]]> http://carnival-news.com/2011/12/13/fact-sheet-carnival-ecstasy-2/feed/ 0 http://carnival-news.com/2011/12/13/food-facts-carnival-ecstasy-2/ http://carnival-news.com/2011/12/13/food-facts-carnival-ecstasy-2/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:37:11 +0000 Joyce Oliva http://carnivalpressroom.wordpress.com/?p=974  

CARNIVAL’S 70,000-TON CARNIVAL ECSTASY OFFERS YEAR-ROUND FOUR- AND FIVE-DAY MEXICAN CRUISES FROM NEW ORLEANS

MIAMI – Carnival Cruise Lines’ 70,000-ton Carnival Ecstasy – which operates year-round four- and five-day cruises program from New Orleans – offers a truly unique vacation experience, with a host of “resort-style” amenities and an exciting array of stunning public rooms and facilities, each with a character all its own. 

Carnival Ecstasy’s four-day cruises depart Thursdays and visit Cozumel, while five-day cruises depart Mondays and Saturdays and call at Cozumel andProgreso,Mexico.

The Carnival Ecstasy underwent an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation that included the addition of a Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, Serenity adults-only retreat, a redesigned tropical-themed main pool and 98 new balconies to ocean view staterooms. Encompassing 10 passenger decks, the Carnival Ecstasy features a variety of on-board amenities and entertainment venues, myriad dining options, an expansive health and fitness center, expansive youth facilities, and a comprehensive golf program.

PUBLIC ROOMS AND AREAS
The Ecstasy features a variety of dramatic public spaces designed by Carnival’s award-winning interior architect Joe Farcus.  These areas range in style from the Chinatown Lounge, with design elements that include pagoda-style street lamps, a 1930s Chinese restaurant supply truck and hanging Chinese lanterns, and Stripes, a pulsating dance club which, like the name implies, employs a décor of black and yellow stripes and features a high-tech sound and lighting system.

Other venues include the Explorer’s Club Library, a refined reading room offering the perfect venue for curling up with a good book; the Rolls Royce Café, which features an authentic 1934 Rolls Royce as its focal point; and the Blue Sapphire Lounge, a striking multi-level theater showcasing Vegas-style entertainment.

DINING OPTIONS
The Carnival Ecstasy offers a wide variety of formal and casual options at sea, including the Wind Star and Wind Song formal dining rooms and the poolside Panorama Bar & Grill, a casual eatery serving full breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets and a 24-hour pizzeria. Dining room menus also include vegetarian dishes and children’s menus, as well as Spa Carnival Fare, delicious health-conscious menu items that are lower in fat, sodium, cholesterol and calories. The ship also features a patisserie, as well as complimentary 24-hour room service and ice cream and frozen yogurt. 

ON-BOARD PROGRAMS
KIDS AND TEEN PROGRAMS – Carnival Ecstasy features the line’s popular children’s program “Camp Carnival,” offering a full schedule of fun, supervised activities, including new programming focusing on art, music, science, geography and physical fitness. The ship also features the line’s popular teen program “Club O2,” catering to 15-17 year olds. A new Circle “C” center aimed at the 12- to 14-year-old set will also be added during the upcoming dry dock this fall and will feature plasma screen televisions displaying movies and music videos, a high-tech sound and lighting system, gaming consoles and a touch-screen jukebox.

CARNIVAL WATERWORKS- A signature element of the Fantasy-class upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks, a fun-filled aqua park located on Verandah Deck. Designed with an all-ages appeal, WaterWorks encompasses a 300-foot-long twisting, turning water slide – the longest and most elaborate at sea – along with dual-lane 82-foot-long racing slides, and a wide variety of water spray toys.

In addition, Carnival Ecstasy’s main pool on Lido Deck – which includes a swimming pool and two large whirlpools – will be totally transformed to feature a distinct resort-style ambiance. Vibrant oversized umbrellas, thatched roofing and colorful tile work will create a decidedly tropical feel

ADULTS ONLY RETREAT- Another new feature on the Carnival Ecstasy will be Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat located aft on Promenade Deck. With design elements that include teak decking, large umbrellas and thatched roofing, Serenity provides an ocean-going oasis for relaxation and comfort.  Guests can enjoy icy cocktails and frozen drinks while relaxing in plush chaise lounges and chairs. 

‘SPA CARNIVAL’ – Fitness has become an important part of people’s daily lives and guests sailing on the Carnival Ecstasy can take advantage of the ship’s renovated health and fitness facility, Spa Carnival.  Among the largest facilities of its kind, the 12,000-square-foot “floating health club” features new private treatment rooms and updated exercise equipment, as well as a mirrored aerobics room, men’s and women’s locker rooms, steam rooms and saunas, and a sophisticated menu of body and facial treatments, including a number of exotic “European-style” therapies.  Also featured is a one-eighth-mile jogging track, along with a beauty salon offering a variety of hair, nail and make-up services.

ACCOMODATIONS – During the ship’s upcoming dry-dock, private balconies will be added to 98 existing ocean view staterooms to create spacious new 230-square-foot accommodations.  Sixty-two of the staterooms will be located aft – with several of these featuring extended balconies – while 24 others will be located mid-ship and 12 near the stern.  Several of the Carnival Ecstasy’s suites will be modified to feature larger, extended balconies.

INTERNET CAFÉ, WI-FI ACCESS, CELL PHONE SERVICE – Like all “Fun Ships,” Carnival Ecstasy offers an Internet café with private workstations featuring flat-screen monitors, along with Wi-Fi access available in virtually all public rooms and areas.  Guests can also make and receive cell phone calls whether the ship is at sea or in port.

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The 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy will undergo an extensive, multi-million-dollar refurbishment this fall that will include the addition of an expansive new water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a Circle “C” facility for 12- to 14-year olds, and a redesigned resort-style main pool area. Additionally, 98 balconies will be added to existing ocean view staterooms.

The refurbishment, which will take place during a 28-day dry dock from September 19 to October 17, 2009, continues a series of major upgrades to the line’s eight Fantasy-class vessels.

Carnival Ecstasy will be the second ship to have additional balconies added following the success of a similar implementation on the Carnival Sensation earlier this year.

Carnival Ecstasy operates year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises from the Port of Galveston. On this route, four-day cruises depart Thursdays and visit Cozumel while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and call at Cozumel and Progreso.

Exciting Open Deck Features

A signature element of the Fantasy-class upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks, a fun-filled aqua park located on Verandah Deck. Designed with an all-ages appeal, WaterWorks encompasses a 300-foot-long twisting, turning water slide – the longest and most elaborate at sea – along with dual-lane 82-foot-long racing slides, and a wide variety of water spray toys.

In addition, Carnival Ecstasy’s main pool on Lido Deck – which includes a swimming pool and two large whirlpools – will be totally transformed to feature a distinct resort-style ambiance. Vibrant oversized umbrellas, thatched roofing and colorful tile work will create a decidedly tropical feel.

Another new feature on the Carnival Ecstasy will be Serenity, the line’s popular adults-only retreat located aft on Promenade Deck. With design elements that include teak decking, large umbrellas and thatched roofing, Serenity provides an ocean-going oasis for relaxation and comfort. Guests can enjoy icy cocktails and frozen drinks while relaxing in plush chaise lounges and chairs. Food service is available in the casual Panorama Bar & Grill located nearby.

Ninety-Eight More Balconies

Private balconies will be added to 98 existing ocean view staterooms on the Carnival Ecstasy to create spacious new 230-square-foot accommodations. Sixty-two of the staterooms will be located aft – with several of these featuring extended balconies – while 24 others will be located mid-ship and 12 near the stern. Several of the Carnival Ecstasy’s suites will be modified to feature larger, extended balconies.

Other Enhancements

Also included in the Carnival Ecstasy’s refurbishment will be the addition of a new Circle “C” center aimed at the 12- to 14-year-old set. Located on Atlantic Deck 8, the facility will include plasma screen televisions displaying movies and music videos, a high-tech sound and lighting system, gaming consoles and a touch-screen jukebox.

Additionally, all of the ship’s 1,026 staterooms will be upgraded with new plasma screen TVs as well as updated wall coverings, tile work, carpeting and light fixtures.

Extensive cosmetic enhancements will be made to virtually all public rooms and areas, with new upholstery, furniture, and wall coverings incorporated into the Blue Sapphire main show lounge, Neon Bar piano bar, Stripes dance club, the poolside Panorama Bar & Grill and Wind Song and Wind Star main dining rooms. In addition to refurbished elevators and elevator lobbies as well as new lighting and carpeting in the atrium, Carnival Ecstasy’s Internet café will be relocated to Empress Deck and new workstations will be included. Public restrooms and guest corridors will be renovated, as well.

 

          Carnival Cruise Lines, the Port of Galveston’s only year-round cruise operator, announced today that it will resume service from the Texas port on November 1, 2008 following a temporary cease in cruise operations due to Hurricane Ike last month.

            The 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy will resume year-round four- and five-day cruises from Galveston with a five-day voyage departing on Saturday, Nov. 1.  The 2,974-passenger Carnival Conquest will begin year-round seven-day service from Galveston Sunday, Nov. 2.

            Up until that time, the ships will continue to operate round-trip from the Port of Houston’s Bayport Cruise Terminal where they were shifted temporarily following Hurricane Ike.  The Carnival Ecstasy cruises on October 23 and October 27; and the Carnival Conquest cruise on October 26 will operate round-trip from Houston.

            “We are extremely pleased to be resuming service from the Port of Galveston and extend our congratulations and appreciation to the port and the Galveston community as a whole for enabling us to return so quickly,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO. 

            “We would also like to express our gratitude to the Port of Houston for their tremendous efforts in accommodating our ships and being such exceptional partners.  Their support enabled these ships to remain Texas based while Galveston worked through its recovery process,” Cahill noted.

            Carnival launched the first year-round cruise program from Galveston in 2000 and has expanded its presence dramatically over the past eight years.  With the return of its two year-round ships, Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Conquest, the line expects to carry an estimated 350,000 guests annually from Galveston.

            According to Steve Cernak, director of the Port of Galveston, “We took a hit however  we rapidly  rebounded. We had our first cargo ship  in nine days after the storm. Now, six weeks after Hurricane Ike, we are fully operational. The Port, as well as all of Galveston Island, is excited to welcome home both Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Conquest.

             Carnival Ecstasy’s four- and five-day cruise schedule encompasses four-day voyages departing Thursdays to Cozumel, Mexico, and five-day cruises departing Mondays and Saturdays to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. Carnival Conquest’s seven-day   western  Caribbean cruise  program  includes  week-long  voyages  departing  every Sunday to  Montego Bay, Jamaica; Cozumel; and George Town, Grand Cayman as well as a new 2009 itinerary option that visits Key West, Freeport and Nassau.

           The newly rebuilt pier at the Puerta Maya Cruise Center in Cozumel, Mexico – closed since being damaged by Hurricane Wilma in 2005 – welcomed its first ships today when the 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy and 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy docked at the facility this morning.

            The $50 million cruise center, built and operated by Carnival Corporation & plc, features a new two-berth pier designed to withstand a threshold category 5 hurricane. The pier can accommodate any vessel among Carnival Corporation & plc’s various brands.   Puerta Maya Cruise Center also includes a variety of shopping and dining opportunities, as well as a transportation hub, and a new shore excursion pier. A pharmacy, convenience store and international phone center are also available.

            Today’s calls by the Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Ecstasy are the first of 550 cruise ship visits scheduled for Puerta Maya over the next year. 

            Additionally, vessels from Carnival Corporation & plc brands will continue to utilize the other two piers in Cozumel. Collectively, these ships will bring an estimated 1.5 million visitors annually to Cozumel, who are expected to spend $126 million on the island each year.

           Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy and 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy will be the first cruise ships to call at the newly rebuilt Puerta Maya Cruise Center in Cozumel, Mexico, when it re-opens on Thursday, Oct. 16 – nearly three years to the day after being severely damaged by Hurricane Wilma.

            Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Fantasy visit Cozumel as part of the vessels’ year-round four- and five-day Western Caribbean cruise programs.  

            Operated by Carnival Cruise Lines’ parent company, Carnival Corporation & plc, Puerta Maya’s expansive cruise center houses 42 different retail outlets offering apparel, fine jewelry, artwork and other merchandise from a number of recognizable retailers, as well as a wide variety of dining options.

            There is also a newly constructed shore excursion pier, separate from the main pier, which allows for quick and convenient access to all water-bound excursions, as well as water-based transportation to and from the facility.

            The calls by the Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Ecstasy will be the first of 550 cruise-ship visits at Puerta Maya over the next year.  Collectively, these ships will bring an estimated 1.5 million visitors annually to Cozumel, who are expected to spend $126 million on the island each year.

Carnival Conquest, Carnival Ecstasy to Arrive at Houston’s Bayport Terminal Later This Week

As a result of the closure of the Port of Galveston due to damage from Hurricane Ike, Carnival Cruise Lines’ two Galveston-based ships, Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy, are scheduled to operate their regular cruise programs from the Port of Houston’s Bayport Cruise Terminal effective with this weekend’s departures.

The 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy will resume its four- and five-day Mexico schedule from the Port of Houston starting with a five-day cruise departing Saturday, Sept. 20.  Beginning with the departure of Sunday, Sept. 21, the 2,974-passenger Carnival Conquest will depart Houston on seven-day cruises to the western Caribbean.

Both vessels are currently docked in New Orleans where they were deployed following the closure of the Port of Galveston. Carnival Conquest will arrive at the Port of Houston on Thursday, Sept. 18, and Carnival Ecstasy on Friday, Sept. 19, to disembark those guests who opted to remain aboard the vessels following their previous voyages.        

“We are pleased to continue our Texas operations from the Port of Houston, which will be a convenient option for guests who have already made travel arrangements for previously scheduled Galveston departures,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.  “We are especially grateful to the Port of Houston for their responsiveness.  Many of their personnel involved in making this happen were dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike but set that aside to work with us on very short notice to assure that these vessels would continue to have a Texas homeport and with minimal disruption to our guests,” he added.

Cahill indicated that the company plans to return to Galveston as soon as the necessary repairs to the port facilities are completed.  “The Port of Galveston has been a valued and important partner since we launched year-round cruising from there in 2000.  We look forward to bringing both the Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy back to the city as quickly as we can.  We have enjoyed an outstanding relationship with Galveston over the years and our thoughts and prayers are with the people of this wonderful city during this difficult time,” he said.

Carnival’s two Houston-based ships will operate the same itineraries as they did from Galveston. Carnival Conquest will sail seven-day western Caribbean voyages departing Sundays to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Carnival Ecstasy will depart Thursdays on four-day cruises to Cozumel, and on Mondays and Saturdays on five-day voyages to Cozumel and Progreso.

The Port of Houston’s newly opened Bayport Terminal is an $81 million state-of-the-art facility with 96,000 square feet of space.  It is conveniently accessed from both of the city’s airports, and a variety of fine restaurants and shops are located nearby.   The Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy will be the first cruise ships to utilize the new facility.

Carnival’s 22-vessel fleet operates three- to 18-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and South America. The line currently has two new ships scheduled to enter service between now and 2011.

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