Earlier today, Carnival Cruise Lines began accepting reservations for a new series of seven-day western Caribbean voyages from Mobile, Ala., taking place next year.   

The new weeklong cruises will depart the Alabama Cruise Terminal May 8 and 15, July 3 and 10, and Oct. 23 and 30, 2010, and feature three tropical Caribbean ports of call:  Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.  

Designed to complement the line’s popular four- and five-day schedule from Mobile, the new seven-day cruises will be offered aboard the Carnival Fantasy, which late last year underwent an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation which included an expansive Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, new Serenity adults-only retreat and redesigned tropical-themed main pool area.            

Carnival Fantasy’s new seven-day itinerary is the latest chapter in the line’s continued expansion at the Port of Mobile, which has garnered excellent consumer feedback since Carnival launched the port’s first year-round cruise program aboard the Holiday in 2004. Carnival Fantasy will replace the Holiday in November 2009, representing a 42 percent capacity increase.

In addition to the new open-deck upgrades, Carnival Fantasy’s suites, along with its 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival facility and formal and casual dining venues, were renovated and cosmetic enhancements were made to virtually every public area. A new “Circle C” facility catering to 12- to 14-year-olds was added, as well.

          The 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy has resumed its popular four- and five-day cruise schedule from New Orleans following a 28-day dry dock that included the addition of an expansive new water park, exclusive adults-only area,  redesigned main pool and a new “Circle C” facility for 12-to 14-year-olds.  

            The ship’s suites and dining venues were also renovated and new dining options such as a Mongolian wok and rotisserie were added.

            The new features are part of the line’s $250 million “Evolutions of Fun” refurbishment program for its eight Fantasy-class ships.

            In conjunction with the Carnival Fantasy’s resumption of service from New Orleans, the company has partnered with five New Orleans-based radio stations on a promotion called “Give Fun Back,” which kicks off Oct. 20 and is designed to reward deserving individuals with a “Fun Ship” cruise vacation. Based on nominations submitted by listeners, five winners will be selected, with each receiving a complimentary cruise on the Carnival Fantasy for up to four guests.

Exciting New Top-Deck Enhancements

            A signature element of Carnival Fantasy’s new “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks, an expansive aqua park towering over Verandah Deck. Designed with all-ages appeal, the sprawling, open-air facility includes a 300-foot-long spiral water slide – the longest at sea – along with twin 82-foot-long racing slides and various water spray apparatus. 

            Located aft on Promenade Deck and offering magnificent ocean views is “Serenity,” an exclusive new adults-only retreat.  Intended as an oasis for relaxation and comfort, “Serenity” offers plush chaise lounges and chairs, colorful oversized umbrellas, and two large whirlpools.  Here, guests can sip a variety of icy cocktails and frozen drinks or enjoy a light meal or snack from the nearby Lido restaurant.

            The third element of the “Evolutions of Fun” top deck upgrades is a totally redesigned “resort-style” pool located mid-ship on Lido Deck featuring thatched roofing and large faux palm trees. Vibrant oversized umbrellas, comfortable deck chairs and a colorful tiled “beach” encircling the pool’s edge enhance the decidedly tropical ambiance.

New Dining Upgrades, ‘Circle C’ Center, Updated Suites

            The ship’s Celebration and Jubilee main dining rooms, as well as the causal poolside Windows on the Sea Bar & Grill, have been renovated with striking new interiors, and updated carpeting, tile work and furniture.  Windows on the Sea also features a new Mongolian wok where guests can select their choice of meat, vegetables, and noodles and have the dish prepared before their eyes. A rotisserie has been added, as well, with roasted chicken, beef, and lamb, along with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments.

A new “Circle C” facility catering to the 12- to 14-year-olds has also been incorporated into Atlantic Deck forward. The center features a high-tech sound and lighting system, plasma-screen TVs displaying movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox, and gaming pods with the latest video games and consoles.

Cosmetic enhancements were also made to other shipboard areas, including renovated guest corridors and public bathrooms, a brand new décor and technical enhancements to the Electricity dance club, a host of new artwork, and updated furniture and fixtures in many staterooms.

Additionally, all of the ship’s 54 suites were remodeled with updated wall coverings, carpeting, tile work and lighting fixtures, as well as new bathrooms.  A number of connecting staterooms were incorporated, as well.

Future Plans

            The namesake vessel of the 70,000-ton Fantasy-class, Carnival Fantasy currently operates four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans.  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. 

            Carnival Fantasy will sail from New Orleans through Nov. 5, 2009, then reposition to Mobile, Ala., to operate a special six-day cruise departing Nov. 10 followed by the launch of year-round four- and five-day service from that port Nov. 16.  Carnival Fantasy will be replaced in New Orleans by the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph in Nov. 2009.

Reservations

        Carnival is currently accepting reservations on the Carnival Fantasy’s departures from both New Orleans and Mobile.  For additional information and reservations, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Carnival Inspiration – the first “Fun Ship” to feature the line’s hugely popular “Evolutions of Fun” enhancements – will be showcased on Travel Channel’s “Samantha Brown: Great Cruise Weekend” which premiers Thursday, June 19 at 10 p.m. (ET/PT).

The one-hour show is hosted by Travel Channel personality Samantha Brown who takes viewers on a tour of the many new features aboard the 2,052-passenger SuperLiner, including its expansive Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, Serenity adults-only retreat and the redesigned main pool.

A highlight of the show is Brown’s exhilarating ride down the 300-foot-long tube water slide which serves as the centerpiece of the Carnival Inspiration’s massive water park.

During the show, Brown also takes time to play a hand of blackjack in the casino, indulges in a relaxing treatment in the renovated Spa Carnival facility, and even takes a turn as the featured singer in the ship’s piano bar.

Other areas showcased within the program include Carnival Inspiration’s myriad full-service and casual dining options and wide variety of entertainment and live music venues, including an elegant multi-level theatre showcasing lavish revues.

Cameras also followed Brown as she participated in a dune buggy excursion in Cozumel, one of the featured ports on Carnival Inspiration’s year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises from Tampa.

Following its premier episode June 19, “Samantha Brown: Great Cruise Weekend” will have an encore airing June 27 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) on Travel Channel.

Carnival Inspiration is among the line’s 22-vessel “Fun Ship” fleet which 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 has three new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011. The first of those, the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, is slated to debut in Europe July 2, 2008.

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

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.

But for those of you looking for more information, here’s a link to a video (from Travel Trade) featuring the Carnival Imagination’s Hotel Director, Miles Willis discussing the ship’s refurbishment, from the lighting, to the chairs, spa, waterworks and more.  Watch the video here.  

Check out some photos from Reuters and AP courtesy of Yahoo!

Here’s a quick summary from the USA Today Cruise Log blog

And for an Evolutions of Fun review with a touch of humor visit John Heald’s blog any day this week to find posts and photos from his current trip onboard the Carnival Imagination. 

An expansive new aqua park featuring a 300-foot-long water slide, along with an exclusive adults-only area, and a totally redesigned “resort-style” main pool will be incorporated into the Carnival Fantasy when the 2,052-passenger SuperLiner undergoes a multi-million-dollar dry dock this fall.  

The “extreme makeover” represents phase two of “Evolutions of Fun,” Carnival Cruise Lines’ $250 million extensive ship refurbishment program for the line’s eight 70,000-ton Fantasy-class vessels.      

Carnival Fantasy, which operates year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans, will be the third ship to be fully outfitted with all “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades, with Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Imagination completed in recent months. 

“Carnival Fantasy – already a fantastic cruise vacation option from New Orleans, one of America’s great cities – will be even better following the implementation of our incredible new ‘Evolutions of Fun’ features,” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience. 

New Aqua Park, Adults-Only Area, Redesigned Main Pool

Taking center stage on the Carnival Fantasy’s Verandah Deck will be Carnival WaterWorks, a spectacular aqua park featuring a four-deck-high 300-foot-long corkscrew water slide – the longest, most elaborate at sea – along with an 82-foot-long dual-lane racing slide, and various water spray apparatus creating cool and exhilarating fun for kids and adults, alike.

Located aft will be Serenity, an exclusive adults-only outdoor retreat designed as an ocean-going oasis for relaxation, tranquility and comfort.  Offering magnificent ocean vistas, Serenity will feature plush chaise lounges and chairs, colorful oversized umbrellas, two whirlpools, and a separate area where guests can relax in shaded comfort.  Bar service will be provided with waiters offering a tempting selection of icy cocktails and frozen concoctions. 

The new resort-style main pool area, located mid-ship, will feature striking umbrellas providing shaded seating at pool’s edge along the tiled “beach” bordering the circumference of the pool. A thatched roof will cover one of the two whirlpools at either end of the swimming pool, while towering faux palm trees, along with more thatched roofing over new, centrally positioned staircases will further enhance the tropical ambiance.

Other ‘Evolutions of Fun’ Upgrades

These new enhancements will complement the wide range of “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades incorporated into the Carnival Fantasy during earlier dry docks. These include completely renovated staterooms with flat-screen TVs and other amenities, a nine-hole miniature golf course, a renovated 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival facility, updated dining rooms, a New York-style deli, an atrium lobby bar, a new conference facility, a patisserie serving specialty coffees and sweets and new photo and art galleries.

A number of family-friendly amenities – including expansive new facilities for children and teens, part of the top-rated “Camp Carnival” and “Club O2” programs, respectively – along with more than 50 interconnecting staterooms, have been added, as well. 

High-tech sound and lighting systems for a host of live music and entertainment venues have also been incorporated.

Attractive Short Cruise Itineraries from New Orleans

The namesake of the Fantasy-class, Carnival Fantasy operates four- and five-day cruises to Mexico from New Orleans – the only ship operating year-round from the Big Easy. 

On this popular route, four-day cruises depart Thursday and call at Cozumel while five-day voyages visit Progreso and Cozumel.  Carnival also offers pre- and post-cruise land stays in New Orleans to provide guests the opportunity to experience and explore the city’s unique architecture, legendary nightlife and outstanding restaurants.  

Reservations

Carnival is currently accepting reservations for all of the Carnival Fantasy’s four- and five-day departures from New Orleans.  For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

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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.

Through the “Read My Valentine” on-line contest, which runs from Jan. 14 – Feb. 14, 2008, couples can recount a romantic story about their partner on any topic they’d choose – from an interesting “how we met” tale to a memorable Valentine’s Day gesture or their favorite romantic memory from a “Fun Ship” cruise.

The top five entries will be selected by a team of judges from Carnival and then posted on carnival.com where visitors to the site can vote for their number one choice. The contest winner will receive a four-day western Caribbean cruise for two in the luxurious owner’s suite aboard the 2,052-passenger Carnival Imagination from Miami or Carnival Inspiration from Tampa. 

Both of these ships recently underwent multi-million-dollar upgrades as part of Carnival’s extensive “Evolutions of Fun” shipboard refurbishment program and feature such new amenities as a Serenity adults-only area, redesigned main pool, Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, and renovated 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival health club.

The winner will also have his or her story featured in the summer 2008 edition of Currents, Carnival’s travel publication mailed to more than three million of the line’s past guests.

“Valentine’s Day is a wonderful reminder to people to take the time to express their love for one another. And with Carnival such a popular venue for couples to celebrate special occasions, the ‘Read My Valentine’ promotion is a fun and engaging way to commemorate this treasured day,” said Vicki Freed, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services.

In addition to being featured on flash banners on Carnival’s Web site, the “Read My Valentine” contest will be promoted via e-mail blasts, CarnivalConnections.com, the line’s online marketing community, as well as on the blog of Carnival Senior Cruise Director John Heald (accessible via carnival.com or johnhealdsblog.com).

Official rules for the contest are posted on carnival.com. 

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, the Greek Isles and South America.

The line currently has three new ships on order, including the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, set to launch Carnival’s first Northern European cruise program July 13, 2008, and the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic – to be the largest “Fun Ships” ever constructed when they enter service in October 2009 and June 2011, respectively.

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

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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.