READERSHIP OF NEW ON-LINE ‘BLOG’ BY CARNIVAL FREEDOM SENIOR CRUISE DIRECTOR JOHN HEALD EXCEEDS 25,000
Daily Postings Offer Humorous, Insightful Look at Carnival Freedom’s Inaugural European Cruise Season
MIAMI (March 16, 2007) – Since being launched just 10 days ago, the new on-line “blog” written by Carnival Freedom Senior Cruise Director John Heald has attracted more than 25,000 visitors who have enjoyed his insightful and often humorous look at the ship’s inaugural 12-day European cruise schedule that began earlier this month.
Heald’s blog can be viewed at carnival.com/freedom and offers a lighthearted, behind-the-scenes account of life aboard a cruise ship and interesting happenings ashore, all delivered with his trademark off-beat humor and self-deprecating manner.
Also included are Heald’s personal photos of scenic destinations in Italy, Greece, and Turkey, along with travel tips, shore excursion recommendations and more. With the blog’s interactive feature, scores of readers have left their comments and questions for Heald.
“I am thrilled and slightly bemused that so many people have taken the time to read my nightly ramblings on the Web site. Working on a cruise ship is a unique experience and this gives me a great opportunity to share those experiences with everyone,” Heald said. “I will keep writing until the readers or my Mum and Dad tell me to stop! Thanks to everyone who is reading my musings and I look forward to continuing to share the Carnival Freedom experience with others in the future,” he added.
Known for his easygoing demeanor, quick wit and engaging personality, Heald is one of the most popular cruise directors in the industry. He joined Carnival in 1986 as a bartender and, after transferring to the entertainment department, was named a social host three years later. He was promoted to cruise director in 1990 and in 2004 was named senior cruise director in the Carnival fleet – currently the only individual to hold that position with the company.
Heald’s blog enjoys a prominent position within the Carnival Freedom’s new micro site, which was launched in conjunction with the ship’s inaugural cruise earlier this month. The site also includes video footage of the Carnival Freedom’s naming ceremony in Venice, with international supermodel and designer Kathy Ireland serving as godmother, as well as a first look at the ship’s dramatic public rooms and areas whose interiors are inspired after prominent design themes of the past decades and centuries.
Itinerary information on the Carnival Freedom’s 12-day European cruises, along with interesting “fun facts” about the 2,974-passenger SuperLiner and a profile of Carnival’s award-winning interior architect Joe Farcus, are also included.
Carnival Freedom will continue its 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” and “Mediterranean & Greek Isles” cruises, operating round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia), through Oct. 16, 2007. It will then sail on a 14-day trans-Atlantic voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Miami, positioning the vessel for a winter schedule of seven-day Caribbean voyages from Miami Nov. 17. Carnival Freedom will return to Europe in May 2008 to operate another season of “Grand Mediterranean” and “Mediterranean & Greek Isles” cruises.
Reservations are currently being accepted on all of Carnival Freedom’s various European and Caribbean departures.
For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.
###
Carnival Cruise Lines 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, Windstar 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.