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Carnival Cruise Lines

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Carnival Cruise Lines

Contact Information:
Carnival Cruise Lines
3655 NW 87th Avenue
Miami, FL 33178-2428
1-888-CARNIVAL
Why Carnival Cruise Lines?

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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. The company has also taken advantage of the fastest growing cruise segment in the United States, short vacations of three to five nights, and has deployed most of its Fantasy-class ships to those markets. Those ships are currently being redone to include updated bathrooms 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 now 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.


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