Carnival Cruise Lines began taking reservations today for a 17-day South Pacific voyage aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit, sailing from Honolulu to Sydney in fall 2012.

The voyage will serve to position the vessel for a previously announced schedule of year-round departures from Australia. This marks the first time that Carnival Cruise Lines has based a ship in Australia.

Carnival Spirit will depart Honolulu on September 30, 2012 and arrive in Sydney October 17, 2012, calling at the exotic Tahitian ports of Papeete, Moorea, and Bora Bora before crossing the International Dateline followed by a day-long visit to Suva in the Fiji Islands.

This cruise provides guests the unforgettable opportunity to explore all the lush natural beauty of Polynesia, relax on world-famous beaches, savor local cuisine and experience the region’s rich cultures.

Following the South Pacific cruise, Carnival Spirit will launch year-round eight- to 12-day cruises to the Pacific Islands and a selection of 13-day sailings to New Zealand beginning October 20, 2012.  Marketed primarily to Australians, the shipboard experience will be tailored to the Australian market with onboard spending in Australian dollars and no tipping required.

Carnival Spirit will continue to operate Carnival’s Alaska and Hawaii cruises, as well as five- to nine-day voyages from San Diego and Los Angeles, through October 2012.

For additional information and reservations on the Carnival Spirit’s 17-day cruise, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.