MIAMI (October 26, 2006) – "Fun Ship" cruising returns to New Orleans today when Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,056-passenger Fantasy embarks on a four-day cruise to Mexico this afternoon from the new Erato Street Cruise Terminal, part of the ship’s year-round four- and five-day program from that port.

On the Fantasy’s year-round schedule from New Orleans, four-day cruises depart Thursdays and call at Cozumel while five-day cruises depart Mondays and Saturdays and visit Cozumel and Costa Maya.

The 70,000-ton Fantasy – the namesake behind Carnival’s "Fantasy-class," the most successful series of ships ever introduced – marks the return of year-round Carnival voyages from New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

With the Fantasy’s new four- and five-day cruises, combined with Carnival Triumph’s year-round seven-day cruises from New Orleans announced earlier this year, Carnival expects to carry approximately 320,000 passengers annually from that port.

Guests can extend their stay in New Orleans with a variety of pre- and post-cruise land packages providing an opportunity to explore the city’s many excellent restaurants, shops and historical landmarks.

"Carnival is delighted to resume ‘Fun Ship’ cruising from New Orleans, which, in addition to being one of America’s great cities, has historically been one of our most popular and fastest growing homeports," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

The Fantasy encompasses 10 passenger decks and features a variety of on-board amenities and facilities, including three swimming pools, Carnival’s signature "Twister Waterslide," a 12,000-square-foot health and fitness center, a comprehensive golf program, a jogging track, cell phone service, an Internet café, and "Camp Carnival" and "Club O2" with expansive facilities and activities for children and teens, respectively.

The ship also houses 1,028 staterooms featuring the new "Carnival Comfort Bed" sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality pillows and linens.

Dining options include two formal restaurants with expansive menus and wine lists and a 700-seat poolside eatery featuring 24-hour pizza and self-serve ice cream/frozen yogurt. All Fantasy dining venues feature the new "Georges Blanc Signature Selections," delicious menu items created by the world-renowned French master chef.

Carnival is currently accepting reservations for all of its "Fun Ship" departures from New Orleans.

Prices for the Fantasy’s four- and five-day voyages from New Orleans begin at $299 per person while Carnival Triumph’s seven-day voyages from New Orleans start at $529 at per person, based on double occupancy. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways, 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.