Destiny + 49 Days = Sunshine

What happens if you take Carnival Destiny out of service for 49 days?

Destiny Goes In Sunshine Comes Out

Update:  Return to Service now May 5th, 2 European Cruises Cancelled

Carnival Triumph & Sunshine Returns Delayed

Last March we wrote the article above about the $155M project that Carnival Cruise Lines announced which will transform Carnival Destiny into the new Carnival Sunshine. The makeover incorporates all of the line’s “Fun Ship 2.0” dining, bar and entertainment features, as well as a variety of exciting innovations unique to this vessel. (Click on the title above to learn more about the specific changes.)

Highlights:

• A fleet first: Carnival Sunshine's WaterWorks area introduces Speedway Splash, featuring two lanes of long-distance waterslide racing action.
• With a brand-new Cloud 9 Spa, plus 95 brand-new Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms, Carnival Sunshine practically floats on air!
• Carnival Sunshine's Serenity Adults-Only Retreat spans three decks, which means relaxation on a whole new level... or two, actually.
• Hungry for something new? Carnival Sunshine will feature 10 dining venues that are either brand-new or completely redesigned.
• Even with all the added decks, staterooms and fun features, Carnival Sunshine's weight will only grow by about 1% (from 101,353 to 102,853 tons).
• 3,006 passenger capacity, 1,150 onboard crew, 893 length in feet

Click for Carnival Sunshine Sailings

Carnival Legend Gets a Facelift

Carnival Legend Serenity Area - Photos Courtesy Carnival Cruise Line

Warm Caribbean Breezes Calm Seas

Tranquility & Relaxation

Now on Carnival Legend

Carnival Legend emerged from a 14-day dry dock this weekend with a new look.   A variety of enhancements were made, including a renovated children’s pool area, and the addition of Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat.

Carnival Legend Serenity

Serenity Adults-Only Retreat

Carnival Legend became the 13^th Carnival ship to feature a Serenity area. Designed as an oasis for tranquility and relaxation, Serenity offers colorful, oversized umbrellas, comfortable chaise lounges and chairs, whirlpools, a full bar and breathtaking sea views.

One of the great benefits of a cruise vacation is there is something for everyone.  For adults, it is good to take some time and get away from the everyday routine and unwind.   There is no better place to do that on a Carnival cruise ship then in this adult-only area.   Whether you want sun or shade, there are comfortable chairs and chaise lounges.   Read a book,  sip your favorite beverage, take a dip in the whirlpool, or simply catch some Zzzzzzzzz's  - the choice is completely yours.   And, there are no kids to disturb you.

Carnival Legend Children's Pool

Pool Gets an Uplift

The ship’s children’s pool area now features colorful new tiles in vibrant sea-animal designs, while the casino has been reconfigured with additional slot machines and poker tables. Other enhancements include new upholstery and chairs in the Lido restaurant, dining room and dance club.

Carnival Legend sails to the Caribbean on year-round seven-day sailings from Tampa.

Carnival Legend - Itineraries & Pricing (click)

Carnival Legend Ship Facts & Itinerary 7- Night Western Caribbean - Tampa, Florida R/T
Total Staterooms - 1,062 Decks - 12 Passenger capacity - 2,124 Total crew - 930 Officer's nationality - Italian	Ship size - Large Tonnage - 88,500 Ship length - 963   Maiden Voyage - 2002 Registry - Panama	Sunday - Tampa Monday - At Sea Tuesday - Grand Cayman Wednesday - Cozumel Thursday - Belize Friday - Roatan Saturday - At Sea Ports & order may vary

Princess Cruises Upgrades Fleet

Photos: Credit Princess Cruises

Princess Updates Fleet

Princess® plans to upgrade its fleet with innovative offerings and services, even as other cruise lines are pulling back. This fall, Island Princess® and Diamond Princess® will enter dry-dock and emerge with their
latest exclusive features.

Island Princess will be getting her makeover in Victoria, B.C. in September, and Diamond Princess will be sprucing up in exotic Singapore in October.

Diamond Princess will sparkle with the addition of The Sanctuary, where, you will enjoy more personal space, attentive Serenity Stewards, a variety of refreshing beverages and light snacks, and an opportunity for a soothing massage in a tranquil outdoor environment.

Movies Under the Stars®

And it will be “Lights, Camera, Action!” when Princess trademark feature, Movies Under the Stars®, is installed on both ships. If you haven’t watched a blockbuster movie or sporting event on their dramatic 300-square-foot movie screen, then you’re in for a treat.

Popcorn anyone?

Comfortably seated on poolside loungers, you’ll enjoy this enhanced viewing experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and cozy warm blankets.

Princess Cruises has plans to build 2 new ships, but in the meantime, why not improve the existing fleet with features which will enhance the cruise experience.  Plan on a cruise next year on Diamond or Island Princess to see these changes yourself.

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".

Greetings from Sea

I'm writing this from the internet cafe onboard Carnival Elation. The Elation sails from San Diego for a fun-filled 3 night cruise to Ensenada, Mexico. It is the perfect weekend getaway from the West Coast.

When we left San Diego, the weather there was perfect. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the temperature was in the upper 60s - much better than the 27 degrees back home.

Last night there was the customary welcome aboard show in the main theater. The cruise director, Steve, welcomed the largest group onboard the vessel. This is the First International Cougar Cruise. They caused quite a stir in San Diego, making the local evening news. So far, they've been pretty tame.

When we boarded the ship, the crew had been putting up the holiday decorations. It is quite festive onboard with the holiday atmosphere.

Today was a sea day. It has been an overcast day, but that hasn't stopped the usual onboard fun such as the hairy chest competition. Despite the cool weather, the pool areas were filled with well-wishers for the competitors.

My favorite spot on the ship is the Serenity Pool area. This is an adult-only venue with plenty of lounge chairs and two hot tubs. If you want to relax, this is the perfect place to hang out.

Tomorrow we arrive early in Ensenada, Mexico. I'll tell you more about Ensenada in future posts. I'm off to the holiday show now featuring the Carnival Singers and Dancers and the Camp Carnival children.