GRAMMY ®Award-Winning Band to Play Exclusive Concert in Galveston, Texas, on November 13 to Welcome Newest “Fun Ship” to its Year-Round Homeport. 

Everything is bigger in Texas, including Carnival Cruise Lines’ celebration for the U.S. debut of its newest ship, Carnival Magic. Carnival has just announced a team up with three-time GRAMMY Award-winning band Maroon 5 to perform an exclusive concert to welcome the line’s newest “Fun Ship” to its year-round homeport of Galveston, Texas. On Sunday, November, 13, 2011, set to the backdrop of the spectacular new Carnival Magic from Pier 21, thousands of fans of Maroon 5 and Carnival will be treated to a free, ticketed concert by the multi-platinum group the day before the new vessel sets sail on its first Caribbean cruise.

Carnival Magic, which entered service in May in Europe, will make its transatlantic voyage to arrive in Galveston on November 13. That afternoon, lucky invited guests will enjoy a fantastic performance from the globally recognized group known for hits like “Moves Like Jagger," “This Love,” “She Will Be Loved,” “Wake Up Call” and “Makes Me Wonder.”

“We wanted to do something big and memorable to mark Carnival Magic’s U.S. debut and what better way to celebrate than to bring together fans of music and fans of Carnival, along with our partners in Galveston, for an exceptional afternoon of fun and entertainment,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines’ president and CEO. “We’re thrilled to kick off year-round Caribbean cruising on the newest and most spectacular ship sailing from Texas.”

Adam Levine, Maroon 5 frontman and coach on the hit NBC series “The Voice,” said, “We’ve played every kind of venue imaginable across the world, but we’ve never helped to launch a new cruise ship. We’re excited to work with Carnival and to be part of the Carnival Magic celebration for fans in Texas.”

Following the concert, Carnival will host several thousand travel agent partners on board Carnival Magic for an evening of dining and entertainment. On November 14, the ship will launch its Caribbean cruise programme which will feature two different week-long itineraries from Galveston, including seven-day western Caribbean voyages to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and week-long eastern Caribbean cruises to Nassau, Freeport, and Key West.

As the line’s newest ship, Carnival Magic offers a host of innovations, including the RedFrog Pub, a colourful 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.

Prices start from £389 per person cruise only for a 7-night Caribbean cruise onboard the all new Carnival Magic. 9-night fly/cruise fares start from £999 per person including scheduled flights between London and Houston with British Airways, pre-cruise hotel night, transfers and 7-night cruise full board basis. Lead in fares based on 21st January 2012

visit www.carnivalcruise.co.uk for further information or to book please click here to contact your local ACE travel agent. 

Carnival also can be found on:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/carnivalcruise
Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/carnival
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/carnivalcruiselines/

Travellers wishing to visit a specific part of the world or those with limited time can still experience the exotic ports of call, overnight adventures and unique onboard atmosphere of Holland America Line’s 2012 Grand World Voyage, with eight segments available ranging from 18 to 50 days.

“We understand that not everyone has 112 days to sail on a Grand World Voyage, so we divided the itinerary into eight fascinating and exciting segments that highlight the best of each region,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “The Grand World Voyage is a long-standing tradition with Holland America Line. Each segment has been carefully crafted to ensure unique experiences that will resonate with our guests.”

ms Amsterdam’s full 112-day Grand World Voyage sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida., departing Jan. 6, 2012. The adventure takes a westbound route with the first stops in the Caribbean, then on to explore South America, the South Pacific, Australia, the Far East, India and Europe. The voyage boasts numerous special events including performers such as renowned trumpet player Doc Severinsen and five-time Grammy nominated Michael Feinstein.

A sampling of shorter segments available on the 2012 Grand World Voyage includes:

18 Nights from Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires
Departing Fort Lauderdale Jan. 6, guests on this segment enjoy sunny Caribbean ports before sailing along the eastern coast of South America. In addition to calls at smaller ports such as Belém and Recife, overnight calls at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, ensure guests have time to celebrate the Carnival atmosphere and take in a tango show. 18-nights from £1,959 per person cruise only. Fly/cruise fares on request.

50 Nights from Fort Lauderdale to Sydney, Australia
Departing Fort Lauderdale Jan. 6, the longest segment of the Grand World Voyage includes the 18-day segment to Buenos Aires and then continues on an exciting exploration of Antarctica including sailing around Cape Horn. The Amsterdam continues to Easter and Pitcairn islands before touching on island jewels in French Polynesia and ending at Sydney. 50-nights from £ 6,549 per person cruise only. Fly/cruise fares on request.

32 Nights from Sydney to Mumbai (Bombay), India
Amsterdam departs Sydney Feb. 26 and makes an overnight call at Cairns, Australia. After exploring The Great Barrier Reef and its magnificent underwater scenery, the ship heads to Komodo Island to encounter the infamous Komodo dragon. An overnight at Hong Kong opens the door to overland shore excursions to Angkor Wat, Cambodia, or the Great Wall of China. Amsterdam then calls at ports in Vietnam, stays overnight at Singapore and continues on to Thailand and Sri Lanka before making a maiden call at Mangalore, India. 32-nights from £3,719 per person cruise only. Fly/cruise fares on request.

22 Days from Singapore to Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Departing March 19 from Singapore, Amsterdam calls at ports throughout India, including an overnight at Mumbai, and then spends six leisurely days at sea before calling at Safaga and Sharm el Sheik, Egypt. A daylight transit of the Suez Canal enables guests to enjoy the passage as the ship makes it way to Piraeus. 22-nights from £3,029 per person cruise only. Fly/cruise fares on request.

30 Days from Mumbai to Fort Lauderdale
Guests looking to sail on the latter half of the Grand World Voyage can embark March 29 at Mumbai and sail through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean. Amsterdam calls at ports throughout Greece, Italy and Spain, including overnight calls at Piraeus and Barcelona, before visiting the fragrant port of Funchal, Madeira. The ship then sets sail across the Atlantic Ocean on a seven-night crossing to Fort Lauderdale, marking the end of the Grand World Voyage. . 31-nights from £3,589 per person cruise only. Fly/cruise fares on request.

A Grand Onboard Experience
Sailing on Holland America Line’s Grand World Voyage is a cruise experience unlike any other. Onboard amenities are elevated to the highest degree. The finest service is always nearby, with nearly one crew member for every two guests and many of them Grand Voyage veterans. A different dining experience is offered every day, with the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of exquisite food and fine wine from around the world, including regional specialties that highlight the ports of call. Entertainment features local cultural and folkloric shows, special guest headliners, illuminating speakers and many other festive events and galas.

Grand World Voyage segment fares begin at £1,959 per person, while fares for the full Grand World Voyage start at £12,269 per person, both double occupancy.

For more information and cruise fares, please click here to find your local ACE agent.  or visit www.hollandamerica.co.uk.

New 130,000-ton Fun Ship to Introduce Vibrant Tropical Décor, Innovative Facilities and Features

Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Breeze, will enter service in June 2012 debuting with a summer schedule of 12-day Mediterranean voyages, with fly/cruise prices starting from £899 per person.

As Carnival’s newest “Fun Ship,” Carnival Breeze will offer a host of exciting innovations, including expansive top-deck areas such as WaterWorks, an aqua park with exhilarating water slides and other attractions; SportSquare, an open-air recreation complex with a ropes course, mini-golf, and outdoor fitness area; The Lanai, a wraparound promenade with whirlpools extending over the ship’s sides, and a 270-square-foot poolside LED screen displaying movies, and other programming.

In a nod to its winter Caribbean deployment, Carnival Breeze will also feature the RedFrog Pub, a lively spot for tasty island-inspired snacks and drinks, including its own private label beer. Other dining highlights will include Cucina del Capitano, a family-style Italian restaurant that brings the heritage of Carnival’s captains to the table, along with a casual two-level poolside eatery, and a classic American-style steakhouse. Dedicated play areas for children, ’tweens and teens, as well as a two-level health and fitness centre, and a wide variety of accommodation options will be available, as well.

Carnival Breeze will also introduce colourful Caribbean-inspired interiors that take their cue from the region’s cool island breezes and warm tropical sunsets. Created by Germany-based Partner Ship Design, this striking new tropical design theme will be carried out in the ship’s public spaces, as well as staterooms which will offer a combination of bright colours and soothing pastel hues, with iconic images of palm trees and other island-inspired elements adorning hallway corridors.

Carnival fans can learn about the Carnival Breeze’s many features and view its colourful new stateroom designs at www.carnival.com/breeze.

“Not only will Carnival Breeze introduce exciting new features and a highly creative island-inspired interior design that pays homage to the world’s most popular cruising region, we’ve put together itineraries that provide our guests with the opportunity to visit a huge array of stunning ports of call throughout the Caribbean and Mediterranean,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

Exciting 12-Day Mediterranean Cruises

Carnival Breeze will kick off its inaugural 2012 season with a special 12-day maiden voyage that will depart Venice on June 3, and arrive in Barcelona June 15, 2012. Ports of call on this one-time voyage include Dubrovnik, Croatia; Athens, Greece; Izmir, Turkey; Messina (Sicily), Olbia (Sardinia), Rome (Civitavecchia), and Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy; Monaco, Monte Carlo; and Marseilles, France.

Carnival Breeze will then commence a summer schedule of 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona, one of Europe’s most stunning and historic cities. The programme will run from June 15 through October 25, 2012 (with the exception of the Aug. 26, 2012, voyage which will sail from Venice).

The 12-day Mediterranean cruises include stops at Marseilles or Monaco; Livorno; Naples; Dubrovnik; Venice; Civitavecchia (Rome), and Messina (the June 15 and September 7 departures add a stop in Palma de Mallorca, Spain; while the Aug. 14 and 26 voyages also visit Olbia (Sardinia), Italy. Selected voyages also overnight in Venice or Rome (Civitavecchia).

Each of these ports offer a diverse array of sightseeing experiences, from world-class museums, shops and restaurants to famous historical landmarks, unique architecture and cultural opportunities not found anywhere else in the world.

Value-Packed 15-Day Trans-Atlantic Crossing

Following its European schedule, Carnival Breeze will sail on a 15-day trans-Atlantic crossing departing Barcelona November 6, arriving in Miami on November 21, 2012. Ports of call on this voyage will include Palma de Mallorca and Malaga, Spain; Las Palmas, Canary Islands; Antigua and St. Maarten.

The combination of popular European and Caribbean ports with multiple sea days and a host of exciting and unique on-board events and activities will make this transatlantic crossing truly an unforgettable experience.

Convenient Six-Day Caribbean Schedule from Miami

As part of its innovative Miami-based cruise schedule, Carnival Breeze will offer a year-round three-port, six-day cruise programme operating Sundays-Saturdays beginning December 2, 2012.

This schedule will be offered on alternating weeks and will feature visits to three popular ports of call: Grand Turk, B.W.I.; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Nassau, The Bahamas.

Although uniquely different, each of these destinations feature beautiful white-sand beaches, excellent shopping, dining and sightseeing experiences, and a wide variety of water sports opportunities, along with a laid-back island ambiance that embodies the essence of a Caribbean cruise.

Port-Intensive Eight-Day Itineraries From Miami

Expanding upon its role as the leader in Caribbean cruising, Carnival Breeze will offer two distinctly different four-port, eight-day itineraries year-round from the Port of Miami operating Saturday-Sunday beginning November 24, 2012.

Each of the Carnival Breeze’s eight-day cruises from Miami will provide guests with ample opportunities to sample the best that the Caribbean has to offer, from sunning and relaxing on gorgeous beaches to shopping for duty-free bargains and savoring delectable island cuisine. The Saturday-to-Sunday rotation is particularly attractive as it maximizes holiday time, with eight full days of cruising across two weekends.

The schedule includes an eight-day southern Caribbean itinerary that will feature Grand Turk, La Romana (Dominican Republic), Curacao, and Aruba, along with an eight-day eastern Caribbean route visiting St. Thomas/St. John, Antigua, Tortola and Nassau.

Combined with its six-day cruises, Carnival Breeze guests are offered unprecedented opportunities to visit a diversity of sunny, tropical Caribbean’s destinations, with nearly a dozen ports of call featured among the various itineraries.

Reservations

Carnival will begin accepting reservations for Carnival Breeze’s new 12-day Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, as well as the six- and eight-day Caribbean voyages from Miami on Wednesday, May 4, 2011. 12-day Mediterranean fly/cruise prices start from £899 per person, including scheduled flights from London and transfers (Lead in fare based on June 15 sailing).

visit www.carnivalcruise.co.uk or click here to find you local ACE agent.

In an unprecedented social media event, Carnival Cruise Lines is inviting Facebook fans (www.facebook.com/carnival) to experience the excitement of Carnival Magic’s May 1 launch from Venice, Italy, with a series of videos that showcase the ship’s inaugural activities along with its many unique features and innovations.

 A series of 11 videos will be posted every half hour between 2pm and 7pm on Sunday, May 1.  The videos take viewers on a journey as they enjoy a front-row seat at the Carnival Magic’s naming ceremony, tour the ship’s bridge, and learn more about the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub, WaterWorks aqua park, and Cucina del Capitano Italian restaurant, with insight from company executives who helped create these exciting new spaces.    

 The videos also offer an in-depth look at the ship’s European ports of call and a recap of the day's events, including a chat with the ship’s godmother, Lindsey Wilkerson, a former patient of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital who now serves as an employee and an ambassador of the organization. Carnival Magic’s Senior Cruise Director John Heald will also answer questions submitted by Facebook fans as part of an informative “Ask John” segment.

“Only a handful of people get to witness a ship launch in person so by using Facebook we’re enabling fans from all over the world to be right there with us as we welcome Carnival Magic into the fleet,” said Jim Berra, Carnival’s chief marketing officer. “Those who are not already among our 725,000 and growing Facebook fans can visit us at www.facebook.com/carnival and simply hit the “like” button.&rdquo 

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic will spend its inaugural season in Europe with a series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean cruises operating May 1 through October 16, 2011. Following a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing, Carnival Magic will begin seven-day Caribbean cruises out of Galveston, Texas, on November 14, 2011, becoming the port’s largest year-round ship.

 Additional information on Carnival Magic is available at www.carnivalmagic.com or or click  HERE to find your local ACE Travel Agent. 

New 3,690-Passenger Vessel is 100th Cruise Ship in Carnival Corporation & plc’s Fleet

 MIAMI (April 27, 2011) -- Carnival Cruise Lines, a brand of global cruise operator Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), today accepted delivery of the corporation’s 100th ship, the Carnival Magic, in ceremonies at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, where the vessel was built.          In recognition of this achievement, on April 29 all guests sailing aboard Carnival Corporation & plc’s 100 ships will enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at dinner to commemorate this historic and unprecedented milestone.  All told, more than 227,000 guests across the company’s 10 cruise brands will participate in the toast, believed to be the largest celebration of its kind at sea.  Following the traditional maritime handover ceremony in Italy, Carnival Magic will debut on May 1 with a nine-day Mediterranean cruise from Venice to Barcelona.

Prior to the departure of its inaugural voyage, the 130,000-ton vessel will be named by its godmother, Lindsey Wilkerson, a former patient of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital who now serves as an employee and ambassador of the organization. The choice of Wilkerson as godmother is a tribute to Carnival’s ongoing partnership with St. Jude, one of the world’s premier centres for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases.    

As the line’s newest ship, Carnival Magic will introduce a host of innovations, including the RedFrog Pub, a colourful 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 cruise holidays at 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.   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.&rdquo 

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 reposition to Galveston, Texas, for year-round seven-day Caribbean departures beginning Nov. 14, becoming the largest ship ever based at the port year-round. 

Please visit www.carnivalcruise.co.uk or call UK Reservations: 0845 351 0556 or click  HERE to find your local ACE Travel Agent. 

Hugh Bonneville, celebrated star of ITV’s ‘Downton Abbey’ will act as master of ceremonies at the naming ceremony for P&O Cruises newest ship Adonia, on May 21, 2011.

Hugh will share the spotlight with Adonia’s godmother, Dame Shirley Bassey, DBE, as he welcomes her to the stage to name the ship with the official bottle breaking ceremony.
Hugh has had a long and distinguished career, starring on both the big and small screen, including roles in ‘The Vicar of Dibley,’ and ‘Notting Hill’. He is taking time out from filming the second series of Downton Abbey to join the celebrations on board Adonia.
P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow said “We are delighted that such an eminent British actor has agreed to join us for the occasion, and we’re sure that it will add an extra element of glamour and distinction to the event.”

Adonia is considerably smaller than the larger ships of today. Carrying just 710 passengers, the ship will be able to reach off the beaten track ports of call, yet is big enough to provide an extensive range of on board facilities. Exclusively for adults, Adonia will offer an atmosphere that is intimate and refined – and the on board excellence for which the company is renowned.

Carnival Cruise Lines Teams Up with Marcia Gay Harden and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® to Encourage Children to Dream Big

Academy Award® and Tony Award®-winning actress and mother named godmother of Carnival Dream and will unveil world’s largest children’s book in New York City
 

Carnival announces multi-year partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
 

In celebration of the launch of its newest, largest and most family-friendly “Fun Ship” ever, Carnival Cruise Lines announces that Academy Award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden will serve as godmother of the new Carnival Dream and will unveil the world’s largest children’s book in New York City today, along with a major, multi-year partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

New Yorker and mother of three, Harden will officially name the new ship when it makes its North American debut in New York on November 12, 2009. In honour of Carnival Dream’s much-anticipated arrival, the Tony Award-winning actress will unveil Carnival’s Big Book of Dreams – measuring 15.5 feet high by 20 feet wide – in New York City’s Rockefeller Centre today and will conduct a special reading of the larger-than-life story to dozens of schoolchildren. Inspired by the imaginative dreams of children who sailed on Carnival Cruise Lines this spring, “The Dream Plucker of Perrysport” tells the tale of a group of young friends who find themselves on a unique adventure after they encounter a furry orange monster in a quest to remember their dreams. The book will remain on display at Rockefeller Centre November 6 and 7 as part of a series of free, activity-filled Carnival “Dream Big” events for the whole family.

“As a mother and actress driven by the idea of dreaming big, I’m honoured to take on this new role as godmother of Carnival’s largest-ever ship and to help bring the Big Book of Dreams to life for local children,” said Marcia Gay Harden. “I’m also inspired by Carnival’s dedication to support and encourage all kids to dream big through its partnership with St. Jude.”

During the three-year partnership with St. Jude, Carnival Cruise Lines’ goal is to raise $3 million to help achieve the hospital’s mission of finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses. To support the hospital, under the theme “Care to Play,” Carnival is creating a number of fun, interactive on-board fundraising activities that will involve guest participation. Carnival will also donate hundreds of kid-sized copies of “The Dream Plucker of Perrysport” to the hospital.

“We’re excited to have a dream-worthy lineup of activities to celebrate the launch of the Carnival Dream, including the talented Marcia Gay Harden as godmother, and to bring kid’s dreams to life in the biggest children’s book ever,” said Carnival President and CEO Gerry Cahill. “We are also very proud and honoured to work with St. Jude to further support its wonderful work and inspire the children and families of St. Jude to never lose sight of their dreams.”

“We are so fortunate to work with compassionate companies like Carnival,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., Chief Executive Officer of ALSAC, the fundraising organisation of St. Jude. “Every dollar donated by Carnival and its guests through the Care to Play fundraising activities will help St. Jude continue its efforts in finding the cures and providing the treatments that will save children’s lives. On behalf of everyone at St. Jude, thank you.”

To learn more about Carnival Dream and the Carnival Book of Dreams, visit www.BigBookofDreams.com.

About Carnival Dream
Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest and largest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, is a new class of vessel for the line and ushers in an exciting new era in “Fun Ship” cruising. On September 21, the Dream began its inaugural voyages in Europe and will make its North American debut in New York on Thursday, November 12. The 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream offers a host of innovations including more than 19,000 square feet of space dedicated to children and families, as well as an expansive WaterWorks aqua park featuring the longest water slide at sea. The ship also offers a stunning indoor/outdoor café and entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza, a two-level Serenity adults-only retreat, a wrap-around promenade encircling the ship and a 23,750-square-foot health spa.

About Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:  CCL; NYSE:  CUK), is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages ranging from three to 16 days in length to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Europe and Bermuda.  In addition to the recent delivery of the Carnival Dream, the line has one new ship on order, the Carnival Magic, which is scheduled for delivery in 2011.  For additional information and reservations, contact your travel professional, call 0845 351 0556 or visit www.carnivalcruise.co.uk.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer centre to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Centre by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research centre where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organisation. For more information, please visit www.stjude.org.