The new 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, which made its U.S. debut in late November, docked along side the 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom and Carnival Glory in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., earlier this week.  Collectively, the three ships carry 8,954 passengers on a double occupancy basis.

 Carnival Splendor will operate a winter schedule of seven-day Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., through January 31 before embarking on a series of South America voyages, which will position the vessel for year-round week-long Mexican Riviera sailings from Long Beach, Calif., beginning March 29.

Carnival Freedom began a year-round schedule of six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale Nov. 30; Carnival Glory operates year-round Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla.

           Carnival Cruise Lines will increase capacity on its seasonal cruise program from New York in 2010 with the 2,978-passenger Carnival Glory scheduled to operate a variety of four and five-day Atlantic Canada voyages from June to September, followed by a series of five week-long fall foliage cruises.

            It marks the first time that Carnival has deployed one of its largest ships on the highly popular program.  The 110,000-ton Carnival Glory features a wide variety of exceptional facilities, amenities and stateroom accommodation categories.  Additionally, departing from New York makes these cruises extremely convenient and attractive for the huge population base within driving distance of Manhattan, as well as for those in the larger eastern U.S. region who can take a short-haul flight to one of the area’s three major airports.

            Four-day cruises departing Thursdays feature a call at Saint John, New Brunswick and scenic cruising in the Bay of Fundy, while five-day cruises departing on Mondays and Saturdays include stops at Saint John and Halifax, Nova Scotia.  The program commences with a four-day voyage departing June 6, 2010 (a one-time Sunday departure). 

            Week-long fall foliage itineraries beginning Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, feature four different ports of call, including Boston, Mass., Portland, Maine, Saint John and Halifax, offering a variety of opportunities to view stunning fall colors and explore these charming coastal cities.

            The $500 million Carnival Glory features 22 lounges and bars, four swimming pools, a 214-foot-long water slide, a 14,500-square-foot health club, an Internet café, jogging track and extensive duty free shopping options.  A comprehensive golf program offering instruction both aboard ship and during golf excursions is also featured.

            In addition to a 1,400-seat poolside eatery with a 24-hour pizzeria, the ship includes twin two-level formal restaurants and a reservations-only supper club offering U.S.D.A. prime dry-aged beef and other gourmet cuisine.

            Sixty percent of Carnival Glory’s 1,489 spacious staterooms offer either an ocean view or private balcony.  All staterooms feature the “Carnival Comfort Bed” sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality pillows and linens.

            Carnival Glory also offers expansive facilities and complimentary activities for children and teens, with its “Camp Carnival,” “Circle C” and “Club O2” programs catering to different age groups.

            The cruise line is currently accepting reservations for both its 2009 and 2010 departures from New York (2009 voyages will operate on the Carnival Triumph). For additional information or reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

The 2,974-passenger Carnival Glory and 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle each earned perfect 100 scores on their most recent inspections conducted by the U.S. Public Health Service (U.S.P.H.).  Carnival Glory has achieved perfect 100 scores four times since its debut in 2003; this marks the second time in two years that Carnival Miracle has earned a perfect score.

The ships received perfect marks on all 42 items that comprise the U.S.P.H.’s comprehensive Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) checklist. The unannounced inspections, which are conducted twice a year and required for any cruise ship with an international itinerary calling at a U.S. port, evaluate vessels in a variety of areas, including adherence to proper food handling, preparation and storage procedures, and overall galley cleanliness.  Ships’ potable water supplies used in spas and pools are also evaluated.

Carnival Glory operates year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla. Carnival Miracle offers a program of seasonal eight-day Caribbean cruises from New York and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.