Carnival Takes Delivery of New 110,000-ton Valor

[Jason]

2,974-Passenger SuperLiner Will Be The Largest Carnival ‘Fun Ship’ Based in Miami

MIAMI (Dec. 1, 2004) – Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), today took delivery of the new 110,000-ton Carnival Valor, which will be the largest Carnival “Fun Ship” ever based in Miami when it launches year-round seven-day Caribbean service Dec. 19.

The $500 million SuperLiner, which was constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, will depart Monfalcone, Italy, today and is expected to arrive in Miami Dec. 13 then operate a special two-day Bahamas cruise Dec. 15-17.

On Dec. 17, Carnival Valor will be “officially” named in ceremonies presided over by Katie Couric, longtime co-host of NBC News' “Today,” who will serve as the ship’s godmother.

Carnival Valor will then launch a year-round schedule of alternating weeklong eastern and western Caribbean cruises from Miami Dec. 19. Eastern Caribbean cruises call at Nassau, The Bahamas; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; and St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, while the western route features Belize City, Belize; Isla Roatan, Honduras; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.

"Newer, larger cruise ships such as Carnival Valor offer the facilities and features desired by today’s consumers and we are delighted to welcome this spectacular ‘floating resort’ into the ‘Fun Ship’ fleet,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

Among the largest passenger vessels at sea, Carnival Valor houses 22 lounges and bars, four swimming pools, a 214-foot-long water slide, an Internet café, a 13,300-square-foot health club, a comprehensive golf program, and four restaurants, including an upscale supper club.

Its numerous family-friendly amenities include a 4,200-square-foot children’s play room, as well as a teen club/game room. Of the ship’s 1,487 staterooms, 60 percent will offer either an ocean view or a balcony.

Carnival is currently accepting reservations for Carnival Valor’s eastern and western Caribbean voyages from Miami.

[gymbrat33]

Thanks, Jason. I'll be on this ship for the pre-inaugural cruise to the Bahamas on December 15th. I'll tell you all about it and post pictues when I return.

[GottaCruz]

Sounds great.

Looking forward to seeing your pictures, gymbrat. :cool:

[gymbrat33]

Thank you, Gottacruz! Stay tuned. My cruise is in 8 days!

[cruisin05]

I'm cruising on the Valor on February 4th. It is my first Cruise, I am way excited. I am eagerly awaiting photos, as I have been unable to see what this ship looks like as of yet :cry: