New for 2006 For Carnival

EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENTS ON TAP AT CARNIVAL FOR 2006

MIAMI (Jan. 4, 2006) – Carnival Cruise Lines has a number of exciting developments planned for the 2006 cruise season, including new year-round four- and five-day cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla., featuring a brand new port of call, Grand Turk, along with an expanded schedule of 12-day Mediterranean voyages and the resumption of service from New Orleans and Mobile, Ala.

A number of new shipboard enhancements are also scheduled to be rolled out fleetwide in the coming year, including the “Carnival Comfort Bed” sleep system and the “Georges Blanc Signature Selection” menu items created by the world-renowned chef and restaurateur. Carnival will also continue its efforts at catering to the family cruise market and expects to carry a record 525,000 children this year – the most in cruising. 

New Programs and Itineraries 

A new year-round four- and five-day cruise schedule from Port Canaveral debuts March 23, initially on the Sensation through Oct. 19 and on the Elation beginning Oct. 23. Four-day cruises visit Nassau and either Freeport or Half Moon Cay, while five-day cruises call at Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay and Nassau. Highlighting select five-day cruises is Grand Turk, part of the Turks & Caicos Islands, featuring pristine beaches, turquoise waters, spectacular coral reefs, and an unspoiled atmosphere.

From April 30 – Oct. 15, the Elation will operate a new seven-day cruise program from Miami featuring four exceptional island destinations -- Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas/St. John, Grand Turk and a rare daytime call at San Juan. 

Expanded Mediterranean Schedule 

Following a highly successful inaugural Mediterranean schedule in 2005, Carnival Liberty will offer an expanded series of 15 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” cruises round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) May 7 – Oct. 22. The itinerary includes extended port calls in seven magnificent locations: Naples, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy; Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy.

Resumption of Service from Mobile, New Orleans; Ecstasy’s Return to Galveston 

Three Carnival ships currently under charter to the U.S. government for hurricane relief efforts will resume their previously operated schedules in 2006. The Holiday resumes year-round four-and five-day cruises from Mobile, Ala., March 27; the Sensation launches four- and five-day service from New Orleans Oct. 26; and the Ecstasy begins four- and five-day service from Galveston April 8. Elation, which replaced the Ecstasy on four- and five-day cruises from Galveston, will continue that program through April 3, then reposition to Miami for its new seven-day cruise program beginning April 30. 

Wide Variety of Product Enhancements 

As part of its “Today’s Carnival” product enhancement strategy, the company has introduced the new Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system featuring plush mattresses, luxurious duvets, high quality linens, and comfortable pillows, including a “suite pillow” menu for guests in suite accommodations. The items can be ordered via a special web site, carnivalcomfortbed.com.
Additionally, continuing the line’s increased emphasis on enhancing its culinary offerings, world-renowned French master chef Georges Blanc, who has maintained the coveted three stars from Michelin for 25 years, is creating one-of-a-kind gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts for Carnival’s main dining rooms, Lido restaurants and supper clubs fleetwide. Blanc and his staff are also providing training to Carnival chefs both at his restaurants in Vonnas, France, and aboard the line’s ships. 

Both of these enhancements are available on select Carnival vessels and are expected to be implemented fleetwide in 2006.

Record 525,000 Kids Aboard ‘Fun Ships’ 

With the continued expansion of its family friendly amenities, Carnival expects to carry a record 525,000 children in 2006 – a 325 percent increase versus 11 years ago. Recent enhancements include the new fleetwide “Club 02” teen program developed in tandem with The Coca-Cola Company and featuring expansive facilities, a dedicated teen counselor aboard each ship, as well as a variety of new “Camp Carnival” activities focusing on art, reading, science, geography, and physical fitness for younger cruisers. 

For additional information and reservations, contact Lighthouse Travel at 800-719-9917.

Carnival Cruise Lines 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.