Sunday, January 27, 2008

Where will you be cruising in 2008?

2008 is upon us and it’s now time to start thinking about your next cruise getaway. This year, many new ships will be hitting the high seas, new destinations will be visited and more exotic itineraries have been added. But what does this mean to you? If you love cruising or have ever considered a cruise vacation, then it means a lot.

This year’s number one, do not miss destination is without a doubt, Northern Europe. There are nearly ten cruise lines sailing throughout Scandinavia, Russia and Northern Europe this summer including the yet to be launched Carnival Splendor, which will sail a 12-night itinerary from Dover. Marvel at the beauty of the Norwegian Fjords and discover the Baltic capitals on a range of itineraries from 6 to 14 nights.

2008 will bring a number of new ships into service. In addition to the Carnival Splendor, cruisers will get to experience the MSC Poesia, the MSC Fantasia, Holland America’s Eurodam and the much anticipated Celebrity Solstice. These ships are bigger and better than ever, offering more public space, more balconies, more restaurants and lounges, and so much more.

Another trend in 2008 is an increase in cruising from the west coast. This year you’ll see more ships sailing from Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco then ever before. Disney will operate 7-day Mexican Riviera cruises all summer long aboard the Disney Magic, NCL is offering five consecutive cruises to Mexico and Princess is also bringing back their popular Mexican Riviera cruises in 2008.

Whether you decide to cruise popular and historical Northern Europe, experience the exotic charm of Mexico or simply kick back and relax on a tropical Caribbean cruise, 2008 is your year to set sail.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Carnival Earns Best Cruise Line Honors in Southern Living Magazine's Annual Readers Choice Awards


Carnival Cruise Lines has been named the number one cruise line in Southern Living Magazine’s 2008 Readers Choice Awards.

The annual awards are based on surveys available to the publication’s 15 million readers who are asked to designate their number one choice in a variety of travel-related categories. Carnival was cited as the preferred cruise line more than any other cruise operator.
Carnival’s “Fun Ships” were recognized for providing excellent activities and entertainment options, an exceptional array of fine quality cuisine, and convenient Southern U.S. departure points, with 17 ships departing from eight ports throughout Florida, Alabama, Texas and Louisiana. “The convenience is a real winner and a great reason to keep going back again for more of what their ships have to offer,” said Wanda McKinney, Southern Living’s associate travel editor.
“We take a great deal of pride in providing our guests with wonderful vacation memories and have made a tremendous investment in continually updating and enhancing the ‘Fun Ship’ vacation experience. To have these efforts acknowledged by the discerning readers of Southern Living is extremely gratifying,” said Vicki Freed, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services.
Over the past five years alone, Carnival launched five new 110,000-ton “Fun Ships” – the largest in its fleet – and rolled out the $250 million “Evolutions of Fun” shipboard refurbishment program that includes extensive renovations for its eight Fantasy-class ships. New amenities for these vessels include the Carnival WaterWorks aqua parks, Serenity adults-only areas and totally redesigned main pool areas.
“With exciting new ship projects and guest-driven initiatives such as ‘Evolutions of Fun,’ Carnival is more committed than ever to providing our guests with fun, high quality, memorable vacations – all at an incredible value,” Freed added.
The line currently has three new ships on order, including the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, set to launch Carnival’s first Northern European cruise program July 13, 2008, and the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic – to be the largest “Fun Ships” ever constructed when they enter service in June 2009 and October 2011, respectively.