MIAMI (March 20, 2006) – Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom will operate an exciting inaugural schedule in 2007, encompassing 12-day cruises that include the line’s first-ever visit to the Greek Isles and Turkey, as well as extended calls at a variety of magnificent Mediterranean ports.

Carnival Freedom’s inaugural season kicks off March 14, 2007, and includes seven 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises and 12 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” voyages through Oct. 16, 2007. All voyages operate round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia). 

“For Carnival Freedom, we’ve assembled two terrific itineraries that feature new destinations for Carnival – the Greek Isles and Turkey – as well as a variety of spectacular European ports to enable guests to experience the region’s broad diversity of cultures, cuisine and history,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. “These new 12-day cruises to the Mediterranean and Greek Isles not only provide exciting itinerary choices for our guests but represent the continuing evolution of the ‘Fun Ship’ vacation experience,” he added.

New Mediterranean & Greek Isles Cruises

The 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises include eight ports: Naples, Italy; Rhodes, Greece; Izmir (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey featuring scenic cruising of the Dardanelles; Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon, Greece; and Livorno, Italy, as well as an overnight call in Rome (Civitavecchia). The seven 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises depart March 14 and 26, April 7 and 19, June 18, Aug. 5, and Sept. 22, 2007.

These cruises offer guests a variety of unforgettable landside experiences, including visiting the legendary Acropolis and the Temple of Poseidon in Greece, as well as the ancient cities of Olympia, Priere, Didyma and Miletus, which are four of the best-preserved settlements of Grecian history. 

With the overnight call in Civitavecchia, guests can enjoy a shore excursion to Rome to see the centuries-old Coliseum or to Vatican City to tour St. Peter’s Basilica, while during the extended call in Istanbul, guests can visit the fabled Blue Mosque and Topkapi Museum. On the departure from Istanbul, Carnival Freedom will sail the spectacular Sea of Dardanelles, which connects the Aegan Sea with the Sea of Marmora.

Exciting 12-day ‘Grand Mediterranean’ Voyages

The 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” cruises visit seven ports: Naples, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy (two-day call); Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy. The 12 voyages depart May 1, 13 and 25, June 6 and 30, July 12 and 24, Aug. 17 and 28, Sept. 10, Oct. 4 and 16.

On these voyages, guests can visit captivating European cities such as Capri, Taormina, Monte Carlo, Florence and Pisa, which are home to some of the world’s most celebrated museums and centuries-old historical landmarks and attractions.

Particularly noteworthy is the two-day call in Venice, where guests can sample the city’s excellent restaurants, view stunning architecture, and visit magnificent museums and cathedrals. 

Signature ‘Fun Ship’ Amenities

Carnival Freedom will offer a wide range of signature “Fun Ship” amenities:  22 lounges and bars, a 13,300-square-foot spa, a jogging track, Internet café, and four swimming pools – one with a 214-foot-long water slide. A nine-deck-high glass-covered atrium provides easy and convenient access to the various areas.

Dining choices include twin two-level formal restaurants with extensive menus and wine lists, a 1,400-seat casual poolside eatery featuring a 24-hour pizzeria, and an reservations-only supper club serving prime steaks and other upscale cuisine. These venues will feature “Georges Blanc Signature Selections” created by the talented French master chef.

Carnival Freedom will also include a comprehensive golf program, a 1,100-square-foot conference center, a duty-free shopping mall, and expansive facilities for the line’s “Camp Carnival” and “Club 02” programs catering to children and teens, respectively.

Of the ship’s 1,487 staterooms, 60 percent will offer an ocean view with 60 percent of those featuring private balconies – perfect for scenic cruising.

Pricing and Reservations

Prices for Carnival Freedom’s new 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises begin at $999 per person and the 12-day Grand Mediterranean voyages at $1,449 per person, based on double occupancy. Round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways, along with special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, are also available. 

Carnival will begin accepting individual and group reservations March 27, 2006.

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.