Carnival to Reposition 'Fun Ship' Paradise

Jason · February 24, 2004

MIAMI, Dec. 12 -- Carnival Cruise Lines' 2,052-passenger "Fun Ship" Paradise will begin year-round three- and four-day cruises from Long Beach, Calif., in Sept. 20, 2004, becoming the newest cruise ship to ever operate short cruises from the West Coast.

The Paradise assumes this route from the 2,052-passenger Ecstasy, which will be repositioned to Galveston to launch four- and five-day Mexico cruises in Oct. 2004.

"We are very enthused to introduce the Paradise to the West Coast market on three- and four-day Baja cruises," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. "This is a truly elegant, beautifully appointed vessel offering a wide variety of on-board facilities and features, along with stunning interiors that pay homage to the world's most famous ocean liners. The Paradise certainly represents an enticing option for consumers seeking an affordable, quality cruise vacation option from the West Coast."

Dickinson indicated that the Paradise, which has operated since its introduction in 1998 as a smoke-free vessel, will no longer retain that designation. "When we analyzed our redeployment strategy, the Paradise, based on its size and attributes, was the obvious choice to offer a fresh new short cruise alternative from California. And, with only one ship operating that program, we could not limit it to non-smokers," he said.

Year-Round Three- and Four-Day Baja Cruises

Beginning Sept. 20, 2004, the 70,000-ton Paradise will begin year-round three- and four-day cruises from Long Beach, becoming the newest ship to ever operate short cruises from the West Coast.

On this route, three-day cruises depart Long Beach on Fridays and call at Ensenada, Mexico, while four-day cruises depart Mondays and call at both Ensenada and Catalina Island.

Special 15-Day Panama Canal Cruise

Prior to the start-up of its new program, the Paradise will operate a special one-time 15-day Panama Canal repositioning cruise departing Miami Sept. 5, and arriving in Long Beach on Sept. 20, 2004. Featured ports will include Aruba, prior to the Panama Canal transit, along with Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Acapulco, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This will be the last cruise the Paradise will offer as a non-smoking vessel.

Variety of "Resort-Style" Features

The 70,000-ton SuperLiner Paradise, which entered service in November 1998, offers a wide range of signature "Fun Ship" amenities, including three restaurants -- two formal dining rooms and an expansive casual poolside eatery -- along with a 2,500-square-foot indoor play area, part of the top-rated "Camp Carnival" program.

A dozen lounges and bars with interiors inspired by the great ships of yesteryear are also featured. Sample rooms include the Queen Mary lounge, the Normandie show lounge, and the Rex dance club.

Other features include a 12,000-square-foot health club, a duty-free shopping mall, an Internet cafe, and a comprehensive golf program offering professional instruction both aboard ship and during golf excursions.

Pricing and Reservations

Carnival will begin accepting reservations on the Paradise's new cruise program next week.

Prices for the Paradise's three- and four-day Baja cruises from Long Beach start at $299 per person. The ship's 15-day Panama Canal cruise begins at $1,099 per person.

The cruises can also be purchased through Carnival's "Fun Finance Plan (SM)," which enables consumers to extend their cruise payments over 24-monthly installments. Certain restrictions apply.

Jason · February 24, 2004

MIAMI, Dec. 12 -- Carnival Cruise Lines' 2,052-passenger "Fun Ship" Paradise will begin year-round three- and four-day cruises from Long Beach, Calif., in Sept. 20, 2004, becoming the newest cruise ship to ever operate short cruises from the West Coast.

The Paradise assumes this route from the 2,052-passenger Ecstasy, which will be repositioned to Galveston to launch four- and five-day Mexico cruises in Oct. 2004.

"We are very enthused to introduce the Paradise to the West Coast market on three- and four-day Baja cruises," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. "This is a truly elegant, beautifully appointed vessel offering a wide variety of on-board facilities and features, along with stunning interiors that pay homage to the world's most famous ocean liners. The Paradise certainly represents an enticing option for consumers seeking an affordable, quality cruise vacation option from the West Coast."

Dickinson indicated that the Paradise, which has operated since its introduction in 1998 as a smoke-free vessel, will no longer retain that designation. "When we analyzed our redeployment strategy, the Paradise, based on its size and attributes, was the obvious choice to offer a fresh new short cruise alternative from California. And, with only one ship operating that program, we could not limit it to non-smokers," he said.

Year-Round Three- and Four-Day Baja Cruises

Beginning Sept. 20, 2004, the 70,000-ton Paradise will begin year-round three- and four-day cruises from Long Beach, becoming the newest ship to ever operate short cruises from the West Coast.

On this route, three-day cruises depart Long Beach on Fridays and call at Ensenada, Mexico, while four-day cruises depart Mondays and call at both Ensenada and Catalina Island.

Special 15-Day Panama Canal Cruise

Prior to the start-up of its new program, the Paradise will operate a special one-time 15-day Panama Canal repositioning cruise departing Miami Sept. 5, and arriving in Long Beach on Sept. 20, 2004. Featured ports will include Aruba, prior to the Panama Canal transit, along with Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Acapulco, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This will be the last cruise the Paradise will offer as a non-smoking vessel.

Variety of "Resort-Style" Features

The 70,000-ton SuperLiner Paradise, which entered service in November 1998, offers a wide range of signature "Fun Ship" amenities, including three restaurants -- two formal dining rooms and an expansive casual poolside eatery -- along with a 2,500-square-foot indoor play area, part of the top-rated "Camp Carnival" program.

A dozen lounges and bars with interiors inspired by the great ships of yesteryear are also featured. Sample rooms include the Queen Mary lounge, the Normandie show lounge, and the Rex dance club.

Other features include a 12,000-square-foot health club, a duty-free shopping mall, an Internet cafe, and a comprehensive golf program offering professional instruction both aboard ship and during golf excursions.

Pricing and Reservations

Carnival will begin accepting reservations on the Paradise's new cruise program next week.

Prices for the Paradise's three- and four-day Baja cruises from Long Beach start at $299 per person. The ship's 15-day Panama Canal cruise begins at $1,099 per person.

The cruises can also be purchased through Carnival's "Fun Finance Plan (SM)," which enables consumers to extend their cruise payments over 24-monthly installments. Certain restrictions apply.

GottaCruz · February 25, 2004

We've sailed on the Paradise several times and loved her. We are sorry to see her leave S. Florida. WE're also sorry to hear that her no smoking policy will be finished with also. :cry:

GottaCruz · February 25, 2004

We've sailed on the Paradise several times and loved her. We are sorry to see her leave S. Florida. WE're also sorry to hear that her no smoking policy will be finished with also. :cry: