MIAMI (September 25, 2006) – For those looking for an exciting and affordable European vacation option, Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom will operate a special one-time nine-day cruise in March 2007 featuring visits to six magnificent ports in Italy, Greece, Croatia and Turkey.

The voyage begins with an overnight call in Venice March 5 and includes day-long stops at Dubrovnik, Croatia; Katakolon and Athens, Greece; Izmir, Turkey; Rhodes, Greece; and Naples, Italy; before arriving in Rome (Civitavecchia) on March 14, 2007.

The nine-day cruise offers guests a variety of unforgettable shoreside 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 -- four of the best-preserved settlements of Grecian history. During the extended call in Turkey, guests can visit the fabled Blue Mosque and Topkapi Museum.

"Carnival Freedom’s inaugural nine-day cruise not only provides guests with a terrific, value-packed European cruise vacation with visits to spectacular and sought-after destinations but also an opportunity to be among the first to experience the many facilities and features of our newest ‘Fun Ship,’" said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

As the newest SuperLiner in the "Fun Ship" fleet, Carnival Freedom will offer a host of innovative on-board amenities, including 100 percent "bow-to-stern" wireless Internet access, cell phone service and a 270-square-foot LED screen on Lido Deck, along with 22 lounges and bars with dramatic interiors inspired by prominent design themes and styles of the past decades and centuries.

The ship offers some of the most spacious staterooms at sea and includes a wide selection of affordable accommodations featuring private balconies – perfect for scenic European cruising. All staterooms will feature the new "Carnival Comfort Bed" sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

Dining options include two formal restaurants with extensive menus and wine lists, a 1,400-seat casual poolside eatery featuring a 24-hour pizzeria, and a reservations-only supper club offering prime dry-aged beef and other gourmet cuisine. All Carnival Freedom dining venues feature "Georges Blanc Signature Selections" created by the world-renowned French master chef.

Carnival Freedom’s nine-day inaugural cruise is just one of several exciting itinerary choices available aboard the 2,974-passenger vessel, which will also operate a summer schedule of 12-day Mediterranean and Mediterranean/Greek Isles cruises March 14 – October 16, 2007, round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) followed by a 14-day transatlantic crossing departing Rome (Civitavecchia) October 28, and arriving in Miami Nov. 11, 2007.

The ship will then begin year-round service from Miami with seven-day cruises alternating weekly to the eastern and western Caribbean beginning November 17, 2007. Prior to the start-up of this program, Carnival Freedom will operate a special four-day western Caribbean cruise from Miami Nov. 12, 2007.

Carnival is currently accepting reservations for Carnival Freedom’s nine-day inaugural cruise, as well as the vessel’s various other European and Caribbean departures.

Prices for the nine-day cruise begin at $699 per person based on double occupancy. Round-trip air supplements and special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom are also available.

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.