Carnival Cruise Lines is the world's largest cruise line, and currently operates 22 cruise ships.
The name Carnival is famous in cruising circles for good reason. The company has transformed cruising from the realm of a luxury reserved for the well-to-do to a vacation available to just about anyone.
Carnival pioneered the idea that shorter cruises could be profitable. At the same time, they have designed many shorter cruises that allow not only a reduced price, but the ability of busy people to take a short vacation on ship.
Stressed corporate workers can now hop off to Mexico on a ship the way they might have hopped onto a plane to Vegas 20 years ago.
Along with that convenience factor has come many more entertainment options on board. Many ships in Carnivals ever-growing fleet now resemble Las Vegas hotels. Some resemble Las Vegas itself, they've grown so large. That has brought dozens of new forms of enjoyment for cruisers.
Gambling and musical entertainment has long been part of some cruises. But Carnival has raised it to the same heights seen in Las Vegas by offering shows that look as if they might have just stepped right off the Strip and onto the deck.
And the company continues to expand its shipping fleet and the number and type of voyages. One of the latest, the Carnival Liberty is their first to be based in Europe. From there it can sail to the South of France or the Greek Isles and many places in between.
Even larger ships are about to debut . . .
The Carnival Splendor will set sail in July 2008, and house up to 3,000 passengers, a population larger than many small towns in America. The Splendor will have one of the largest spas afloat, the Cloud9 Spa will feature 21,000 sq feet of spa and gym facilities, as well as 19,000 sq feet of spa-dedicated staterooms, for a total of 40,000 sq feet of dedicated spa space.
The brand new Carnival Freedom offers an itinerary for the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and European transatlantic cruises. This mega ship offers an abundance of duty-free shops, delicious dining options, bars, clubs, onboard activities and the addition of the Carnival Seaside Theatre – a 12-foot-high by 22-foot-wide LED screen located poolside on Carnival Freedom’s Lido deck showing movies, sporting events, concerts, and various other programming.
The Carnival Fantasy-class ships include:
Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise, comprise the most successful series of ships ever introduced. Many of the enhancements to these fabulous "Fun Ships" have already been completed - Carnival WaterWorks, Resort-Style Pools, Serenity Adult Retreat Area and much more have already been completed aboard the Carnival Inspiration!
They recently began a series of four and five day voyages from San Diego to Cabo and Ensenada in Mexico. These trips aboard the Elation are selling reservations like MP3 downloads – hot, hot, hot! Travelers can take a week's vacation in the sun, or just escape for a long weekend.
They also have 15-day voyages all the way to the Panama Canal. You can see one of the most important construction projects in the world and have plenty of time to unwind, enjoy the sea air and sun. You can also take advantage of the amazing variety of things to do on board. The ship has three elegant restaurants, three swimming pools, a gym, a large theater, and dozens of other attractions.
Carnival is also associated with the Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Windstar Cruises and others. They purchased the famed Cunard Line (owner of the Queen Mary) several years ago.
As a result, no matter what kind of voyage you're interested in, they'll have something to interest you. Prices vary widely and trips can be tailored to just about any budget.
Take a look at what they have and be prepared to see one of their trademark clever animal-shaped towels in your cabin as you reach for that chocolate on the pillow.
Bon Voyage!
Linda Thompkins, Travel Consultant
Travel 2 the Caribbean
http://www.travel2thecaribbean.com
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