Calling All Youth to Assemble for Fun

We Call Upon the Youth

Of the World

To Assemble at 

Camp Carnival

For a Fun Cruise

At the conclusion of the Olympics, the IOC President calls upon the youth of the world to assemble in four years time at the next venue city for the Olympic Games.  In the meantime, youth of all ages are called to bring their families on a Carnival Cruise and assemble at their age-appropriate Club onboard to experience their Fun Ship.

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Camp Carnival 

It’s everything they love about summer camp and their favorite babysitter, all in one! Camp Carnival offers tons of activities designed for children in three different age groups: 2 to 5 years, 6 to 8 years, and 9 to 11 years.  On embarkation day children can be registered into their specific program and participate in the Welcome Aboard Party.

Club O2

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During the day, trained camp counselors work with small groups of children to be sure they are having fun.   The children get to meet others in their age bracket, play together, and have special meals together. When the sun goes down,  Camp Carnival Night Owls (fees apply) is open so kids get to stay up late having fun, while their parents also enjoy themselves well into the night.

Most people speak highly of Camp Carnival, but in the following post by John Heald, Carnival's Senior Cruise Director, one parent didn't like the choices of activities.   Several people responded with positive things to say about the program.  Also, John mentions about changes which will be introduced due to a new partnership.

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Camp Carnival Comments from John Heald Blog

Tip: Sign up for Camp Carnival when boarding so that your children will be able to attend the evening's Welcome Aboard Party.

This concludes our Embarkation Day coverage of our Carnival Conquest cruise.  We'll now look at the rest of the cruise and more about the ship in future posts.

Carnival Ship Makeovers

Carnival Ecstasy - A Ship Out of Water

October, 2009 we were in Freeport Bahamas, on our annual conference cruise, the same time Carnival Ecstasy was getting a major makeover.  The multi-million-dollar refurbishment included the addition of an expansive new water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a Circle “C” facility for 12- to 14-year olds, and a redesigned resort-style main pool area. Additionally, 98 balconies were added to existing ocean view staterooms.   All of the ship’s 1,026 staterooms were upgraded with new plasma screen TVs as well as updated wall coverings, tile work, carpeting and light fixtures. Many additional cosmetic improvements were made in the public areas.

Carnival Ecstasy was the second ship to have additional balconies added following the success of a similar implementation on the Carnival Sensation earlier in 2009.  This continues a series of major upgrades to the line’s eight Fantasy-class vessels sparking new life into those ships.

A Peaceful Retreat

My favorite improvement is Serenity SM, an adults-only retreat, located aft on Promenade Deck. With design elements that include teak decking, large umbrellas and thatched roofing, Serenity provides an ocean-going oasis for relaxation and comfort. Guests can enjoy icy cocktails and frozen drinks while relaxing in plush chaise lounges and chairs. Food service is available in the casual Panorama Bar & Grill located nearby.

Water, Water, Everywhere

A signature element of the Fantasy-class upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks SM, a fun-filled aqua park located on Verandah Deck. Designed with an all-ages appeal, WaterWorks encompasses a 300-foot-long twisting, turning water slide – the longest and most elaborate at sea – along with dual-lane 82-foot-long racing slides, and a wide variety of water spray toys.

In addition, Carnival Ecstasy’s main pool on Lido Deck – which includes a swimming pool and two large whirlpools – was totally transformed to feature a distinct resort-style ambiance. Vibrant oversized umbrellas, thatched roofing and colorful tile work creates a decidedly tropical feel.

Oh, to be a Teen Again

The addition of a new Circle “C” SM center, located on Atlantic Deck 8, is aimed at the 12- to 14-year-old set.  The facility  includes plasma screen televisions displaying movies and music videos, a high-tech sound and lighting system, gaming consoles and a touch-screen jukebox.  This is a great place to hang out with newly found friends during the cruise.

Recent Carnival Ship Enhancements

The Carnival Glory received the following enhancements upon completion of dry dock in mid February; Serenity SM adult only retreat, Carnival's Seaside Theater®, Circle “C”SM youth program for ages 12 to 14, 18 more balcony staterooms, “Your Time Dining” on the upper level of the forward dining room, a new Mongolian Wok in the Lido area and Wi-Fi from bow to stern.

After extensive refurbishments were completed February 1, 2010, the Carnival Fascination now offers these new enhancements; Carnival WaterWorks SM, Serenity SM, a resort-style pool, 98 more balcony staterooms, upgraded main dining rooms, “Your Time Dining” in the forward dining room, a Mongolian Wok and Rotisserie in the Lido area and Circle “C”SM youth program for ages 12 to 14.   Watch Video of Carnival Fascination in Dry Dock

The Carnival Freedom emerged from dry dock in December 2009 with the following updates; Serenity (a first for Carnival Conquest class,) Circle “C”SM youth program, 18 new Balcony staterooms and “Your Time Dining” in the forward dining room.

Carnival Cruise Line continues to invest in improving the product it offers to the general public.  I'm sure you'll agree that these changes greatly enhance the cruise experience.   While these ships aren't new, the changes make one feel like they are on a new ship.   Learn more about the Carnival "Fun Ships".

Carnival Fascination Gets a Make-Over

Carnival Corporation announced that Carnival Fascination will undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation in January 2010 that will include the addition of a new water park, adults-only retreat, and resort-style main pool area, as well as 98 balconies added to existing ocean view staterooms. Two other ships, Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Sensation are also receiving additional balconies during dry docks this year. Carnival Seansation's work has been completed and Carnival Ecstasy will have the work completed in October.

The refurbishment includes a number of exciting open deck features, including Carnival WaterWorks with 82-foot-long racing slides, a splash zone and the aqua park's signature design element - a 300-foot-long Twister water slide. The main pool on Lido deck will also be transformed with oversized umbrellas, colorful tile work and thatched roofing, creating a relaxing, resort-style atmosphere. An adults-only retreat, Serenity, completes the outdoor improvements.

The refurbishment will also include upgrades to the Sensation and Imagination main dining rooms, with the Sensation dining room being reconfigured for Your Time Dining.

The majority of the additional balcony staterooms will be located aft with several of them featuring extended balconies. Twenty-four balconies will be located mid-ship and twelve near the stern. Several of the existing suites will be retrofitted with larger, extended balconies.

Prior to the January dry dock, a new Circle “C” facility for 12- to 14-year-olds will be added on Atlantic Deck 8. The facility will include plasma screen TV’s displaying movies and music videos, a high-tech sound and light system, gaming consoles and a touch-screen jukebox.

Carnival Fascination sails four and five day cruises from Jacksonville, Florida. These new enhancements will be introduced for the first time on the February 1, 2010 sailing. Reservations are open for the 98 new balcony staterooms, so contact me right away if this intersts you.

Carnival Fascination Sailings