CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES TO INCREASE CAPACITY
ON 2010 NEW YORK DEPARTURES

110,000-ton Carnival Glory to Operate Atlantic Canada and Fall Foliage Cruises

Carnival Cruise Lines will increase capacity on its seasonal cruise program from New York in 2010 with the 2,978-passenger Carnival Glory scheduled to operate a variety of four and five-day Atlantic Canada voyages from June to September, followed by a series of five week-long fall foliage cruises.

It marks the first time that Carnival has deployed one of its largest ships on the highly popular program. The 110,000-ton Carnival Glory features a wide variety of exceptional facilities, amenities and stateroom accommodation categories. Additionally, departing from New York makes these cruises extremely convenient and attractive for the huge population base within driving distance of Manhattan, as well as for those in the larger eastern U.S. region who can take a short-haul flight to one of the area’s three major airports.

Four-day cruises departing Thursdays feature a call at Saint John, New Brunswick and scenic cruising in the Bay of Fundy, while five-day cruises departing on Mondays and Saturdays include stops at Saint John and Halifax, Nova Scotia. The program commences with a four-day voyage departing June 6, 2010 (a one-time Sunday departure).

Week-long fall foliage itineraries beginning Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, feature four different ports of call, including Boston, Mass., Portland, Maine, Saint John and Halifax, offering a variety of opportunities to view stunning fall colors and explore these charming coastal cities.

“These itineraries have proven exceptionally popular among consumers seeking a summer or fall getaway that combines the history and beauty of these scenic ports with the excitement, value and spirited fun of a Carnival vacation,” said Lynn Torrent, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services. “By operating this program in 2010 on one of our newest and largest ships, we anticipate that both past guests and new cruisers alike will be enticed by these refreshing itineraries coupled with the huge array of facilities and amenities offered on the Carnival Glory.”

The $500 million Carnival Glory features 22 lounges and bars, four swimming pools, a 214-foot-long water slide, a 14,500-square-foot health club, an Internet café, jogging track and extensive duty free shopping options. A comprehensive golf program offering instruction both aboard ship and during golf excursions is also featured.

In addition to a 1,400-seat poolside eatery with a 24-hour pizzeria, the ship includes twin two-level formal restaurants and a reservations-only supper club offering U.S.D.A. prime dry-aged beef and other gourmet cuisine.

Sixty percent of Carnival Glory’s 1,489 spacious staterooms offer either an ocean view or private balcony. All staterooms feature the “Carnival Comfort Bed” sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality pillows and linens.

Carnival Glory also offers expansive facilities and complimentary activities for children and teens, with its “Camp Carnival,” “Circle C” and “Club O2” programs catering to different age groups.

The cruise line is currently accepting reservations for both its 2009 and 2010 departures from New York (2009 voyages will operate on the Carnival Triumph). For additional information or reservations, contact a Member Concierge, call 1-888-392-5643, email myconcierge@topcruiseclub.com or visit topcruiseclub.com.

CARNIVAL WINS BIG IN PORTHOLE CRUISE MAGAZINE’S ANNUAL ‘READERS CHOICE AWARDS,’

TAKING HOME HONORS IN NINE CATEGORIES

Line Earned an Unprecedented 101 Awards Over the Past Nine Years

Carnival Cruise Lines led the way once again in Porthole Cruise Magazine’s “Reader Choice Awards,” winning in nine different categories, including two new categories – Best Web Site and Best Mexican Itineraries.
Porthole Cruise Magazine’s “Readers Choice Awards” are determined by thousands of the publication’s readers who vote on their favorite cruise line in a wide variety of categories. Since the awards were established in 1999, Carnival has taken home an unprecedented 101 “Readers Choice Awards” – the most of any cruise line.
Carnival’s 2008 “Readers Choice Awards” include:
• Best Megaship (Carnival Freedom)
• Best Children’s Programs
• Best Value-for-the-Money
• Best Short-Duration Cruise
• Best Shore Excursions
• Best Web Site
• Best Main Dining Room Cuisine
• Best Entertainment
• Best Mexican Itineraries

“Carnival is truly honored by the consistent recognition over the past nine years by the readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine,” said Lynn Torrent, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services. “Winning so many awards – in so many different categories – is a wonderful validation of our efforts to provide guests with fun and memorable vacations at affordable prices.”
“Carnival Cruise Lines continues to shine in categories that run the gamut,” said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine. “Whether on board or on shore, Carnival is a leader in the cruise industry, and our readers clearly recognize that. I congratulate them on all of their much-deserved wins.”
Established in 1993, Porthole Cruise Magazine is a consumer publication offering readers a variety of information about cruising including ship reviews, news, details on popular ports of call and travel tips.
Carnival is the world’s largest and most popular cruise line, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages of three to 18 days in length to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and South America. The line currently has two 130,000-ton ships on order — Carnival Dream, set to debut Sept. 21, 2009, and Carnival Magic, scheduled to enter service in June 2011.
For additional information on Carnival’s “Fun Ship” vacations, contact a member concierge by calling 1-888-392-5643 or visit topcruiseclub.com.

Some of our members had the opportunity to tour the Ruby Princess before she set sail for her 2 day inaugural. Here’s what one had to say:

The Ruby Princess Is Not So Ruby

With great anticipation, a few hundred of us were invited to tour the smacking brand new Ruby Princess in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We all knew it is a sister ship of the Crown Princess and the Emerald Princess but still, we all had thisintuitive feeling it was going to be the grandest of all. After all, compared to Royal Caribbean Cruise line, the Princess Cruise line is rated as a step above hands down.

Let me preface this by saying up front, if it were only myself that silently thought the following , I would not have taken the time to write this review. But as I went through the decks, passing through hoards of strangers viewing this ship, almost all were saying the same thing. Whereas most reviews give detailed information on each lounge, the spa, the pool deck, dining rooms, specialty restaurants, activities and all else down to the towels and napkins, I am not about to do this. What I want to get across is not a blow by blow description of all we were allowed to view. I want to get across the immediate reaction to the overall feeling once onboard.

The ship itself it typical Princess understated elegance in the common areas. The carpeting, fabrics and almost all of the furnishings are notable quality and carefully chosen to be pleasing to the eye as well as practical for the high traffic they each will be exposed to. What was lacking was a feeling of “welcome into your most magnificent new home for the week”. True, it is all expensively done. True the color coordination is all blended to perfection and theme yet, there was a definite void in feeling inviting. Perhaps if the personal touches of flowers or plants, artwork or antiques, something that would have brought a feeling of warmth were abundant, the gut feeling of “nothing out of the ordinary” would have not prevailed. While standing at the top of the atrium gazing down at the spiral staircase, the piano and gathering area, even that became disappointing. The chairs scattered around to sit and relax in looked like fine wrought iron patio furniture with bland upholstered cushions.

The peace d’ resistance came when we were invited to begin the tour of the stateroom decks to view the few select staterooms we were being allowed to see. We started with a balcony stateroom (only 1 open and allowed to view for hundreds of us to wait. We felt like cattle being herded not having the choice to at least be able to have 2 staterooms to divide us up). Now I know the square footage is in the range of standard BUT, intense claustrophobia set in instantly. The corridors are SOOOOOOOOOO NARROW for the new era of cruise chips that it was hard to believe. EVERYONE was complaining and thinking the same thing. How could a handicapped person with a wheelchair or even a walker manage these corridors if another person was coming in the opposite direction? The time passed waiting to enter the cabin. Alas, I arrived along with my cohorts and…………the moment we entered… we all wanted to do an about face. Narrow, unimpressive, ordinary, plain are just a few of the adjectives that comes to mind. Absolutely nothing stood out. Upon entering the bathrooms we all could not believe that shower curtains ( you know, the kind that cling to your body no matter how hard you try to get out of the way when in so small a shower stall) were still being used on this brand new state of the art ship instead of the updated and kinder to the body accordion shower doors that are such an improvement for example, on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and others. Next we were escorted to the 14th deck (Riviera) to see the “Penthouse Suite”. Again we stood in a football huddle waiting our turn in these NARROW CORRIDORS to get into the stateroom. We noted that this was to be…. in just a few hours, the stateroom of Krista and Ryan for the inaugural 2 night sailing. We felt sure this was going to be a knockout. Well, much to all of our dismay, it was a knock down. The square footage may have been there ( somehow secretly concealed to make one feel as if they were in the narrowest of mazes with no chance of escape) but if I were having to pay for this Penthouse………I would have asked for my money back. It was impossible to feel one was in supposedly an elite class of luxury with superior amenities to boot. Because there were none to the eye or in the cabin! Poor Krista and Ryan we all thought. They would, as would whoever else will be having this stateroom, be bumping into one another no matter which direction they went. Need I go on? Do you really want to hear about the most non-luxurious penthouse bathroom on any premium ship? Narrow, plain, small, boring, no desire to even think romantically if one chose to……….a total 1000% disappointment.

I won’t bother taking your time up with the mini-suite, interior and ocean view without a balcony review. Suffice is to say, I think you get the gist here right? All of this of course has nothing to do with the staff, the activities,, the food ( we were only given the typical cruise line pastries that leave much to be desired on mostly all cruise lines), the ports of call, the Movies Under The Stars and all else that assures most times more then not, everyone has a wonderful time on a cruise vacation. You cannot, no matter how hard you try, not enjoy a cruise vacation. There is no other vacation that gives you more for your money, takes care of your luggage, your transfers, your airlines, cleans your cabin, your bathroom, offers included 24/7 food, room service, theater and entertainment that is top notch, a casino, library, camp for your children , a gym with the most top rated equipment, all included for the price you pay. Very few extra costs such a alcohol, gratuities, spas treatments, specialty dining and shore excursions but that is a choice and not mandatory.

So to sum this review up, although I and many others were disappointed in the overall visual comforts we would expect on a quality cruise ship, knowing this, I would still take a cruise with Princess Cruise Line (well, maybe on the Golden……….somehow the cabins seem laid out more spaciously) because of all of the attention from staff members, the vast array of activities offered on board, itineraries, ports and excursions to see. As I said, hands down, there is no other vacation worth its money to see the world then a cruise vacation.

As Galveston recovers from Hurricane Ike’s hit in September, at least one part of town is back to business: the cruise port. Carnival Cruise Lines‘ Carnival Ecstasy resumed regular service from Galveston today — and Carnival Conquest have returned. Both ships were temporarily redeployed after the storm to Houston’s  Bayport cruise terminal.

Carnival Ecstasy sails four- and five-night Western Caribbean cruises year-round, and Carnival Conquest alternates weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Carnival is currently the only line sailing from Galveston year-round. Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas is scheduled to begin a season of Western Caribbean sailings from the port in December.

Carnival Cruise Lines cancelled the 2009 Europe and Transatlantic cruises on the Carnival Liberty. This decision was based on the current market conditions, continued economic uncertainty and high air costs to Europe. Carnival will be focusing on their core close-to-home cruise options as they believe that is the preference of the vast majority of the mainstream vacation market.

For those that would like to sail Europe with Carnival in 2009, you will still be able to do so, but on the brand new Carnival Dream.

Carnival will provide you the following:

1. A $50 per stateroom onboard credit to rebook on the 2009 Carnival Dream Europe (9/21, 10/3, 10/15) and Transatlantic (10/27) cruises.  The Carnival Dream is Carnivals’ newest, largest and most innovative floating resort.
2. A $50 per stateroom onboard credit to rebook on any other 2009 Carnival cruise.
3. If you purchased non-refundable air transportation, you will be reimbursed by Carnival (with supporting documentation) the applicable change fees or up to the full airfare cost depending on the situation.  Reimbursement requests should be sent to Carnival’s Guest Service - Research for individual bookings and Groups - Research for group bookings.
4. If you elect to cancel, refunds will be processed in less than three weeks.

If you booked your Carnival Liberty cruise through Top Cruise Club, please contact your Member Concierge at 888-392-5643 or myconcierge@topcruiseclub.com with any questions you may have.

Carnival Cruise Lines, the Port of Galveston’s only year-round cruise operator, announced today that it will resume service from the Texas port on November 1, 2008 following a temporary seize in cruise operations due to Hurricane Ike last month.

The 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy will resume year-round four and five day cruises from Galveston with a five-day voyage departing on Saturday, Nov. 1. The 2,974-passenger Carnival Conquest will begin year-round seven-day service from Galveston Sunday, Nov. 2.
Up until that time, the ships will continue to operate round-trip from the Port of Houston’s Bayport Cruise Terminal where they were shifted temporarily following Hurricane Ike. The Carnival Ecstasy cruises on October 23 and October 27; and the Carnival Conquest cruise on October 26 will operate round-trip from Houston.

“We are extremely pleased to be resuming service from the Port of Galveston and extend our congratulations and appreciation to the port and the Galveston community as a whole for enabling us to return so quickly,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.

“We would also like to express our gratitude to the Port of Houston for their tremendous efforts in accommodating our ships and being such exceptional partners. Their support enabled these ships to remain Texas based while Galveston worked through its recovery process,” Cahill noted.
Carnival launched the first year-round cruise program from Galveston in 2000 and has expanded its presence dramatically over the past eight years. With the return of its two year-round ships, Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Conquest, the line expects to carry an estimated 350,000 guests annually from Galveston.

According to Steve Cernak, director of the Port of Galveston, “We took a hit however we rapidly rebounded. We had our first cargo ship in nine days after the storm. Now, six weeks after Hurricane Ike, we are fully operational. The Port, as well as all of Galveston Island, is excited to welcome home both Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Conquest.

Carnival Ecstasy’s four and five day cruise schedule encompasses four-day voyages departing Thursdays to Cozumel, Mexico, and five-day cruises departing Mondays and Saturdays to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. Carnival Conquest’s seven-day western Caribbean cruise program includes week-long voyages departing every Sunday to Montego Bay, Jamaica; Cozumel; and George Town, Grand Cayman as well as a new 2009 itinerary option that visits Key West, Freeport and Nassau.

Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Conquest are part of Carnival Cruise Lines’ 22-vessel fleet which operates three- to 18-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and South America. The line currently has two new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011.

Carnival Ecstasy to Resume Four- and Five-Day Service Nov. 1
Carnival Conquest to Begin Seven-Day Cruises Nov. 2

For additional information and reservations, contact your Member Concierge at 1-888-392-5643 or visit topcruiseclub.com.

CARNIVAL FANTASY RETURNS TO SERVICE FROM NEW ORLEANS FOLLOWING EXTENSIVE ‘EVOLUTIONS OF FUN’ UPGRADES

New ‘Give Fun Back’ Campaign to Award Free ‘Fun Ship’ Cruises to Deserving New Orleans Area Residents

The 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy has resumed its popular four- and five-day cruise schedule from New Orleans following a 28-day dry dock that included the addition of an expansive new water park, exclusive adults-only area, redesigned main pool and a new “Circle C” facility for 12-to 14-year-olds.

The ship’s suites and dining venues were also renovated and new dining options such as a Mongolian wok and rotisserie were added.

The new features are part of the line’s $250 million “Evolutions of Fun” refurbishment program for its eight Fantasy-class ships.

“The ‘Evolutions of Fun’ upgrades have truly transformed the Carnival Fantasy, adding a host of new features and an entirely new element of fun and relaxation to this spectacular ship,” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience. “We are delighted to bring the Carnival Fantasy back to New Orleans – one of our most popular homeports – and honored to be a part of the local community,” he added.

In conjunction with the Carnival Fantasy’s resumption of service from New Orleans, the company has partnered with five New Orleans-based radio stations on a promotion called “Give Fun Back,” which kicks off Oct. 20 and is designed to reward deserving individuals with a “Fun Ship” cruise vacation. Based on nominations submitted by listeners, five winners will be selected, with each receiving a complimentary cruise on the Carnival Fantasy for up to four guests.

Exciting New Top-Deck Enhancements

A signature element of Carnival Fantasy’s new “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks, an expansive aqua park towering over Verandah Deck. Designed with all-ages appeal, the sprawling, open-air facility includes a 300-foot-long spiral water slide – the longest at sea – along with twin 82-foot-long racing slides and various water spray apparatus.

Located aft on Promenade Deck and offering magnificent ocean views is “Serenity,” an exclusive new adults-only retreat. Intended as an oasis for relaxation and comfort, “Serenity” offers plush chaise lounges and chairs, colorful oversized umbrellas, and two large whirlpools. Here, guests can sip a variety of icy cocktails and frozen drinks or enjoy a light meal or snack from the nearby Lido restaurant.

The third element of the “Evolutions of Fun” top deck upgrades is a totally redesigned “resort-style” pool located mid-ship on Lido Deck featuring thatched roofing and large faux palm trees. Vibrant oversized umbrellas, comfortable deck chairs and a colorful tiled “beach” encircling the pool’s edge enhance the decidedly tropical ambiance.

New Dining Upgrades, ‘Circle C’ Center, Updated Suites

The ship’s Celebration and Jubilee main dining rooms, as well as the causal poolside Windows on the Sea Bar & Grill, have been renovated with striking new interiors, and updated carpeting, tile work and furniture. Windows on the Sea also features a new Mongolian wok where guests can select their choice of meat, vegetables, and noodles and have the dish prepared before their eyes. A rotisserie has been added, as well, with roasted chicken, beef, and lamb, along with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments.

A new “Circle C” facility catering to the 12- to 14-year-olds has also been incorporated into Atlantic Deck forward. The center features a high-tech sound and lighting system, plasma-screen TVs displaying movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox, and gaming pods with the latest video games and consoles.

Cosmetic enhancements were also made to other shipboard areas, including renovated guest corridors and public bathrooms, a brand new décor and technical enhancements to the Electricity dance club, a host of new artwork, and updated furniture and fixtures in many staterooms.
Additionally, all of the ship’s 54 suites were remodeled with updated wall coverings, carpeting, tile work and lighting fixtures, as well as new bathrooms. A number of connecting staterooms were incorporated, as well.

Future Plans

The namesake vessel of the 70,000-ton Fantasy-class, Carnival Fantasy currently operates four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans. On this route, four-day cruises depart Thursdays and visit Cozumel while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and call at Cozumel and Progreso.

Carnival Fantasy will sail from New Orleans through Nov. 5, 2009, then reposition to Mobile, Ala., to operate a special six-day cruise departing Nov. 10 followed by the launch of year-round four- and five-day service from that port Nov. 16. Carnival Fantasy will be replaced in New Orleans by the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph in Nov. 2009.

Reservations

Top Cruise Club is currently accepting reservations on the Carnival Fantasy’s departures from both New Orleans, Louisana and Mobile, Alabama. For additional information and reservations, call 1-866-392-5643 or visit topcruiseclub.com.

Carnival Cruise Lines is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Their exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, their member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. They offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.

With today’s traveler looking for more enriching experiences and activities, Holland America Line has broadened its onboard programming with the new Explorations Team. As part of the premium line’s ongoing Signature of Excellence initiative, the Explorations Team will be comprised of event staff with specific, niche expertise ranging from technology to travel who will offer guests a menu of “edutainment” programs.

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Carnival Corporation & plc’s pier at Puerta Maya in Cozumel, Mexico - closed since being damaged by Hurricane Wilma in 2005 - will officially re-open when the 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy and 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy visit the facility on Thursday, Oct. 16.

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Carnival Cruise Lines has created a new department focusing solely on developing innovative new on-board product opportunities and enhancing existing aspects of the “Fun Ship” vacation experience.

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