Carnival Cruise Lines was presented with an Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER) Award from the U.S. Coast Guard recognizing the cruise line’s role in aiding mariners in distress. The award was presented earlier this week at a reception held at the National Press Center in Washington, D.C.

The AMVER System, sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard, is a computer-based voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea. The AMVER Awards Program was inaugurated in 1971 to recognize those vessels which regularly participate in the AMVER System and assist others in distress at sea.

Carnival’s Vice President of Nautical Safety and Operations Captain Gaetano Gigliotti (left) is pictured here receiving the company’s AMVER Award from Rear Admiral William “Dean” Lee of the U.S. Coast Guard.

The duty to render assistance at sea to those in need is a universal obligation undertaken by the entire maritime community. Carnival and other cruise operators frequently render assistance at sea at their own cost, on their own initiative, or at the direct request of the United States Coast Guard and other authorities, including through the AMVER program.

Nearly 2,800 fans of the New Kids on the Block are currently on board the Carnival Victory for four days of music and fun.  The chart-topping superstars – “NKOTB” to those in the know – are keeping audiences entertained with show-stopping musical performances while signing countless autographs and posing for dozens of photos.

During the full-ship charter, put together by Rose Tours, NKOTB fans are checking out all the exciting features aboard the 102,000-ton “Fun Ship.”  During the sold-out four-day cruise, guests also have the opportunity to relax on the white-sand beaches at the private island of Half Moon Cay and explore the Bahamian capital of Nassau.

The group is pictured here taking a break from the action with some of the Carnival Victory officers.

FOLLOWING MASSIVE $155 MILLION MAKEOVER 

Carnival Sunshine – which recently underwent a groundbreaking $155 million renovation that added a host of new features and facilities – arrived today in Barcelona, Spain, following its inaugural 12-day cruise from Venice, Italy.

The unprecedented transformation added all of the line’s Fun Ship 2.0 dining, bar and entertainment features, along with a host of unique and exciting innovations and an additional 182 staterooms.

Today’s voyage from Barcelona represents Carnival Sunshine’s first-ever departure from the Spanish port and continues the ship’s summer schedule of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages that will run through October.

Here’s a look at some of the many innovations added to the 3,006-passenger vessel during its comprehensive makeover:

Delicious Dining Choices

• Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, a stunning new full-service restaurant featuring an extensive menu of delicacies from the Far East, all enjoyed amidst striking Asian-inspired interior
• Guy’s Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries
• Cucina del Capitano, offering Italian favorites and new Carnival classics served family-style in an engaging atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy Italian home
• BlueIguana Cantina, a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas
• JavaBlue Café, offering lattes, cappuccinos and other caffeinated favorites, as well as “spiked” coffees made with liqueurs, and deliciously decadent confections
• Pizzeria del Capitano, an expansion of Cucina del Capitano offering five varieties of hand-tossed artisanal-style pizza, all available free of charge 24 hours a day
• Fahrenheit 555, a classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks, gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts, with impeccable service and understated ambiance
• Shake Spot, the ideal “chill” spot where guests can enjoy hand-crafted milkshakes and floats, including “adult versions” of the frozen confections, available with fun toppings

Outdoor Fun and Relaxation

• Carnival’s first three-deck-high Serenity adults-only retreat, offering plush chaise lounges and chairs, a whirlpool, a waterfall, a pool, and, of course, magnificent sea views
• SportSquare, an open-air recreation complex that includes a ropes course, mini-golf course, a basketball court, jogging track, ping pong, foosball and pool tables, and more
• WaterWorks, an expansive water park with 40 interactive water features, a gigantic drenching bucket, five different slides including the new racing-themed Speedway Splash, and a 334-foot-long Twister slide, the longest in the “Fun Ship” fleet
• Carnival’s Seaside Theatre, a 270-square-foot LED screen displaying nightly movies, concerts, sporting events and other programming

Raising the Bar

• RedFrog Pub, featuring the Caribbean’s best rums and beers – including Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red – enjoyed in a distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West atmosphere
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar, a fun and festive outdoor watering hole offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers
• EA SPORTS Bar, where guests can catch live sporting events, check out scores on the real-time 24/7 sports ticker, and play the latest EA SPORTS video games
• Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy” with mixologists who “prescribe” concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients
• RedFrog Rum Bar, a poolside adaptation of the RedFrog Pub offering the quintessential Caribbean vacation vibe with refreshing Caribbean rum-based frozen drinks and beers
• The Library Bar, a warm and cozy venue offering self-serve wine dispensers and full bar service for those seeking a more intimate spot for before- or after-dinner drinks
• Havana Bar, which by day serves as a gathering spot for Cuban coffee and snacks, then at night transforms into a Latin-inspired courtyard for classic Cuban cocktails, music and dancing

Captivating Entertainment

• Playlist Productions, which combines captivating live performances of recognizable pop and rock songs and spectacular special effects to create enthralling music revues
• Hasbro, The Game Show, featuring larger-than-life adaptations of the company’s iconic and popular games and presented in the totally transformed Liquid Lounge
• The Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez, featuring a line-up of hilarious, laugh-out-loud comedians, part of the line’s partnership with the popular comedian, who serves as Carnival’s “curator of comedy”

Additional Information and Reservations

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

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Carnival Sunshine – which recently underwent a groundbreaking $155 million renovation that added a host of new features and facilities – arrived today in Barcelona, Spain, following its inaugural 12-day cruise from Venice, Italy.

The unprecedented transformation added all of the line’s Fun Ship 2.0 dining, bar and entertainment features, along with a host of unique and exciting innovations and an additional 182 staterooms.

Today’s voyage from Barcelona represents Carnival Sunshine’s first-ever departure from the Spanish port and continues the ship’s summer schedule of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages that will run through October.

Here’s a look at some of the many innovations added to the 3,006-passenger vessel during its comprehensive makeover:

Delicious Dining Choices

• Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, a stunning new full-service restaurant featuring an extensive menu of delicacies from the Far East, all enjoyed amidst striking Asian-inspired interiors
• Guy’s Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries
• Cucina del Capitano, offering Italian favorites and new Carnival classics served family-style in an engaging atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy Italian home
• BlueIguana Cantina, a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas
• JavaBlue Café, offering lattes, cappuccinos and other caffeinated favorites, as well as “spiked” coffees made with liqueurs, and deliciously decadent confections
• Pizzeria del Capitano, an expansion of Cucina del Capitano offering five varieties of hand-tossed artisanal-style pizza, all available free of charge 24 hours a day
• Fahrenheit 555, a classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks, gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts, with impeccable service and understated ambiance
• Shake Spot, the ideal “chill” spot where guests can enjoy hand-crafted milkshakes and floats, including “adult versions” of the frozen confections, available with fun toppings

Outdoor Fun and Relaxation

• Carnival’s first three-deck-high Serenity adults-only retreat, offering plush chaise lounges and chairs, a whirlpool, a waterfall, a pool, and, of course, magnificent sea views
• SportSquare, an open-air recreation complex that includes a ropes course, mini-golf course, a basketball court, jogging track, ping pong, foosball and pool tables, and more
• WaterWorks, an expansive water park with 40 interactive water features, a gigantic drenching bucket, five different slides including the new racing-themed Speedway Splash, and a 334-foot-long Twister slide, the longest in the “Fun Ship” fleet
• Carnival’s Seaside Theatre, a 270-square-foot LED screen displaying nightly movies, concerts, sporting events and other programming

Raising the Bar

• RedFrog Pub, featuring the Caribbean’s best rums and beers – including Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red – enjoyed in a distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West atmosphere
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar, a fun and festive outdoor watering hole offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers
• EA SPORTS Bar, where guests can catch live sporting events, check out scores on the real-time 24/7 sports ticker, and play the latest EA SPORTS video games
• Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy” with mixologists who “prescribe” concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients
• RedFrog Rum Bar, a poolside adaptation of the RedFrog Pub offering the quintessential Caribbean vacation vibe with refreshing Caribbean rum-based frozen drinks and beers
• The Library Bar, a warm and cozy venue offering self-serve wine dispensers and full bar service for those seeking a more intimate spot for before- or after-dinner drinks
• Havana Bar, which by day serves as a gathering spot for Cuban coffee and snacks, then at night transforms into a Latin-inspired courtyard for classic Cuban cocktails, music and dancing

Captivating Entertainment

• Playlist Productions, which combines captivating live performances of recognizable pop and rock songs and spectacular special effects to create enthralling music revues
• Hasbro, The Game Show, featuring larger-than-life adaptations of the company’s iconic and popular games and presented in the totally transformed Liquid Lounge
• The Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez, featuring a line-up of hilarious, laugh-out-loud comedians, part of the line’s partnership with the popular comedian, who serves as Carnival’s “curator of comedy”

Carnival Cruise Lines has added two distinctly different five-day itineraries to Carnival Freedom’s year-round schedule from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., beginning in 2014.

The new five-day itineraries include a western Caribbean route featuring Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman, and an eastern Caribbean/Bahamas option featuring Grand Turk, Nassau and the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay.  Departure dates for western Caribbean routes are June 30, Aug. 11 and Sept. 22, 2014, while the eastern

Caribbean/Bahamas cruises depart May 19, June 9, July 21, Sept. 1 and Oct. 13, 2014.

These new five-day itineraries complement Carnival Freedom’s popular year-round six- and eight-day voyages from Fort Lauderdale, providing consumers with a diverse array of destination and cruise duration choices from South Florida.

The final installment in the Carnival Sunshine video series is now live and available for viewing.  The video takes viewers through several of the ship’s exciting features including Havana Bar, Liquid Lounge, and Ji Ji Asian Kitchen.

These are but a few of the many innovations incorporated during a massive $155 million dry dock. The unprecedented makeover added a variety of dining, bar and entertainment options that are part of the line’s groundbreaking Fun Ship 2.0 product enhancement initiative.

Other innovations aboard the 3,006-passenger vessel include Carnival’s first three-deck-high Serenity adults-only retreat, the largest RedFrog Pub in the fleet, and guest favorite Guy’s Burger Joint developed by Food Network star Guy Fieri.

Carnival Sunshine entered service last week and is currently operating a series of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages through October.

Check out the video and see what other fun new spaces guests are able to enjoy on the Carnival Sunshine.

Annette D’Mello, a 13-year veteran of Carnival Cruise Lines’ human resources and payroll department, has been named the company’s Volunteer of the Year, an annual award that recognizes outstanding dedication and commitment to community service.

D’Mello was honored for her role in Carnival’s employee volunteer service group, the “Friends Uniting Neighbors (F.U.N.) Team,” donating her time to a variety of organizations, including Feeding South Florida, The Humane Society of Greater Miami, Salvation Army, March of Dimes, among others.  In addition to presenting D’Mello with a commemorative nautical-themed clock, Carnival is making a $1,000 donation to the charity of her choice.

The award was presented at the company’s annual Volunteer Reception, which pays tribute to those employees who volunteer their time and talent in helping those less fortunate in the South Florida community.  This year’s reception featured a keynote address by Tracy Wilson Mourning, founder of the Honey Shine mentoring program for young girls who also served as godmother to the company’s newest ship, Carnival Breeze, which began year-round service from Miami in November.

Over the past year, nearly 250 Carnival employees participated in more than 75 different volunteer service activities representing a total of 1,800 volunteer hours.

D’Mello (second from left) is pictured here at the festivities with Wilson Mourning (far left), along with her department head, Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Anne Bramman (far right), and Brenda Yester, Carnival’s senior vice president of revenue management who serves on the national board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and presented Carnival employees with their gold-, silver- and bronze-level service awards.

Beginning in 2014, Carnival Cruise Lines has significantly diversified Carnival Splendor’s year-round offerings from New York, adding new four- and five- day Canada cruises, seven-day Canada/New England departures, and the only program of eight-day eastern Caribbean voyages operating one-way between New York and San Juan.

These new voyages complement the ship’s popular year-round eight-day departures that showcase top destinations in the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Central Florida.

In total, Carnival Splendor will offer 10 different itineraries visiting more than a dozen scenic destinations throughout the Caribbean, Canada, and the U.S. Atlantic Coast, providing consumers with an incredible array of “Fun Ship” vacation choices.

“New York is a favorite homeport of Carnival guests and we’re delighted to expand our offerings from the Big Apple to include a diverse array of itineraries, from historic and charming cities in Canada and New England to a host of tropical island destinations throughout the Caribbean,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.  “At the same time, we’re also pleased to offer these special one-way cruises between New York and San Juan which provide our guests with an even greater variety of exciting destinations from which to choose,” he added.

Four- to Seven-Day Canada/New England Cruises from New York

Carnival Splendor will operate a schedule of four-, five- and seven-day Canada/New England cruises running from June to October 2014.

Four-day weekend cruises depart June 5, July 3 and 31, and Aug. 28, 2014, calling at Saint John, New Brunswick, while five-day cruises depart Sept. 1 and Oct. 11, 2014, calling at both Saint John and Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Five week-long “fall foliage” Canada/New England cruises will also be offered, featuring extended stops at Boston, Portland, Maine; Saint John and Halifax.  Departure days for the seven-day voyages include Sept. 6, 13, 20, and 27 and Oct. 4, 2014.

These attractive Canada/New England voyages provide guests the opportunity to view centuries-old architectural structures, explore awe-inspiring natural wonders, and visit interesting historical landmarks.

Unique One-Way Cruises Between New York and San Juan

For the first time, Carnival Splendor will offer a series of one-way voyages between New York and San Juan.  The eight-day itineraries will operate from New York to San Juan or vice versa, with stops at St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Antigua, and St. Maarten.  Three New York-to-San Juan cruises will depart Oct. 24, 2014, and Jan. 12 and Feb. 13, 2015, while three San Juan-to-New York voyages will depart Nov. 1, 2014, and Jan. 20 and Feb. 21, 2015.

On these one-of-a-kind voyages, guests can visit some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and participate in a wide range of activities, from snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking to zip-lining across the lush Caribbean countryside.

Eight-day Voyages Round-Trip from New York

These new options complement Carnival Splendor’s wide array of eight-day cruises round-trip from New York offered throughout the year.  These include a Bahamas/Florida itinerary calling at Port Canaveral, Fla.; and Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas, along with two different eastern Caribbean routes, one featuring San Juan, St. Thomas and Grand Turk, and another visiting Grand Turk, Nassau and the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay.

In addition to outstanding beaches, guests sailing on these cruises can experience unique dining, shopping and cultural opportunities and tour a variety of historic landmarks and attractions.

Variety of Fun On-Board Options Aboard Carnival Splendor

The 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor offers a variety of on-board features and facilities, highlighted by a two-level 21,000-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, along with four swimming pools, a cascading water slide and free, supervised programming and facilities catering to kids in three age groups.  Dining options include two two-level main dining rooms, a classic American steakhouse and an expansive poolside restaurant offering a variety of international cuisines and a 24-hour pizzeria.

Carnival Splendor also offers a wide range of accommodation choices, including spectacular suites and Cloud 9 Spa staterooms, with more than 60 percent of all staterooms offering either an ocean view or private balcony. There are even inter-connecting staterooms that are perfect for families or guests travelling together.

Reservations

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

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Beginning in 2014, Carnival Cruise Lines has significantly diversified Carnival Splendor’s year-round offerings from New York, adding new four- and five- day Canada cruises, seven-day Canada/New England departures, and the only program of eight-day eastern Caribbean voyages operating one-way between New York and San Juan.

These new voyages complement the ship’s popular year-round eight-day departures that showcase top destinations in the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Central Florida.

In total, Carnival Splendor will offer 10 different itineraries visiting more than a dozen scenic destinations throughout the Caribbean, Canada, and the U.S. Atlantic Coast, providing consumers with an incredible array of “Fun Ship” vacation choices.

Four- to Seven-Day Canada/New England Cruises from New York

Carnival Splendor will operate a schedule of four-, five- and seven-day Canada/New England cruises running from June to October 2014.

Four-day weekend cruises depart June 5, July 3 and 31, and Aug. 28, 2014, calling at Saint John, New Brunswick, while five-day cruises depart Sept. 1 and Oct. 11, 2014, calling at both Saint John and Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Five week-long “fall foliage” Canada/New England cruises will also be offered, featuring extended stops at Boston, Portland, Maine; Saint John and Halifax.  Departure days for the seven-day voyages include Sept. 6, 13, 20, and 27 and Oct. 4, 2014.

These attractive Canada/New England voyages provide guests the opportunity to view centuries-old architectural structures, explore awe-inspiring natural wonders, and visit interesting historical landmarks.

Unique One-Way Cruises Between New York and San Juan

For the first time, Carnival Splendor will offer a series of one-way voyages between New York and San Juan.  The eight-day itineraries will operate from New York to San Juan or vice versa, with stops at St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Antigua, and St. Maarten.  Three New York-to-San Juan cruises will depart Oct. 24, 2014, and Jan. 12 and Feb. 13, 2015, while three San Juan-to-New York voyages will depart Nov. 1, 2014, and Jan. 20 and Feb. 21, 2015.

On these one-of-a-kind voyages, guests can visit some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and participate in a wide range of activities, from snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking to zip-lining across the lush Caribbean countryside.

Eight-day Voyages Round-Trip from New York

These new options complement Carnival Splendor’s wide array of eight-day cruises round-trip from New York offered throughout the year.  These include a Bahamas/Florida itinerary calling at Port Canaveral, Fla.; and Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas, along with two different eastern Caribbean routes, one featuring San Juan, St. Thomas and Grand Turk, and another visiting Grand Turk, Nassau and the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay.

In addition to outstanding beaches, guests sailing on these cruises can experience unique dining, shopping and cultural opportunities and tour a variety of historic landmarks and attractions.

Variety of Fun On-Board Options Aboard Carnival Splendor

The 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor offers a variety of on-board features and facilities, highlighted by a two-level 21,000-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, along with four swimming pools, a cascading water slide and free, supervised programming and facilities catering to kids in three age groups.  Dining options include two two-level main dining rooms, a classic American steakhouse and an expansive poolside restaurant offering a variety of international cuisines and a 24-hour pizzeria.

Carnival Splendor also offers a wide range of accommodation choices, including spectacular suites and Cloud 9 Spa staterooms, with more than 60 percent of all staterooms offering either an ocean view or private balcony. There are even inter-connecting staterooms that are perfect for families or guests travelling together.