FIFTH ANNUAL ‘JOHN HEALD BLOGGERS CRUISE’ TO BE HELD ABOARD CARNIVAL MAGIC IN MARCH 2012

Seven-Day Voyage from Galveston to Feature Variety of Fun Events and Activities Hosted by Popular Senior Cruise Director

The new 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic has been selected as the venue for the fifth annual “John Heald Bloggers Cruise,” which brings together fans of the senior cruise director’s blog (www.johnhealdsblog.com) for a week full of fun activities, exclusive giveaways and unforgettable memories.

The seven-day western Caribbean voyage will sail round-trip from Galveston, Texas, March 4-11, 2012, visiting Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.

The Bloggers Cruise brings together hundreds of readers of the popular on-line site -- which has attracted nearly 10 million page views since its launch in 2007 – providing an opportunity to make new friends and reacquaint with others in the blogging community.

Carnival Magic is the ideal venue for this cruise, offering an atmosphere of spirited fun that has made the Bloggers Cruises a must-attend event.  With an engaging interior design and a host of unique and exciting spaces that foster social interaction and create a sense of community among guests, Carnival Magic will provide a truly memorable setting for such signature Bloggers Cruise activities as “Tea Time with John,” lively Q&A sessions, unforgettable game shows, welcoming and closing receptions, and other fun events.

An exclusive bloggers-only shore excursion will be offered and a number of keepsake items will be provided to all participants. Of course, Heald will be blogging throughout the weeklong cruise.

“Five……five Bloggers Cruises!  That’s absolutely brilliant and a testament to the people that read my blog. I am excited that Bloggers Cruise 5 is going to be held on Carnival’s newest flagship and I am delighted that I will be able to share all her wonderful and innovative features with my readers.  See y’all in Texas!” Heald said.

Heald’s blog has attracted a loyal following for his willingness to provide readers with a unique perspective on the cruise industry, a veritable peek behind the “crew only” door, with humorous and often poignant tales of the people and places he comes in contact with on a daily basis. Heald also answers reader questions and profiles his cruise industry colleagues both at Carnival and the company’s other brands.

In addition to the exclusive activities and giveaways, Bloggers Cruise participants can experience all that the Carnival Magic has to offer, from island-inspired drinks and snacks at the RedFrog Pub, which will also feature its own private label draught beer called ThirstyFrog Red, or a delicious meal of Italian favorites at Cucina del Capitano, which brings the heritage of Carnival’s captains to the table.  There’s also action-packed SportSquare, an expansive open-air recreation complex featuring the first ropes course at sea, along with cruising’s first outdoor fitness area

Other features include Ocean Plaza, a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live music venue; The Lanai, an outdoor wrap-around promenade with whirlpools that extend over the ship’s sides and an open-air barbeque area; and WaterWorks, an expansive aqua park with a 312-foot-long spiral waterslide, the longest in the Carnival fleet.  A variety of accommodation categories, including five-berth, two-bath staterooms that should be popular with families and cove balconies located closer to the water line, are available, as well.

Carnival Magic is set to debut May 1, 2011, in Europe and will launch year-round seven-day Caribbean service from Galveston November 14, 2011.

Reservations are currently being accepted for the fifth annual John Heald Bloggers Cruise. Fare code PBL must be referenced during the reservations process.

For additional information and reservations for the Bloggers Cruise or any other Carnival voyage, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Carnival also can be found on:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/carnivalcruise

Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/carnival

Flickr:  www.flickr.com/photos/carnivalcruiselines/

Journalists also can visit Carnival’s media site, www.carnivalpressroom.com.

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