 |
Contact Information:
Carnival Cruise Lines
3655 NW 87th Avenue
Miami, FL 33178-2428
1-888-CARNIVAL
|
Why Carnival Cruise Lines?
 Slideshow: Rock Music Theme Cruise on Carnival Inspiration
Carnival Cruise is the world's largest cruise line -- big ships with panache
Carnival Cruises are the best for families and fun-lovers of all ages
Cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico and more
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
About Carnival Cruise Lines
2009 Editors' Picks Awards Winner!
Best for Nightlife, First Timers, Buffet and Main Dining
Carnival Cruise Lines, founded in 1972 and headquartered in Miami, is the world's largest cruise line. The company's humble origins pigeonholed the line as the cruise industry's version of a floating fraternity party for a long, long time. But that was yesterday, and while Carnival still commands a certain reputation for a flashy, neon atmosphere -- and by no means skimps on elaborate lounges and discos -- its ships continue to evolve.
In particular, Carnival earned kudos for enhancing cuisine (never a high point in the old days), investing in a top-notch children's program, and expanding its itinerary offerings beyond traditional Caribbean and Bahamas trips to regions like Alaska and Atlantic Canada. Carnival offered its first European itineraries in 2002 (Carnival Legend sailed a few cruises after its inauguration in Harwich), and in 2005, Carnival Liberty spent a full season in Europe -- a first for the line, which has since offered cruises to the Continent somewhat regularly. But the company's bread and butter has long been short vacations of three to seven nights embarking from regional U.S. ports -- and it has deployed most of its Fantasy-class ships to those markets. Nearly all of those ships have been redone to include updated buffet venues and children's areas, and new water parks and adult serenity decks (more on Fantasy updates in fleet section).
Carnival Cruises is one of the world's most innovative cruise lines. In 1996, it debuted the first passenger vessel to exceed 100,000 tons: Carnival Destiny. It was also the first major cruise line to build and operate a completely smoke-free cruise ship, Carnival Paradise. After nearly six years of butt-free sailings, the ship, now deployed in California, has gone to a "limited smoking" policy where guests can light up in the casino and just a couple of bars and lounges, but not in cabins nor most public spaces, even outside -- except for midship-only on the Lido Deck.
Standard cabins include robes, and the "Comfort Bed" sleep system features deluxe plush mattresses, soft duvets, high quality linens and upgraded pillows. (Suite passengers have a "suite pillow menu" from which to select a specific pillow of their liking.)
In addition, the line offers a vacation guarantee program that allows passengers unhappy with their cruise the chance to disembark at the first port and get a refund. It also provides senior discounts via AARP, as well as very successful weddings at sea and golf offerings.
Read the complete Carnival Cruise Lines Review
|
|
|
|
|
Read More About Carnival Cruise Lines Ships:
Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Destiny
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Ecstasy
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Fantasy
• Carnival Fascination
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Imagination
• Carnival Inspiration
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Sensation
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Triumph
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Victory
• Holiday
| |
|
|
|
)
)
)
)
