MIAMI (Jan. 19, 2006) – Carnival Cruise Lines’ SuperLiners Sensation, Holiday,
and Ecstasy will each undergo extensive multi-million-dollar renovations
following their charter to the U.S. government for Hurricane Katrina relief
efforts.
Following the charters, the vessels will resume four- and five-day service
this spring, with the Sensation launching a brand new schedule from Port
Canaveral, Fla., March 23, the Holiday returning to Mobile, Ala., year-round
March 27, and the Ecstasy returning to Galveston, Texas, year-round April 8,
2006. Following its new program from Port Canaveral, the Sensation will return
to New Orleans to resume year-round four- and five-day cruises Oct. 26, 2006.
"Because the ships were maintained to Carnival’s high standards throughout the
charter period, the Holiday, Ecstasy and Sensation are all in excellent
condition and these multi-million-dollar renovations will make these terrific
‘Fun Ships’ even better when they resume service this spring," said Bob
Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
Holiday Refurbishment
Highlighting the Holiday’s extensive 20-day refurbishment, which will take
place in Freeport, The Bahamas, will be a totally redesigned lobby area with
new seating, and new carpeting and tile work throughout, providing a more
comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.
In addition to a host of cosmetic enhancements throughout the vessel, a new
nine-hole miniature golf course will be added to Verandah Deck, providing
guests of all ages with a fun outdoor diversion.
The Four Winds and Seven Seas main dining rooms will receive new ceilings,
along with a variety of new and updated galley equipment. The beauty salon in
the Spa Carnival facility will also receive a makeover with new exercise
equipment, carpeting and tile work.
Renovations to Ecstasy and Sensation
The refurbishments of the 2,052-passenger Ecstasy and Sensation, which will
take place in Mobile, Ala., will include new nine-hole miniature golf courses
and new 1,600-square-foot Children’s World play areas, part of the ongoing
expansion of the line’s top-rated "Camp Carnival" program.
Aft lounges on both ships will be reconfigured to house new family recreation
areas featuring audio/visual equipment for displaying movies and other
programming. The Ecstasy and Sensation will also house new art galleries and
1,200-square-foot conference rooms.
All of the Ecstasy’s 1,026 cabins, including 54 suites, will be completely
refurbished, while new lighting, flooring, wall coverings and dessert stations
will be added to the Panorama Bar & Grill poolside restaurant. The ship’s gift
shop will be renovated, as well.
A patisserie offering specialty coffees and sweets and a new photo gallery
will be installed on the Sensation’s promenade, while a redesigned Internet
café will be located adjacent to the ship’s purser’s information desk on
Empress Deck.
The Sensation’s 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival facility will also be
renovated and a poolside stage will be relocated to a covered area on Lido
Deck, providing guests with more space for sunning and relaxing. Suites on the
Sensation will also be refurbished to include an entirely new décor and
completely remodeled bathrooms.
Exciting Itineraries
The Sensation’s new schedule from Port Canaveral will run March 23 - Oct. 19,
2006 (the Elation will take over the program Oct. 23, 2006). Four-day cruises
visit Nassau and either Freeport or Half Moon Cay, while five-day cruises call
at Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay and Nassau.
The Sensation will then reposition to New Orleans to resume year-round four-
and five-day cruises beginning Oct. 26, 2006. Four-day cruises departing
Thursdays visit Cozumel while five-day cruises departing Mondays and Saturdays
feature Cozumel and Calica/Playa del Carmen or Costa Maya.
The Holiday will return to Mobile March 27, 2006, to resume year-round four-
and five-day Mexico cruises – the only year-round program from that port.
Four-day cruises to Cozumel depart Thursdays and five-day voyages to Cozumel
and Calica/Playa del Carmen or Costa Maya depart Mondays and Saturdays.
The Ecstasy will resume its previously operated schedule from Galveston
beginning April 8, 2006. On this route, four-day cruises depart Thursdays and
visit Calica while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and visit
Progreso and Cozumel.
Carnival is currently accepting reservations for all of the ships’ 2006
departures. For additional information and reservations, contact any travel
agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.
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Carnival Cruise Lines is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading
Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line,
Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts
of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to
quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and
budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the
world’s most desirable destinations.
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