The five finalists in Carnival Cruise Lines’ Virtual Book of Dreams Contest were unveiled this morning at www.carnivalbookofdreams.com and public voting is now underway to determine a Grand Prize Winner.  The contest invited children between the ages of 7 and 12 to share their awesome dreams in a short essay and accompanying hand-drawn illustration for a chance to become the world’s first-ever cruise ship waterslide Godchild.  The winner and family will travel to New York City to christen the spectacular Carnival WaterWorks aqua park on the new Carnival Dream in November and also receive a free cruise.

The five finalists include four chosen by a panel of judges and one chosen via public voting.  The finalists are: “Dream Viewing Invention” submitted by Alice, age 10, Pleasant Hill, CA; “Going to the Moon for Vacation” submitted by Amanda, age 10, from Bridgeport, PA; “My Famous Pancake” submitted by Alyssa, age 9, from Napa, CA; “Sending My Dreams to Iraq” submitted by Emily, age 8, from Holly Springs, NC; and “Wake Me When We Leave” submitted by Hailee, age 9, from Egg Harbor Township, NJ.  Voting is open to the public and currently underway at www.carnivalbookofdreams.com.

For every vote received, Carnival is making a $1 donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital up to a maximum contribution of $25,000.  St. Jude is one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

“It was so much fun to read all the creative, funny and heart-warming entries we received,” said Jim Berra, chief marketing officer for Carnival Cruise Lines. “The contest has provided a wonderful means for children to be a part of the excitement of launching the Carnival Dream while at the same time benefitting kids in need.” 

Information on the new Carnival Dream, which made its European debut last week, is available at www.carnival.com/dream.

Voting to determine the Grand Prize Winner will run through Oct. 4, 2009 and the winner will be announced on Oct. 12, 2009.