Carnival Fantasy to Under Full Evolutions of Fun Upgrades This Fall

[mercedes]

MIAMI (January 28, 2008) - An expansive new aqua park featuring a 300-foot-long water slide, along with an exclusive adults-only area, and a totally redesigned “resort-style” main pool will be incorporated into the Carnival Fantasy when the 2,052-passenger SuperLiner undergoes a multi-million-dollar dry dock this fall.

The “extreme makeover” represents phase two of “Evolutions of Fun,” Carnival Cruise Lines’ $250 million extensive ship refurbishment program for the line’s eight 70,000-ton Fantasy-class vessels.

Carnival Fantasy, which operates year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans, will be the third ship to be fully outfitted with all “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades, with Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Imagination completed in recent months.

“Carnival Fantasy – already a fantastic cruise vacation option from New Orleans, one of America’s great cities – will be even better following the implementation of our incredible new ‘Evolutions of Fun’ features,” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience.

New Aqua Park, Adults-Only Area, Redesigned Main Pool

Taking center stage on the Carnival Fantasy’s Verandah Deck will be Carnival WaterWorks, a spectacular aqua park featuring a four-deck-high 300-foot-long corkscrew water slide – the longest, most elaborate at sea – along with an 82-foot-long dual-lane racing slide, and various water spray apparatus creating cool and exhilarating fun for kids and adults, alike.

Located aft will be Serenity, an exclusive adults-only outdoor retreat designed as an ocean-going oasis for relaxation, tranquility and comfort. Offering magnificent ocean vistas, Serenity will feature plush chaise lounges and chairs, colorful oversized umbrellas, two whirlpools, and a separate area where guests can relax in shaded comfort. Bar service will be provided with waiters offering a tempting selection of icy cocktails and frozen concoctions.

The new resort-style main pool area, located mid-ship, will feature striking umbrellas providing shaded seating at pool’s edge along the tiled “beach” bordering the circumference of the pool. A thatched roof will cover one of the two whirlpools at either end of the swimming pool, while towering faux palm trees, along with more thatched roofing over new, centrally positioned staircases will further enhance the tropical ambiance.

Other ‘Evolutions of Fun’ Upgrades

These new enhancements will complement the wide range of “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades incorporated into the Carnival Fantasy during earlier dry docks. These include completely renovated staterooms with flat-screen TVs and other amenities, a nine-hole miniature golf course, a renovated 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival facility, updated dining rooms, a New York-style deli, an atrium lobby bar, a new conference facility, a patisserie serving specialty coffees and sweets and new photo and art galleries.

A number of family-friendly amenities – including expansive new facilities for children and teens, part of the top-rated “Camp Carnival” and “Club O2” programs, respectively – along with more than 50 interconnecting staterooms, have been added, as well.

High-tech sound and lighting systems for a host of live music and entertainment venues have also been incorporated.

Attractive Short Cruise Itineraries from New Orleans

The namesake of the Fantasy-class, Carnival Fantasy operates four- and five-day cruises to Mexico from New Orleans – the only ship operating year-round from the Big Easy.

On this popular route, four-day cruises depart Thursday and call at Cozumel while five-day voyages visit Progreso and Cozumel. Carnival also offers pre- and post-cruise land stays in New Orleans to provide guests the opportunity to experience and explore the city’s unique architecture, legendary nightlife and outstanding restaurants.

[JoeyandDavid]

WoW!!!