Entertainment Magazine: Travel: Cruises

Children's Water Parks, Exclusive Adults-Only Areas to be Introduced as Part of Carnival's $250 Million 'Evolutions of Fun' Initiative

Expansive children's water parks, a new design style and features for the pool areas, and the creation of the Serenity adults only deck area will be part of a dramatic transformation of the open decks of Carnival Cruise Lines' eight Fantasy-class ships.

The new features are just part of Carnival's $250 million "Evolutions of Fun" program, the cruise industry's most ambitious ship refurbishment and product enhancement initiative, which focuses on the line's eight Fantasy- class vessels. These "extreme makeovers" are part of an overall initiative to upgrade all of the unique guest-pleasing features and design style of the Fantasy-class vessels in addition to providing guests with new and exciting shipboard amenities.

"The Fantasy-class vessels are the most successful series of cruise ships ever introduced, as well as the industry leader in three- to five-day vacations, carrying nearly 1.6 million guests annually," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. "'Evolutions of Fun' represents a multi-million- dollar investment designed to build upon these vessels' tremendous appeal with vacationers by incorporating a host of new and exciting facilities and features," he added.

The expanded outdoor recreation areas will initially be incorporated onto the 2,052-passenger Inspiration and Imagination during upcoming month-long dry docks this fall and added to other "Fantasy-class" ships in 2008 and 2009 during scheduled drydock periods.

The updated pool and deck areas on the Inspiration and Imagination are just one component of extensive ship-wide refurbishments to these vessels that initially began in 2005 and include renovations to virtually every guest area. Among the new features are fully remodeled staterooms and suites including new bathrooms, flat-screen televisions in staterooms and select public areas, atrium lobby bars, updated sound and lighting systems in various lounges and clubs, coffee bars, nine-hole miniature golf courses, new art and photo galleries, New York-style delis in the Lido restaurants, and purpose-built conference facilities.

More Family-Friendly Areas, Updated Spas, Entertainment Venues

With Carnival expected to carry a record 575,000 kids this year, particular emphasis is being placed on family friendly amenities, with new and expanded play areas, part of the line's top-rated "Camp Carnival" program, and new facilities for the "Club O2" teen program. Custom-designed spaces geared toward 12- to 14-year olds are also planned and more than 50 interconnecting staterooms are being added to several Fantasy-class ships - perfect for large families or family gatherings.

The "Evolutions of Fun" initiative is also responding to the changing needs of health-conscious consumers with a complete overhaul of 12,000-square- foot spa facilities. The spa makeovers include new private treatment rooms, state-of-the art exercise equipment and a host of cosmetic enhancements.

The addition of new sound and lighting systems in the main show lounges takes Carnival's legendary revues to another level, with several new dazzling productions that make maximum use of video projections, pyrotechnics, lasers and elaborate sets and costumes.

Fantasy-class Fleet Makeovers Well Underway

Many aspects of the "Evolutions of Fun" enhancements have already been completed on the Fantasy, Ecstasy and Fascination and partially executed on the Sensation, Elation and Paradise. By 2009, the entire Fantasy-class fleet will be completed including the fabulous new transformation of open deck areas.

Other upgrades, incorporated fleetwide, include the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system, with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high-quality linens and pillows, a variety of cuisine enhancements, as well as "Wi-Fi" Internet access in virtually all public areas, and cellular phone service.

"Carnival has always recognized the need to be a pacesetter in the overall vacation industry. With our extensive research in consumer vacation preferences, we're able to anticipate vacation trends and tailor our product to the needs and desires of our guests, who are the driving force behind this initiative," Dickinson said. "'Evolutions of Fun' is just the latest example of our commitment to guest satisfaction and our continued efforts at making the 'Fun Ship' vacation experience the best it can be," he added.

Carnival is the world's most popular cruise line with a fleet of 22 "Fun Ships" operating voyages ranging from three to 16 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Greek Isles.

The line currently has three new ships on order - the 112,000-ton Carnival Splendor, scheduled to enter service in July 2008; and the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic - to be the largest "Fun Ships" ever constructed scheduled for delivery in October 2009 and June 2011, respectively.
For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit http://www.carnival.com/.

Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is a proud member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

Source: Carnival Cruise Lines
MIAMI, March 29, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --