The 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy — which underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation last fall as part of the line’s “Evolutions of Fun” product enhancement program — has been earning rave reviews from guests, travel agents and journalists alike.

The MSBNC.com article by Anita Dunham Potter entitled “Some Cruise Ships Get Better with Age” highlights the upgraded features and facilities of the 70,000-ton “Fun Ship.”

            Fans of John Heald’s blog gathered in New Orleans this weekend, to help spruce up a neighborhood park in the Big Easy.  More than 100 bloggers joined in the volunteer service day in advance of the Bloggers Cruise which is being held on a five-day cruise of the Carnival Fantasy.

            Teaming up with the Beacon of Hope Resource Center, a non-profit organization in New Orleans, the park was transformed with the volunteers painting benches, columns and lamp posts, and clearing debris throughout the facility.

            In addition to the “sweat equity” provided by the Bloggers Cruise volunteers, Carnival Cruise Lines donated $5,000 to the Beacon of Hope Resource Center to help fund future hands-on community service projects throughout the city.

            The John Heald Bloggers Cruise gathers together fans of the senior cruise director’s popular blog, which has attracted nearly 4 million views since being launched in March 2007.

           Participants in the second “John Heald Bloggers Cruise” – taking place aboard the newly refurbished Carnival Fantasy from New Orleans in February 2009 – will not only enjoy five fun-filled days sailing with the popular senior cruise director, but they can also make a difference in the lives of local residents.

            The “Bloggers Cruise Community Service Day” will take place in New Orleans on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009, the day prior to the departure of the second annual cruise – a five-day voyage to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico, operating Feb. 7-12, 2009.

            Partnering with the city’s Beacon of Hope Resource Center, “Bloggers Cruise Community Service Day” participants will clear debris and plant trees, helping to spruce up a neighborhood in New Orleans that sustained significant damage from Hurricane Katrina.

            Carnival is also partnering with Maison St. Charles Hotel & Suites to provide one- and two-night pre-cruise land stays at special rates for “Bloggers Cruise Community Service Day” participants.

            “I invite everyone to join me in helping the people of New Orleans and we look forward to working with the Beacon of Hope Resource Center in helping to beautify this magnificent city,” Heald said. “Once on board, we’ll enjoy Carnival Fantasy’s ‘Evolutions of Fun’ upgrades, as well as special events and shows just for my blogging friends. It’s going to be a brilliant cruise and I can’t wait to see you there,” he added.

            Added Heather Huth, director of volunteers for the Beacon of Hope Resource Center, “Our goal is to create an environment that encourages our residents to return home.  Although we are proud of how far we’ve come, there is still a long way to go. We are always in need of volunteer service and truly appreciate Carnival’s role in New Orleans’ continued recovery efforts.”

            Following the hands-on charity activity, “Bloggers Cruise Community Service Day” participants will be the guests of honor at a cocktail reception hosted by Heald which will serve as a kick-off event for the voyage.

            During the five-day cruise on Carnival Fantasy, Heald will host a number of exclusive events, including a Welcome Aboard reception, trivia contests, question-and-answer sessions and even an exclusive “Tea Time with John” session. 

            Special photo opportunities with Heald will be available as well. A variety of special giveaways and logo items also will be provided to all “Bloggers Cruise” participants, and Heald will, of course, be submitting posts to his blog throughout the voyage.  

            Carnival Fantasy was selected as the venue for the second “Bloggers Cruise” as it is the latest “Fun Ship” to undergo all phases of the line’s “Evolutions of Fun” refurbishment program, which has resulted in a total transformation of the 2,056-passenger SuperLiner.

            The upgrades include a “Carnival WaterWorks” aqua park with a 300-foot-long water slide, dual-lane 82-foot-long racing slides and various water spray apparatus, along with “Serenity,” an adults-only retreat located aft and featuring comfortable chaise lounges and chairs and two oversized whirlpools.

            The mid-ship pool was renovated and now offers a distinctly tropical ambiance, with thatched roofing, colorful umbrellas and other design elements. These renovations complement the first phase of the program, which included extensive refurbishments to a variety of public areas, as well as all staterooms and suites.

            Reservations are currently being accepted for the Bloggers Cruise aboard the Carnival Fantasy Feb. 7-12, 2009, as well as the pre-cruise land stay at the Maison St. Charles Hotel & Suites. Participants must request fare code CPBL/FPBL when booking the cruise to be included in the 2009 Bloggers Cruise events.

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

Earlier this week, Carnival Cruise Lines held press conferences in Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans to announce the deployment of newer, larger ships to those markets.  The press conferences were met with outstanding response, attracting a variety of local print and broadcast outlets, along with dignitaries, travel agents, port and government officials, and community leaders.

The press conference in Mobile was held on Monday during which Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Marketing Planning Terry Thornton announced that the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy would replace the 1,452-passenger Holiday on year-round four- and five-day cruises in November 2009 – a capacity increase of 42 percent.

A day later, Thornton was at the Port of New Orleans to announce that Carnival would expand capacity at the port by 34 percent when the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph replaces the Carnival Fantasy on year-round departures from the Big Easy beginning in November 2009.  Additionally, Carnival Triumph will introduce new seven-day eastern and exotic western Caribbean departures from New Orleans to complement the line’s popular four- and five-day cruises to Mexico from that port. 

           During a press conference held at the Port of New Orleans, Carnival Cruise Lines- which offers the only year-round service from New Orleans- announced the deployment of the Carnival Triumph to the Big Easy in early November 2009.  

            Carnival Triumph will replace the Carnival Fantasy and will introduce new seven-day eastern and exotic western Caribbean schedules to complement the line’s popular four- and five-day cruises to Mexico. 

            The Carnival Triumph’s seven-day cruises will depart on Saturdays, with exotic western Caribbean voyages visiting Belize City; Isla Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel; and eastern Caribbean cruises calling at Key West, Freeport and Nassau.  Four-day cruises will depart Thursdays to Cozumel, while five-day cruises will depart Mondays and Saturdays to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.

            Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Triumph’s new four- to seven-day cruises from New Orleans.

            Pictured here at the press conference is Carnival Cruise Lines’ Senior Vice President of Marketing Planning Terry Thornton; in the background from left to right is Port of New Orleans’ President and CEO Gary LaGrange and Lieutenant Governor for the State of Louisiana Mitch Landrieu. 

          Carnival Cruise Lines – which operates the only year-round cruise program from New Orleans – will increase capacity by 34 percent when the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph replaces the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy from the Big Easy in November 2009.

            In addition to providing an exciting new “Fun Ship” cruise option from New Orleans, Carnival Triumph will introduce new seven-day eastern and exotic western Caribbean schedules to complement the line’s popular four- and five-day cruises to Mexico. 

            The Carnival Triumph’s seven-day cruises will depart on Saturdays, with exotic western Caribbean voyages visiting Belize City; Isla Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel; and eastern Caribbean cruises calling at Key West, Freeport and Nassau.  Four-day cruises will depart Thursdays to Cozumel, while five-day cruises will depart Mondays and Saturdays to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. 

            Carnival Triumph will operate 65 departures annually from New Orleans, carrying approximately 200,000 passengers – the most of any cruise line. Carnival Fantasy, which currently sails from New Orleans, will be deployed to Mobile, Ala., to operate four- and five-day cruises beginning in November 2009.

            “We’re very pleased to bring a newer, larger ship to New Orleans as well as expand our operations with new seven-day western Caribbean itineraries that will provide exciting new ‘Fun Ship’ vacation options,” said Terry Thornton, Carnival’s senior vice president of marketing planning.  “In addition to serving as an excellent homeport for Carnival for nearly 15 years, New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind vacation destination and we’re delighted to continue our relationship with this wonderful city,” he added.

            “The Port and the entire New Orleans tourism community is thrilled by Carnival’s decision to homeport the Carnival Triumph here,” said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange.  “This community has demonstrated its resilience and proven once again it is an international tourist destination.  This business decision by a valued partner such as Carnival only reiterates the bright future of cruising in New Orleans.”

Four- to Seven-Day Cruises from New Orleans

            Carnival Triumph will make its New Orleans debut with a special four-day cruise departing Tuesday, Nov. 10, then launch its new year-round four-, five- and seven-day schedule beginning with a weeklong voyage departing Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009.

            Four-day Carnival Triumph cruises departing Thursdays visit Cozumel, a 308-square-mile island offering world-class beaches, myriad watersports and a diversity of restaurants, shops and nightspots. Five-day cruises departing Mondays and Saturdays feature both Cozumel and Progreso, located along Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula offering access to centuries-old ruins and archeological sites, including Chitzen Itza, recently named one of Seven Wonders of the World. 

            Seven-day exotic western Caribbean cruises departing Saturdays visit Belize, a tropical paradise where guests can visit Mayan ruins and enjoy myriad eco-tourism opportunities; and Isla Roatan, a breathtaking Honduran island distinguished by gorgeous white-sand beaches and lush countryside. A daylong visit to Cozumel rounds out this weeklong itinerary.

            The eastern Caribbean route will feature Key West, the southernmost city in the U.S. known for its excellent shopping and watersports and perpetually laid back atmosphere.  The itinerary also includes two popular Bahamian ports – Freeport, the island chain’s second largest city offering stunning beaches and exciting golfing, shopping and dining opportunities; and Nassau, the bustling capital known for outstanding duty-free bargains, beautiful beaches and historical landmarks.

A Truly Magnificent ‘Fun Ship’

            The 102,000-ton Carnival Triumph offers a host of resort-style facilities and features: a 14,500-square-foot spa, a jogging track, ship-wide Wi-Fi access and cell phone service, a duty-free shopping mall, and three restaurants, including twin two-level main dining rooms with extensive menus and wine lists and a 1,200-seat casual eatery with full breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets and a 24-hour pizzeria.

            Also featured are 18 themed lounges and bars – including a wine bar, sports bar, piano bar and a multi-level theatre showcasing lavish revues – all with dramatic interiors inspired by the world’s most famous bodies of water. A golf program offering professional instruction and opportunities to play top Caribbean courses is available, as well.

            Family friendly amenities include programming for children in three age groups – “Camp Carnival” for youngsters, “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year olds, and “Club O2” for older teens – with activities and facilities dedicated to each.  Additionally, Carnival Triumph offers a variety of accommodations, including a wide selection of balcony staterooms and suites.  All staterooms feature the exclusive Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

Reservations Now Open

            Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Triumph’s new four- to seven-day cruises from New Orleans. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways and pre- and post-cruise land packages, are also available. 

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

Following the tremendous success of the inaugural “Elvis Cruise” last year, Carnival Cruise Lines and St. Louis, Mo.-based The Elvis Cruise, LLC, announced today the second “Elvis Cruise.”  This year, it will be a four-day voyage aboard the Carnival Fantasy in August 2008. 

The only authentic, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.-licensed specialty cruise that celebrates the music and life of the legendary Elvis Presley, “The Elvis Cruise” will sail round-trip New Orleans and visit Cozumel, Mexico, departing Thursday, August 28, and returning Monday, September 1, 2008.

 The one-of-a-kind voyage will be hosted by Jerry Schilling, longtime friend and confidante of the late Elvis Presley, and author of the book, Me and a Guy Named Elvis.  Entertainment during the cruise will include live shows from artists who performed with Elvis and have been recognized for continuing his musical legacy, including the TCB Band, the Imperials, the Dempseys, Ronnie McDowell, Terry Mike Jeffrey & Band, Andy Childs, Ruby Wilson and others.

Famed conductor Joe Guercio will serve as musical director.  Best known and admired for his work with Elvis Presley, Guercio has had a prolific career. He was musical director and conductor for Elvis’ concert shows from the summer of 1970 to the summer of 1977, when Elvis made his last concert appearance.

The Elvis Cruise is unique in that the nightly Vegas-style shows celebrate the various phases of Elvis’ musical life and career.  “And with the voyage departing from the historic Port of New Orleans, we are introducing a new show featuring the sights and sounds from Elvis’ most dramatic role in his memorable film, ‘King Creole,’” said Guercio.

A number of themed events also will be featured, including an on-board Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, which will award $12,500 in prize money.

Other activities will range from autograph and Q&A sessions with the musicians and hosts, to the Elvis Cruise T-shirt Party, Elvis-themed bingo, an afternoon at the movies with host Jerry Schilling and more.

“Having the opportunity to participate in the only licensed Elvis cruise is particularly special and the fact that the voyage sails from New Orleans only adds to the excitement,” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience. “This cruise provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Elvis fans to come together and enjoy the exceptional music and memories of one of the world’s most celebrated performing artists, all combined with a truly outstanding ‘Fun Ship’ vacation experience,” he added.  

“All of us at The Elvis Cruise are thrilled to partner with Carnival Cruise Lines for this exciting celebration of Elvis’ life,” said Michael McKay, Elvis Cruise executive producer. “We are excited to provide individuals who are passionate about Elvis with the exclusive opportunity to interact with fellow enthusiasts and revered performers in a spectacular and festive cruise setting.  This is really the magic of the whole experience.”

The “Fun Ship” Carnival Fantasy features a diverse selection of lounges, bars and nightspots, along with a health and fitness center, Wi-Fi Internet access, cellular phone service, and three pools, one of which features the line’s signature “Twister Waterslide.”

The 2,056-passenger vessel also houses three restaurants, including two elegant main dining rooms with extensive menus and wine lists, and a poolside eatery offering a wide variety of cuisine and 24-hour pizza and self-serve ice cream/frozen yogurt. A sushi bar and complimentary 24-hour stateroom service are also available.      

Reservations are currently being accepted for the upcoming “Elvis Cruise” aboard Carnival Fantasy. Prices begin at $699 per person based on double occupancy and include all “Elvis Cruise” activities.  Pre- and post-cruise New Orleans land stays are also available.

For additional information or to book, call The Elvis Cruise, LLC at 1-800-704-3034 or visit www.theelviscruise.com.

About The Elvis Cruise

The Elvis Cruise is the only EPE approved and licensed cruise in the world. It is dedicated to the life, times and music of Elvis Presley. The inaugural sailing of The Elvis Cruise was in August 2007.  A second full-ship charter “Elvis Cruise” will take place on Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,052-passenger Carnival Fantasy.

For additional information about The Elvis Cruise, please visit www.theelviscruise.com or call 1-800-704-3034.

About Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) is based in Memphis, Tennessee with additional offices in Los Angeles, California.  In addition to Graceland and its related attractions in Memphis, including the Heartbreak Hotel, EPE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television, film, video and Internet projects.  For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit www.Elvis.com.  EPE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc. (www.CKX.com), a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ National Market® under the ticker symbol “CKXE.”

About Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), 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 currently has three new ships on order – the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, set to debut in Europe July 2, 2008; and the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic, scheduled for delivery in October 2009 and June 2011, respectively.

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