Expansive Sportsquare Recreation Area Rounds Out the Outdoor Fun and Fitness Atop New Carnival Magic

CruiseNews · January 16, 2011

The sky's the limit when it comes to outdoor fun and fitness at the innovative SportSquare to be featured on Carnival Cruise Lines' newest vessel, Carnival Magic, when it sets sail May 1. The line's most expansive outdoor recreation area by far, SportSquare on Carnival Magic (www.carnivalmagic.com) is an active cruiser's on-board paradise, featuring SkyCourse, the first ropes course at sea, and cruising's first-ever outdoor fitness area. Guests can also get in the swing of things with the line's first-ever two-level nine-hole miniature golf course, which the company is encouraging fans to help name at www.carnivalmagic.com/contest.

Sure to be a talked about feature will be SkyCourse, the first-of-its-kind ropes course located on Spa & Sports Deck 12. The spectacular new attraction will offer fun and adventure for all, along with magnificent views of the sea nearly 150 feet below. On SkyCourse, thrill-seeking guests can strap into a safety harness and choose from a beginner or intermediate course, traversing across rope bridges, swinging steps and beams suspended above the top deck. Approximately 20 guests at a time can zig and zag along the two 230-foot courses, while friends and family can join in the fun by cheering participants on from the deck. Each of the 20 different elements on the ropes course is named after a notable bridge in the U.S.

"We're literally taking fun and fitness to a new level with SportSquare. Whether you're climbing our amazing new ropes course at sea, doing some fresh-air cardio or just taking it all in, there's something fun for everyone to enjoy, day or night," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival's president and CEO.

Guests can get pumped up at Sky Fitness featuring a wide array of exercise equipment, stationary bicycles, elliptical and rowing machines, punching bags and more. For a run in the sun and fresh sea air, Sports Track offers an 800-foot-long jogging path that surrounds the entire area. When guests are ready to get their game on, they'll find lighted multi-purpose space for basketball, volleyball and soccer, along with a six-station Vita exercise course and ping pong and foosball tables at Sports Court. And for those who just want to relax and check out the sports action in the area or on TV, SportSquare also features a full bar with a large flat-screen display.

Have a Ball and Name Magic's Miniature Golf Course

As part of its Make The Magic Yours campaign, Carnival is continuing to give fans the opportunity to add their personal touches to its newest and most innovative "Fun Ship." Winning fans have already created witty coaster sayings for the line's first Caribbean-themed pub at sea, named a delicious dish for its family-style Italian restaurant, and the giant water dump bucket that will provide a splashing good time for kids and adults alike.

Today, the company is challenging fun-atics to name SportSquare's two-level, mini golf course. Through, January 24, 2011, fans ages 13 and older can submit their suggested name at www.carnivalmagic.com/contest for a chance to have their winning entry forever "linked" to the nine-hole course, along with a prize package which includes a digital camera and Carnival-branded golf paraphernalia.

Entries must be no more than 50 characters and Carnival ship-worthy, as they'll be judged by the company based on relevance, creativity and originality then culled down to five finalists. In late January, Carnival will invite fun seekers to vote for their favorite name to choose one lucky winner who will be announced in mid-February. Additional information and contest rules are available at www.carnivalmagic.com/contest.

In addition to serving as a clever way to name Carnival Magic's mini-golf course, the contest will raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, with Carnival donating $1 for each entry and vote, as well as for each Facebook fan who "likes" the contest.

SportSquare, along with Carnival Magic's many other unique innovations, are highlighted in an interactive micro site, www.carnivalmagic.com, which features a full-screen virtual tour, exclusive images and videos, construction footage and more.

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic is slated to debut in Europe with a series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean cruises operating May 1 – Oct. 16, 2011. Following a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing, Carnival Magic will launch seven-day Caribbean service from Galveston, Texas, Nov. 14, 2011, becoming the port's largest year-round cruise ship.

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