Available in more than 9, 000 retail locations throughout the U.S. Bi Lo Giant Eagle Hy-Vee Kroger Lowes Hardware Safeway Simon Property Group MIAMI (November 6, 2014) - Carnival Cruise Lines’ popular gift card program – a prepaid card that can be used as payment toward a “Fun Ship” vacation or a variety of shipboard purchases – is now available in more than 9, 000 retail outlets throughout the U.S. This marks the first time that a cruise line-specific gift card has been made available at retail establishments ashore. Partnering with Blackhawk Network, a leading prepaid and payments network, Carnival will offer its gift cards at such locations as Giant Eagle, Kroger and Safeway beginning later this month. “We’re excited to partner with Blackhawk Network, as their distribution expertise allows us to expand our popular gift card program to a wide range of retail outlets ashore, ” said Gus Antorcha, senior vice president of guest commerce for Carnival Cruise Lines. “Based on feedback from consumers and our travel agent partners, we’re very pleased to enhance the availability of our gift card program and provide consumers with even greater convenience and flexibility.” Also available online at or sold on board Carnival’s ships, the gift cards are ideal for any occasion – from weddings and graduations to birthdays and anniversaries – and offer consumers flexibility and convenience in their vacation purchases. The cards can be pre-loaded with funds ranging from a minimum of $25 to a maximum of $1, 000. The Carnival Gift Card is simple to use – it may be applied online via the dedicated web site using the 16-digit card number, redeemed by calling 1-800-CARNIVAL or used like cash on board as payment toward guests’ “Sail & Sign” shipboard account.

Cruise lines have traditionally offered their best deals between January and March Known as wave season, the period has become less important, cruise expert says Cruise executive disagrees, calling it still the best time to book a cruise Watch out for more fees and "cabin stuffing" if you book a voyage this year Getting a killer price on a cruise in the first quarter of the year used to be as common as seeing chocolates dominate store shelves before Valentine's Day, but these days, the rules may be changing. Many travelers wait for wave season - the period from January to March, when cruise lines have traditionally offered their best deals - to book their vacation at sea. Is that still a good strategy today? The views are mixed. The magnitude of wave season deals has lessened each year for the last three years, to the point where there really is no wave season in 2012, said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor in chief of CruiseCritic.com, calling it a major shift in the industry. "Cruise lines used to have a Nordstrom mentality, where they were selective about how they put things on sale. So during wave season ... they put all their marketing dollars in a basket, and this was the best time of year to get incredible value for the money, " Brown said. "I really think that it's not Nordstrom anymore. It's Macy's, because Macy's has a sale all the time." Brown said she hasn't seen any offers that would compel her to book now, so she advises cruise aficionados to simply look for deals year-round, taking care not to wait too long to lock in trips for popular vacation times like spring break or Christmas. But Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales at Royal Caribbean, said she respectfully disagrees with Brown, calling the first quarter of the year still the best time to book a cruise. "This is where we have our deepest discounts right now, " Freed said. "For us as an industry, not just as a company, wave season continues to be a very important part of our calendar year." Year-round bookings Still, wave season has "changed considerably" over the past few years, said Mark Schiffner, vice president and chief operating officer of Cruise Holidays, a network of cruise agencies. He estimated that up to 60% of the company's Caribbean business for the year is still booked in January, February and March - in part because those are big travel months in the region as people seek to escape the winter cold. But the overall focus now is more year-round.

Discover top cruise destinations on one of 1 Vantage ships Onboard Vantage specializes in worldwide river cruises, land tours, and small-ship voyages for travelers 55 and over. The company owns and operates its own fleet of European river ships sailing the Seine, Rhone, Saone, Rhine, Main, Danube, and Moselle rivers, and also operates exclusive charters on the Elbe and Douro. Its small-ship voyages feature chartered vessels (most are exclusive charters) operated by companies such as Haimark and Variety Cruises. These range from boutique-style luxury yachts to expedition vessels. On Vantage's riverboats, the line maintains a 4:1 guest-to-staff ratio. Most cruises offer free shipwide Wi-Fi, sightseeing tours, meals, beer and wine with dinner and onboard entertainment included in the price of the cruise. Meals onboard are one sitting with open seating. All ships have panoramic lounges and sun decks, and are nonsmoking throughout the interior, with a designated smoking area at the rear of each vessel on the open-air deck. Vantage owns five riverboats, each with solo accommodations, French balconies in 78 percent of the cabins and a luxurious 250- to 330-square-foot Owner's Suite with a well-stocked minibar and separate bedroom area. Standard and Deluxe cabins are furnished with twin beds that convert to double size (queen for the Owner's Suite). All cabins provide outside views and are equipped with TV, safe and hair dryer. They also come with entertainment-on-demand systems offering movies as well as access to many U.S. television channels such as MSNBC, CNN, Discovery, The Weather Channel and more. The features include real-time GPS tracking of the ship's journey. The line's Cultural Connections programs promise in-depth experiences in each country visited through lectures, special meals, home visits, receptions, performances and participation in local activities. A special feature on excursions is the free use of headphones for each passenger to ensure they can hear the instructions and lectures clearly. Vantage Deluxe World Travel, a family owned business, was founded in 1983 by Henry Lewis. He still oversees the company. Travel runs in the Lewis family; Henry Lewis' brother Alan is the creator and head of Grand Circle Travel, which also specializes in small ship and river cruise travel. Ultimately, Vantage promises a comfortable, non-rushed pace and a program of "cultural connections" that emphasizes soft enrichment programs. As a result, passengers can take these trips to relax and get away - while also experiencing educational shore explorations. Vantage does not use travel agents to book their trips; you can book directly with its customer service team. The company boasts a newly expanded focus on customer service, providing weekend hours for reservations, a revamped training program for customer service representatives, and an effort to reduce response time. Vantage currently sails a handful of custom-designed river ships in addition to several exclusively chartered vessels built to its specifications, all with outside cabins. A new riverboat will debut in 2016. The newest member of the Vantage fleet, River Voyager will join the line's four other river ships, River Splendor, River Venture, River Discovery II and River Navigator. The 360- to 442-foot-long ships offer airy public spaces, a rear-facing Captain's lounge with retractable roof (in all but River Navigator), flat-screen TVs in cabins and free wireless Internet access throughout the ship. Vantage also charters the 120-passenger Douro Spirit for Portugal's Douro River. In Asia, Vantage charters the 398-passenger Century Legend, which sails China's Yangtze River, the all-suite Mekong Navigator on the Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam, and the all-suite Irrawaddy Explorer on the Irrawaddy River in Burma. Ocean-going ships that Vantage charters from other cruise lines include the 86-passenger Skorpios III in the Chilean fjords and Variety Cruises' Harmony G for the Mediterranean. Vantage also charters Hurtigruten's 276-passenger ms Fram for Antarctic cruises, and the 44-passenger riverboat Amazon Discovery, sailing in South America. In 2015, Vantage launched La Perla, a luxury yacht sailing the Mediterranean. The 130-foot ship sails coastal Adriatic itineraries from Dubrovnik to Venice and has room for 26 passengers. Fellow Passengers Vantage is marketed to mature travelers, generally well-traveled passengers ages 50 and up. They encourage single travelers with solo cabins and a new online "travel mates" community. With amenities such as U.S. television channels, a U.S.-style electrical outlet in every cabin and English-speaking guides, Vantage is intentionally designed with the American cruiser in mind.

The Carnival dress code - what to wear on Carnival cruise, "dress code for dinner" review. What are the Carnival Dining Room dress code requirements - what to wear, where to wear it, and probably why. When considering the specifics of the Carnival dress code keep in mind, that one classy evening with all of you dressed up won't hurt anyone. Actually, it's the perfect excuse for you guys to look even more pretty than you usually do! Integrated with Carnival cruise information, tips and tricks. Carnival - dress code questions Carnival dress code on the first day Carnival dinner dress code rules for men, women and children in MDR (main dining room), for breakfast and lunch in the MDR and specialty restaurants (steakhouse/supper club). Generally speaking, "Carnival" means "Less Formal to Casual". Still, the dress code for dinner depends on the dining option you choose while onboard. There are 4 main Carnival dining options on ships - main dining room (two big capacity restaurants), casual dining (a Lido buffet, and the new venues which are by the new Carnival Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades program), specialty dining (limited capacity feature restaurants) and the 24-hour complimentary room-service. As to their dress code requirements - the 1st is casual (with 1 dressy night), the 2nd is very casual, the 3rd is formal and 4th is totally a "free style" deal. What not to wear on a Carnival cruise - dress code requirements do not allow it The new dress code on Carnival ships was implemented fleet-wide in May 2011. The first and most important issue about any dress code is what you CAN NOT wear in the main dining rooms during dinner. The NO-list includes footwear with wheels, flip-flops, roller-blades (jeez!), tracksuit trousers, gym and basketball shorts, bathing (swimming) suits, beach flip-flops, Т-shirts (sleeveless shirts), sportswear, baseball hats. Аnd about the "forbidden" jeans types - all the "anomalies", like cut-offs, rips, acid-washed, and so on. While on board, low heeled or flat shoes (rubber-soled) are recommended for extra traction. Carnival cruise Dress Code for dinner, formal night, breakfast, for kids Carnival "CRUISE CASUAL" Dining dress code (For MEN) polo/sport shirts with sport slacks (dockers, khakis), jeans (cut-offs are not permitted), pressed long dress shorts with collared sport shirts and proper footwear (you're likely to be in the minority), jackets. (For WOMEN) casual dresses and skirts (including summer dresses), pantsuits, Capri pants, pants and blouses, dress shorts, and again jeans (but no cut-offs or rips). Cardigans and blazers are also OK. Carnival "CRUISE ELEGANT" Dining dress code (1 or 2 formal nights per sailing) (For MEN) dress slacks and shirts, a sport coat and a jacket is suggested (but not required), same goes with the business suit (tie or no tie). (For WOMEN) cocktail dresses, pantsuit, elegant skirts with blouses. Although this level of dress is not required, on elegant nights guests may choose to dress more formally (suit and tie, tuxedo, and the evening gown). Carnival "CRUISE FORMAL" Dining dress code - required in the specialty dining venues on-board (the steakhouse or the supper club, reservations are required). What "Carnival Formal" means (For MEN) tuxedo, the tie is mandatory (either with suit or jacket). (For WOMEN) evening gown, cocktail dress, pantsuit. The "Elegant" dress code is permitted in the Steakhouse on the "Casual" evenings. The Carnival dress code on the first night is casual, but in the Steakhouse shorts again are NOT permitted. Carnival knows that your luggage may have not been delivered to your cabin until after dinner, that's why the first night is always less formal then any other night, and pretty much anything goes in the MDR (even cargo shorts, T-shirts, sneakers, etc). The first sea day dinner is usually Elegant. Depending of the itinerary length - one "Elegant" evening on 2-5-day sailings, 2 "Elegant" evenings on 6-day and longer sailings. Carnival dress code for KIDS. There's no age limit considering all the dress code FAQs, so kids are expected to comply with the same rules as for the adults in the main dining room. Your boy in khakis & a polo and your girl in a sun dress will be just fine on "Elegant" nights. Know that Carnival allows nice shorts on the non-formal evenings. The Carnival dress code for breakfast and lunch is more relaxed than for the dinner. Yet again, bathing suit attire, jeans and the rest of the stuff from the Carnival's NO-list are still not allowed in the MDR.

Long Beach Cruise Terminal 231 Windsor Way Long Beach, CA 90802 Travel Time: 23 miles from Los Angeles International Airport; travel time is approximately 50 minutes. 12 miles from Long Beach Airport; travel time is approximately 20 minutes. Traveling from the Los Angeles area (north) Take the 405 Freeway south. Take the 710 Freeway south. Continue on the 710 Freeway south and follow the signs for the Queen Mary. At the entrance to the Queen Mary, stay to the far right of the parking ticket taker for the Queen Mary; this lane is the entrance to the Long Beach Cruise terminal. Follow the signs for Passenger Parking and Luggage Drop-Off area. Traveling from the San Diego area (south) Take I-5 north. Take the 405 Freeway north. Parking: (Rates subject to change) 0 to 30 Minutes - no charge 30 minutes to 1 hour - $4.00 1 to 2 hours - $8.00 Daily rate - $19.00 5-Story, 1450 space parking garage. Full payment due upon exiting the parking garage. Handicap Parking available with proof of valid permit. Accepted forms of payment: U.S Dollars; major credit cards. No advance reservations required. Oversized vehicles will be charged per parking space.

Introducing the Freestyle way to earn credit card rewards. Open yourself up to a whole new world of opportunity with WorldPoints® credit card rewards. Redeem points for items like cash, gift cards, travel, cruise discounts and more! And right now, you'll receive 10, 000 bonus points after you make a transaction in the first 60 days§§. Redeem Your Cruise Rewards For: Exclusive redemption opportunities for last minute cruises, and other special cruise offers Stateroom upgrades, travel discounts and onboard credits Any of the other rewards available exclusively to WorldPoints cardholders Car rentals, hotel stays or gift certificates to over 100 top retailers - you choose the rewards that matter most to you Take Advantage of Credit Card Benefits Like: No annual fee † Double points for every qualifying dollar you spend with NCL One point for every dollar you spend in net retail purchases † For information about rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of this credit card, please see the "Terms & Conditions". This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. §§ Bonus Points Offer . You will qualify for 10, 000 bonus points if you use your new credit card account to make at least one transaction that posts to your account within 60 days of the account open date. Limit one (1) bonus points offer per new account. This one-time promotion is limited to new customers opening an account in response to this offer. Other advertised promotional bonus points offers can vary from this promotion and may not be substituted. Allow 8-12 weeks from qualifying for the bonus points to post to your rewards balance. Freestyle Cruise With WorldPoints® Credit Card Rewards Rewards Points $50 onboard cruise credit 5, 000 Up to 2-category upgrade on cruises 5-days or longer 10, 000 $100 onboard cruise credit $100 off any cruise Up to 4-category upgrade on cruises 5-days or longer 20, 000 $200 off any cruise $250 onboard cruise credit 25, 000 Inside to oceanview or oceanview to Balcony upgrade 30, 000 $500 off any cruise 50, 000 $500 onboard cruise credit Double Cross meta upgrade on 5-day or longer cruise 60, 000 $1000 onboard cruise credit 100, 000 Exclusive Cruise Specials: Coming Soon! 3- or 4–day Bahamas cruise for two:* Inside Stateroom Outside Stateroom 70, 000 Balcony Stateroom 90, 000 Each 3rd – 8th additional guest 25, 500 *Includes all applicable government taxes, port expenses, and fees 7-day Caribbean and Mexican Riviera cruise for two:* 137, 900 157, 900 227, 900 40, 000 *Includes all applicable government taxes, port expenses, and fees Offer Terms & Conditions Offer Points Value Upgrades Up to 2 category upgrade on 5-day or longer cruise Up to 4 category upgrade on 5-day or longer cruise (within same category meta) Cross meta upgrade on 5-day or longer cruise Terms and Conditions: Terms and Conditions: Offer may be used by individuals, participants in qualified group bookings, by single guests and for use with third and fourth guest bookings. Upgrades vary per ship, sail date, category and cabin capacity. Stateroom Upgrades are subject to availability. The number of 3rd and 4th occupancy staterooms are limited and based on availability. Upgrade refers to a better available accommodation within the meta (Interior to Interior, oceanview to oceanview or balcony to balcony). Cross-Meta upgrade refers to having the option to book a specific Oceanview category for the price of a specific Interior category or book a specific Balcony category for the price of a specific Oceanview category. Double Cross-Meta upgrade refers to having the option to book a specific Balcony category for the price of a specific Interior category. Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to assign the stateroom at their discretion. Suites & Mini-Suites are excluded. Norwegian Spirit is not eligible for Balcony upgrade. Family Balcony, Spa Balcony, and Deluxe Balcony on the Norwegian Epic are excluded from the offer. Family Balcony, Spa Balcony, and Aft Facing Balcony on the Norwegian Breakaway are excluded from the offer. Cross meta upgrade does not apply to the Norwegian Epic as the Epic has no oceanviews. Cruise Discounts $100 off any cruise ($50 per person) $200 off any cruise ($100 per person) $400 off any cruise ($200 per person) $500 off any cruise ($250 per person) $1, 000 off any cruise ($500 per person) $2, 000 off any cruise ($1, 000 per person) 200, 000 $150 off any cruise ($75 per person) 15, 000 Terms and Conditions: Offer may be used by individuals, participants in qualified group bookings, by single guests and for use with third and fourth guest bookings. Cruise Fare must be greater or equal to the amount of the Cruise Discount. The standard cancellation policy applies. Cruise 7-day Caribbean and Mexican Riviera cruise for two Inside category Oceanview category Balcony category Each 3rd - 8th passengers 3-4 day Bahamas cruise for two Terms and Conditions: This is a cruise only offer. Offer applies to individual bookings and based on double occupancy. Complimentary stateroom can be redeemed with qualified points value received. Complimentary stateroom can be redeemed only on one of the 7- Day Caribbean, Mexican Riviera or 3-4 - Day Bahamas & Florida cruises based on the value points received. This offer is not combinable with other offers, except for WorldPoints® offers. Norwegian Cruise Line will assign earned stateroom in best available category within the meta - category. Suites and Penthouses are excluded. If category is not available, Norwegian reserves the right to assign earned stateroom at their discretion. The number of 3rd and 4th occupancy staterooms are limited. Please note WorldPoints value can be redeemed in set points value based on length of cruise and category! As such, the difference in between points redeemed and cruise cost required may result in forfeiture of WorldPoints.

Thirty-two people died after the Costa Concordia cruis ship ran aground with more than 4, 000 passengers and crew on 13 January 2012, only hours after leaving the Italian port of Civitavecchia. The graphics and maps below reveal more about what happened. The Costa Concordia left the Italian port of Civitavecchia at 19:18 local time (18:18 GMT). The ship was heading out on a week-long cruise around the Mediterranean with 3, 206 passengers and 1, 023 crew onboard. As it made its way north-west along the Italian coastline, Captain Francesco Schettino ordered the ship to be steered close to the island of Giglio as a "salute". QPS reconstruction of the Concordia's final minutes Other details emerged at pre-trial hearings, including excerpts of the frantic conversations between the Captain and his crew in the aftermath of the accident, captured by the ship's "black box" voice recorder. Nearing Giglio just after 21.30, the captain gave the helmsman coordinates, followed by the warning "otherwise we go on the rocks". Minutes later, at 21:45, the Costa Concordia hit a rocky outcrop while travelling at around 16 knots. How the Costa Concordia capsized The ship was holed on the left-hand side, started taking on water and began to tilt. Engine rooms were flooded and power was lost. The crew struggled to assess the situation and relayed incomplete information to the Italian authorities. At 21:52 the chief engineer and electrical officer tried and failed to start the ship's emergency diesel generator. Shortly afterwards, passengers were told that the ship was suffering a "blackout", but that the situation was under control. The same information was given to the harbour master at Civitavecchia. Costa Concordia crew member tells coastguard "we have a blackout" Positioning data shows that the Costa Concordia turned and began to drift back towards the island's port soon after 22:00 due to, investigators say, a combination of the wind and the rudder positioned to starboard (right). As it drifted, the ship then began to list in the opposite direction, possibly caused by water in the damaged hull rushing to the far side during the turn. At 22:12, the coastguard called the ship to say passengers were reporting problems to the local police, but the captain replied: "We have a blackout and we are checking the conditions on board."

Viking Chairman Tor Hagen has said publicly that the company will eventually sail the Mississippi River, but a spokesman said Tuesday he could not confirm a 2015 launch date. A news round-up issued this week by the Red Wing Visitors and Convention Bureau said Viking will build a 340-passenger ship to cruise the Mississippi beginning in the fall of 2015 and will start taking reservations in the spring of 2014. The Port of Red Wing, one of the stops, is about 50 miles downriver from Minneapolis. The five-deck ship announced by Red Wing would be larger than the 190-passenger longships that Viking is building for European rivers. The cruise line has been growing explosively on European rivers, with plans for 10 new longships this year and 14 next year. The company will also launch an ocean cruise line in 2014. After several years with no regular overnight cruises, the Mississippi River is now sailed by two boats: the new 150-passenger Queen of the Mississippi, launched last fall by American Cruise Lines, and the 436-passenger American Queen, built in 1995 and refurbished by the American Queen Steamboat Co. before it returned to the river in the spring of 2012. Both boats sail the Mississippi from New Orleans to Minneapolis/St. Paul and cruise sections of the Ohio, Cumberland or Tennessee rivers as well.

How it Ranks: Cunard has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings. Cunard Line appears on the following ranking lists: Cunard's three ships — Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria — receive well-rounded praise from travel experts and cruisers alike for their stylish accommodations and elegant facilities like upscale dining rooms and opulent ballrooms. Keeping with its legacy as a traditional, Old World ocean liner, Cunard is one of the only luxury cruise lines to offer secluded dining areas for select passengers, meaning guests staying in standard staterooms dine in a different restaurant than passengers staying in suites. Outside the luxurious lodgings, you can enjoy Cunard's versatile lounging and dining options, which include the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar and a specialty restaurant on Queen Mary 2 with a menu crafted by chef Todd English. Cunard offers one-way and round-trip voyages with popular 2016 itineraries covering the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea and northern Europe, and including trans-Atlantic crossings between New York and Southampton, England. Popular destinations along the way spotlight major cities across the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Australia and the Pacific Islands. Shore excursions available depend on the cruise's itinerary and duration (2016 voyages can last anywhere from two to 120 days), and cover everything from zip line tours through St. Lucia's Rainforest Adventure Park to a gondola ride through Venice's canals. What's more, on all of Cunard's ships you'll find a casino, a fitness center and spa, an art gallery and a wide range of enrichment programs, such as computer classes, ballroom dance tutorials and lecture series. Pros & Cons After one Cunard cruise, you can join the Cunard World Club loyalty program and start receiving fare discount notifications and other benefits Variety of cabin classes and specialty restaurants to choose from Complimentary night nursery available from 6 to 11 p.m. for guests ages 6 months to 2 years old Some onboard amenities cost extra Shore excursions are not covered in cruise rate Government fees and taxes are not included in cruise fares On Board While Cunard offers programming catered to children on each ship, the cruise line's onboard activities target well-traveled American, British and international travelers ages 50 and up who prefer afternoon tea and evening galas over pool parties and dance clubs. However, during the summer months, you'll likely find more families and kids on board. More about the onboard experience» On Shore While docked at each port, you can either explore independently or book one of Cunard's shore excursions. Excursion options vary by itinerary and ports of call, and are not included in the price of your cruise. You can pre-book excursions up to three days prior to your cruise departure ... More about the on shore experience» Before You Book If you book directly with Cunard, you must pay your cruise fare 90 days before departure. Children must be at least 6 months old on most voyages, except for trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific journeys (including trips to Hawaii, Iceland and World Voyages) where guests must be at least 1 year old. Passengers younger than 18 must be traveling with a passenger 18 years or older. Passengers younger than 16 must share a stateroom with a guest who is at least 16. Cancellation policies vary by cruise length. For voyages that are shorter than 30 days, you must cancel at least 91 days before your trip to receive a full refund. If you cancel 61 to 90 days in advance, you'll forfeit the deposit amount; if you cancel your reservation 31 to 60 days in advance, you'll receive a 50 percent refund; if you cancel 15 to 30 days in advance, you'll receive a 25 percent refund; and if you cancel two weeks or less prior to your scheduled departure date, you'll receive no refund. For voyages that last 30 days or longer, you will lose your deposit if you cancel your cruise between 91 and 120 days in advance of your departure date; you will receive a 50 percent refund if you cancel between 61 and 90 days before yuor sail date; and if you cancel within 60 days of your departure date, you will receive a 25 percent refund.

Carnival Cruise Lines is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world. Carnival offers their fleet of "Fun Ships, " operating voyages from 2- to 17-nights in length to many destinations. Carnival offers cruises to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, Alaska, and Hawaii. They even offer cruises to nowhere for those of you that don't have a lot of time to get away…or for those of you that are looking to get a taste of what Carnival Cruise Lines has to offer. Carnival is particularly well known for their festive-yet-casual atmosphere. Carnival Cruises offers a variety of onboard dining options, including both traditional (assigned) and open dining formats. They also have lots of entertainment and activity options to suit anyone's mood or taste. Carnival's ships offer everything from elegant multi-course meals in their dining rooms, to more casual meals available in their "Seaview Bistros" and 24-hour pizzerias. The Carnival cruise ships also feature dazzling Las Vegas-style entertainment, along with a full slate of morning-til-night activities to take part in. A Carnival Cruise Line "Fun Ship" cruise truly offers something for everyone…and then some! Why Choose Carnival Cruise Lines? Great for Everyone! Carnival cruises are a great option for anyone looking to cruise. They offer fabulous options for families, friends, couples, singles and seniors. Additionally, each Carnival cruise ship features many swimming pools, a full gambling casino, onboard duty free shopping, a major spa and fitness facility, and "Camp Carnival, " a complimentary fleetwide children's program that hosts around 175, 000 kids a year. Amazing Public Spaces Among the fabulous features available on select Carnival ships (Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Legend, Carnival Magic, Carnival Pride, Carnival Sensation and Carnival Sunshine) is Carnival's WaterWorks Park, a elaborate water park featuring a giant twister water slide. Carnival's Seaside Theatre is a 12-foot-high by 22-foot-wide LED screen located poolside on select Carnival ships, showing movies, sporting events, concerts and other special programming. Serenity Retreat is an adults-only area for those looking for some relaxation. Spa Carnival is another fantastic area available onboard Carnival's ships, featuring a state-of-the-art fitness center, salon and various body treatments. Your Choice Dining Carnival's dining program is called Your Choice Dining because when it comes to eating, it's really "your choice" as far as where and when you want to eat. For example, you can choose between assigned dining (at 6:00 pm or 8:15 pm) or Your Time Dining (an open dining format, available between 5:45 pm and 9:30 pm). What's New for Carnival Cruise Lines? Beginning October 2015 through February 2016, Carnival will begin offering 10 to 14 day voyages on six different ships that feature extended calls at destinations throughout the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexican Riviera and Bahamas. The announcement follows the rearrangement of Carnival's current ship itineraries. In 2015, Carnival will return to NYC seasonally, offering short Canada & New England cruises, as well as the only program of eight-day eastern Caribbean voyages operating one-way between NY and San Juan. Carnival Splendor's Norfolk program will begin in May 2015. Carnival Legend, following the inaugural season in Australia, will operate seasonally in Alaska beginning May 2015. In late 2016, and Carnival Triumph in Galveston, joining Carnival Freedom. Carnival Triumph will be relocated to New Orleans, where it will join Carnival Dream and replace Carnival Elation in Spring 2016. Carnival Elation will replace Carnival Fascination in Jacksonville, offering significantly longer 10-11 day repositioning voyages; Carnival Fascination will reposition to San Juan in Spring 2016 to offer year round 7 day cruises. Carnival Miracle underwent extensive refurbishments when it entered dry dock in March 2015. The new features, all a part of Carnival's ongoing Fun Ship 2.0 ship enhancements, include popular programs like Seuss at Sea and Hasbro, The Game Show, as well as new dining venues and the addition of four new spectacular shows! Carnival Vista, the first of a new class of Carnival cruise ships, is the next cruise ship for Carnival Cruise Lines. With an expected delivery during the Spring of 2016, she's going to be the first of a new "Vista" class of ships. At 133, 500-tons, Carnival Vista will be the largest "Fun Ship" ever constructed, and will accommodate up to 3, 954 passengers and feature a variety of Carnival Funship 2.0 enhancements. A sister ship (yet to be named) is expected to debut during March of 2018. Be sure to check back here soon for more information. Carnival launched its winter schedule with the refurbishment of Carnival Pride, which emerged from a $75 million dry dock in November 2014. Boasting a variety of innovative additions, this upgrade to the line's Fun Ship 2.0 enhancements include the introduction of new dining and beverage venues, such as Guy's Burger Joint (developed in tandem with celebrity chef Guy Fieri) and Alchemy Bar. Another exciting addition is a massive WaterWorks aqua park, whose crowning attraction "Green Thunder" holds the title of fastest and steepest water slide at sea, as well as four new Playlist Productions shows. Carnival is now rolling out Camp Ocean across their fleet of "Fun Ships." The new program is designed for children between the ages of 2 and 11 and will feature more than 200 ocean-themed activities. Children will have a chance to play and discover in a fun, yet educational environment. Carnival Freedom is the first to receive the Camp Ocean program with the rest of the fleet receiving the program by 2016. Starting February 2014 onboard Carnival Splendor, Carnival introduced the Seuss at Sea program to their fleet. Combining all the excitement of a Carnival cruise with...