Carnival's Fun Ship Fantasy Undergoes Multimillion-Dollar Refurbishment

MIAMI (Sept. 30, 2005) – Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,056-passenger Fantasy recently underwent a multi-million-dollar refurbishment and emerged with a host of new and updated features and facilities, including new photo and art galleries, a nine-hole miniature golf course, and completely renovated health and fitness center.

The upgrades were completed during a 21-day scheduled dry dock that took place in Norfolk, Va. The Fantasy resumed its year-round schedule of three- and four-day Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla., yesterday.

“The Fantasy – with its myriad on-board amenities and convenient and affordable Bahamas itinerary – is already a popular ‘Fun Ship’ vacation option with consumers. With these new enhancements, we’ve made a great ship even better with a host of new and expanded features,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

One of the most noticeable enhancements is in the ship’s 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival, which has been completely revamped and now features 11 private treatment rooms, including two couples massage rooms, a new relaxation/waiting room, as well as updated equipment, new carpeting, tile work and other cosmetic enhancements.

Featured on Sun Deck is a brand new nine-hole miniature golf course providing guests of all ages with a fun and exciting outdoor diversion.

Along Empress Deck is a new art gallery that is home to the line’s popular art auctions where guests can bid on a variety of pieces by the some of world’s most famous artists.
Other enhancements include a new photo gallery on Promenade Deck providing guests with an easy and convenient means for selecting their favorite photos taken during their cruise, as well as upgraded audio/visual equipment in a variety of public areas.

These enhancements are in addition to a variety of cosmetic upgrades that include new tilework, carpeting and upholstery throughout the vessel. Updated galley and laundry equipment has also been installed to enhance guest service.

The recent upgrades follow a 2003 drydock which included the installation of a new lobby bar, a renovated promenade and updated cabins.

The Fantasy entered service in 1990 as the namesake vessel of Carnival’s “Fantasy-class,” which, with eight vessels, is the most successful series of cruise ships ever introduced.
The Fantasy departs Port Canaveral every Thursday on three-day cruises to Nassau, and every Sunday on four-day voyages to Nassau and Freeport. Prices start at $249 per person for three-day cruises and $279 per person for four-day cruises based on double occupancy.
The Fantasy is one of Carnival Cruise Lines’ 21 “Fun Ships” which operate voyages ranging from three to 16 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Europe and Bermuda.

Two new ships – the 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom and as-yet-unnamed 112,000-ton vessel – are scheduled to enter service between now and spring 2008.
For additional information and reservations on the Fantasy or any other Carnival “Fun Ship,” contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Rising Gas Prices Do Not End Cruise Bargains

thatprguy writes "Times may be tough for airlines and the travel industry in general, but that means great deals for savvy vacationers. The "Hot Deals" and the "Last Minute Deals" portions of the eCruises.com web site are nothing less than remarkable. High gas prices and the uncertain economy may cause a slow-down for the travel industry in general, but bargain cruise hunters are finding the best prices in years.

Danbury, CO, USA, September 30, 2005, (XTVWorld.Com) -- “Cruise lines do not want to set sail with a ship that is anything less than full, so last minute deals and bargains are getting better now than ever before. A smart shopper who can plan a cruise on short notice can get a genuine bargain,” explained Steve Kaplan, vice president of eCruises.com.
With over 100,000 very satisfied customers, the on-line cruise vacation specialist offers rock bottom pricing and a package of benefits that cannot be found anywhere else.
The web site has cruise listings for over 10,000 sailings all over the world, and the “Hot Deals” and “Last Minute Deals” portion of the site deliver the best opportunities for inexpensive cruise vacations to be found anywhere.
For example, a last minute deal on the Carnival Legend cruise ship leaving from New York for the Eastern Caribbean is priced at just $670 for an 8-day vacation. The amazing part is that this is a total price. All the port charges, government taxes, fees, and full travel insurance protection are included. In fact, the company adds some perks not available anywhere else.
“Every one of our customers receives full travel insurance that covers them from the moment they step out their door to the moment they return. This is the best travel protection insurance you can get, and we give it to you at no extra charge when you book your cruise from eCruises.com,” said Kaplan.
The company also gives each customer a one-year complementary subscription to both “Cruise Travel” and “Travel America” magazines, a combined value of $59.
The number of last minute deals on any one ship is usually very limited, and the early bird gets the worm. Bargain cruise hunters monitor the deals on eCruises.com and are quick to respond.
eCruises.com is the only national retailer with one price up front that includes everything required to get on board all cruise ships. Cruisers can hear or see minute-by-minute real time pricing and details on over 10,000 sailings from now until mid 2006, by calling 800-223-6868 or by visiting www.ecruises.com.

About eCruises.com: eCruises.com is a leading, award-winning national cruise retailer with over 100,000 satisfied clients. A member of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), eCruises.com features cruises aboard: Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Disney, Costa, Holland America, MSC, NCL America, Norwegian, Oceania, Orient, Princess, Radisson Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea and other ocean and river cruise lines.
Contact:Sy Ripka203-778-5626 ext. 101sripka @ ecruises.com
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