MIAMI (July 15, 2005) – In ceremonies in Monfalcone, Italy, Carnival Cruise Lines today took delivery of the its newest cruise ship, the 110,000-ton Carnival Liberty, which launches the line’s first-ever Mediterranean cruise program July 20.  The 2,974-passenger SuperLiner is the 21st vessel in Carnival’s “Fun Ship” fleet.

Prior to the launch of its Mediterranean schedule, Carnival Liberty will operate a special three-day introductory cruise July 16-19 followed by a pierside overnight gala in Civitavecchia, Italy, July 19. That same evening, the ship will be “officially” named, with Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino serving as godmother.

“Carnival Liberty is a spectacular addition to the ‘Fun Ship’ fleet and we’re looking forward to the exciting inaugural festivities, as well as the start-up of our first-ever Mediterranean cruise program which features some of the region’s most charming and historic ports of call,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

Carnival Liberty’s seven-port, 12-day Med cruises will operate round-trip from Civitavecchia July 20 - Oct. 12, 2005, and include visits to Naples, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy; Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy.

Following this program, Carnival Liberty will depart Civitavecchia on a 16-day transatlantic crossing Oct. 24 and arrive in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Nov. 9, 2005, positioning the vessel for a one-of-a-kind program of six- and eight-day Bahamas/Caribbean voyages beginning Nov. 12. She will return to Europe in May 2006 for another season of 12-day Mediterranean cruises.

Among the largest passenger vessels at sea, Carnival Liberty houses 22 lounges and bars, including a sports bar, piano bar, wine bar, dance club, and a 1,500-seat theater showcasing lavish Vegas-style productions. 

Its 13 passenger decks also house a 13,500-square-foot health club, four swimming pools, a cascading water slide, a 4,200-square-foot children’s play area, and a 1,800-square-foot teen club. Dining options include twin two-level main dining rooms, a spacious poolside eatery and an intimate reservations-only supper club serving U.S.D.A. prime beef and other gourmet cuisine.

Of the ship’s 1,487 staterooms, 60 percent offer either an ocean view or private balcony.

Reservations are being accepted for all of Carnival Liberty’s 2005-2006 Mediterranean and Caribbean 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.