Carnival Takes Delivery of Carnival Magic

[mercedes]

Carnival Cruise Lines' newest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, was officially named in a shipboard ceremony in Venice, Italy, earlier today by godmother Lindsey Wilkerson, a former patient at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital who is now serves as an employee and an ambassador of the organization.Hosted by Senior Cruise Director John Heald, the naming ceremony began with a preview of the line's newest production show, "Destination Unknown." The spectacular magic revue served to bring Carnival President and CEO Gerry Cahill to the stage as he arrived via helicopter, one of the many illusions that are featured within the new show.

Then, with the assistance of Carnival Magic Captain Giovanni Cutugno, Wilkerson offered the ship and the crew her best wishes and pushed a custom-designed button that rested on a podium resembling the line's iconic winged funnel thus releasing a bottle of champagne across the vessel's bow.

During the ceremony, Carnival presented St. Jude with a $50,000 donation, continuing the line's ongoing partnership of the organization, one of the world's premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Through various on-board fundraisers, Carnival endeavors to raise $3 million for St. Jude over a three-year period, as part of the cruise line's Care To Play program.

Following the naming ceremony, Carnival Magic embarked on its inaugural nine-day cruise from Venice to Barcelona, positioning the vessel for a series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean cruises through October. The ship will then sail on a 16-day transatlantic then launch year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas, in November.

As the line's newest ship, Carnival Magic will introduce a host of innovations, including the RedFrog Pub, a colorful Caribbean-inspired watering hole featuring its own private label draught beer; Cucina del Capitano, a family-style Italian restaurant that brings the heritage of Carnival's captains to the table; and SportSquare, an expansive open-air recreation complex with the first ropes course and outdoor fitness area at sea.

Other features include a WaterWorks aqua park with a 312-foot-long spiral water slide and other attractions; The Lanai, a wraparound promenade with an outdoor barbeque area and whirlpools that extend out over the ship's sides; and Ocean Plaza, a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue.

"With a combination of exciting new features such as the RedFrog Pub, SportSquare and Cucina del Capitano and other popular 'Fun Ship' amenities, Carnival Magic epitomizes our company's continued commitment to providing our guests with fun, memorable vacations at an incredible value," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines' president and CEO.

Added Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc's chairman and CEO, "The delivery of a new cruise ship to one of our brands is always a proud and exciting moment," said Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc. "It is particularly meaningful that delivery of Carnival Corporation & plc's 100th ship is for the Carnival Cruise Lines brand, which provided the foundation upon which Carnival Corporation & plc was established and, ultimately, grew into the largest cruise operator in the world with 10 global brands."

Following the May 1 inaugural voyage from Venice, Carnival Magic will sail a series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean departures from Barcelona through Oct. 16, then

[DebbieandJerry]

Carnival has been waiting for this ship for quite awhile. I hope it is everything they hoped it to be - and more!

[hazelson]

Pretty soon we are going to have to rent motor scooters to get around these behemoths!

[Orrymain]

Pretty soon we are going to have to rent motor scooters to get around these behemoths!

I love the name of Magic which seems to fit the Carnival line's image. It's all about the magic of cruising so I'm surprised no one else has used the name in the past, or have they?