Yesterday, the 2,052-passenger Carnival Imagination kicked off a new West Coast cruise schedule when it departed on a four-day cruise from Long Beach.

The arrival of the Carnival Imagination solidifies Carnival Cruise Lines’ position as Southern California’s number one cruise operator with three ships carrying 550,000 passengers annually.

On its new Long Beach-based schedule, Carnival Imagination departs Thursdays on three-day cruises to Ensenada, Mexico, and on Sundays on four-day voyages to Ensenada and Catalina Island.

Carnival Imagination joins its sister ship, Carnival Inspiration, which offers a similar short cruise program from Long Beach with three-day voyages departing Fridays and four-day sailings departing Mondays.  Additionally, the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle offers seven-day Mexican Riviera and 15-day Hawaii cruises from Long Beach on a seasonal basis.

Carnival Imagination has undergone an extensive renovation and includes an expansive WaterWorks aqua park, a Serenity adults-only retreat, and a tropical-themed resort-style main pool area, renovated spa and children’s facilities, and more.