, whose on-line musings have attracted more than 3.6 million visitors since being launched in spring 2007.   Heald’s blog can be accessed at johnhealdsblog.com.

Meisenhelder was selected from dozens of contestants who were asked to submit a 100-word entry on what they would do if they were a cruise director for a day. Meisenhelder’s idea of having a “futuristic day” with games and activities tied to the concept was deemed the winner.

During the “Bloggers Cruise” aboard the Carnival Fantasy, Heald will host of a variety of exclusive events and activities.  Special giveaways and logo items will also be provided to all Bloggers Cruise participants, and Heald will, of course, be submitting entries to his blog throughout the voyage.  

Carnival will also host two additional “Bloggers Cruises” aboard the new 130,000-ton Carnival Dream later this year – an eight-day cruise from New York departing November 15 and a nine-day cruise from Port Canaveral departing Dec. 3.

           The start of Carnival’s popular Alaska cruise season is right around the corner, with the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit embarking on its first 2009 voyage to the Last Frontier May 13. Carnival Spirit’s 2009 Alaska program will consist of 19 seven-day voyages – 16 Glacier Route and three Glacier Bay cruises – through Sept. 9.

            The week-long Glacier Route voyages operate either northbound from Vancouver to Whittier/Anchorage or southbound Whittier/Anchorage to Vancouver calling at Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka and cruising Prince William Sound, College Fjord and the Inside Passage.  The three Glacier Bay cruises operate round-trip from Vancouver May 6 and Sept. 2 and 9 and feature Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, along with two full days cruising the Inside Passage.

            In addition to the opportunity to view magnificent Alaskan scenery – calving glaciers, massive snow-covered mountains and rugged fjords – guests sailing on the Carnival Spirit can enjoy all that this exciting “Fun Ship” has to offer.  From fun-filled activities for adults and kids alike to captivating entertainment and delicious cuisine — including special menus featuring local Alaskan delicacies — the Carnival Spirit is truly the ideal way to explore the 49th state.

            For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, visit carnival.com or call Carnival’s Alaska Desk at 1-800-529-6792.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest and largest “Fun Ship,” the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream is pictured here in the outfitting quay at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard as construction continues on the massive 3,646-passenger vessel.

Representing a new class of ship for the line, Carnival Dream will offer a host of innovations, including the largest spa and children’s facilities in the fleet, a new indoor/outdoor entertainment area offering magnificent ocean vistas, and the longest water slide at sea, part of the sprawling Carnival WaterWorks aqua park.  A variety of accommodation categories – including a two-bathroom configuration that will be ideal for families, as well as “cove” balcony staterooms closer to the water line – will be available, as well.

Following a series of three 12-day European voyages beginning in Sept. 21, 2009, Carnival Dream will reposition to New York for a pair of eight-day cruises before launching year-round seven-day Caribbean service from Port Canaveral, Fla., Dec. 12, 2009.

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          The new “Endless Summer Celebration” offers sales promotions on a wide range of three- to 12-day “Fun Ship” cruises to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico and Europe in 2008-09, with a different promotion featured each week.

          Upcoming offers for the “Endless Summer Celebration” sales event include shipboard credits; stateroom upgrades; special rates for third and fourth guest in a stateroom; holiday offers and regional savings; and discounts on a variety of fall, winter and spring departures.

          The promotion is capacity controlled and not combinable with any other discount offer. Applies to new individual bookings only. Certain other restrictions apply.

         For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

            With six departures ranging from three to five days available over the May 11, 2008, Mother’s Day holiday, Carnival’s “Fun Ships” will offer moms of all ages an opportunity to visit a variety of warm, tropical destinations in Mexico, The Bahamas, or Caribbean. And with an array of shipboard amenities designed to appeal to the entire family, mom won’t be the only one having fun.

           Carnival’s three- to five-day cruises departing over Mother’s Day weekend include:

Carnival Fantasy departing on a four-day cruise from New Orleans to Cozumel Thursday, May 8

Carnival Paradise departing on a three-day cruise from Long Beach, Calif., to Ensenada Friday, May 9

Carnival Fascination departing on a three-day cruise from Miami to Nassau departing Friday,     May 9 

Carnival Imagination on a five-day cruise from Miami to Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios Saturday, May 10

Carnival Inspiration departing on a five-day cruise from Tampa to Grand Cayman and Cozumel Saturday, May 10

Carnival Sensation departing on a four-day cruise from Port Canaveral, Fla., to Freeport and Nassau Sunday, May 11.    

            Mom and the entire family can enjoy white-sand beaches and azure waters while creating a lifetime of wonderful memories as they cruise around the Caribbean and Mexico. Treat mom to unforgettable experiences such as swimming with stingrays, climbing Ocho Rios’ famous Dunn’s River Falls or exploring ancient Mayan ruins. Shop-aholics also can experience incredible duty-free bargains at the various ports.

            Aboard ship, moms can indulge at Spa Carnival with a pampering massage or facial or relax in the sauna or steam room.  Dining options abound, with delicious full-service meals in elegant main dining rooms, a variety of casual choices in expansive poolside eateries, or even breakfast in bed, compliments of Carnival’s 24-hour stateroom service. 

            Carnival ships offer numerous shipboard amenities including a variety of entertainment options, multiple nightclubs and lounges and, on the Carnival Imagination and Carnival Inspiration, the new Serenity adults-only retreat. 

            Cruise-only rates begin at $349 per person for three-day cruises, $399 per person for four-day cruises, and $449 per person for five-day cruises, based on double occupancy.

            For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

The micro-site designed for the Carnival Splendor offers exclusive videos providing a first-hand look at costumes and stage designs which will be part of the ship’s lavish production shows.

The videos provide a behind-the-scenes look through interviews with choreographers, lighting designers and directors as they gear up for the debut of three elaborate revues, “Vroom!,” “Fiesta Latina,” and “The Beat.” Viewers can learn how these talented professionals develop the shows’ themes while gaining a deeper appreciation of the literally hundreds of hours that go into coordinating these elaborate ocean-going revues.

These shows are among the 35 different captivating and elaborate production presented aboard Carnival’s 22-ship fleet, each offering fast-paced musical numbers with elaborate sets and costumes.

For additional photos and interview on the Carnival Splendor’s shipboard entertainment please visit

First-Ever Northern Europe Cruises Aboard Carnival Splendor – For its inaugural 2008 season, the new 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor will operate an exciting schedule that will include the line’s first-ever Northern Europe cruise program, as well as Carnival’s popular Grand Mediterranean and Mediterranean & Greek Isles voyages. The Northern Europe cruises will operate July 13 – Aug. 30, 2008, round-trip from London (Dover), visiting Copenhagen; Warnemunde (Germany); Helsinki; St. Petersburg; Tallin (Estonia); and Amsterdam.

Carnival Dream to be Based in Port Canaveral, Fla. – The largest “Fun Ship” ever constructed, the 3,652-passenger Carnival Dream, will be homeported in Port Canaveral, Fla., beginning in fall 2009. Currently under construction at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard, Carnival Dream is the first in a new class of ship with a unique interior design, sleek hull and distinctive profile, along with a host of innovative facilities and features which will be released in the coming months.  The deployment of Carnival Dream to Port Canaveral continues the line’s 18-year relationship with the Canaveral Port Authority, the longest tenure of any cruise line there.

Carnival Earns Nine ‘Best of Cruising’ Awards from Fodor’s – Carnival – a relative newcomer in European cruising, entering the market just three years ago – is well represented in the Fodor’s Complete Guide to European Cruises, garnering nine “Best of Cruising” designations, more than double the number of any other cruise line. Carnival’s nine awards include: Best Regular Dining Room Cuisine, Best Specialty Restaurants, Best Cruise Line For Families, Best Regular Cabins, Best Beds, Best Entertainment, Best Sports and Fitness Centers, Best Shops, and Best Fun & Funky Activities.

New Itineraries for Carnival Conquest, Carnival Miracle – The 2,974-passenger Carnival Conquest will offer a new seven-day itinerary from Galveston, Texas, that will include port calls to Key West, Fla., and Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas, beginning in February 2009.

Additionally, a new eight-day eastern Caribbean cruise option from New York featuring port calls to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; the private island of Half Moon Cay; and Nassau, The Bahamas, will be added to the Carnival Miracle’s itinerary beginning in May 2009. Both of these new programs will complement the ships’ existing cruise schedules.

New Deployments for Miami-Based Ships – The 2,052-passenger Carnival Imagination and 2,642-passenger Carnival Destiny will operate new year-round itineraries from Miami starting this fall.

Carnival Imagination – which has undergone a dramatic transformation as part of Carnival’s “Evolutions of Fun” enhancement program – will sail three-day Bahamas and four-day western Caribbean cruises beginning Sept. 22, 2008, while Carnival Destiny will become the industry’s only 100,000-plus-ton-cruise ship to offer year-round four- and five-day Caribbean cruises when it launches this program from Miami Sept. 27, 2008.

New South America Cruises Aboard Carnival Splendor – Carnival Splendor will operate the line’s first-ever South America cruises January – March 2009, visiting magnificent and historic destinations in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Chile and Peru.

The voyages include a 17-day, six-port cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jan. 31-Feb. 17; a 14-day, six-port voyage from Buenos Aires to Santiago (Valparaiso), Chile, Feb. 17-March 3; and an 18-day, six-port South America/Mexican Riviera cruise from Santiago (Valparaiso) to San Francisco March 3-21.

Following these voyages, Carnival Splendor will launch year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, Calif., continuing the line’s expansion of its West Coast operations.

Luxurious “Cloud 9 Spa” Aboard Carnival Splendor – Representing a new class of “Fun Ship,” Carnival Splendor will also feature the “Cloud 9 Spa,” a luxurious 21,000-square-foot health and fitness center – the largest in the Carnival fleet. The modern facility will feature the line’s first thalassotherapy pool covered by a glass dome and an elaborate thermal suite. Adjacent to the facility will be 68 exclusive “spa staterooms” – also a first for Carnival.

The new 113,300-ton SuperLiner is slated to debut from Europe in July 2008.

Significant Expansion on Jacksonville-Based Cruises – Carnival will increase capacity by 38 percent on its Jacksonville-based cruises when the 2,052-passenger Carnival Fascination replaces the 1,486-passenger Celebration on year-round four- and five-day departures beginning Sept. 20, 2008.

Carnival is the only cruise operator to sail year-round from Jacksonville and, with the deployment of the Carnival Fascination – the newest and largest ship ever homeported year-round in Jacksonville – the line is expected to carry 170,000 guests annually from that port.

$250 Million ‘Evolutions of Fun’ Product Enhancement Strategy – Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Imagination are the first of the line’s eight Fantasy-class ships to undergo an “extreme makeover” with the new “Evolutions of Fun” ship enhancement program. In addition to the new “Carnival WaterWorks” aqua parks featuring 300-foot-long corkscrew water slides, water spray park and double-lane racing slides, the initiative includes a new design for the main pool areas, and a “Serenity” adults-only deck area. Other features, many of which are already in place, include nine-hole mini golf courses, atrium lobby bars, conference centers, and new children’s play rooms.

“Evolutions of Fun” upgrades are expected to be completed over the next few years, with the Carnival Fantasy next in line to undergo the extensive renovations this fall.

Second ‘John Heald Bloggers Cruise’ Aboard Carnival Fantasy – Following the tremendous success of the inaugural “John Heald Bloggers Cruise” earlier this year, the popular senior cruise director will host a second cruise for readers of his popular blog – this time aboard the Carnival Fantasy from New Orleans Feb. 7-12, 2009.

The five-day voyage, which will visit Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico, will feature a number of exclusive events and activities hosted by Heald, whose blog has attracted more than two million visitors since being launched in March 2007.

Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages ranging from three to 18 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, New England, Canada, Bermuda, Europe, and South America. The line has three new ships scheduled to enter service between now and 2011.

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

Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK), is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.