February 2008

CARNIVAL ENHANCES ‘FUN PASS’ ON-LINE PRE-CRUISE REGISTRATION SYSTEM, FURTHER EXPEDITING EMBARKATION PROCESS              MIAMI (February 13, 2008) – Carnival Cruise Lines has enhanced its “Fun Pass” on-line embarkation portal to allow guests the ability to register for the line’s shipboard credit card system and to electronically accept the Terms and Conditions of Passage prior to their cruise, thus further expediting the embarkation process.

Our “Evolutions of Fun” enhancement program is receiving great reviews from both guests and media.  The program encompasses a $250 million extensive ship refurbishment for our eight 70,000-ton Fantasy-class vessels.  Just last week we highlighted  some great photos courtesy of some media outlets and a first-hand recap from Carnival blogger and senior cruise director John Heald, who sailed on the Carnival Imagination, one of the first two ships to receive the enhancements (click here for that post).  Carnival Inspiration has also received the full upgrades and the balance of the Fantasy fleet is scheduled for completion over the next few years. But for those of you looking for more information, here’s a link to a video (from Travel Trade) featuring the…

Program Includes Dedicated Facilities and Activities Catering to Early Teens Building upon its distinction as the family cruise leader, Carnival Cruise Lines has introduced a new on-board program called “Circle C” aimed specifically at the 12- to 14-year-old age group, with expansive new clubs, a full schedule of activities and trained staff. The “Circle C” program complements the line’s other youth-oriented programming, including “Camp Carnival” for younger kids and “Club O2” for 15- to 17-year-olds, which combined are expected to host 600,000 kids this year – the most in cruising. In conjunction with the launch of “Circle C” – and just in time for summer travel planning – Carnival is offering exceptionally attractive rates for families, with prices for third…

NEW ‘CIRCLE C’ PROGRAM AIMED AT 12- TO 14-YEAR-OLDS DEBUTS ABOARD CARNIVAL’S ‘FUN SHIPS’  Program Includes Dedicated Facilities and Activities Catering to Early Teens              MIAMI (February 11, 2008) – Building upon its distinction as the family cruise leader, Carnival Cruise Lines has introduced a new on-board program called “Circle C” aimed specifically at the 12- to 14-year-old age group, with expansive new clubs, a full schedule of activities and trained staff.

On a cruise, of course.               Commodore Ronald Warwick, who commanded Cunard Line’s flagships Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2 before retiring last year after 36 years of service to the company, was aboard the Carnival Fascination this past weekend for some R&R.  During the three-day Bahamas cruise, Commodore Warwick (left)  had an opportunity to visit with Captain Evangelista Salvemini on the bridge of the 2,052-passenger SuperLiner.

With Carnival’s abundance of itineraries and destination options, it’s always interesting to see or hear what media who have experienced our cruises have to say.  Lindsay Goodier, staff writer for The Oklahoman recently published a unique review of her time aboard the Carnival Freedom.  The tales  recounted  from her Western Caribbean sailing, including this  recollection : “Relaxing in the sunshine, four six-toed cats appear to be under a spell”, not only includes great information on what to do in Key West but also highlights a fun day visiting Cozumel.  To read the entire article visit: “For islanders, relaxation is Key”. 

Cruise industry veteran Lynn C. Torrent has been named senior vice president of sales and guest services at Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator.  She will take on her new role on March 3.   In this capacity, Torrent has overall responsibility for Carnival’s various sales activities, particularly as they relate to supporting our travel agent partners, who account for the vast majority of the company’s bookings.   In addition to overseeing the line’s award-winning sales force comprised of business development managers throughout the U.S. and Canada, Torrent is responsible for Carnival’s call centers in Florida and Colorado Springs, Colo., as well as embarkation teams in the line’s 20 different homeports.

LYNN C. TORRENT NAMED SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT – SALES AND GUEST SERVICES AT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES            MIAMI (February 1, 2008) – Cruise industry veteran Lynn C. Torrent has been named senior vice president of sales and guest services at Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator. She will take on her new role on March 3.