Second Annual John Heald Bloggers Cruise to be Held Aboard Carnival Fantasy from New Orleans In February 2009

[mercedes]

MIAMI (January 21, 2008) – Following tremendous response to the inaugural John Heald Bloggers Cruise taking place this week aboard Carnival Freedom, Carnival Cruise Lines has announced that the popular senior cruise director will host a second Bloggers Cruise, this time aboard the Carnival Fantasy Feb. 7-12, 2009.

The second Bloggers Cruise -- a five-day voyage operating round-trip from New Orleans and calling at the Mexican ports of Progreso and Cozumel -- will bring together thousands of enthusiasts of Heald's widely read blog, which has attracted more than 1.4 million visitors since its debut last March.

The announcement for the second Bloggers Cruise was made yesterday by Heald aboard the Carnival Freedom where more than 1,000 of his readers gathered for a week of fun and interaction.

Through his blog (located at carnival.com and johnhealdsblog.com), Heald offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at shipboard life, with humorous and often poignant anecdotes and observations focusing on the people and places he comes in contact with on a daily basis. He is often joined by his wife Heidi, assistant cruise director and regular blog contributor.

“I am very excited to host the 2009 Bloggers Cruise aboard the Carnival Fantasy and can’t wait to see the amazing additions that have taken place on board following the ‘Evolutions of Fun’ refurbishment,” Heald said. “This cruise will be great opportunity for those who love cruising and read the blog thingy to come together for a fun celebration. Of course, I relish the chance to see New Orleans again and maybe in a small way this cruise will highlight the Big Easy's continuing rejuvenation,” he added.

Carnival Fantasy was selected as the venue for the second “Bloggers Cruise” as it will be the latest ship to undergo the second phase of the line’s “Evolutions of Fun” vessel refurbishment program, which will result in a total transformation of the ship.

The upgrades, scheduled to be completed during a month-long dry dock this fall, will include a Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, Serenity adults-only area, and a totally redesigned main Lido pool area. These renovations will complement phase one of the program which included extensive refurbishments in public areas, as well as all staterooms and suites.

The “Second Bloggers” cruise also provides participants the opportunity to sail from New Orleans and experience all the great features and attractions this one-of-a-kind city has to offer.

Special ‘Bloggers Cruise’ Events

During the five-day cruise on Carnival Fantasy, Heald will serve as cruise director and host a number of exclusive events, including a Welcome Aboard Reception, trivia contests, and question-and-answer sessions. Special photo opportunities with Heald will be available, as well.

A variety of special giveaways and logo items will be provided to all Bloggers Cruise participants, and Heald will, of course, be submitting entries to his blog throughout the voyage.

The Perfect Venue

The namesake in the line’s highly successful Fantasy-class, the Carnival Fantasy features a variety of dramatic public spaces, with 12 themed lounges and bars, a 12,000-square-foot spa, full casino gambling and on-board duty-free shopping.

Dining options aboard Carnival Fantasy include two formal restaurants offering extensive menus and wine lists and a 700-seat casual poolside eatery featuring 24-hour pizza and ice cream, along with a sushi bar, a coffee bar serving specialty coffees and sweets, and complimentary 24-hour stateroom service.

Extensive facilities for children and teens, part of the top-rated “Camp Carnival” and “Club O2” programs, respectively, are also available. Carnival Fantasy also offers a wide range of accommodation categories, all of which have been renovated and feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

Pricing and Reservations

Prices for the second Bloggers Cruise aboard the Carnival Fantasy begin at $359 per person based on double occupancy (price includes all Bloggers Cruise activities and giveaways). Special discounted rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with air supplements from a variety of North American gateways, are also available. Pre- and post-cruise land stays in the New Orleans area are available as well.

Participants must request fare code CPBL/FPBL to be included in the 2009 Bloggers Cruise events.

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