Cruise News

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES TO EXPAND CAPACITY IN NEW ORLEANS BY 34 PERCENT WITH DEPLOYMENT OF CARNIVAL TRIUMPH IN NOV. 2009

 

New Seven-Day Western Caribbean Cruise Program

to Complement Popular Four- and Five-Day Mexico Voyages from Big Easy

 

 

        MIAMI (August 19, 2008) – Carnival Cruise Lines – which operates the only year-round cruise program from New Orleans – will increase capacity by 34 percent when the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph replaces the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy from the Big Easy in November 2009.

        In addition to providing an exciting new “Fun Ship” cruise option from New Orleans, Carnival Triumph will introduce new seven-day eastern and exotic western Caribbean schedules to complement the line’s popular four- and five-day cruises to Mexico. 

        The Carnival Triumph’s seven-day cruises will depart on Saturdays, with exotic western Caribbean voyages visiting Belize City; Isla Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel; and eastern Caribbean cruises calling at Key West, Freeport and Nassau.  Four-day cruises will depart Thursdays to Cozumel, while five-day cruises will depart Mondays and Saturdays to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. 

        Carnival Triumph will operate 65 departures annually from New Orleans, carrying approximately 200,000 passengers – the most of any cruise line. Carnival Fantasy, which currently sails from New Orleans, will be deployed to Mobile, Ala., to operate four- and five-day cruises beginning in November 2009.

        “We’re very pleased to bring a newer, larger ship to New Orleans as well as expand our operations with new seven-day western Caribbean itineraries that will provide exciting new ‘Fun Ship’ vacation options,” said Terry Thornton, Carnival’s senior vice president of marketing planning.  “In addition to serving as an excellent homeport for Carnival for nearly 15 years, New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind vacation destination and we’re delighted to continue our relationship with this wonderful city,” he added.

        “The Port and the entire New Orleans tourism community is thrilled by Carnival’s decision to homeport the Carnival Triumph here,” said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange.  “This community has demonstrated its resilience and proven once again it is an international tourist destination.  This business decision by a valued partner such as Carnival only reiterates the bright future of cruising in New Orleans.”

 

        Four- to Seven-Day Cruises from New Orleans

        Carnival Triumph will make its New Orleans debut with a special four-day cruise departing Tuesday, Nov. 10, then launch its new year-round four-, five- and seven-day schedule beginning with a weeklong voyage departing Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009.

        Four-day Carnival Triumph cruises departing Thursdays visit Cozumel, a 308-square-mile island offering world-class beaches, myriad watersports and a diversity of restaurants, shops and nightspots. Five-day cruises departing Mondays and Saturdays feature both Cozumel and Progreso, located along Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula offering access to centuries-old ruins and archeological sites, including Chitzen Itza, recently named one of Seven Wonders of the World. 

        Seven-day exotic western Caribbean cruises departing Saturdays visit Belize, a tropical paradise where guests can visit Mayan ruins and enjoy myriad eco-tourism opportunities; and Isla Roatan, a breathtaking Honduran island distinguished by gorgeous white-sand beaches and lush countryside. A daylong visit to Cozumel rounds out this weeklong itinerary.

        The eastern Caribbean route will feature Key West, the southernmost city in the U.S. known for its excellent shopping and watersports and perpetually laid back atmosphere.  The itinerary also includes two popular Bahamian ports – Freeport, the island chain’s second largest city offering stunning beaches and exciting golfing, shopping and dining opportunities; and Nassau, the bustling capital known for outstanding duty-free bargains, beautiful beaches and historical landmarks.

 

A Truly Magnificent ‘Fun Ship’

        The 102,000-ton Carnival Triumph offers a host of resort-style facilities and features: a 14,500-square-foot spa, a jogging track, ship-wide Wi-Fi access and cell phone service, a duty-free shopping mall, and three restaurants, including twin two-level main dining rooms with extensive menus and wine lists and a 1,200-seat casual eatery with full breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets and a 24-hour pizzeria.

        Also featured are 18 themed lounges and bars – including a wine bar, sports bar, piano bar and a multi-level theatre showcasing lavish revues – all with dramatic interiors inspired by the world’s most famous bodies of water. A golf program offering professional instruction and opportunities to play top Caribbean courses is available, as well.

        Family friendly amenities include programming for children in three age groups – “Camp Carnival” for youngsters, “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year olds, and “Club O2” for older teens – with activities and facilities dedicated to each.  Additionally, Carnival Triumph offers a variety of accommodations, including a wide selection of balcony staterooms and suites.  All staterooms feature the exclusive Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

 

        Reservations Now Open

        Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Triumph’s new four- to seven-day cruises from New Orleans. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways and pre- and post-cruise land packages, are also available. 

        For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

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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, 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.

 

 

 

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LARGEST ‘FUN SHIP’ EVER CONSTRUCTED, 130,000-TON CARNIVAL DREAM TO OPERATE EXCITING INAUGURAL SCHEDULE, OFFER HOST OF ON-BOARD INNOVATIONS   3,646-Passenger Vessel to Debut in Europe in September 2009, Launches Year-Round Service from Port Canaveral In December 2009             MIAMI (June 23, 2008) – The new 130,000-ton Carnival Dream – the largest “Fun Ship” ever constructed, offering a host of on-board innovations and amenities – is slated to debut September 21, 2009, operating a diverse inaugural schedule that features visits to magnificent European and Caribbean destinations.         Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the 3,646-passenger SuperLiner will be a new class of vessel for the line and usher in a new era of “Fun Ship” cruising. With a new layout, sleek hull and distinctive profile, Carnival Dream is designed as the ultimate vacation experience.           Unique features of the Carnival Dream include a new concept in entertainment called The Piazza, a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live music venue; the most elaborate children’s facilities at sea, including expansive play areas and a huge Carnival WaterWorks aqua park; “scenic whirlpools” that extend over the ship’s beam; and a variety of new stateroom categories, including those specifically catering to families.   Carnival Dream will also offer many other exciting and innovative features that will be announced in the coming months.         “We’ve taken everything we’ve learned about shipbuilding and incorporated it into the magnificent Carnival Dream.  By offering the widest variety of all-inclusive facilities and features at sea, we will create fun, memorable vacations for our guests, all at an incredible value,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “From a bold new entertainment concept called The Piazza to innovative new larger stateroom categories and the most elaborate children’s facilities ever featured on any Carnival ‘Fun Ship’ – all of which are included in the initial cruise fare and accessible to everyone on board. – Carnival Dream was specifically designed with our valued guests in mind,” he added.                  Exciting Inaugural Schedule  Year-Round Cruising From Port Canaveral Unique Features and Facilities  Innovative New Staterooms Particular attention was paid to Carnival Dream’s accommodations, as several innovative new types of staterooms will be introduced.  The line’s first-ever “cove” balcony staterooms – located closer to the water line – offer beautiful sea views and exceptional value.   New deluxe ocean view staterooms – featuring a unique, guest-friendly configuration with two bathrooms – will provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience for guests who can enjoy their unique spaciousness, particularly families. In addition to twin beds that convert to a king, ample closet space and elegant décor, the two-bathroom configuration will include one full bathroom and a second bathroom featuring a junior tub with shower and sink. There are even staterooms that can accommodate five guests – a rarity in new ship construction and also ideal for families. Additionally, there will be a wide selection of balcony staterooms and suites from which to choose – all offering the best in scenic cruising.  Additionally, adjacent to Carnival Dream’s luxurious Cloud 9 Spa will be 65 spa staterooms and suites which will offer guests a number of exclusive amenities and privileges. All Carnival Dream staterooms will feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.   Families Will Live the Dream Carnival Dream’s numerous family-friendly amenities will include separate, purpose-built facilities for the line’s three distinct children’s programs: “Camp Carnival” for kids ages 2-11, “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year-olds, and “Club O2” for teens ages 15 to 17, along with a full schedule of morning-til-night activities catering to each age group. Sure to be a hit with guests of all ages will be Carnival WaterWorks, an expansive aqua park offering exhilarating water slides and various water spray apparatus. Carnival Dream will also be the first “Fun Ship” to feature a two-level miniature golf course. All this, combined with the spacious two-bathroom staterooms and an attractive and convenient Port Canaveral/Central Florida homeport, will make Carnival Dream an exceptional family vacation.   Reservations Open July 1         Reservations will be accepted for all of Carnival Dream’s cruises starting July 1, 2008. A special online preview of the Carnival Dream is available now at carnival.com/dream.  The site showcases a variety of the exciting features and amenities of this spectacular new ship.      USA TODAY exclusive: Future Royal Caribbean ships will boast a 'Central Park' What mind-blowing innovation does Royal Caribbean plan for its next ship? The Cruise World has been abuzz over the question for more than a year, and now it finally has an answer: A massive "Central Park" at the center of the vessel that boasts soaring trees, live grass and outdoor restaurants.     The new area, which Royal Caribbean plans to announce this afternoon at a press conference in New York, will be the central feature of the line's so-called Project Genesis ships launching in 2009 and 2010.     "This is very different from anything on any of our ships," the line's executive president, Harri Kulovaara, tells USA TODAY in an exclusive interview. "This is going to have real gardens, grass and trees. It has taken a lot of engineering."        Indeed, even for Royal Caribbean, a longtime leader in cruise ship innovation, it's an unprecedented undertaking. Billed as a "town square" for the coming ships, the new Central Park areas will take the place of the Royal Promenades found on the line's latest vessels. But they'll be twice as wide as the Royal Promenades and soar nearly twice as high -- a feat of engineering unthinkable just a few years ago.     Still, perhaps the biggest talker of the day is the fact that the entire Central Park area, which will run the length of a football field down the center of the ship and be lined with five decks of cabins, will be open to the air six decks above.     In other words, if it's raining outside of the ship, it'll be raining in the ship's Central Park, too. "We have done a tremendous amount of work in studying the micro-climate, including the wind conditions and the heat conditions," says Kulovaara, noting that the ship will sail year-round in the generally pleasant air of the Caribbean. "We have drainage systems so we easily can handle a tropical rainfall and an irrigation systems for all the trees and plants."        Another big talker is that the 254 cabins overlooking the park will have balconies, allowing passengers to sit outside at night and people watch. The Royal Promenades on earlier Royal Caribbean ships are lined with three decks of cabins but do not have balconies. Kulovaara notes that passengers on the top pool decks of the ship also will be able to look down into the Central Park area from a bridge above.         Kulovaara tells USA TODAY that the Central Park is designed to be a peaceful place for passengers to hang out during the day, noting that there will be quiet reading corners, a sculpture garden and an area for playing chess. But at night the park will morph into an active gathering space for alfresco dining and entertainment that will include outdoor concerts and street performances. In a sign that Royal Caribbean plans to shake up its traditional dining system onboard ships, Kulovaara says the park will be surrounded by "five or six" restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating that will range from an elegant fine dining venue called 150 Central Park to casual chic eateries such as the Central Park Café.     Other dining choices that Royal Caribbean will announce today include an Italian restaurant called Giovanni’s Table, a Vintages wine bar (pictured above) and Royal Caribbean’s signature Chops Grille steakhouse. There also will be several bars scattered throughout the Park, including what's billed as the first moving bar at sea. Called Rising Tide, it will slowly glide up-and-down three decks, from the base level of the Central Park downward into lower areas of the ship (see illustration below; click on the image to make it bigger). A range of stores are planned, too. The 225,000-ton Project Genesis ships, now under construction in Turku, Finland, will be the largest cruise vessels ever built. Nearly 50% larger than the current record holders, Royal Caribbean's Freedom class ships, they'll have room for 5,400 passengers at double occupancy. Royal Caribbean long has been an innovator in cruise ship design, unveiling the first atriums at sea in the 1980s and the first indoor promenade in 1999. Other firsts include rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks and, most recently, a pool for surfing. The gigantic size of the coming Genesis ships has led to speculation that the line planned more ground-breaking new features, but until now the line has been mum on its plans for the ships.     Royal Caribbean says the Central Park area is one of seven "neighborhoods" that the line plans for the ships, part of a new strategy to divide up passengers based on their personal tastes and interests. The line will unveil other neighborhoods over the next year. Illustrations courtesy Royal Caribbean  Disney Cruise Line Extends Agreement with Port Canaveral     Disney Cruise Line® announced it has finalized an agreement with Port Canaveral to extend the company’s current contract 15 years through 2022. In addition, as part of its continuing commitment to the Central Florida area, the company will home port its two new ships in Port Canaveral. The new agreement between Disney Cruise Line and Port Canaveral was recently ratified by Port Authority Commissioners. As part of the new agreement, the Canaveral Port Authority will expand and modify the Disney Cruise Line port facility, including an extension of the dock and enlargements and enhancements to the terminal building to allow for additional luggage and passenger capacity. A multi-level parking structure, scheduled to be completed by 2011, will also be built for Disney Cruise Line. “We are very excited to call Port Canaveral our home and look forward to bringing our new ships here,” said Tom McAlpin, President of Disney Cruise Line.  “The new enhancements being made to our terminal will provide Guests an even more seamless transition from land to sea.” Once completed, the enhancements to the already unique Disney terminal will provide for improved passenger flow and additional Guest conveniences that together will contribute to the overall boarding experience. Disney Cruise Line will work with Port Canaveral to create a state of the art facility, which will contain several Disney touches that are certain to delight Guests. The terminal and dock enlargements are necessary to accommodate the new and larger Disney Cruise Line ships. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, they will be significantly larger than the existing Disney Magic® and Disney Wonder®. Port Canaveral Chief Executive Officer Stan Payne said, “Disney Cruise Line has been extremely successful in drawing a strong family market to Port Canaveral since its launch 10 years ago. We’re thrilled that Disney has committed to stay here long-term and are looking forward to the two new ships home porting here.” Port Canaveral continues to be one of the world’s busiest cruise ports. More than 3.5 million Disney Cruise Line Guests have sailed from Port Canaveral since the line’s beginning in 1998, adding to the economic and tourism growth of Brevard County. Future itinerary information for Disney Cruise Line ships beyond 2009 will be released at a later date so please continue to check back for updates.       FREEDOM of the Seas coming to Pt. Canaveral Disney Cruise Line bringing 2 new ships to Pt. Canaveral PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Disney Cruise Line has agreed to make Port Canaveral home for both of the newest super liner cruise ships in its fleet beginning in 2011, Local 6 News partner Florida Today reported.   In addition, Royal Caribbean International has signed a letter of intent to bring its Freedom of the Seas to be home-ported at Port Canaveral in 2009.   The deals are the culmination of a year of negotiations. In 2011 and 2012, Disney will put both of its mega-size 4,000-passenger ships at Port Canaveral in a deal in which the cruise line will pick up the $22 million cost for improvements to its land-side terminal at the port and construction of a new parking garage.   Under terms of the 15-year deal, the ships will remain at Port Canaveral at least until 2014, at which time Disney has the option to move the ships. At least two of the four Disney ships will remain at Port Canaveral for the duration of the contract.   "This is the most exciting development," said Stan Payne, chief executive officer of Canaveral Port Authority. "The trend in the cruise industry is to put the bigger ships at the strongest ports in the country, and for Disney to put both of its newest ships here is a big statement."   With Royal Caribbean, the deal to bring Freedom of the Seas to Port Canaveral in 2009 was critical to replace the Mariner of the Seas, which leaves for Los Angeles that year.   The five-year deal, which includes two one-year contract extensions, is the longest term of any contract the port has had with Royal Caribbean. It took a year to work out the Disney deal because of issues related to the overall deal, particularly financing the terminal construction, which needs to be completed by October 2010.   In February 2007, Disney announced the deal with Germany's Meyer Werft Shipyards to build the two 122,000-ton ships.         Disney Cruise Line will transform one of the most popular animated features of all time into a stage spectacular aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship when "Toy Story-The Musical" makes its debut at the Walt Disney Theatre this spring. This is the first time the Disney•Pixar classic has been adapted for the stage. Preserving the original "Toy Story" film from Pixar Animation Studios, "Toy Story-The Musical" explores the true meaning of friendship as Buzz Lightyear and Woody transform from jealous adversaries to best friends with an unbreakable bond. The show's elaborate costumes capture the vibrant colors and playfulness of the animated characters. "World-class Disney entertainment is a hallmark of Disney Cruise Line that sets us apart and ‘Toy Story-The Musical' is staged entertainment at it's best," said Ed Fouche, senior vice president of travel industry sales and marketing for Disney Destinations. "Travel agents and their clients alike will find this show elevates our incredible array of entertainment aboard the Disney Wonder to a higher level of magic." Following the storyline of the original Disney•Pixar film, "Toy Story-The Musical" will give clients a toy's eye-view of life in Andy's room. The musical opens with an introduction to Woody, a pull-string talking cowboy who has long been six-year-old Andy's favorite toy. But Andy's birthday brings a new arrival -- Buzz Lightyear, the coolest action figure in the universe. Woody's jealousy gets the better of him and he schemes to get rid of his new rival, but things go dreadfully awry. Woody and Buzz find themselves outside of Andy's room and in a hostile world. Working together and overcoming their differences, they find their way back to Andy – along the way developing an appreciation of one another and creating a friendship. Larger-than-life props help transform the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre into a toy-sized world of fun and adventure. A rear projection screen aids the transformation between human-sized and toy-sized scenes and takes the show from the comfort of Andy's room to the frenzied world of Pizza Planet to the frightening room of Andy's neighbor, Sid. Using Randy Newman's Oscar nominated hit song "You've Got a Friend in Me" as a departure point, this production has a new eight-song score that brings the story to life. New York-based Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn from the band GrooveLily blended together pop, rock and folk music to create a contemporary score that truly captures the heartfelt whimsy of the animated tale. The costumes for "Toy Story-The Musical" are some of the most complex ever developed for a Disney Cruise Line production. Costume designer Ann Closs-Farley created an extraordinary vision for what the characters would look like on stage. With a combination of articulated puppets and inflatable costumes, the "Toy Story" characters come to life – including a nearly nine-foot-tall version of Rex the dinosaur and a four-foot-round Hamm the piggybank. In all, "Toy Story-The Musical" represents one of the largest productions ever developed for a cruise ship. This is just the second time a Pixar animated feature has been adapted for the stage by Disney Creative Entertainment. In early 2007, "Finding Nemo-The Musical" debuted at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort and has been a tremendous success. "Toy Story-The Musical" compliments an already stellar lineup of entertainment performed every voyage on the Disney Wonder, joining stage shows "The Golden Mickeys" and the award-winning "Disney Dreams." For more information, contact YourCruiseAgents!  904-322-7691         Your Cruise Agents www.yourcruiseagents.com 1-866-499-4074 / 904-322-7691 When it comes to Freestyle Cruising, something new is definitely a good thing. Introducing NCL's new "IT GIRL", Norwegian Gem. This brand new ship offers all the things you love about NCL - all the restaurants, the bars and lounges, plus the complete disregard for watches and alarm clocks. It's the latest in the Jewel class family of ships and you'll find yourself wondering what to do next, nap, bowl a few games, get a good workout or ...whatever. Date Itinerary Oceanview 4/5/08 7-Night Bahamas R/T New York $879 Poetry is like the sea, lulling us with gentle swells and stirring the emotions. As poetry brings us pleasure the MSC Poesia will introduce a new dimension of enjoyment to a holiday on a magnificent and innovative ship. Feelings that will turn into pleasurable memories, to be replayed, like a poet’s images, time and time again. Date Itinerary Oceanview 6/7/08 7-Night Mediterranean R/T Venice $1,391 Why not write your own "Once upon a time" as you explore some of the most beautiful cities in Europe? Norwegian Jade has 10 international restaurants, plus 10 bars and lounges so you can dine and drink where, when and with whom you choose. Add to that the most innovative accommodations on the high seas, and you'll see there's no limit to the Freestyle choices for fun and relaxation aboard Norwegian Jade. Date Itinerary Oceanview 6/13/08 14-Night Mediterranean R/T Southampton $1,899 Beginning in July 2008, our newest, largest and most innovative ship ever, Carnival Splendor will dazzle all cruisers with her beauty and outstanding features. We have endowed her with our latest and greatest amenities, including: Carnival’s Seaside Theatre, a retractable Sky Dome, an expanded Camp Carnival and our most spectacular spa ever. Date Itinerary Oceanview 7/2/08 8-Night European Coast Genoa to London $1,249 To be delivered in summer 2008, the new Eurodam marks Holland America Line's next class of vessels and at 2,104 passengers the largest ever constructed for the premium line. With an estimated all-in cost of $450 million, the new 86,000-ton Panamax Eurodam will be built at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard. Date Itinerary Oceanview 7/25/08 10-Night Baltic Sea R/T Copenhagen $2,699 Making her debut in 2008, Ruby Princess includes a dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and performing street entertainers. Ruby Princess will also offer the popular Movies Under the Stars, multiple entertainment options, Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or Anytime seating, Lotus Spa with fitness center, an extensive children and teen’s center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies -- perfect for enjoying the scenic Caribbean islands. Date Itinerary Oceanview 11/22/08 7-Night Western Caribbean R/T Ft. Lauderdale $869 Independence of the Seas is set to become the third in the spectacular Freedom class of ships. Upon her May 2008 debut in the United Kingdom, she will be the largest ship ever to be home-ported in Europe. Guests across the globe will have access to the same amazing onboard innovations offered by our other Freedom-family ships, as well as a variety of exciting European itineraries to choose from. Date Itinerary Oceanview 11/29/08 8-Night Eastern Caribbean R/T Ft. Lauderdale $999 As you stroll among the expansive decks, you'll experience the rich color palettes illuminated by beautiful natural light, and revel in the extensive amenities - all delivered with the attentive service for which Celebrity Cruises is renowned. Celebrity Solstice is built around you and the way you long to travel. Voyage with us, on the newest of our Solstice-class of ships, and discover a refined level of elegance - an unrivaled experience making a distinctive statement of style and design. We invite you to learn more about the new features and venues as details are revealed. Date Itinerary Oceanview 12/14/08 7-Night Eastern Caribbean R/T Ft. Lauderdale $1,209 Dont Miss the Boat, Call Today! Cruise Planners Exclusive Hosted Sailings 12-Night Norwegian Fjords Roundtrip Southampton onboard Queen Victoria Sailing Date: June 10, 2008  Bonus Amenity: Shoreside Event 12-Night Baltic Sea Roundtrip Copenhagen onboard Azamara Journey Sailing Date: June 13, 2008  Bonus Amenity: Shoreside Event "Cruise Planners Hosted Sailings" (a product of American Express Mariner Club): Hosts, shore side events and cocktail parties are contingent on a minimum number of participants. When minimum participant levels are not met, shipboard credit will be substituted on these sailings. Shipboard credits are per stateroom, based on double occupancy. All fares listed are per person, cruise only and are based on double occupancy except where noted. Rates are in US dollars and are capacity controlled. Departure, Government and Air Taxes, fuel surcharge, port and handling fees, where applicable, are additional. Oceanview staterooms may have obstructed views. Offers may not be combinable with other discounts, promotions or shipboard credits. Certain restrictions apply to all sailings. The cruise lines reserve the right to withdraw any promotion without prior notice. Subject to availability. Cruise Planners is merely a selling agent for the cruise lines and makes no warranty express or implied. FST #ST36334; CST #2034468-40 Disney Cruise Line Raises Flag at German Shipyard   Disney Cruise Line® officially opened an office at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, as work continues to move forward on the design and development for the company’s two new cruise liners. In a ceremonial welcome, the Disney Cruise Line team presented Meyer Werft with an official company flag which was hoisted at the entrance to the shipyard.   "This is an exciting time as we take the first step in our new build process" said Frank de Heer, Vice President of New Ship Development for Walt Disney Imagineering. "Meyer Werft's expertise and fine craftsmanship combined with classic Disney artistry and storytelling will ensure that our ships will be among the finest at sea." "This is a special moment for Disney Cruise Line," said Fabio DiMarco, Director of New Build, Marine and Technical Design for Disney Cruise Line. "We are so happy to be here and fly our flag proudly at the Meyer Werft shipyard." For the next five years, the Disney Cruise Line flag will fly at the Meyer Werft shipyard and the company will maintain a permanent office in Papenburg. Full-time Disney Cruise Line Cast Members and Disney Imagineers will work alongside the Meyer Werft team to deliver the two new ships in 2011 and 2012. "We are honored to welcome Disney Cruise Line to Papenburg," said Bernard Meyer, CEO of Meyer Werft shipyard. "We look forward to building these magnificent ships with Disney, and together bringing new levels of innovation to cruise passengers around the world." Meyer Werft, which is known for its sophisticated ship building, entered into a contract with Disney Cruise Line in April of this year to construct the two new vessels. Disney Cruise Line currently has two 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic® and the Disney Wonder®, which each have 875 staterooms. The two news ships will be significantly larger at 124,000-tons with 1,250 staterooms. Cruise News Carnival Unveils New "Serenity" Adults-Only Retreat Carnival announces new "Carnival Works Aqua Park" Published on: August 30, 2007

When the Carnival Inspiration emerges from its month long dry dock in early October, it will be the first Carnival ship to feature a brand new adults-only area called "Serenity." Designed as an ocean-going oasis for relaxation, tranquility and comfort, the new "Serenity" areas are part of Carnival's $250 million "Evolutions of Fun" ship enhancement initiative which is resulting in a dramatic transformation of the line's eight Fantasy-class vessels. The "Serenity" areas will be located in a secluded aft section of the ship that provides for spectacular ocean vistas. The new design will feature plush chaise lounges and chairs. Colorful oversized umbrellas and a separate relaxation area will also provide the opportunity for guests to enjoy this new area in shaded comfort. Two whirlpools will be available to offer the ultimate relaxing escape. Complete bar service will be provided offering a selection of cocktails and frozen concoctions. For guests interested in a snack or casual meal, the Lido Restaurant is conveniently located nearby. The new "Serenity" adults-only areas are just one component of Carnival's wide-ranging "Evolutions of Fun" ship enhancement program. Other new features to be incorporated into Fantasy-class vessels include the Carnival WaterWorks expansive aqua parks featuring 300-foot-long corkscrew water slides, double-lane racing slides and various water-spray apparatus, as well as a new design style and features for the main pool areas. The Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Imagination will be the first two Fantasy-class ships to include all of the "Evolutions of Fun" enhancements, which are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. By 2009, all Fantasy-class ships are expected to be completed, including the "Serenity" areas and fabulous new transformation of the open decks. Additional components of the "Evolutions of Fun" program include 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. Also included will be new children's play areas -- part of the line's "Camp Carnival" program -- new facilities for the "Club O2" teen program, custom-designed spaces geared toward 12- to 14-year olds, and 50 interconnecting staterooms - perfect for large families or family gatherings. The program also includes a complete overhaul of the 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival facilities, with new private treatment rooms, state-of-the art exercise equipment and a host of cosmetic enhancements. "Evolutions of Fun" initiatives, including the Carnival WaterWorks aqua parks and redesigned pool areas, can be viewed at www.evolutionsoffun.com. For more information, call us 904-322-7691.  Your Cruise Agents!  Cruise Planners of Jacksonville              102,000-TON CARNIVAL VICTORY TO LAUNCH YEAR-ROUND SEVEN-DAY SOUTHERNCARIBBEAN CRUISES FROM SAN JUAN IN NOV. 2008 Carnival Cruise Lines will deploy the 2,758-passenger Carnival Victory on year-round seven-day southern Caribbean departures from San Juan beginning in November 2008.  Carnival Victory replaces the Carnival Destiny on this popular itinerary and provides a newer, slightly larger ship, as well as a fresh new choice for consumers. A truly spectacular Fun Ship,  Carnival Victory offers a dramatic décor inspired by the worlds great oceans and seas designed by Carnivals ship architect Joe Farcus. The dramatic Seven Seas atrium spans nine decks and is an instant wow as guests board the ship.  From the elegant Atlantic and Pacific dining rooms, to the exciting South China Sea Club casino, to the unique Adriatic Lounge, there are 17 different themed venues for guests to enjoy. In addition, the Carnival Victory will feature Carnivals Seaside Theatre with a huge outdoor LED screen showing movies, concerts and other programming. A full range of daytime and evening features will be available including everything from kids movies to major sporting events.