MIAMI (November 29, 2006) – Following strong initial consumer response to Carnival Freedom’s inaugural Mediterranean/Greek Isles cruise program set to begin this spring, Carnival Cruise Lines has announced that the 110,000-ton SuperLiner will return to Europe for another season of 12-day voyages in 2008.

Carnival Freedom’s 2008 European cruise season will encompass 12-day "Grand Mediterranean" and 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises operating May 10 to Oct. 25. Currently nearing the final stages of construction at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard, the 2,974-passenger vessel is slated to debut in Europe March 5, 2007.

"Consumers are realizing that cruising is the most convenient and affordable way to experience Europe, providing the opportunity to visit a variety of magnificent destinations, all in a single voyage. And Carnival Freedom, with its all-inclusive value, attractive itineraries, stimulating on-board environment, and diversity of facilities and features, offers the ultimate European vacation," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

12-Day Mediterranean & Greek Isles Voyages Aboard Carnival Freedom

Carnival Freedom’s 2008 Europe season will kick off with a 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles voyage departing May 10, 2008. Other departure dates include June 15, Aug. 14, Sept. 19 and Oct. 25, 2008. These cruises will feature eight spectacular 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).

These voyages offer 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, four of the best-preserved settlements of Grecian history.

With the extended call in Istanbul, guests can visit the fabled Blue Mosque and Topkapi Museum, while the overnight call in Civitavecchia provides an opportunity to visit Rome to see the fabled Coliseum or to Vatican City to tour St. Peter’s Basilica.

Carnival Freedom’s 12-Day "Grand Mediterranean" Cruises

The 12-day "Grand Mediterranean" cruises will depart May 22, June 3 and 27, July 9 and 21, Aug. 2 and 26, Sept. 7, and Oct. 1 and 13. The voyages visit seven captivating ports: Naples and Venice (two-day call), Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy.

During these cruises, guests can visit Capri, Taormina, Monte Carlo, Florence and Pisa, home to a variety of centuries-old historical landmarks and some of the world’s most celebrated museums.

The two-day call in Venice offers guests an opportunity to sample the city’s excellent restaurants, view stunning architecture, and visit magnificent museums and cathedrals.

Variety of ‘Fun Ship’ Facilities and Features

Part of Carnival’s 110,000-ton Conquest-class, Carnival Freedom will feature 22 lounges and bars, four swimming pools, a 13,300-square-foot health club, 100 percent "bow-to-stern" wireless Internet access, cell phone service, and "Carnival’s Seaside Theatre," a 270-square-foot LED screen displaying movies, concerts and other programming.

The ship will also house two two-deck-high main dining rooms, a 1,400-seat casual poolside eatery with a 24-hour pizzeria, and an elegant reservations-only supper club offering U.S.D.A. prime steaks and other gourmet cuisine. Also featured will be "Camp Carnival" and "Club O2," with expansive facilities and supervised activities for children and teens, respectively.

Accommodations include a wide selection of spacious staterooms including suites and staterooms with private balconies offering spectacular ocean views. All staterooms will include the "Carnival Comfort Bed" sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

Pricing and Reservations

Carnival is currently accepting reservations for Carnival Freedom’s 2008 Europe departures.

Prices for the 12-day voyages begin at $1,199 per person, based on double occupancy.

Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, as well as round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways and pre- and post-cruise land packages in Rome, 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.