Carnival: The Blog

Didja Ever help make a million (fans)?

Mayor of Funville — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:42:00 GMT

Fun fans, here's your chance to shine: we've got about 950,000 fans like you over on the Carnival Facebook page. To show our appreciation — and help push us over a million "Likes" — we've launched a FUN-A-THON sweepstakes of "Fun Ship"-sized proportions!

Enter now through midnight EDT on July 5, 2011, for your shot at one of 24 mystery prizes... including a trip for two aboard the brand-new CARNIVAL MAGIC!

How's it work? Simple: just "Like" Carnival (you've already taken care of that, right?) and then click here to be entered. Then check back on July 7th as we give away a different surprise gift every hour, all in honor of our Facebook fans... a group which now includes you, right?

Hey, your friends are one in a million too... would you mind telling them?

Meet Julie, May's 'Didja Ever?' Cruise Winner

Mayor of Funville — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:08:00 GMT

Put your hands together and let's give a big round of applause for Julie S. of Lake Shore, MN! She just won a cruise, all for voting on what to add to America's list.

We got to know more about our lucky winner and everything she's excited about doing on her big trip. Hint: it definitely involves checking out Mayan ruins and getting up close and personal with some stingrays. Not activities for the faint of heart. But with her dreams of visiting Machu Picchu and New Zealand, we think she's more than ready for the adventures on the close and very fun horizon.

Have you ever cruised before or will you be checking this off your list of firsts?
I took a 3 day Carnival Cruise in 1987 to the Bahamas.

What new experiences do you hope to have on your Carnival cruise?
I can't wait to enjoy a stress-free vacation, with no worries about eating, lodging or being entertained. I would love to explore some Mayan ruins and snorkel with stingrays. Lounging on deck with a good book would be amazing too.

Carnival has international chefs who create dishes from the four corners of the world. What new foods have you always wanted to try?
I look forward to trying the traditional foods of our destination.

There are many different evening entertainment options onboard a Carnival Cruise like dinner shows, comedy clubs and karaoke — where you can sing with a live band. When you're not basking in the sun, what do you hope to experience?
I love comedy and dinner shows. A good movie on deck sounds like fun too!

What exotic port(s) do you plan on sailing off to and why?
I've always wanted to enjoy the beaches of Grand Cayman. Snorkeling in Cozumel and seeing the Mayan ruins near Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico would be a dream come true.

What kinds of new experiences do you hope to have in port? Parasailing? Swimming with dolphins?
I look forward to exploring Mayan ruins, swimming with stingrays, snorkeling in the Caribbean and eating local food.

Your cruise is for a group of four. Who are the lucky people you're taking with you?
I'm taking my husband, Robert and my sons, Nathan and Jason.

Besides a Carnival cruise, what other firsts do you hope to cross off your Didja Ever list this year?
I'd like to take a shower in a waterfall, visit the Mayan ruins, go whale watching, and get a tattoo.

What do you think of America's top 100 list? Anything you would add?
Visit Machu Picchu.

Have you already done some of the things on America's list? Can you share some of those past experiences?
I've attended a luau in Hawaii. They served the most wonderful food I've ever tasted and the entertainment was amazing.

One popular item on America's list is "Pick a place and go." If you could go anywhere on a whim, where would it be?
New Zealand.

Thanks again for your time. Would you mind doing a follow-up interview after your cruise? It'd be great to hear how it went and about the firsts you were able to check off your list.
An interview would be great!

What's more fun than a cruise? Winning one for free. The only way to win is to make your list or vote on what you'd like to see added to America's. Just "like" Carnival on Facebook, then make your own Didja Ever list or vote on America's top 100. Just for sharing your opinions with the world, you're entered to win. Yes, it really is that easy.

Didja Ever check "Go on a Carnival cruise" off your list?

Mayor of Funville — Fri, 27 May 2011 21:45:00 GMT

It's hard enough to win anything — let alone a prize as big as this — but this month, Janine H. of Loma Linda, California did just that. That's right, she won a FREE Carnival cruise by voting on which 'first' should be added to America's list!

Today, we tip our captain's hat to Janine as we find out more about her.

Have you ever cruised before, or will you be checking this off your list of firsts?

Yes, I've cruised in Alaska and Caribbean, but never with Carnival before!

What new experiences do you hope to have on your Carnival cruise?

I hope to try ziplining! I've never done that before.

Carnival has international chefs who create dishes from the four corners of the world. What new foods have you always wanted to try?

I love to try foods from all over the world! I'd try anything if it's vegetarian!

There are many different evening entertainment options onboard a Carnival Cruise like dinner shows, comedy clubs and karaoke where you can sing with a live band. When you're not basking in the sun, what do you hope to experience?

For ship entertainment, I love to attend the shows, comedy clubs, magic shows. I would even try karaoke even though I can't sing! I'll never see those people again!

What exotic port(s) do you plan on sailing off to and why?

I would love to sail off to the Caribbean and visit Cozumel.

What kind of new experiences do you hope to have in port? Parasailing? Swimming with dolphins?

In port, I'd like to scuba dive or zipline, or anything I haven't done before

Your cruise is for a group of four. Who are the lucky people you're taking with you?

I haven't yet decided who deserves to go with me! Friends or family?

Beyond a Carnival cruise, what other firsts do you hope to cross off your Didja Ever list this year?

I'd love to see the Northern lights, swim with the dolphins, mush a dog sled.

What do you think of our America's top 100 list? Anything you would add?

I love the things on America's top 100 list! I've been fortunate enough to see a lot of the world but I love to travel, and I'd love to go to anywhere I haven't already been. I'd love to be able to see all of the seven wonders of the world!

Have you already done some of the things of America's list? Can you share some of those past experiences?

I have: gone on a cruise, I have seen the Great Pyramids at Giza (luckily in November 2010 before all the trouble in Egypt started), The Great Wall of China, the Colosseum, the leaning tower of Pisa, Macchu Picchu. I have ridden a gondola in Venice, I've been to the top of the Eiffel tower, been on a Safari, I've ridden a hot air balloon, been parasailing, learned how to scuba dive and salsa dance. I've driven cross country, I've ridden an elephant in Nepal, and climbed a volcano in Guatemala.

One popular item on America's list is "Pick a place and go." If you could go anywhere on a whim, where would it be?

If I could pick a place to go, I'd love to visit the rainforest of Costa Rica or visit Turkey or South Africa.

Thanks again for your time. Would you mind a follow-up interview after your cruise? It'd be great to hear how it went and which firsts you were able to check off your list.

No problem! I'd love to do a follow up interview!

Wow, looks like Janine has really seen the world. And you could too if you enter for a chance to win this month's Carnival cruise! All you have to do is vote for what should be added to America's list on Facebook.

Carnival Magic: The Big Reveal

Mayor of Funville — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 22:22:00 GMT

YOU’RE INVITED!

Event: Carnival Magic – The Big Reveal

Where: Carnival’s Facebook page – the Carnival Magic tab

When: Sunday, May 1, 2011

Time: All Day

Event Hosts: Carnival Cruise Lines and John Heald, Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director

Event Details: The newest ship in our fleet, Carnival Magic, is complete!

We’re celebrating and would like for you to join us in the festivities. We’re in Italy and bringing it all to you on Facebook. What can you expect to see?

· Never-before-seen pictures and videos;

· Profiles of the new and exciting Carnival Magic spaces and places (RedFrog Pub, Cucina del Capitano, SportSquare, etc);

· An overview of the Carnival Magic’s Venice port of call;

· An interview with Lindsey Wilkerson, Carnival Magic’s godmother;

· And… detailed coverage of the Naming Ceremony.

Event Schedule:

(EDT – Eastern Daylight Time; times are subject to change)

9:00 a.m. – John Heald Event Intro and Carnival Magic Q&A video

9:30 a.m. – Venice (port of call overview & pictures)

10:00 a.m. – Waterworks: Behind the Scenes

10:30 a.m. – John Heald Q&A video

11:00 a.m. – Meet the Godmother

11:30 a.m. – John Heald Q&A video

12:00 p.m. – Cucina del Capitano: Behind the Scenes

12:30 p.m. – RedFrog Pub: Behind the Scenes

1:00 p.m. – SportsSquare: Behind the Scenes

1:30 p.m. – Interview with the Captain

2:00 p.m. – Naming Ceremony Recap Video

In addition to everything you see in the above event schedule, Carnival will post updates on Twitter and Facebook right from the event, sharing pictures, and doing live polls.

Last, but certainly not least: We’re hosting a celebratory sweepstakes.

Prize: A 7-day, fun-filled cruise for four on the new Carnival Magic, sailing from Galveston, TX.

We’re bringing the FUN from Italy right to your computer… iPad… and iPhone screen. We hope you’ll join us.

Click here to watch Carnival Magic's Big Reveal.

Getting to know the Carnival Magic Godmother

Mayor of Funville — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:42:00 GMT

How do you feel about being named Carnival Magic’s godmother?

I am so very excited to be godmother to the Carnival Magic! It is quite a privilege to represent the thousands of children helped by the lifesaving research and treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

What was your initial reaction when you were told that you were selected to be a cruise ship godmother?

I am absolutely humbled by this honor and quite honestly I cried. Carnival’s commitment to supporting St. Jude makes being the godmother to the Carnival Magic so rewarding. I am blessed to be a survivor, as well as a wife and mother. I’m thrilled that together we will help other children grow up to fulfill their own dreams.

What part about the naming ceremony are you most looking forward to?

Actually, I am simply looking forward to finally viewing the Carnival Magic in person! I have followed the construction through John Heald’s blog and at Carnival.com but I know nothing will compare to that first moment of stepping onto the ship.

Your story is quite inspirational. Can you tell us about your involvement with St. Jude and your role with the organization now?

I serve as a volunteer events specialist at ALSAC, the fundraising organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. My role is to help engage and support St. Jude’s volunteers and donors across the country. These volunteers, who host events in their hometowns throughout the year, raise millions of dollars each year to help fund the hospital’s lifesaving mission. I also volunteer at the hospital as a tour guide and with two organizations including The Family Advisory Council and the St. Jude Women’s Club. The Women’s Club is committed to helping the kids of St. Jude by participating in volunteer and fundraising activities, as well as special events and projects held throughout the year, while The Family Advisory Council fosters the mutually beneficial partnership of patients, families and healthcare providers in creating informed, respectful, safe and effective quality of care.

We understand you and your family are sailing on the Carnival Magic’s inaugural nine-day cruise from Venice. Have you ever taken a cruise and what do you plan on doing once you’re on board?

This will be our first cruise and we couldn’t have a more thrilling introduction to cruising! We are eager to sit on the deck and savor the sunshine and scenic views. We are also looking forward to visiting Cucina del Capitano, Carnival WaterWorks, SportsSquare and the RedFrog Pub. We can’t wait to experience it all!

What are your future plans, both personally and professionally?

Ultimately, I look forward to the day when Danny Thomas’ dream that no child should die in the dawn of life will become a reality. In the meantime, I just want to savor each day with my family and continue to support the work of St. Jude in whatever way I can.

Highlights of Barcelona

Jaime Deitsch — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:23:00 GMT

Barcelona is a city that is full of life, excitement and energy, and I believe it's a perfect home port for Carnival Corporation's 100^th cruise ship — the Carnival Magic. My only experience visiting Barcelona was during the inaugural season of the Carnival Splendor in 2008, and I must admit that it's one of my favorite places to visit, and a definite highlight of European culture.

After scrolling through all 7 of the pictures I took in Barcelona, I remember I being so preoccupied with the amazing sights, the street performers and the incredible shopping district, that I hardly had time to pull out my camera to capture the memories! I can only remember the action packed days I spent there...

While in Barcelona, taking a tour and enjoying the breathtaking buildings designed by Antonio Gaudi is a must. These unique buildings are simply amazing; you must take a guided tour to learn more about them. Another part of Barcelona I found interesting was the Christopher Columbus statue, which you'll find standing tall near the center of the city. Apparently, this is located at the site where Columbus returned to Spain after his first voyage to the Americas. I found it intriguing that this statue points to Manhattan, where you can find a similar statue of Christopher Columbus pointing back. Luckily, these were two of the few photos I took both in Barcelona and New York!

As you wander through the downtown area, the main street is called Las Ramblas, and this district truly comes alive as you find different street performers, magicians and musicians on every corner. The costumes are incredible. You believe you are seeing a statue... until the statue comes alive to entertain you as you meander about! For me, another highlight was the incredible shopping of downtown Barcelona. I can proudly say that three years later, I still own and wear many unique clothing items that exhibit the fast-paced European trends. I admit, some of them now have holes... they have been truly loved. (Unlike the clothes I bought in the States, which already had holes when they were purchased!)

After a long day of sightseeing and shopping, a perfect way to top it off is to sit down and enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine. Lining the streets are many bars and cafés, where you can munch on tapas and enjoy a drink; however, at night the sit-down restaurants give your taste buds something to look forward to...... mmmhmmm, drooling!

I hope you are able to take more pictures than I did. I truly miss Barcelona and eagerly await the day that I return.

All the Best,

Jaime Deitsch
Assistant Cruise Director

10 Things You Might Not Know About the Carnival Magic

Mayor of Funville — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:35:00 GMT

The ship's crew consists of approximately 1,386 individuals.

In the first year of service, the ship's stateroom stewards will create more than 663,000 of our wildly popular "towel animals."

Five of the Cucina del Capitano chefs went to Italy for 20 days as part of their training to work in the Carnival Magic's family-style Italian restaurant. The chefs visited a total of eight restaurants to complete workshops with Italian chefs in order to learn new recipes, as well as perfect existing ones.

Many of the photos on the walls of Cucina del Capitano are actual family photos from several of Carnival's ship captains and crew.

The Caribbean-themed RedFrog Pub will feature a nightly Key West-style sunset ceremony with live music on The Lanai.

In just one week, guests sailing aboard the Carnival Magic will be served:

8,900 hamburgers
73,180 slices of bacon
8,400 bananas
39,325 Danish pastries
1,575 gallons of iced tea

The Carnival Magic will be able to travel at a speed of up to 22.5 knots, which is about 26 miles per hour (mph).

SportSquare has a Sports Director — a new crew member position that only exists on the Carnival Magic.

Lindsey Wilkerson — whose inspirational story has taken her from a patient at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital^® to an employee within the organization and ambassador helping share its message of hope and inspiration — will serve as godmother of the new Carnival Magic.

Every cruise ship has to pass sea trials before they can take guests on vacation. The Carnival Magic passed with flying colors. FUN FOR ALL. ALL FOR FUN.

Meet Andy & Tina, winners of our "Race to the Altar" Contest!

Mayor of Funville — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:02:00 GMT

Plenty of people get married, and plenty of people run 10Ks, but how many people do you know who do both on the same day? Well, Andy and Tina plan to knock a whole bunch of firsts off their list this year at the Cooper Bridge Run in Charleston, SC. First, they'll run a 10K. Then, as soon as they can towel off, they'll tie the knot in Marion Square. That's more firsts in a day than most people have in a year!

We caught up with Andy and Tina to learn a little bit more about their big day and their excitement over their upcoming first-ever cruise to the Bahamas (yes, another first!). Read on, fun people, read on.

How did you two meet?

We met at Surry Community College in North Carolina while obtaining associate degrees in preparation for Appalachian State University. We were on a field trip to Wilmington, NC for history class.

Why did you want to run a 10K before tying the knot?

We had planned to run the Cooper River Bridge Run months in advance as we were getting into shape to see if we could do it and to have something fun to do while exercising. The run gave us another goal to achieve helping us with our weight loss. The race to the altar is symbolic of the healthy lifestyle that we want to continue to lead.

Is this your first 10K?

Yes.

What did people say when you told them you'd be getting married after running a 10K?

Friends and family were very excited and also curious as to whether or not we would be getting married in running clothes.

What are you more nervous about, the wedding or the race?

We are not nervous about either one. The wedding is certainly a very big step for us but we have been to together for 6 years and we already had plans for marriage. We look forward to the race as a way to continue our healthy lifestyle and we are excited about living the rest of our lives together.

As you know, Carnival is celebrating a year of firsts. What are some other things you'd like to try for the first time in 2011?

Cruising! Maybe Carnival could even give us a job traveling across the world for them. We could be the next travel show hosts — a couple's version. Seriously, that would be awesome! We would also like to apply to Physician's Assistant school at MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina) this year.

Have you ever cruised before, or is this another first?

This will be our first time and we are very excited to experience the cruising life.

What new experiences do you hope to have on your Carnival cruise? For example, new onboard dining or entertainment experiences, new shore excursion experiences?

We hope to experience good food and company as well as any and all fun activities that we can find. We hope to swim with dolphins and snorkel as well as engage in as many shore excursions as we can find. All of these will be firsts for us!

Do you see more races together in the future?

Definitely. The race gives a training goal to achieve and look forward to which helps with the healthy lifestyle that we want to live from now on. It is also a fun way meet new people.

So Andy, do you plan on carrying Tina across the finish line?

Yes!

Thanks again for your time! Would you mind a follow-up interview after the race to the altar? We'd love to hear how it all went, especially about your 5-day honeymoon cruise to the Bahamas on the Carnival Fantasy!

That would be great.

Starring in a reality show about cruising? Now that would be the Ultimate First!

So, what do you want to do for the first time? Maybe check off winning a cruise? For your chance, just make your own "Didja Ever" list — or vote for what we add to America's list — at facebook.com/Carnival, and you can be entered to win. Remember, we're giving a cruise away each and every month this year, just for adding a little fun to your life!

Meet Amy, February's 'Didja Ever?' cruise winner

Mayor of Funville — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:03:00 GMT

Our congrats go out to Amy W. of Mansfield, OH, who won last month's free cruise... and all she had to do was vote on what should be added to America's Didja Ever? list! Could this awesome first get any awesomer? It's about to — Amy will be sailing with her fiancé... and they're thinking of tying the knot to make it a first-time wedding at sea as well!

We caught up with Amy for a quick interview so you could learn more about her, in her own words.

C: Have you ever cruised before or will you be checking this off your list of firsts?
A: Yes, but it was a few years ago.

C: What new experiences do you hope to have on your Carnival cruise?
A: Maybe do some excursions this time.

C: Carnival has international chefs who create dishes from the four corners of the world. What new foods have you always wanted to try?
A: Anything. Always up for trying something new.

C: There are many different evening entertainment options aboard a Carnival cruise, like dinner shows, comedy clubs and karaoke - where you can sing with a live band. When you're not basking in the sun, what do you hope to experience?
A: All of it. :-)

C: What exotic port(s) do you plan on sailing off to and why?
A: I'm thinking maybe, Bahamas. Heard it's beautiful and haven't been there yet.

C: What kind of new experiences do you hope to have in port? Parasailing? Swimming with dolphins?
A: I would love to swim with dolphins.

C: Your cruise is for a group of four. Who are the lucky people you're taking with you?
A: My fiancé, of course, and not sure yet who else - maybe just the two of us.

C: Beyond a Carnival cruise, what other firsts do you hope to cross off your Didja Ever list this year?
A: Get married. :-) (Maybe while on the cruise.)

C: What do you think of our America's top 100 list? Anything you would add?
A: You have a great list of things to try.

C: Have you already done some of the things on America's list? Can you share some of those past experiences?
A: Seen a space shuttle lift off. Got a tattoo. Went bungee jumping. Rode a jet ski.

C: One popular item on America's list is "Pick a place and go." If you could go anywhere on a whim, where would it be?
A: Italy

C: Thanks again for your time. Would you mind a follow-up interview after your cruise? It'd be great to hear how it went and what firsts you were able to check off your list.
A: That would be great.

Did you know were giving away a cruise every month? Yeah, just for making your list or voting on what we add to America's. Okay, so who wants to be our next winner? Just "Like" Carnival on Facebook. Make your own Didja Ever list. And you could be entered for a chance to win next! It really is that easy. Just for adding a little more fun to your life.

Didja Ever see yourself on a billboard?

Mayor of Funville — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 01:07:00 GMT

Hey, America! We're asking our nearest and dearest fans (that's you) to submit photos for a chance to be featured on one of our newest billboards across the country.

We're looking for photos of you doing things for the first time — having completely new, completely awesome experiences — thanks to your Carnival cruise. For example, have you tried...

Attending a luau

A rainforest hike

Scuba Diving

Riding the waterslide

On a secluded beach

Jumping the surf on a catamaran

Riding a gondola through the streets of Venice

Learning how to surf

Cliff Diving

Exploring Ruins

So, if you think you have the winning photo, just email it, along with your full name and where you live to socialnetworking@carnival.com for the chance at ultimate billboard bragging rights.

Meet Janet, January's 'Didja Ever?' winner

Mayor of Funville — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 21:52:00 GMT

Janet F. from Eugene, OR has won some fun — she was our Didja Ever? cruise winner for January! What's her secret? Well, Janet made her Didja list and was randomly selected from everyone who did that month... she and three friends will be enjoying a free, fun Carnival cruise, simple as that.

We caught up with Janet so you could learn more, in her own words.

What new experiences do you hope to have on your Carnival cruise?
Everything will be a new experience for us since we have never been on a cruise, nor have we visited the Caribbean.

Carnival has international chefs who create dishes from the four corners of the world. What new foods have you always wanted to try?
I am such a foodie! I can't wait to try some of the traditional island food on our visit to Jamaica! Jerk Chicken!! Yum!

There are many different evening entertainment options onboard a Carnival Cruise like dinner shows, comedy clubs and karaoke, where you can sing with a live band. When you're not basking in the sun, what do you hope to experience?
I'm hoping to be able to squeeze in some of everything, but the dinner shows and the comedy club are must do activities for us!

What exotic port(s) do you plan on sailing off to and why?
We have always wanted to go to Jamaica, so we are looking at the Western Caribbean Cruise that will take us there.

What kind of new experiences do you hope to have in port? Parasailing? Swimming with dolphins?
Wow, so many things!! In Jamaica there is Dunns River Falls, Bobsled Jamaica, Chukka Dune Buggies, Chukka Zip line, Ocho Rios ATV Adventure; and the Carnival Facebook fans say that in Grand Cayman we can't miss visiting the Turtle Farm, the Pirate Encounter, Stingray City and Snuba.....I have no idea how we are going to choose!

Beyond a Carnival cruise, what other firsts do you hope to cross off your Didja Ever list this year?
Well, I think that showering in a waterfall may just be one of the things I can check off! And I would really like to go to Times Square for New Years.

Have you already done some of the things on America's list? Can you share some of those past experiences?
I have! Let's see, I have 2 tattoos, I have ridden an elephant a few times, my favorite summer activity is heading out to the lake for some boating and jet skiing, and living 60 miles from the beautiful Oregon Coast allows for a lot of whale watching!

One popular item on America's list is "Pick a place and go." If you could go anywhere on a whim, where would it be?
I would go to Turkey. My grandfather was stationed their during the Korean War and he loved it. It was the only thing he ever talked to us about when it came to his tours of duty. I would love to see all the things there that made such an everlasting impression on him.

We're giving away a cruise per month... do you want to be our next winner? (Talk about easy questions!) Just "Like" Carnival on Facebook, make your own Didja Ever? list, and you could be next!

Didja Ever check something off your list? Why not tell people about it?

Mayor of Funville — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:07:00 GMT

Come on, now's the time — if you're out there checking things off your list, get loud. Get excited! And get over here and tell us about it.

What'd you do? Where'd you go? How'd you do it? What advice would you give to someone climbing onto that mechanical bull? What's the proper technique for riding a Mardi Gras float? What was the last thing you said before jumping out of that plane? These are the questions that need answering.

We have some special Carnival events in the works for the months ahead, and can let you know about some fun places to go to check things off your list. But right now, it's your time. So tell us, how are you getting fun done?

Hey Families! This Year, Resolve To...

Mayor of Funville — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:38:00 GMT

Stop dreaming and start doing! Check out all the ways Carnival can turn your 2011 resolutions into memories you'll still be raving about in 2012. Didja Ever think it would be this easy to be the coolest parent in town?

For Families with Tots to Tweens, Didja Ever:

Swashbuckle with pirates?
Fire the cannons! Pirates aboard this twin-masted pirate ship will have your kids scrubbing the decks and walking the plank on the Cayman Pirate Encounter. There's plenty of time for swimming in the Caribbean too. Don't get tied up, or you'll miss the rum punch. Argh! Discover more about Grand Cayman.

Bobsled through the jungle?
With Bobsled Jamaica, kids will shriek with delight as you pilot a bobsled — made famous by Jamaica's winter Olympic teams — on a twisting, turning joyride. The best part? You'll sail downhill not in a cold, icy tunnel, but through lush tropical forest. Find out more about Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Earn a water wedgie?
Consider it a badge of honor after you careen down our three-deck-tall Twister Waterslide. Need something milder? Shallow splash pools and gentle sprays ensure that even the wee ones will have a splash-tastic good time in our onboard water parks.

For Families with Tweens to Teens, Didja Ever:

Surf a standing wave?
Dude! The whole family will have a blast flaunting their boogie-boarding style on the FlowRider, where the perfect curl is always forming just steps from your "Fun Ship." Lessons are available for adults who want to try to show up the kids. Learn more about Grand Turk.

Tarzan through the treetops?
Even hard-to-impress teens will be wide-eyed with wow on the Adrenaline Zipline Adventure. They'll be flying high as they zoom along cables way up in the tropical trees — and for days afterward as they tell everyone about their Superman experience. Read more about St. Lucia.

Bust a move in a dance club?
Tweens and teens get their own high-energy dance scenes while Mom and Dad can go to a show or to the casino. Circle C and Club 02 bring kids together to dance, play games and hang out with new friends their own age. Because let's face it, who can keep up with them?

For Multigenerational Families, Didja Ever:

Imagine your son or daughter off-roading with Grandpa?
Kids as young as eight can copilot a two-passenger mini jeep along the Caribbean shoreline on the Mini Jeep Rhino Adventure. Adults will up their cool quotient as they rumble over bumpy off-road trails and steer around jungle ferns before emerging at a private beach for plenty of swimming and water sports time. Find out about Costa Maya, Mexico, and Carnival's numerous shore excursions there.

Go nose to bottlenose with a dolphin?
For the pool party of a lifetime, kids as young as 10 can slip into the tank with a playful, graceful dolphin at the Atlantis Dolphin Shallow Water and Aquaventure. Afterward, the whole family can show off their own porpoise-like moves in the 141-acre water park. Discover more about Nassau, The Bahamas

Check out Hollywood on the high seas?
With a 22-foot-wide movie screen, a Lido Deck full of lounge chairs and a buffet filled with favorite foods, there's no better place for family movie night than Carnival's Seaside Theatre. Star-studded sky included!

This Year, Resolve To...

Mayor of Funville — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:37:00 GMT

...stop just dreaming about things you want to do someday. Let Carnival help you turn your "Didja Ever" list into a 2011 resolution that you'll still be raving about in 2012. Your resolution solution starts with a mega-tons-of-fun floating resort, sailing to ports filled with experiences that will let you exclaim, "Yes! Yes! Yes!" next time someone asks, "Didja Ever?" Here's what we mean:

For Romantics, Didja Ever:

Share a private beach cabana?
You're strolling hand-in-hand on sun-warmed sands in Half Moon Cay. Warm Bahamian surf tickles your toes. So how do you improve on this idyllic scene? Stroll with your sweetie right over to your cabana rental, complete with deck chairs on a private terrace, snacks and soft drinks, even a misting shower. Yep, idyllic just got even better. Discover more about Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas.

Cruise the canals of Venice?
Let the gondolier croon O Sole Mio. You're spending this unforgettable night with a special someone on the Evening Gondola Ride, floating through the ancient waterways of this favorite Italian city. Incredible in daylight, Venice becomes unforgettable at dusk, when the sea shimmers silver, reflecting the stonework of centuries-old facades. Snuggle together and soak up the memory. Find out more about romantic Venice, Italy.

Double the bliss with a couples massage?
Ramp up the romance of a massage by enjoying it a deux at the Cloud 9 Spa. With two massage tables and a private bubbling bath, Carnival's VIP Treatment Suites let you loosen up your muscles and soothe your souls side-by-side. For Adventurers, Didja Ever:

Parasail over paradise?
Feel your heart flutter as a powerboat pulls you and a billowing sail into the skies above Cozumel on a tandem parasailing adventure. In mere moments, you're soaring like a seagull high above the Yucatan's pastel sea. Now that's a serious bird's-eye view. Learn more about Cozumel, Mexico.

Trek across a glacier?
Eons-old sheets of ice ooze like icing among the jagged Coast Mountain peaks of Alaska's Inside Passage. On the Helicopter Flightseeing and Extended Glacier Trek out of Juneau, you'll gear up with mountaineering boots, crampons, ropes and ice axes, then swoop in by helicopter to explore this rugged wilderness. It's true adventure on the rocks! Read more about Juneau, Alaska.

Hone your swing on the high seas?
Smooth out your backswing or polish up your chip shot in one of the most exotic locales around: your "Fun Ship" Verandah Deck, surrounded by sparkling seas. At the Onboard Golf Academy, a Carnival pro will give your swing the attention it needs. Good luck keeping your eye on the ball.

For Foodies, Didja Ever:

Cook in a Tuscan farmhouse?
Don't just see Italy — savor it too. A rural farmhouse surrounded by vineyards in Livorno is the setting for Carnival's Tuscan Farmhouse Cooking Class. A chef guides the cooking, and you eat the three-course homework. Buon appetito! Discover more about Livorno, Italy.

Make salsa and do the salsa?
Salsa and Salsa in Historic Merida is hot, hot, hot, and we're not just talking chili peppers. First, chop alongside a Mexican chef in a downtown restaurant, learning the secrets to authentic salsas and guacamole. Next, master the sassy Latin dance steps of the other, equally hot, salsa. Find out more about the Carnival port of Progreso, Mexico.

Savor flavors with a Master Chef?
Carnival's exciting new Chef's Table offers yet another way to feast aboard your "Fun Ship" cruise. Start with a personalized tour of the galley, then finish with a multicourse gourmet meal served for your small group of 12 in a private onboard location. In between, enjoy cocktails and conversation with Carnival chefs and fellow foodies.

Didja Ever Have So Much Fun...

Mayor of Funville — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:37:00 GMT

You will on a Carnival cruise, where you'll be wowed with one new adventure after another, both on board and in port. Check out a sampling below. Then start compiling your own "Didja Ever?" list. Once you sail with Carnival, you'll wonder Why Did I Ever wait so long?

Onboard, Didja Ever...

Savor breakfast with a private sea view?
Order up complimentary stateroom service and watch the rising sun light up the sea from your own private balcony. Flying fish and smiling dolphins included!

Earn some R-E-S-P-E-C-T?
Belt out the blues like Aretha in the ship's always-hopping karaoke lounge. And that's just the beginning of the nightspots you'll discover on board, from smooth cigar bars to thumping dance clubs.

Consider chocolate a food group?
With Carnival's Your Choice Dining, your craving is our command. Satisfy your appetite at a casual bistro, an elegant steakhouse or a grand buffet. Dine in formal wear or a swimsuit. Eat chocolate 24/7. Our kitchen never closes.

Earn a water wedgie?
Consider it a badge of honor after you careen down our three-deck-tall Twister Waterslide, succumb to the 300-gallon Power Drencher or have an all-around splashtastic good time in our onboard water parks.

Spa yourself silly?
Hot stone massages. Balinese wraps. Tahitian frangipani. Middle Eastern clay cleansing. We've got a world of ways to make you feel awesome in Spa Carnival.

Turn your kid into a pirate?
From pirate scavenger hunts to pool parties, it's fun central at Camp Carnival with lots of activities for kids ages 2 to 11. The 12- to 14-year-olds have a blast hanging out with new friends at Circle C, while teens 15 to 17 have their own good times at Club O2.

On Shore, Didja Ever...

Find Nemo?
Nemo and all his Technicolor tropical buddies are right there, just under the surface of the lovely Caribbean Sea. Dip your head underwater and check it out on a safe and easy snorkeling excursion like Captain Nautica's Ultimate Snorkel Expedition. Discover more about St. Thomas, USVI, and other Carnival shore excursions there.

Go nose to bottlenose with a dolphin?
For the pool party of a lifetime, slip into a tank with a playful, graceful dolphin at Atlantis Dolphin Cay Deep Water Swim. Nassau is one of several ports where you can take a dipper with Flipper. Learn more about Nassau, The Bahamas.

Hike to a jungle waterfall?
Dart through ferns. Duck under palms. Scramble over mossy boulders and ford jungle streams. Suddenly, you're face-to-face with the highlight of your River Hike to Sari Sari Falls: a 180-foot cascade plunging deep into a rainforest pool. Exotic, yes? Find out more about Dominica.

Hi-ho Silver through the surf?
You might notice a little spring in your horse's step as you saddle up for the Horseback Riding by Land and Sea excursion. Yep, horses enjoy strolls along the beach — and warm sea swims — just as much as we do. You can horse around in the surf at several other Carnival ports too, including St. Martin and Grand Turk. Learn more about Carnival's private island, Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas.

Submerge in a submarine?
You won't even get your hair wet as you descend nearly 100 feet off Mexico's Yucatan coast in the Atlantis Submarine. But you'll get a hair-raising view of a busy underwater world, where hundreds of brilliant critters cruise and dart among giant bulbs of bright coral. Discover more about Cozumel, Mexico, and the many excursions available there.

Race an America's Cup yacht?
Grind the winches! Trim the sails! Take the helm of an authentic 12-meter racing yacht as you and fellow crew members compete in an America's Cup Regatta. These multimillion-dollar beauties put the ya-hoo! in yachting. Find out more about St. Maarten.

Hey, America. Didja Ever?

Mayor of Funville — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 18:50:00 GMT

Didja Ever get up close and personal with an active volcano?
What about traveling back in time by exploring centuries-old Mayan ruins in Cozumel?

It's time to put fun on the front burner. Carnival has been compiling a list of the top 100 things Americans have always wanted to do. Lots of which, it turns out, you can accomplish during your stay on a Carnival cruise.

So if you've ever wanted to go out and see a continent or two, try a new dish you can't pronounce, or take amazing digital photos you can't wait to share with the world, then head to our Facebook page to make your dreams a part of America's list. And we'll see if we can make your dreams come true.

Food Network Challenge Contestants Give New Meaning to the Term "Eye Candy" After Cruise on Carnival Dream

Mayor of Funville — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 20:47:00 GMT

If you missed the Carnival Dream's appearance on the December 19 episode of Food Network Challenge: Sugar Destinations, don't fret, because there will be an encore airing on Christmas Day at 6 p.m. EDT/PDT.

And don't worry — there are no "spoilers" in this post — just a quick overview and a few backstage pictures!

During the episode of the popular Food Network show, four of the country's top pastry chefs embarked on a seven-day Western Caribbean voyage aboard the Carnival Dream, visiting the tropical destinations of Cozumel, Isla Roatan, Belize and Costa Maya.

At each port, the four contestants — Chris Hanmer, owner of The School of Pastry Design, Las Vegas, Nev.; Matt James, from the Everglades Country Club, Palm Beach, Fla.; Orlando Santos, from The Duquesne Club, Pittsburgh, Penn.; and Tracy Dewitt from Le Cordon Bleu College, Scottsdale, Ariz. — experienced some of Carnival's signature shore excursions, including a catamaran/snorkel adventure in Cozumel and a visit to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya.

Once on land, the competitors traded in their bathing suits for their chef's coats and went back into the kitchen, where they had eight hours to create sugar-based masterpieces inspired by their shoreside adventures.

Trust me when I tell you that you are going to want to tune in and watch as these talented pastry chefs battle it out for the grand prize of $10,000. It really gives new meaning to the term "eye-candy"!

For more information on the show and future episodes click here.

Happy Holidays (a poem)

Abby Kracoff — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 18:02:00 GMT

The holidays usually mean family members gathering 'round
Pretending you like spending time together while trying not to frown.
Although there are times when this theory rings true,
Another thrilling option is waiting for you!

Imagine a place that is not icy cold...
No snow to shovel, or laundry to fold!
No need to string lights, or decorate the tree,
You don't have to cook dinner....my gosh you are FREE!!!

Now picture yourself gliding down a giant waterslide,
In the hot midday sun, it is oh my, QUITE a ride!
If adventure you seek then we certainly have the spot,
Mini-golf and laser tag you can play a whole lot!

There will be no beds to straighten or make
Just room service, activities, and fun to partake!
Perhaps you crave video games, arts, sports and good cheer
Camp Carnival is the place where you will play with no fear!
Teenagers can be merry and jingle bell rock
And dance in their clubs to Ke$ha's "Tik Tok!"

And if for one second you miss the holidays at home,
Then take in the Christmas show...you'll never feel alone!
It stars all your kids and the entertainment staff too
There's no way you could leave there feeling sad, lonely or blue!

And why should you have just one Holiday feast?
On Carnival every night you can be a food-loving beast!

So, don't deny yourself a trip that'll put you in the Holiday mood!
Come along on a Fun Ship and bring the entire brood!
There's nothing like Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa at sea
Don't waste anymore time, come and celebrate with "Fun Ship" Freddy and me!

Happy Holidays from Carnival!!!

Abby Kracoff
Youth Director

The Mojito Tale

Sylvia Anderson — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:09:00 GMT

At Carnival, we're always listening to feedback from guests, and based on this, we recently decided to add a Mojito to our bar menu. Why? Simply put: it is a staple Caribbean cocktail... and of course, guests ask for it!

To bring aboard the fresh vibes and great memories of Caribbean islands, we twist our Mojito with Bacardi Limon. It gives us just the right balance between the flavor of mint and lime, topped-up with the perfect amount of sweetness for enjoying on Lido Deck, along with cool breeze and awesome sunset...

But let me refresh your memory how the Mojito actually came to be as a world-famous cocktail. Not surprisingly, there is a bit of mystery and dispute among historians, so I'll focus on the fun parts of the stories.

Way back when, in late 16^th century, English pirate Richard Drake come up with a beverage made up of aguardiente (unrefined rum), sugar, lime and mint... all while terrorizing South America and the Caribbean. He named it "El Draque" and it was drunk for medicinal purposes... yes we've heard that excuse before! He had been using Cuba as his hideaway, which most likely explains the roots of the Mojito. Some historians say that in the late-19^th century, African slaves working on Cuban sugar cane plantations also have their part in Mojito's history. Craving drinks from back home, they came up with a mixture made from crushed sugar cane and called it guarapo. Some slaves drowned their sorrows in aguardiente. Some were said to have mixed them both...

Other historians claim Mojito to be a grandson of Kentucky's Mint Julep, a fusion of bourbon, sugar and mint, and an absolute must-have while enjoying the Kentucky Derby for the last hundred-plus years. (Don't forget to hold your pewter cup by the rim to avoid melting the crushed ice as you watch the action!) However an original Mint Julep was made from rum, and arrived in Louisiana in 1793, along with Cuban aristocracy.

The Mojito found its way to fame by crossing the waters between Cuba and the United States during the Prohibition period, settling in nearby Key West. It is possible that Ernest Hemingway helped the Mojito to cross-over, as he traveled the Florida Strait countless times in the 1930s. Many people knew that Mr Hemingway was living in Key West, and some even knew him to be a big fan of the Mojito. Very few at the time, however, knew that he was a good friend of Joe Russell, owner of the fishing boat — and bar — known as Sloppy Joe's. Wow! That's what I call a small world :-)

There is no Mojito made without rum, so let me just mention rum variety. Since there are no international standards, the industry loosely classifies their "rum" products into five categories:

White rums are completely transparent and, if produced from molasses, are sweet and light. Rums distilled from pressed sugar cane juice offers greater substance, and tend to be more bittersweet.

Gold rums are mostly white rums that have had caramel added to them, to establish a touch of amber color for appearance's sake.

Dark rums can be either kept for several years in oak barrels (adopting their color), or have extra caramel added in order to appear older.

Spiced rums have flavorings added (one, or a combination, of: cinnamon, vanilla, coconut, nutmeg, orange rind, lemon peel, honey).

Overproof rums contain 75% or more alcohol, and have not been diluted with more than a slight amount of water. For your information, overproof rums are a favorite selection in the local establishments throughout the Caribbean, and are quite strong... so consider yourself warned :-)

The simple concept of the Mojito makes it an amazing playground for great varieties of flavors. My current favorite is an Iguana Mojito, an amazing combination of fresh mint, pineapple and Midori, which makes it not only irresistible, but also super-green! In case if you would like to try it, here is a recipe.

Start with:

6 large mint leaves

5-6 fresh pineapple chunks

half an ounce of sugar syrup

Place the above in a mixing can and muddle it well, with lots of love. Than add a shot of Bacardi Limon and a shot of Midori (a Japanese melon liqueur), a generous scoop of ice, and just a splash of club soda. Mix it all well and pour into a glass. Garnish with mint sprig and lime. You and your friends will love it!

If your travels should take you to Carnival Conquest, save yourself the effort and just ask Evi — our excellent bartender from Indonesia — to prepare one for you. She is almost as good at Mojito-making as I am! :-)

Sylvia Anderson
Bar Manager, Carnival Conquest

We came, we saw, we had some fun!

Funship Friend — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 21:57:00 GMT

Halloween has always been a special day for me. This holiday always brings back fond memories of my childhood, and the thrill of coming up with a costume. As a young boy, making my own costume started with easy builds that would be completed within a week. During my teens, I stopped dressing up for Halloween. Then, as my 30's approached, the spark to celebrate my favorite holiday via costume re-emerged.

An Idea Is Born
Back in January, my girlfriend, Liz found this Halloween cruise aboard the Carnival Miracle. At this point, I have never been on a Carnival cruise. I had heard mixed things, but was willing to give it a shot. It was booked, and I was excited. I love cruising and Halloween. Why not combine the two?

July rolls around and our idea for costumes comes to fruition... Ghostbusters. Liz thought we just buy one of the cheaper pre-made Ghostbusters costumes, but I had other plans. When it comes to Halloween (In my mind), you go big or go home. I turn to her and say, "I will make our costumes!" After three months of late nights in the garage and countless trips to Home Depot, we were ready for the big day.

At the Airport
With the new level of transportation security, I was very concerned about getting two proton packs aboard a ship. Some folks said it wouldn't be a problem, and others suggested I have a backup plan when we weren't allowed onboard. As we arrive at the port, my palms begin to sweat. As we get out of our car, I look at Liz, and say, "Here we go!" The only way to get these items onboard without damage was to carry them on. The baggage porters start heckling us with quotes from Ghostbusters. "So far, so good", I say to myself as we make our way into the terminal.

You ever walk into a place and feel like all eyes are on you? That was us, standing in line to check in with TSA. Here we are, standing in line with proton packs on our backs with the pack wands sticking out of a carry-on bag I had. We get to the TSA check-in desk and the elderly gentleman behind the counter goes, "Are you guys part of the crew?" Not being able to resist, I say, "Yes, we're exterminators." He didn't get it, so I informed him that these are part of our Halloween costume. With a smirk, he responds with, "Good luck getting past the metal detectors."

With two obstacles down, it was now the moment of truth. We make our way over to the X-ray machines. A lot of folks my age were cheering our efforts as we lined up. I did research to make sure the packs would fit through the X-ray machine tunnel. We approach the X-ray station, and the TSA employees there look at us like we were from Mars. I take off Liz's pack, and place it on the belt. One of the machine's flaps catch the top of the pack, and my Halloween dreams almost come to a halt. I say, "Oh no! You're going to fit!", and I push it through. Through some sort of miracle, the head TSA agent loved our costumes and informs the X-ray tech that we had costumes. Thank the maker she gave prior notice, because the tech's eyes almost popped out of his head when they went through the scanner. We did it. We made it through. My heart rate returned to a normal cadence, and now I was ready for vacation!

Finally Aboard
The last line was for our Sail & Sign cards. We were asked about five times if we were bringing scuba equipment aboard. The rest of the boarding went smoothly, and we received many high fives from Carnival employees.

The trip started with a bang. The weather was perfect, the ship looked great, and the food was excellent. Halloween arrives and I leap out of bed like a kid on Christmas. I shake Liz awake and say, "Its game day! Get up!" We were at sea due to an itinerary change, so our day consisted of working out, lying by the pool, and eating, of course.

Late noon gives way to early evening, and while relaxing in the Jacuzzi in the spa, I see three guys dressed as Pac-man and two ghosts run past the fitness center. I look up at the clock and its 6 pm. I look at Liz, and say, "It's time." We walk back to our stateroom, and we are flanked by folks dressed as pirates, zombies, witches, etc.

Unbeknownst to us, the hard-working crew aboard the Miracle decorated the main lobby, Casino, and interior corridors with cobwebs and Halloween décor. They did a great job, and the ship looked great for the wonderful holiday.

The moment was here! We shower, and then I begin to prepare our costumes. We suit up, and make our way to the main lobby. People were cheering, staring, and pulling us in a million directions for pictures. Three months of hard work, and the reception prompted me to beam with pride.

While standing in the lobby, I get a tap on my shoulder. The Captain of the ship wants a picture with us. He looks at us in his sharp-looking uniform and says, "These are the most impressive costumes I have ever seen. You have to win the contest."

Dinner time comes around, and I'm not even hungry. However, I wanted our waiters to see our costumes. We walk in, and the entire dining room staff starts cheering us. Our assistant waiter's eyes almost popped out of his head. The pastry chefs made an excellent Halloween themed chocolate cake & pumpkin cheesecake. With food in our bellies, we were ready to battle it out in a costume contest.

The Costume Contest
Upon returning to the main lobby, we notice that half the ship is dressed in their Halloween best. My anxiety builds as the competition looks really good. The assistant cruise director, "Sparkles" instructs us on how the contest will work. One of the Carnival dancers has 20 invitations. If picked, we are to go to the theater for the costume contest. Like a tractor beam, this dancer makes a beeline for us. We were in!

We make our way to the theater. The Casino explodes in applause and shouts as we pass through. We are seated in the main theater, and await our competition. Carnival's light and sound department did a great job making the Phantom theater look haunted with lights, fog, and thunder sound effects. The show starts, and my heart is beating. Those of us invited on stage line up and the crowd selects each elimination round by applause. After three rounds, it's us and a passenger dressed as Ozzy Osbourne. The cruise director has the crowd cheer for Ozzy, and the crowd applauds. The cruise director has the crowd to cheer for us, and the place explodes. The volume almost blew us over. We are proclaimed the winners, and Liz and I are jumping around on stage. We receive a ship on a stick, and a bag of candy.

Small Details
I was so happy to win, but more pleased that the passengers and crew appreciated the craftsmanship of the costumes. After the show, we went and danced at Dr. Frankenstein's lab (Yes, this is the name of the actual dance club on the Miracle; perfect for Halloween!). This was a great trip, and we got engaged at the last port. I couldn't be more pleased, and glad I was able to celebrate such happy occasions aboard Carnival.

A customer for life,
Todd M.

Back in Business to New Destinations

Malcolm Burn — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:53:00 GMT

Hello to all our Carnival peeps. Just returned back from my vacation, and boy was it interesting! Among other eventful things, I attended a wedding — that was lots of fun — but it's so nice to return to my other family on the Miracle. I had such a wonderful welcoming...

Now that I am back onboard the Carnival Miracle to finish out 2010, we are on our new run to Aruba, Curacao, La Romana, St. Maarten, St. Kitts and St. Lucia. I've heard that Aruba is really excited to have the Miracle sailing into Aruba, as well as the return of Carnival. Big events were planned for our inaugural return cruise back, including fireworks and more. I love Aruba, because they have my favorite ostrich farm there. The island is fantastic, with great beaches, shopping, tours, restaurants and weather. Last time I was in Aruba was on the Carnival Destiny many years ago. (As some of you know, I have already spent 11 years with Carnival.) After finishing our very last full 8 day cruise out of New York, was the two day 'Cruise to Nowhere' [This is a cruise that doesn't stop in any ports, but features all the usual onboard amenities.—Ed.] I will certainly miss being out of New York and being several steps away from the ultimate shopping mecca... but I'm certainly looking forward to our return next season, with our overnight runs to Bermuda Woo Hoo! I love overnight stays in ports.

Since I have been back onboard we have had great cruises so far, although the weather was a bit rocky the first cruise, the guests have been great. It was the funniest thing to see what guests did in Grand Turk! It happened to be raining, so we planned a new entertainment lineup for the day to entertain our guests onboard during a rainy port day. Instead of staying onboard, the guests still ventured out in the rain and went to the beach! I could not believe it. When all the guests were back onboard, I had to talk with them about it and we all had such a great laugh at the past guest party. This cruise has also been interesting, starting from the embarkation night. There was one guest onboard with a cane that has a headlight, horn and some kind of flip-down thing, which looks like a seat... I could not believe my eyes, and we all had a really good laugh. The Punchliner Comedy Club has been a success, with new faces stopping in on the Miracle and performing. It's nice to hear all the feedback from the guests. I am also making my reviews known as well, so that our guests are getting great performances. Open mic has been going really well, though guests still seemed to be a little nervous in getting up front of their fellow guests to tell jokes, but they shouldn't... you should hear my bad jokes! It's one night only, and it's all in good fun.

There is another new event, and I'm not too sure if many folks are aware. When you head to the Miracle, as soon as you get onboard, check out the new function called the Chef's Table. It's a ten-course meal in a private dining area, and is limited to 12 guests. It's not even located in the dining room, so if you want to be V.I.P. for the night and experience how celebrities dine out, check it out. The Behind The Fun Ultimate Tour, which is our behind-the-scenes tour, and helps you getting to know us. It's truly the best and only way to see what goes on "behind the curtain," which is always interesting!

As I'm writing this, today is our second Fun Day At Sea; the sun is shining, and guests are happy. Tonight is 80s night, along with the Marcus Monroe Show. We also have a brand-new host team onboard, but William from South Africa is here and Leslie Sparkles will be returning soon.

Thank you for all the great comments... I can't wait to hear your reviews, as we truly appreciate them. WOO HOO from the Middle...

All The Best,

Malcolm Burn
Cruise Director, Carnival Miracle

Mancation or Girls’ Getaway: Onboard Fun

Mayor of Funville — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:03:00 GMT

We know that men and women sometimes need time to each do their own thing, and there's plenty of that to do on our "Fun Ships"!

Let's look a little bit closer at the she- and he-fun you'll find aboard.

Onboard fun for the girls

Onboard fun for the guys

Of course you love kids. But is it so wrong to want a quiet nap in a chaise under a broad umbrella? Or a little me-time to delve into the latest Oprah pick? No, it's not. That's exactly why we created the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Relax or chat with your BFFs in an oasis of attentive waiters and soothing whirlpools, blissing out in the discreet absence of children.

Top chefs working their magic on prime cuts in a classy steakhouse. Poker tournaments underway in the casino. Headline comedy acts in the show lounge and the new Punchliner Comedy Club. Hey, this is like the best of cable TV come to life!

It's A Zoo Out There: Feathers

Mayor of Funville — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 21:02:00 GMT

Some of the best animals on Earth don't spend a lot of time walking around, so get ready to crane your neck while checking out some fine-feathered friends on your next shore excursion!

Ardastra Gardens and City Tour
Nassau, The Bahamas

Pelican Snorkel Treat
St. Kitts

Even the birds in The Bahamas come decked out in pinks and other pastels, just like the Bahamian buildings and flowers. And, oh, those brilliant seas! You'll see just what we mean at Ardastra Gardens. This five-acre conservation center harbors hundreds of birds, mammals and reptiles, including creamy-white cockatoos and crowd-pleasing pink flamingos. Many of the birds wander free or perch on the arm of a trainer. Imagine your child's delight at the chance to "chat" with a multicolored macaw.

If you think whimsical pelicans are a delight above water, your family will really get a kick out of seeing them nose-dive into the Caribbean. Enjoy the view from the beach on St. Kitts as dozens of brown pelicans swoop into the sea and scoop up a meal in their big, baggy beaks. Then let the family swoop into the sea with a snorkel and mask to scoop up views of the teeming marine life. (Mouthfuls not recommended.)

» Check out all the Nassau shore excursions.

» Learn more about The Bahamas.

» Visit Ardastra Gardens' official website.

» Enjoy other St. Kitts shore excursions.

» Discover legendary St. Kitts.

Celebrate Halloween aboard our "Frightfully Fun" Ships

Abby Kracoff — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 21:38:00 GMT

Painted faces of terrifying creatures, screeching howls heard from decks away, scary monsters lurking around every bend... is this your worst nightmare come true? NO!!!! It's simply the Halloween festivities for the youth aboard Carnival's "Fun Ships." This year we are expecting loads of kids and teens, all ready to enjoy the ghoulish celebrations we've prepared for the 2010 Frightfully Fun celebration! Everyone's invited, so make sure you pack your best costume... and be ready for the bloodcurdling, crazy, and of course good times ahead!

Here aboard the Carnival Freedom, we will be holding two Family Trick-Or-Treat Hunts throughout the month of October. Families can flaunt their best costumes all around the ship and collect yummy delights to savor from geared-up youth staff! Following the family hunt, we will hold a costume contest for kids ages 2–11 years, where a total of six lucky winners will walk away with gruesome (but fun) prizes!

You can also get your photo taken with our wild ship's mascot, "Fun Ship" Freddy, who will be decked out in a Halloween costume as well. Don't for one second think we forgot about our terrifying teens....they too will be eligible to participate in the adult costume contest, as well as party late into the night in their respective teen clubs (Circle C for the 12–14 year olds and Club O2 for the 15–17 year olds), while munching on highly-coveted Halloween treats!

So if you're planning on sailing with us at the end of October, be sure to bring along all of your Halloween spirit! It will be an astounding event, and nothing to cry "BOOOOO" about... that is of course, unless you want to scare someone.

Abby Krackoff
Youth Director, Carnival Freedom

Mancation or Girls’ Getaway: St. Maarten

Mayor of Funville — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:55:00 GMT

More shore excursion suggestions for everyone - girls and guys alike:

St. Maarten for the Girls

St. Maarten for the Guys

Ooh la la. Break out your teeny-weeniest bikini for a visit to this oh-so-chic half French and half Dutch island. Sign on for the French Beach Break to Euro up your tan lines while sipping rum punch and dipping in the turquoise waters. Your "Fun Ship" awaits in the Dutch harbor of Philipsburg, where Front Street woos shoppers with everything from open-air markets to sleek boutiques. We recommend refueling with a little Dutch chocolate.

Another great girlfriend getaway: Heading to the See and Sea Island Tour where Francophiles can sample the sidewalk cafés of Marigot, browse the foodie-favorite village of Grand Case and explore a coral reef like Monsieur Cousteau in a semi-submarine.

Vacation is all about living large, and St. Maarten is the place to experience a whole new scale of fun. Crank massive winches and trim snapping sails on a multimillion-dollar yacht as you compete in an America's Cup Regatta. Used in actual America's Cup races, powerful 12-meter racing sailboats like Stars & Stripes and True North are the real deal. And so is the exhilaration you'll feel when you take the helm.

Another great mancation option: Rumbling past the sidewalk cafés of Marigot and up to sweeping sea vistas on a Harley in Paradise.

It's a Zoo Out There: Fins

Mayor of Funville — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:37:00 GMT

I love the deep blue see and the marine life in it. As the Mayor of Funville it's my pleasure to share a few of Carnival's most exciting underwater shore excursions.

Barrier Reef Snorkel
Grand Cayman

Up Close Whale Watching by Zodiac
Los Cabos, Mexico

Of course, there's a world of wildlife under the water too. The whole family can enjoy it while snorkeling on this excursion off the shore of Grand Cayman. Kids as young as five can join in as you explore these shallow, protected waters. And there's plenty to discover, from waving sea fans and anemones to darting schools of tropical fish. If the kids think Finding Nemo is great on DVD, wait 'til they experience it in real life!

Turns out, the sparkly blue waters around the Baja Peninsula are sort of an interstate highway for whales. Humpback, gray, blue and sperm whales regularly travel and feed not far from the coastline here. On this excursion, you'll board a 15-passenger boat and head to these magnificent mammals' favorite spots. With a little luck, you'll not only learn about the whales, you'll practically also feel the spray from their blowholes and the splash of their fins. And that's one whale of an experience.

» See what other Grand Cayman shore excursions Carnival offers.

» Learn more about the Cayman Islands.

» Find out about other shore excursions at Cabo San Lucas.

» Discover Los Cabos.

Mancation or Girls’ Getaway: Mazatlan

Mayor of Funville — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 22:34:00 GMT

It's clear to us at Carnival that people love to cruise with those they love, but men and women sometimes have different ideas of fun... and that's fine!

Today, let's check out what there is for anyone — girl or guy — to do in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Mazatlan for the girls

Mazatlan for the guys

Whisk off to a popular Mazatlan resort on the Beach Resort Getaway, where a broad, silky white beach and four gorgeous swimming pools await your lolling pleasure. Rest up, because Mazatlan's best shopping lies just beyond the lovely resort grounds. With silver, pottery, textiles and numerous other crafts shops lining the streets of the Golden Zone, you're sure to return to the ship with more than a beautiful tan.

Looking for a more active getaway in Mazatlan for you and your girlfriends? Tee up in a tropical reserve at the Lee Trevino-designed El Cid Golf Resort.

If you thought that your last fishing trip with the guys was great, try it Carnival style. Head out into the Pacific on a Sport Fishing Tour to waters so fertile they're known as "the fish trap." The big game fish here not only bite, they put up a fight. And there's nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of you and your buddies battling 400-pound marlins. Trust us, the fish aren't the only ones getting hooked.

Another great mancation option: Roaring off-road on a Mexican ATV Adventure and Beach excursion.

It's A Zoo Out There: Fur

Mayor of Funville — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 19:48:00 GMT

Over the next few weeks, we're going to be taking a look at some of the wildest Carnival shore excursions for animal lovers everywhere.

Today, let's look at a pair of excursions for those who like a little fur with their fun.

Pirates, Birds and Monkeys of the Caribbean
Isla Roatan, Honduras

Sloth Sanctuary and Canoe Adventure
Limon, Costa Rica

Combine a nature preserve and a seaside park, and you have Isla Roatan's Gumbalimba Park. You and the kids can provide perches for friendly parrots and romp with white-faced monkeys, whose antics will have the kids howling like the park's howler monkey. Follow up your adventures by roaming through the botanical garden, wandering along the nature path or plunging like a wild thing into the warm Caribbean waters.

The only sleepy aspects of this adventure are the peculiar, adorable sloths you'll see at this one-of-a-kind refuge deep in the Costa Rican rainforest. To reach it, you'll travel by canoe down a jungle river alive with colorful squawking birds. Who knows what other awesome species you'll spot?

» Check out Isla Roatan's fun shore excursions.

» Find out more about Honduras' tropical paradise of Isla Roatan.

» Discover other fun shore excursions at Limon.

» See the beauty of Costa Rica.

Welcome to the new Funville

Mayor of Funville — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:59:00 GMT

As the Mayor, I've been overseeing the redesign of our beloved Funville. We've been working on this for a few months now — an urban renewal project of the highest order — and we think we made it better. What you see today at carnival.com/Funville (and actually, what you're looking at right now) is the fruit of those labors.

If you feel like you've seen this before, it's the design that we previewed for you via e-mail in early September. Now that we've fully implemented it, it's your turn: try the new Funville and tell us what you think of it! Your feedback helps us make things even better. We've even started this forum thread for your feedback.

In case you're wondering, of course, all of your content is still here, from forum posts and cruise reviews to blog and video comments. You can still connect with fellow cruisers, find out the latest from cruise directors and others, share stuff, play fun games, print great Action Cruisers, and much more! All of this just has a new home: on pages that are better organized and have a fresh, new look.

We encourage you to explore the new Funville and, above all, have fun!

Cucina del Capitano: Name The Dish!

Mayor of Funville — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:21:00 GMT

Word around Funville is that there's a new contest in town. My buddy Captain Cutugno — who will be piloting the Carnival Magic — is in a bit of a pickle (or would that be a zucchini?) and needs your help.

See, the Carnival Magic is going to feature a new dining option, called Cucina del Capitano. It's an Italian family-style restaurant that features an all-new, à la carte menu filled with Italian favorites. On the menu, however, is one extra-special dish... with something of a curious history.

We asked Captain Cutugno to submit a recipe for the menu, and unbeknownst to us, he gave us one of his wife's secret family recipes! It's a spaghetti chitarra dish featuring baked cucina clams, scampi sauce and pesto-tossed arugula. It's a tasty one too... my mouth is watering just typing this! His wife won't be happy to hear about this, but there's simply no way we're leaving it off the menu — you guys would never forgive us if we do — so we need to think of something else to call it. A secret name, if you will.

If you have an idea what we should call it, don't reply to this post — Captain Cutugno's wife might see it! — just click here and enter the contest. If your title is selected, you'll also win a Cucina del Capitano prize pack, but even if you don't, each entry will generate a $1 donation from Carnival to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.®

Thanks in advance for helping Name the Dish!

Ask Our Bloggers III: Part 2

Mayor of Funville — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:33:00 GMT

You guys asked us so many questions — thanks! — during this round that we couldn't fit them all in Tuesday's post, so we're glad to share the rest with you today.

Becs said

"So this should have been considered prior to getting off the ship last Sunday, but is there ANY way at all to get in contact with a crew member? I know the names and countries of both of our waiters, and I know that the one was on his last cruise before a 6 week break, and I know what ship he will be on when he returns to Miami on the 20th of September. He is guaranteed to remember us! We were just pre-uccupied on our last day, and didn't think to ask him for an e-mail address. "

I just think they could both really use a note of appreciation for making our vacation so memorable.

Thank you!

Becs,

Unfortunately we are unable to give out any personal contact information for our crew. However, if you'd like to send an email to cclfunville@carnival.com, we'll be happy to forward it to the ship for you.

Mischelle Beattie
Manager, Online Community


	PattyKake said
	"We are sailing on the Conquest 10/24 to 10/31. Is there any special Halloween theme activities during that week?"

Hi Patty,

You must be getting so excited for your cruise! I am glad you asked, as many people have the same question and are really not sure what to expect during our Halloween cruises. For the past few years, Carnival has developed a fleet-wide Halloween festival call "Frightfully Fun." This includes daily activities like theme trivia, pumpkin carving, costume ideas, scavenger hunts and even trick-or-treating for the kids. At night (my favorite time of day) we have decorations throughout the ship, a Halloween movie, "campfire" ghost stories, dances and contest, etc. My favorite, of course, is the Parade of costumes and contests that happen during the cruise. Now, as cruise directors, we are all given the same guidelines but like to make creative additions for each specific ship. Not all ships will be exactly the same, which is why I hesitate to name specific activities... but there will definitely be a Halloween buzz in the air!

Some thing you can count on: Pumpkin Carving, Big Screen Theme Movie, Decorations, Dance Party, Parade / Costume contest and kids trick-or-treat.

Thanks for your question and I hope you have a "Boo-tiful" cruise =0)

Todd Wittmer
Cruise Director

babe said

"My husband and I went on our 4th cruise with carnival Liberty July 3, 2010 from Miami.We really love cruising..but we had some disappointing experiences and also some praises for te excellent service of the crew and especially the dining Room staff. Kudos to Omar.our Maitre D, on the Silver Olympian Dining room."

We sailed on a saturday and the next day I went around looking for a chapel..couldn't find one???was there one and I just couldn't find it ? Miracle has one and as big as Liberty is , it should have one.

tea time..and breakfast at the dining room...we were disappointed...

we wanted our own table and we were put in a table with 6 people...so we just did not come back for them .there were a lot of empty tables, mind you

.so it was ot because there were no tables. We just wanted a nice quiet breakfast and a wonderful relaxing tea time..as this is our vacation.

we did have them on our 3 cruises..with carnival also.

..furthermore..we had a balcony on the verandah deck..and we love to sit out there early morning and also late at night just to relax..but then twice we were suffocated by the next balcoy room occupants smoking there. I thouht no one s spposed to smoke.in the balconies also...other than the designated areas? If it is not prohibited, then it should be..out of respect for other non-smokers and also for safety..

..As the last question for the planners of the Cruise itineraries and ships..

We had sailed on carnival Miracle out of New york twice..

Can you move the ships around each year on different ports? We would really like to try to go on a different ship from New York ( so we don't have to fly to another state)...

..At this point, we are now looking to go to a different company just because it is a different ship.

Let's take these one at a time:

Thank you so much for the praise, everyone really thrives on the positives. So it's really nice when someone comments.

No, unfortunately only the Spirit Class ships (Legend, Pride, Sprit & Miracle) have chapels. They are at times popular, but when the seasons are slow and there are priests who sail, they will sometimes volunteer their services, something that's wonderful for guests and crew. With the new ships being built, we are trying to accommodate each ship differently.

tea time..and breakfast at the dining room...we were disappointed...

I can honestly say that when I was on the Victory, the reason we had to place it in the dining room was because the attendance was so high that we couldn't accommodate the lounges like we do on the Miracle. It would be the same here as well, if the attendance was too high. We would have to move it to the dining room. We certainly would rather have it elsewhere, but we have to be able to accommodate everyone, or there would be complaints from those not able to attend. Tea time just does not work in a show lounge, and you need enough seating with proper tables.

we wanted our own table and we were put in a table with 6 people...so we just did not come back for them .there were a lot of empty tables, mind you

Tables are the BIGGEST challenge for guests, at times everyone wants the same table. But do not worry, should you ever want to arrange table differently the maitre d' is there to assist. I can personally say, at times when my mom sails, we do like something private. This might mean a different dining time, or maybe even Anytime Dining. I always choose the Steakhouse, myself! The empty tables are always accounted for, but no one ever knows if those guests will show up or not. They wait about 15 to 20 min, and if the guest does not show up, the table should become available. But this would be chancing it, of course, so if you don't mind being patient, try that next time.

.so it was ot because there were no tables. We just wanted a nice quiet breakfast and a wonderful relaxing tea time..as this is our vacation.

You are right! And next time, you should seek the advice of one of us onboard, and maybe we can assist you. If we can't, we can at least provide a reason why!

we did have them on our 3 cruises..with carnival also.

Smoking! Big topic... I would hate that too, and know there are discussions about the smoking business. There are designated smoking areas, and many non-smoking lounges, which have changed drastically over the years. There will be more improvements to follow...

..As the last question for the planners of the Cruise itineraries and ships..

We had sailed on carnival Miracle out of New York twice..

It's so funny you should talk about ship movement. The reason you have the Miracle out of New York is because of her speed - she is faster than most of our other "Fun Ships." My last ship was the Victory, and she was out of New York sailing North to Canada. The larger ships would take longer to head to the Caribbean, which means you would have to take a 10-12 day cruise, which would raise the price of the cruise. We want to make sure that our guests are getting the best rates, and the best ports. You have to also understand that fuel is VERY expensive, and Carnival struggles with the cost of fuel to try not to let it affect the passenger's ticket price.

New York has actually had most of our "Fun Ships," and will continue to receive new ships. The Glory has replaced the Victory, and the Dream briefly sailed out of New York. Ships are constantly moving to different ports.

Can you move the ships around each year on different ports? We would really like to try to go on a different ship from New York ( so we don't have to fly to another state)...

Again, this depends on how far we have to go. Sailing from New York to San Juan takes 2 ½ days at FULL SPEED. We are also going to be heading to Bermuda doing overnights, which is awesome.

You can also drive to Baltimore and sail the Pride, which with her speed allows you to head to the Caribbean as the Miracle does. What's nice about the Pride is that she sails year-round out of Baltimore. So you do not have to fly, just drive to Baltimore instead. We also know that our passengers would like to save money by not having to fly, so you will see many big changes in itineraries. Just keep checking the updates and asking the right questions, and you will see this.

Seattle is getting the Spirit, she will sail two trial dates from downtown. This way, folks who really want to sail Alaska on the west coast don't have to fly to Canada. Seattle has been wanting a "Fun Ship," so we'll "test the waters" and see.

..At this point, we are now looking to go to a different company just because it is a different ship.

If you have not sailed the Pride or the Glory, I would recommend it... you're going to love it.

We would like to thank you for taking the time to let us know what you would like. We love suggestions, and will do our best to satisfy those needs the best we can. In the meantime, I hope to see you again on a "Fun Ship," and urge you to keep your eyes open for all the new runs and new ships heading your way!

All the best
Malcolm "WOO HOO" Burn
Cruise Director, Carnival Miracle

Ask Our Bloggers III: Part 1

Mayor of Funville — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:09:00 GMT

Here's the latest batch of questions — well, most of it, with the last few coming soon — with answers from some of the cruisingest folks in Funville!

	Cruising Agent said
	I recently sailed on the Carnival Freedom and had a mixed drink called the Mango Swirl and I have not been able to find that recipe since being home. Could anyone get me that recipe. I am craving one since being home. Looking forward to cruising again in March of 2011.

Dear Cruising Agent,

We have an improved Rum Mango Daiquiri with a swirl of classic Piña Colada. On our Funships we are using Vitality mixes and purées for frozen cocktails.

In my opinion, for the best Mango Swirl at home, you will definitely need rum, a high-quality of mango puree, thick cream of coconut and pineapple juice (or Piña colada mix for frozen cocktails).

Firstly, blend rum with the mango puree and ice cubes (add a bit of sugar syrup if needed) until all is well incorporated and have smooth texture. Next, blend (in the separate container) rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice and ice. Grab a glass and pour both mixtures into the glass at the same time (side by side) slowly. In order to get swirl effect you will need someone to turn the glass for you while pouring. After that, all your creation needs is: a straw, umbrella and some great company to share! ;o)

Have a nice day!

Sylvia Anderson
Bar Manager, Carnival Pride

	auntb said
	Good Morning I am a first time cruiser and will be setting sail on September 20, 2010 from Jacksonville, FL to the Bahamas (Freeport/Nassau). I would like to know if anyone knows the entertainment line-up for that week

Hi auntb,

I spoke with someone in the Entertainment department who informed me that they don't typically book entertainers that far in advance, so they wouldn't be able to answer your question at this point. They did, however, say that they can answer specific entertainment-related questions, so please e-mail us at socialnetworking@carnival.com and we'll pass your question along to them.

Thanks,

Everett Guerny
Online Content Producer

	Big Bri said
	I am thinking of cruising on the Carnival Pride out of Baltimore but am a little concerned about the weather? How cold it would be leaving in February? HELP!

Dear Big Bri,

After spending my childhood in Michigan and experiencing last year's Baltimore winter season, I can sincerely say that sailing from Baltimore in the winter is... COLD! From what I understand, last year's winter was unusually frigid and there were many more storms than in previous years. That being said, we are all hoping this winter season will be more typical, with more bright and sunny skies. Last year, the first sea day would usually be quite chilly, but the further south we made it, the warmer it became. On a good day in the Bahamas it was in the 70s. Regardless of the chilly temperatures, the cruise itself is still quite wonderful. We provide many indoor activities and entertainment, and the Baltimore crowd remains positive and committed to having fun! As the schedule stands now, I will be here on the Pride for the winter months, hoping you will be coming to sail with us!

All the best,

Jaime Deitsch
Assistant Cruise Director, Carnival Pride

Jenni22 said

Hi, this message is for Butch:

Hi Butch! I recently took my very 1st cruise on the Liberty week of 7/10-7/17 & had a great time! We were the couple that got engaged on camera the night of the Captain's dinner. You guys made that whole occassion so special & memorable for us. In fact, the entire week we had nothing but the best service from ALL the crew members on board! I'm writing you to tell you that although the service on the ship was great from Carnival, the service off of the ship is not so great. Unfortunately my fiance left his iPhone on the ship & we've had such problems dealing with your customer service on land. The Carnival customer service off the ship really just throws away all the efforts & work you & your crew put in to make our vacation special. I wanted to share this with you because you were just an exceptional cruise director & your whole team was great, I just wish the customer service off the ship was just as great as you guys.

Dear Jenni22,

I am so glad to hear that you had a wonderful vacation on board the Liberty, and you are correct when you state that the crew are amazing... they are truly like my family. I am so sorry to hear that you misplaced your phone, and I do apologize if you are having trouble finding information from our shore-side office. Here is what I do know: After a voyage, any lost-and-found items are packed up and sent to our Miami head office, where they are then sorted and placed in a database. Because we do have 23 ships, this process can sometimes take a couple of weeks. If it has been found it should be logged and in our system by now. Thank you again and hope to see you back soon!

Thank You and Kind Regards,

Butch Begovich
Cruise Director, Carnival Dream

	illinoismom said
	Hello I am looking for information in the funtimes for the camps, Camp carnival and Circle C where they have special things they do. I want my children to be prepared, Things like black and white clothes, shades and hats, What I need to know what will be those things on the Freedom sailing on Aug 28th Thank you

Hello!

The children of Camp Carnival and Circle C can be casual and comfortable all of the time. They are not required to dress in any special way. If we do have a themed activity in Camp Carnival, it will most likely involve arts and crafts or face painting to coincide with the activity, none of which the children are asked to bring. As for Circle C, they do have several themed parties, some of which include: Black & White, Turning Back Time Party, Crazy Colors Team Party (Red, White or Blue). Circle C also needs tennis shoes for sports activities.

Hope this helps to answer your question and we look forward to meeting you :)

Thanks & have a great day!

Abby Kracoff
Youth Director, Carnival Freedom

Sorry kids! It's back-to-school time...

Abby Kracoff — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:13:00 GMT

"Back to school, back to school, to prove to Daddy I'm not a fool..." quoting the words of the hilarious Adam Sandler, summer is officially coming to an end and children of all ages are heading back to school. What does this mean for the staff of the Youth Programs aboard the Fun Ships? Well, it's a chance to catch our breath because the 2010 summer season proved to be nothing short of jam-packed and hectic, but above all, fun!

The ship always knows when summer arrives, as our programs are flooded by large numbers of children and teens who are ready for fun once school ends. Not only does the number of children increase, but the excitement mounts too, since kids and parents have waited all year long to let loose and enjoy their vacation. Cruise after cruise we provide the fun, with action packed activities, dances, scavenger hunts, prizes, and parties. One of the most memorable events this summer was Fun Ship Freddy's 8^th birthday bash on August 21^st. The kids and Freddy rocked it out with his favorite music and dances, topping it all off with a huge birthday cake in the shape of Freddy himself!

Right around the end of August and beginning of September we notice a change — a desperation if you will — in the eyes of every child who has to go back to school for another year. It's as if they are willing themselves to squeeze out every possible ounce of fun as they know the end is near. This is the time the counselors usually enjoy the most, since the children know it may be their last time to kick back and enjoy themselves before school, making the activities even more exciting.

Come September the ship feels differently. The numbers of junior cruisers drop and we find ourselves with more young children who are not yet in school, and children who are home schooled. Although different from the frenzy of the summer months, this has a nice vibe too! The lower kid counts enable us to connect with the children and teens on a more one-on-one level. This makes their cruise experience, and ours, very personable. It also allows the Youth Programming department ready itself for our next busy season, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. No matter what, there is always something to prepare for on board!

As usual, Carnival likes to keep up with the times, and offers loads of popular items, that would be a hit for the new school year. In addition to all of our Freddy merchandise (t-shirts, stuffable Freddy dolls, and books) and Beary Cuddly items, we have recently begun to sell/trade Silly Bands on board. Kids can purchase 6 different packs of bands and trade with friends on board or at home. Whether you purchase anything for show and tell or not, sailing on a Carnival cruise and participating in the Youth Programs on board is a great experience to share at school!

Abby Krackoff
Youth Director, Carnival Freedom

Introducing Junior, Food & Beverage Manager

Mayor of Funville — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:11:00 GMT

Hot on the heels of our introduction of Sylvia, Bar Manager on the Carnival Conquest, we're proud to introduce another person who takes care of tasty things you put in your mouth aboard Carnival's Fun Ships.

Today, we'd like for you to meet Junior Powell, Food & Beverage Manager aboard the Carnival Liberty.

Mayor of Funville: Hi Junior! How long have you been working for Carnival?

Junior Powell: I have been with Carnival for almost 23 years. I started my career as a Snack Steward on the TSS Carnivale.

Mayor: What is the most rewarding part about working onboard a Carnival ship?
Junior: I'm a people person, so what else is there to say but that working with and meeting people from all over the world has been a centerpiece and cornerstone of my career with Carnival. Here I have met some of the most amazing and intriguing people — and even friends — from all walks of life. Simply learning about other cultures and admiring people for who they are has made me realize that I can make a difference... and that we all can. Interestingly, ship life and working on ships has given me the opportunity to meet past guests and crew, and develop long-standing friendships with many, something I will cherish for a lifetime, even after I may decide to throw in the towel. These people have all become my extended family.

Mayor: How do you make the cruising experience memorable for Carnival guests?

Junior: My idea of what makes a memorable cruise can be can be easily summed up: the first impression should be a lasting impression, from the moment a guest puts their feet on the gangway until they leave the ship. This first moment should remain with them as a lasting and memorable experience.

One thing I've learned from our guests is that many have spent years of their lives planning their cruise. Some are going through difficult stages of their lives, like having lost a family member or friend, while others are just looking to spend fun time with their family. Considering that any of these things could be the reason that someone is taking a cruise, I ensure that each individual aboard knows that they are a welcome guest and that they should feel at home with us.

In practice, this is usually achieved by providing personalized service with a warm welcome and a great smile, to make them feel special. Once aboard, they should feel like kings or queens.

Mayor: As a food and beverage manager, I'm sure you see and taste a lot of great food onboard. What's your favorite dish to suggest to guests?

Junior: Honestly, I like all the dishes that are prepared onboard. Each has their own unique method of preparation, style, and of course, ingredients used to create it. I always suggest our guests explore the variety of food spreads we put out for them during their cruise, to enjoy the great variety of tastes they offer. Our onboard menus are very diversified, but of course we have all-time favorites like shrimp cocktail, prime rib, crab cake, lobster bisque, escargot, grand marnier soufflé and our wonderful chocolate melting cake, which is to die for. Things to look for in our cafés include little sweet treats like handpicked and dipped chocolate-covered strawberries, fruit cups, carrot cake and chocolate cake.

The easiest way to turn a great evening onboard into an awesome one is Carnival's award winning steakhouses, where the food and service is top of the line. A few delicacies to try there include mouthwatering crab cake, shrimp cocktail, prime rib chop, lobster tail, fillet mignon, which are all USDA-Grade Prime Beef and are cooked to make them literally melt in your mouth. We have our divine cheesecake (which is good for two), a chocolate sampler, and for a taste of home, apple pie. We also make all of the ice cream for the steakhouses onboard.

Thanks for your time, Junior. It was great speaking with you!

If you have any food questions for Junior — and I'm sure you do, given the wondrous delicacies served onboard — please reply below.

On today's Carnival Magic announcements...

Mayor of Funville — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:20:00 GMT

As the Mayor of Funville, straight talk is my specialty.

So in case you heard the news, saw the tweets... perhaps even read through the press releases, but aren't quite sure what it all means, I want you to know that Carnival announced two things today about the Carnival Magic.

CarnivalMagic.com We launched the single greatest resource for finding out everything about — you guessed it — the Carnival Magic! Learn more about new and unique spaces on the ship, take a fun virtual tour, and even read great descriptions of the European and Caribbean ports where our newest Fun Ship will be stopping.

Check it out at CarnivalMagic.com

RedFrog Coaster Contest As part of our efforts to help you truly make the Carnival Magic your own, we're asking for your best original pub sayings (think "Cheers!" but more creative) to print on the coasters that will be found in the RedFrog Pub, aboard the Carnival Magic!

Here's how the contest works:

Submit your line now, or vote on those that others have submitted. The deadline for this is September 7th, 2010.

We'll pick our nine favorite coasters, which will join the coaster with the most votes to make up the 10 finalists.

Those 10 will be available to vote on, again, from September 9th through September 15th. The top three will become our new coasters and will win great prizes!

Check it out at CarnivalMagic.com/contest

Good morning, Funville!

Ron Ness — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:03:00 GMT

Hello
Good morning, Funville! My name is Ron Ness, and I have been working onboard the Carnival fleet since 1987... yep 23 years. Funny fact: I've actually been on the ships longer than I was living on land (joined Carnival when I was just 21). So if you're good at math, well, I'll leave it to you to figure out my age. If you'd like a little bit more info about me, I'm from Seattle. Yep, from the USA... and of course I'm proud of it, even though our World Cup team could not advance (but life goes on).

My First Day
When I joined Carnival back in 1987, I was on the MS Tropicale in San Pedro. I was told to meet the ship at the port and wear white. Well you can imagine showing up to the pier with white pants, white shirt, white shoes, white belt, white cardigan... yep everyone still asks me about that cardigan, even though I've never worn since then — but it still looks good hanging in the closet. I looked like an ice cream salesman when I arrived (and I felt like one, too), but for someone who has only seen a cruise ships on TV you can only imagine The Love Boat, so I thought I would have to wear shorts with long socks and tassels, which alone was almost enough to make me think that this job wasn't for me, but I somehow walked up that gangway for the first time. When entering the ship, there was an Italian officer at the gangway (this was well before our present security working the gangways) and he looked at me, I looked at him and yep... he laughed and called the Purser's Office on the radio, and with a grin and a laugh, told them that I was aboard and ready to work. As you can imagine, when I was greeted at the Purser's Office, the first thing they asked was what the deal with the cardigan was.

I felt it was a good idea to get you up to speed with my first experience boarding so you could get to know me a little bit better.

Nowadays...
These days, I'm a Hotel Director, which means that the scope of my job is to oversee all onboard operations that affect the guest experience, including Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, Shore Excursions, and even concessions, to ensure our standards are maintained throughout the cruise.

My Team
One of the most rewarding and satisfying parts of my job is working with our team members, who come from over 100 countries around the world! Coming from the US, I'm a minority, but I still love it. Aboard the Carnival Spirit alone we have about 50 nationalities. Knowing that I have a positive impact on the lives of our team, day in and day out, is one of the major factors that keeps me working onboard. The difference between a land job and working on a cruise ship is that onboard, we live together for months at a time, working, playing, eating and relaxing in a way that's similar to family life... except that we never have a chance to leave "home." It is very important to ensure that our onboard family is comfortable and safe, and that everyone working onboard has a reason why they are here. Some are here to make a difference for their family, and when I say family I mean, sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers and so on — they are sometimes the breadwinners for all. This is one of the driving factors for me, seeing up-close how important Carnival is to our team members who provide for their families thousands of miles away.

Presently, I'm lucky to have the opportunity to sail out of Seattle, Washington, the city I was born in — and to date the state I still live in — but let's talk more about Seattle another day.

A Bonus
I will leave you with a little story from my first Formal Night aboard. The Purser Team informed me that there was a mandatory meeting in the disco at 10:30 a.m., a 'welcome aboard' to the newbie. Well, the team twisted my arm and to the meeting I went. The first bartender I met there was someone that most of you know: John Heald — yep he was a bartender — handed me a drink and said welcome aboard, I said thanks and took a sip... and only then, of course, he told me how much the drink cost! Yep, John still hasn't changed a bit. Luckily, I had some money to pay for it, that night I would not be washing dishes to make up for my bar tab.

Groove for St. Jude

Butch Begovich — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:49:00 GMT

Hello Funville readers, it's Butch here on the Liberty with a quick hello... and to let you know about something fun that does so much good, something happening on your next "Fun Ship" cruise. Earlier this year, Carnival Cruise Lines announced a three-year commitment to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, to raise three million dollars for childhood cancer research. Carnival Cruise Lines has already been doing a number of shore-side events for St. Jude, and now the fundraising efforts have moved aboard our ships, with our "Care to Play: Carnival for St. Jude Kids" activities.

St. Jude is a wonderful organization that provides no-cost care to children from around the world, including accommodations for the family members of sick kids. They are the leading researcher on rare childhood diseases and cancers, and have an amazing 80% success rate. No child is ever turned away because of their family's inability to pay.

As a part of our Youth Experience Program and our popular Beary Cuddly workshop, where you can literally stuff you own furry animal friend, you can now purchase and stuff your very own St. Jude Bear, specially designed for the program, complete with doctor's outfit. All of the proceeds from the sales of these special bears go to St. Jude.

The big event happening now on all of our vessels is the Groove for St. Jude, a dance party hosted by your voyage's Cruise Director, which celebrates the warm, fuzzy feeling of giving to such a great cause. To participate, sign up during your cruise at the formalities shop on board. A ten dollar donation is required, with all of the money going directly to St. Jude. For your generosity, Carnival will also give you a "Groove for St. Jude" logo t-shirt and a "Care to Play" wrist band. We encourage all of our participants to wear their shirts and wrist bands for the entire day of the event.

I just love hosting the Groove for St. Jude every week because... not only is it such a fun way to celebrate such a wonderful organization, but also because I love to dance. (Those of you who have cruised with me before know this to be true!)

During my next vacation, I hope to travel to Tennessee, where I can visit the St. Jude facilities in person and bring them some Carnival gifts. And the next time you're vacationing on the Carnival Liberty - or any of our "Fun Ships" - take a moment out of your vacation to give back to those who need it most. You could be saving a life and having fun doing it!

Find out more about Carnival's Care to Play program by clicking here.

Please Welcome to Funville: Sylvia, Bar Manager

Mayor of Funville — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:19:00 GMT

As the Mayor of Funville, I'm always on the lookout for new fun voices from around "town" to feature here on the Funville blog. If you've been reading the blog for a while, you already know that we've heard from — among others — cruise directors, assistant cruise directors, youth directors... and even ship captains.

Today, I'm proud to welcome someone new to the Funville stage: Sylvia Anderson. When you cruise the Carnival Conquest, Sylvia is helping keep the fun flowing as the ship's Bar Manager.

I asked Sylvia a few questions that I thought would help you get to know her, and her role onboard, better:

Mayor of Funville: So, how long have you worked for Carnival?

Sylvia: My career with Carnival began as a bar waitress, in January 1999.

Mayor: What have you found to be the most rewarding part about working onboard?

Sylvia: Meeting people from all around the world. Through simple conversation you can learn so many amazing things that no books can teach you. I have a long list of things to do and places to visit, all suggested by our guests and crew!

Mayor: How do you make cruising memorable for "Fun Ship" guests?

Sylvia: I have a great bar staff, and the team is 100% dedicated to providing the best service on the seven seas! They are passionate, creative and... might even pull a few tricks from their sleeves while you're enjoying a beverage at the bar. ;o))

Mayor: Which drink do you think is a must-have for guests try sometime during their "Fun Ship" voyage?

Sylvia: My current favorite cocktail is a Mojito, and while I like the classic version, I also love to try all kinds of flavored variations made in our ports of call. One must-have cocktail is, of course, a "Funship Special," which is a great starter for your vacation. The most interesting must-have drink is always our mixology winner, which is created by your fellow guests.... and yes, there is a new one every week!

Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, Sylvia!

Sylvia also mentioned that she'd be happy to take questions from the Funville community (along the lines of the Funville blog Q&A you're used to). Please reply below with any bar-related questions you may have for her.

Back To Reality… Woo Hoo!

Malcolm Burn — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:17:00 GMT

Hello Loyal Carnival Cruisers,

It’s about that time again: my contract is up for this season. I will be heading back out to reality, on a real adventure “vacation.” For most of you, your idea of a vacation is more likely taking a cruise, you know, maybe heading to a Caribbean Island. Mine? I’ll be heading home to enjoy sleeping in my own room.

“What are YOU going to do on vacation, Malcolm?” you ask. I’m heading home to see my mother, and the grumpy kitty. I will enjoy such activities as mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters, and all the other wonderful delights on living at home on land. And who can forget hearing dogs bark at night, and walking up steps without having to hold the hand rail? Working on ships does have its advantages… I will be doing a safety check of the house and making sure my mother knows how to get out in case of an actual emergency! All jokes aside (just being me), I’ll be going to a friend’s wedding. Believe it or not, I’ve only been to one wedding, long ago, and only as a regular guest. This time I’ll actually be involved in the wedding party… never done this before. Speeches, parties, dinners and formals… it’s almost as if I’m not leaving the ship! The wedding is in Florida, so I’ll still be doing lots of traveling on vacation, from New York to Washington, then Washington to Florida, then flying back to Washington. I’ll most likely be visiting Vancouver for a week, too. There will be a couple of BBQs to attend, you gotta love that flame-broiled chicken. And you know darn well I will be getting some red beans and yellow rice “Mama style.” Ah, I can already smell it from here…The very first thing I do when I get home is throw down my bag, uncover my furniture and burn some Nag Champa! AAAAhhh, relaxation, the kind you cannot do on a ship! Put on some cool music, pour a glass of wine and sit on the back porch. Not having to run back to the ship, back on board time. Major drawbacks will include cleaning my own dishes, making my own bed, and automatically waking up in time to do a Fun Ashore, Fun Aboard presentation. I don’t even know if I could handle not wearing a watch.

After a couple days go by, then what? I’ll start to venture into the garage to see what I can get into. I tend to find lots of photo albums and old stuff I’ve forgotten about. Then I eventually start tuning in to HGTV for inspiration, and start painting the inside of the house, doing repairs and upgrades. Cleaning out the garage and rearranging the furniture is done at least twice during vacation. Then it’s time to venture outside, cutting down brush on the side of the house, and of course, mulching. Once I’ve exhausted myself, I’ll watch movies, surf the web, read and sleep.

Weeks 4 and 5 are usually when I start to rejoin civilization and see what’s happening. Since I have been working on ships for almost 11 years now (and all of my friends are also on ships), by the time I start meeting new people at home, it's almost time to get back on my ship. I think I’ll also visit a fellow Cruise Director who lives out in my neck of the woods to catch up; there’s also a great casino resort out in the mountains of Washington, which I like to visit to eat dinner and relax.

Before I know it… it’s already time to pack my bags and prepare for my flight the next morning back to New York.

Who knows, maybe I’ll be in your hometown for vacation!

Malcolm R. Burn
Cruise Director, Carnival Miracle

Announcing Superstar Live Karaoke

Mayor of Funville — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:13:00 GMT

As the Mayor of Funville, it was my campaign promise to ensure that there's never a lack of fun on a Carnival cruise. So now, to help further up the fun quotient (and ensure that I get re-elected) I'm glad to introduce something that's sure to make cruising an even bigger blast: Superstar Live Karaoke.

You've probably sung karaoke before, but never quite like this! Instead of singing over the same old pre-recorded music, you'll be fronting a live band, complete with guitarists, a bass player, keyboards and even a drummer! You may even get backup singers to help smooth your groove. Talk about fun that rocks!

You'll find this on select Carnival cruises for now, and by the end of the year, all of our sailings seven days or longer.

For more details, check out the announcement on carnival-news.com.

Carnival Kid Reporter: Signing Off

Mayor of Funville — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:23:00 GMT

Carnival's Kid Reporter Deidra Shores has turned in her final two reports from aboard the Carnival Dream.

First, she interviewed Hotel Director Donato Becce:

Then, Deidra said goodbye and signed off:

Thanks for the great video reports, Deidra, and from all of us here in Funville, best of luck in your future endeavors!

Ask Our Bloggers II

Mayor of Funville — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:06:00 GMT

Thanks again, Funville residents, for the great questions (and be sure to keep them coming!).

We have a new batch of answers for you today, direct from the some of the greatest cruising pros on the high seas.

smr202 said

"Ok so my question is a behind the scenes question about the towel animals. My husband bet me that the room stewards just switch the towel animals from one room to another to save time. Is this true?"

Hi smr202,

After reading this question, I was pretty sure I knew the answer, but in order to double- and triple-check, I had a nice walk down Deck 8 and spoke to two of my friends that are cabin stewards – Aldo from Peru and Jimmy from The Philippines. Both of them guaranteed me that they never switch the towel animals from one cabin to another. There are times that they will do the same animal for each cabin in their section on a given evening – but this is just so they can remember which animals they have made, and so they do not repeat the same animal during the same cruise! I also asked if I could take some pictures of the animals they were making tonight for their guests... of course they agreed. It was REALLY impressive, my friend Jimmy made the dog in about 30 seconds. What a pro!

Thanks for sending! =)

Jaime Deitsch
Assistant Cruise Director, Carnival Pride

moms2398 said

I am cruising for the first time on July 24, onboard the Liberty. I have two questions:
1) Does the ship ever go completely (or mostly) dark on the upper decks? My reason for asking is that I am into star gazing and am looking forward to seeing the sky from the ocean, away from the lights of the big city, as my ancestors did. It just won't be the same if the ship is lit up like a city street, though.
2) My husband and I found out that the Bacardi distillery is in San Juan, which is on our itinerary, and we were wondering if there are any excursions that go there? What about Casa Don Q?
Thank you!

Dear mom2398,

We are very excited that you have chosen the Carnival Liberty for your vacation... you are going to have a blast! This is also going to be a very special week for me, as it will be my last Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Liberty, after a year and a half on this special ship, before I transfer to the Carnival Dream. The open decks of the ship are all well lit; this is mostly for safety reasons and in part for navigational purposes. However, there are some areas that are darker than others that may make for some great stargazing opportunities; especially Deck 9 forward, directly above the navigation bride. There is some light, but it's much dimmer than the rest of the open decks.

I am not familiar with Casa Don Q, however, we do have a wonderful day trip to the Bacardi Distillery, with guided tours and free samples at the end of the tour. This excursion also includes a guided tour of old San Juan. I would recommend that you pre-reserve your excursion tickets online before your sailing, in order to guarantee your space. See you in a couple of weeks!

Thank you and kind regards,

Butch Begovitch
Cruise Director, Carnival Liberty

fanny said

Any comment about cruising from New Orleans w/ Carnival Triumph last couple of weeks? I've heard the smell of the oil while sailing is very nauseating!!! I am cruising to Western Caribbean and am concerned!!!

Hey Fanny,

I have been here for a month and have not noticed anything. I have never even had a guest say anything like this to me. From time to time there is a slight smell in the river but that is from the industrial zone (oil refineries, etc.).

As far as I know, we never come within 40 miles of the oil. People ask every week if we see oil, but I still have not seen a thing.

Thanks,

Noonan
Cruise Director, Carnival Triumph

DianeCA said

Don't know much about posting a blog - but why doesn't Carnival have a ship out of San Francisco - it is one of top places for tourists to visit - I would love that - drive up the coast and jump on the ship -

Dear DianeCA,

Great question! In fact, it's one that I was always curious and excited about. However — and please realize this is from my humble opinion and not the brass in Carnival corporate, which decides the home ports and itinerary destinations — there are a few reasons why I don’t think this would be possible.

Carnival has done an amazing job looking at new and convenient home ports for our guests to enjoy. The additions of Baltimore, Norfolk, Charleston and Mobile have been extremely popular decisions. Who would have thought Galveston, which is one of my favorite home ports, would be chosen to be the new home of the Carnival Magic when it arrives in North America in November 2011! Cruising is now all about convenient and popular home ports, and I couldn’t agree more.

All right, in saying that, let’s focus on San Francisco. I know we would love to have a ship out of San Francisco... both the guests and crew would be treated to a very special area that is full of history, popularity, beauty and attractions. I know I would have that ship #1 on my request list, just so I could be there once a week. Well unfortunately, in my last sentence lies the answer to why this is so challenging. Actually, there are two reasons I can think of that would help to answer your question.

1st – There is unfortunately a law that doesn’t allow cruise ships to begin in a U.S. home port and end in either the same or another U.S. home port, without first traveling to a foreign port. It is called the Passenger Vessel Service Act, and only allows cruise ships to pick up guests and return them to the same U.S. port, provided they call at a foreign port in the course of a voyage. Considering this law, we proceed to #2...
2nd – This would have to deal with the length of the cruises that would be necessary to actually call on a foreign port from San Francisco. If the cruise left San Francisco, it would need to take a considerable amount of time to travel down and back to the Mexican Riviera, or the alternative (North to Alaska, making its foreign stop in Canada). Remember that we have cruises out of Seattle and Los Angeles, both of which are in the 7-day-and-under category and are very popular.

Shorter cruises are the most popular, and the most beneficial for both guests and cruise companies in the state of the current economy. While Mediterranean cruises have traditionally been 12 days, Carnival Magic will offer 7-, 9- and 12-day itineraries next summer.

With this said, I think it is fair to say that, for the time being, San Francisco will be left to land and air travel (unless there is a reposition cruise or a special itinerary).

I feel your pain though, as it would be my dream to constantly do cruises to Hawaii year-round, which is near-impossible unless you bring the foreign port into play, hence the reason Carnival opts to do this itinerary twice a year for repositioning.

I hope this helps, and we all wish you happy cruising.

All my best,

Todd Wittmer =0)
Cruise Director, Carnival Dream

Carnival Kid Reporter: The Interview

Mayor of Funville — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:35:00 GMT

We wanted to learn more about Carnival's Kid Reporter Deidra Shores, so we did something that may seem a bit out of the ordinary: we interviewed the reporter!

Deidra also then interviewed our very own Director of Public Relations Jennifer de la Cruz. It was a great chance for her to sharpen her interviewing skills, with a few questions of her own.

First, Jennifer asked Deidra...

Jennifer:	Q.	What first got you interested in news reporting?
Deidra:	A.	The adventures the reporters get to go on all over the world, and the people they get to meet with fascinating stories.
	Q.	Was the Today Show / Carnival Dream contest your first television appearance? (note: Carnival sponsored the NBC Today Show Kid Reporter Contest last fall in conjunction with the debut of the line’s newest ship, the Carnival Dream)
	A.	Yes, but my local NBC Affiliate helped me prepare for being on TV when they did a story about me entering the contest, before I appeared on the Today Show. I would go to the station and practice on Sundays!
	Q.	You seem pretty comfortable in front of the camera? Does it just comes naturally or do you get nervous sometimes?!
	A.	Well I try not to be but I do sometimes. And I'm really not a shy person so I guess it does come naturally. I also have experience in theater and I love being in front of a live audience!
	Q.	Are there any particular reporters out there who really inspire you?
	A.	I really like all the reporters at my local NBC station, WMCTV Action News 5 in Memphis. They have taught me a lot, as well as the Today Show staff and reporters. The producers are the ones that give me pointers on how to conduct interviews. Most people say in about 20 years, I could be the next Oprah because I like to make each person being interviewed feel special!
	Q.	What was your favorite part of your cruise last week on the Carnival Dream?
	A.	I loved all the activities! My other family members had plans too, so they didn't have any problems with us hanging out in Circle C, which had all kinds of video games, and activities for kids my age. We went to Circle C every day!
	Q.	What advice would you give to teens whose families are booked on an upcoming cruise?
	A.	Enjoy every moment, take a lot of pictures, and get ready to be THRILLED!

Then Deidra asked Jennifer...

Deidra:	Q.	How long have you worked for Carnival?
Jennifer:	A.	I’ve worked for Carnival for 22 years. That’s actually pretty common around here. Carnival has a huge number of employees who have been with the company a really long time – which obviously means people like working here!
	Q.	What made you decide to go into public relations?
	A.	I’m really bad at math, and the College of Communication at Florida State University (Go ’Noles!) only required you to pass basic algebra (which I had to take twice). So there you go – I became a communications major by default.
	Q.	What exactly do you do in your job?
	A.	We serve as the media relations department, and therefore disseminate news on the company, respond to media inquiries and promote events and activities related to happenings at Carnival.
	Q.	What’s your favorite part of your job?
	A.	I like good news! When we are launching a new ship, like the Carnival Dream, or a new itinerary, and are hosting special events and activities – that’s a lot of fun.
	Q.	Have you sailed on every Carnival ship?
	A.	Yes – I have sailed on all 22 ships in Carnival’s fleet and I’d be fibbing if I said I don’t get confused sometimes between which lounges and design themes are on which ship, or where they all they sail to!
	Q.	Who helps you get things done the most?
	A.	This is an interesting question. My job would be impossible without support and assistance from a huge number of people in the company. As PR representatives, we are supposed to know a little bit about everything and be able to respond to all sorts of inquiries. This would be impossible if we didn’t have great assistance from all the people at Carnival who REALLY have the answers and share them with us!
	Q.	Why is Carnival so different from all the other cruise lines?
	A.	Carnival truly is different because our focus is on fun. Our goal is to create a vacation environment where people can come aboard and just be themselves. And we place a huge emphasis on service. We want everyone who comes aboard our ships to feel truly special and to be able to just relax, laugh and enjoy.

Great interviews, both of you!

As a bonus, here's a bit more of the fun Deidra found aboard the Carnival Dream:

Carnival Cruising with Rev. Run

Malcolm Burn — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:17:00 GMT

Hey Folks,

Malcolm here on the Miracle, having a great time as always and enjoying the New York run. I have to tell you, it’s been a HOT summer, and with Grand Turk burning up, I think I’m a shade darker. If you take a cruise, you better prepare for the hot afternoons. The sunsets are AWESOME... picture perfect.

I have some exciting news! As I am a big fan of music and come from The Bronx, it was a special week for me: aboard the Carnival Miracle, I was able to meet Reverend Run from Queens. You may also know ‘the Rev’ as Joseph Simmons, the New York rapper, producer and DJ who even made it into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Run-D.M.C., one of the founding fathers of the early Hip Hop scene. This was one of the most pioneering and revolutionary groups in the early Hip Hop scene, and avoided falling into the one-hit-wonder trap.

Run-D.M.C. broke ground with this new style of music and even set fashion trends with the ‘Adidas look,’ which spread from New York across the world and continues to this day. Today, you still see people sporting their Adidas because of Run-D.M.C.! They also made history with popular songs like “My Adidas” and “Tricky” (featured in the movie Road Trip), but who could forget their mega hit with Aerosmith, “Walk This Way,” which pioneered the combination of rap and rock music. Working with other artists like Kid Rock, Sean Combs and Russell Simmons, the Rev is still hard at work, and even today you’ll still see him sporting his Adidas around the ship.

Now a family man, Rev is enjoying his anniversary with his lovely wife Justine Simmons, onboard the Carnival Miracle! Today, America knows the pair from the MTV reality show “Run’s House,” produced by Diddy (Sean Combs), an inside look at the everyday life of the once-rapper, producer and DJ, now transformed into a successful reverend… not to mention family man. Now with six kids, Rev is still building his family enterprise. After eight Seasons of “Run’s House,” his daughters have branched out and started their own business following in their dad’s footsteps: a sneaker line. His daughters also have their own MTV reality show, “Daddy’s Girls.”

Currently, the Reverend is teaming up with Kool-Aid and KaBOOM! to build playgrounds for children in underserved communities. We discussed his other projects, his appearances in Vegas and at colleges, with his BlackBerry buzzing practically every moment.

As we noted, Rev & Justine chose the Carnival Miracle as a place to take a break from it all. Chatting with Rev (along with his trusted bodyguard Perry), he wanted nothing more than to enjoy a quiet anniversary with Justine. I learned that even as they cruise, the rest of the family is busy working, with son Jo Jo creating music ( and actually shooting a commercial today), Diggy signing a record deal a few weeks ago, and the girls out in L.A. running their sneaker business. Mom & Dad, now living in Jersey, needed a gateway, and the Carnival Miracle was only a step away.

Since they boarded the ship, many Carnival guests have been buzzing about his presence, so as you can imagine, denying and trying to play dumb did not last very long! On the second night – 80s Night – I even sported my Run-D.M.C. gear. You can guess who I ran into at the casino: the Rev himself. He gave me a look up and down, and the look of approval I got was priceless! If only mom could see me now... By the seventh day of the cruise, he was a common sight for the guests and crew; everyone relaxed and didn’t bother him very much.

When I told my mom that he and Justine were sailing on this cruise, my Mom wished them a happy anniversary. Then when later they asked about mom, I said she’s fine, but Justine wanted to call mom and say hello! But guess who couldn’t remember his own phone number – LOLOL. Since I had the opportunity to sit and chat with Justine and the Rev, they asked about my life out at sea, and how it was for me, especially over the last ten years. I told them how much I love working with Carnival, and how I’ve moved up over the years. Run says I have a great gig out here, working on the water visiting great places, and it’s true. We discuss how we are both celebrities in our own right. Funny how people walk past us and say “Hey Malcolm how are ya? Great show!” Run says “See, I’m RUN and they don’t even notice me.”

While onboard, Justine and the Rev have been enjoying relaxing treatments at Spa Carnival and eating at the Nick & Nora’s Steakhouse every night. The Rev can be spotted every now and then hitting the blackjack table, and even at the Fountainhead Café, enjoying a slice of chocolate cake at sea, just like any “Fun” Ship guest.

What’s Run’s phrase of the day??? Don’t complain, or complaints will come back to you! What’s Mama Burn’s phrase for RUN ?? Squeeze it easy (take it easy, relax, no worry).

The Rev admits that he did look at other cruise lines, but Carnival’s “Fun” Ships offered more of what he wanted: a fun and relaxing casual cruise. Nothing stuffy or formal, and a port close to home. Looks like booking a suite at the last minute worked out well for him.

The Rev says he’s looking to return to the Carnival Miracle. We will see what happens, and what his plans are...

More to follow!

Ask Our Bloggers: Part 3

Mayor of Funville — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:36:00 GMT

This marks the end of the first round of Ask Our Bloggers. Thanks for all the great questions!

Today, let's take a look at the last few questions we received the first time around.

aliboo said

I cruised previously with Carnival Destiny in 2004 and 2006 under my married name. I am now divorced and I am once again using my maiden name. I will be cruising on Carnival Victory in a few weeks but the system does not recognise my maiden name as having been a past guest. My travel agent told me that when completing my cruise information online to just act as though I have never cruised before, in order to allow the information to go through, and then deal with the name change and past guest problem when I get on the ship. Should I walk with my divorce papers on the cruise also?

Hi Aliboo,

I was able to locate your past guest number and have updated your last name and added it to your upcoming reservation. I have also added it to your carnival.com profile so you should be able to see it the next time you login.

Mischelle Beattie
Manager, Online Community

Dr.Piper said

Hey Butch Begovich:

We are booked for Carnival Liberty in October. Actually, we're in the exact same ship and ROOM that we sailed last year but different itinerary. We have not been to Nassau in many years and wonder if we can do both the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center and one of Atlantis excursions in the same day?

Dr. Piper,

First off, let me just say that we are very excited that you are coming back to visit us here on the Carnival Liberty. Since you sailed last year we have implemented a number of new and exciting things, including expanded Your Time Dining, the new Carnival Comedy Club, and we have a wonderful entertainment team that has revamped our entire activities schedule.

You are very fortunate to have booked a Liberty Eastern itinerary that visits Nassau, as we do limited calls to Nassau only about five times a year on the Carnival Liberty. Unfortunately, because our call in Nassau is only until 2:00pm with a back on board time at 1:30pm it would not be possible to fit both excursions in on the same day. However, you cannot go wrong with either excursion. The Ardastra Gardens are absolutely stunning and they have the only trained flamingo show in the entire world, which is a sight to see. On the other hand, Atlantis is pretty awesome, is the largest resort in all of the Caribbean and is well worth it to go if just for the amazing walk-through aquariums.

I hope this helps, and we will see you soon back on board the Carnival Liberty!

Thank you and kind regards,

Butch Begovich
Cruise Director, Carnival Liberty

Ask Our Bloggers: Part 2

Mayor of Funville — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:16:00 GMT

Yesterday we featured the first few responses — from our Carnival experts — to your recent cruising questions.

Today, let's look at the next three.

boat1995 said

Can we carry a case of coke and water on the ship?

Hi Boat1995,

On embarkation day, guests may bring a small quantity (package of 12 per person) of non-alcoholic beverages onboard (but only in their carry-on luggage).

Mischelle Beattie
Manager, Online Community

Cruise Chick said

We are booked on the Carnival Freedom next May 2011. We are going to the Eastern Caribbean out of Ft. Lauderdale. Can anyone tell me what the ports are like on this cruise?

Hi Cruise Chick,

So I hear you are sailing on the Carnival Freedom 8-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise? You will love it; it's the perfect mix of fun, sun, adventure, culture, tradition and amazing sights. Let me do my best to walk you through it.

Your first destination is the Carnival Freedom itself, a great vessel with a first-class crew. You start with a fun day at sea, to properly relax and unwind before a night of welcome-aboard celebrations, music and Broadway shows.

Day 3 of your cruise features a relaxing morning at sea, with an afternoon arrival and late-night stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico. San Juan is an amazing place and great for taking photographs upon arrival. Make sure you're on the 'Port' side of the ship as you sail into port. When you are in port, there are lots of fantastic excursions both by the ship and inland (if you like kayaking, try Bioluminescent Bay). The pier is located a short walk from downtown, where there are some fantastic (but pricey) restaurants and bars. The shopping is decent, but a lot of the stores will close around 6:00pm.

If you are interested in seeing the local sights, I would suggest the old San Juan city tour, as there is a lot of walking if you try to do it on your own. The ship sails at 12 midnight, so 'back on board' time is 11:30 pm. Although you have a lot of great nightlife in the old city, there will be great shows onboard for you to enjoy as well. (This is a great night for Steak House!)

On Day 4 of your cruise, you wake up in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. This is definitely a port in which the beach and snorkeling opportunities are at the forefront. Magens Bay (one of the best in the world) is beautiful and the sailing and snorkel tours are second-to-none! St. Thomas will also be your best day for shopping, so leave yourself time to browse through the stores, either downtown or by the pier. If you still have time, make sure to check out Paradise Point for a unique sky ride, incredible scenic perspective photo-ops and the delicious & famous Bushwacker frozen drink!

Day 5 finds you in Antigua, what I believe is the most scenic and historic of all the ports. There is something for everyone in this location, but please do yourself a favor and book an excursion. The port area is nice, but can be completely navigated in about 30 minutes (cute shops and small bars, but nothing that compares to St. Thomas). There are some beautiful beaches, but they are on the other side of the island from where the ship docks (actually there are 365 beaches on this island, one for every day of the year) so trying to get there on your own may require a pricey taxi ride. If you have already done the beach thing and would like a little history and culture, the best of Antigua is amazing; if you want a little adventure and excitement, try the canopy (ziplines through the jungle), or my favorite tour of the day — for both sightseeing, information, snorkeling and sun — is called "See Antigua by Sea." Antigua was the home to the last World Series of Cricket, as well as Eric Clapton’s famous Crossroads Center. On the water tours that go around the island, they also show you where Oprah has a house…..pretty cool.

On Day 6, you arrive in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. This is a very beautiful, clean and reserved port. There are small stores for arts and crafts, and a few restaurants within walking distance from the ship, but to really see the island or go anywhere, you will either need to book an excursion or use a taxi. Since the ship sails early on this day, around 3:00pm, it is a nice day to have a quiet walk around town or relaxing morning at the local beach Cane Garden Bay (you will need an excursion or taxi to get you there). Tortola is also known for its dolphin encounter, so if you want to try something a little different (and a whole lot of fun) make sure to book early, as this always sells out. One of the most popular things to do in Tortola actually takes place off the island: Virgin Gorda "The Baths." This can get really crowded during peak season, but it is definitely worth experiencing. The boat ride over through Sir Francis Drake Channel is beautiful and then the baths (a unique rock formation of huge granite boulders and hidden sea pools) are amazing. It's a bit tricky to walk through if you have limited mobility (so this isn’t a tour for everyone), but you are rewarded at the end of your cave trek with a gorgeous beach that no photos could ever do justice. Just a tip: if you happen to stop by Pusser’s Landing (in downtown Tortola) for a snack and local beer, make sure to try the hot wings (they are delicious).

Day 7 is a fun day at sea loaded with great activities, events and shows. This is also your second elegant night.

Day 8 finds you spending a day in Nassau, Bahamas: the perfect ending to a great week onboard a Carnival "Fun" Ship. I am assuming more people than not have been to Nassau, so I will spare you the details. The highlights include great shopping downtown (a short walk from the ship), and of course the famous Atlantis casino and resort, which is beautiful (but very hard to access unless you are a guest of the hotel or are on one of our excursions).

Well that is the long and short of it... more long than short, but I hope you find this helpful. I wish you safe travels and smooth seas.

“Aloha”

Todd Wittmer
Cruise Director, Carnival Dream

racingdcc54 said

Being a platinum member has nice perks, however, using the platinum check in is a perk I have never been able to use.

Reason: Guest cruising with us are not platinum members or they are first time cruisers that we suggested they come with us on a Carnival Cruise. It would (in my opinion) be rude for us to leave our cruising guest behind during embarkation. Would Carnival Cruise Lines reconsider their rule about embarkation, platinum members, guest (same deck but not room) as we have booked two cruises for 2010, a cruise in October and a cruise in December. October cruise has 4 never cruised before guest with us and December has 6 cruised before but not as many times guest with us. While I understand earning perks due to cruises made on Carnival Ships, it seems to me our guest should be included with us during embarkation since we are the reason they are willing to give Carnival Cruise Line their business and not another cruise line. I enjoy the rest of the perks and have never been disappointed.We are returning to the Fasination, we have sailed on her multiple times, in October. We will be making our "maiden" voyage on one of the newer ships, the Dream. I believe the Dream will be celebrating her first year of island sailings birthday in November. We watched the Dream leave November 2009 on her maiden voyage as we were camping in Jetty Park. Made the comment then, I wanted to sail on the Dream one day.

Hi Racingdcc54,

Carnival’s VIP Check-In is an exclusive service designed to afford our Platinum guests, Carnival Vacation Club members and those traveling in a deluxe suite accommodations with special registration privileges. In order to keep it an exclusive service, we only make two exceptions to the VIP qualifications, and they are as follows.

For those guests traveling with an additional stateroom that does not fall into one of the three categories above, those in the additional stateroom may check in through the VIP Program only if:

there are minor children traveling in the additional stateroom, or
the guests in the additional stateroom share the same Sail & Sign account with the qualified VIP guest

Mischelle Beattie
Manager, Online Community

Deidra Shores on the Carnival Dream

Mayor of Funville — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:18:00 GMT

We're proud to bring you Deidra Shores, reporting from the Lido deck of the Carnival Dream. This kid reporter looks to be having a great time so far!

We're looking forward to future reports from Deidra. As they say, stay tuned to this blog for more.

Ask Our Bloggers: Part 1

Mayor of Funville — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:13:00 GMT

On behalf of everyone here in Funville, we'd like to thank you for the great questions you asked a few weeks back. We passed them along to some of the most knowledgeable, fun people we could find at Carnival. Over the next few days, we'll be sharing their answers with you.

Please enjoy the first round of answers:

John said

I remember getting ship prints on the last night after dinner, I have nine of these from past cruises but haven't been able to get any on the last three cruises, I assume Carnival has gotten away from this, and thoughts of offering them again or selling them in the stores on the ships?? I'd like one from every cruise ship I've sailed. Is there anyway to get them now??

Hi John,

These were discontinued quite a while ago. You can always ask the maître ‘d once on board; they may still have some hiding somewhere, but it isn’t something we offer any longer.

Mischelle Beattie
Manager, Online Community

jan said

We are going on the liberty September 11, 24 of us including 2 little ones (2 year old and 4 year old) is camp carnival open while in port and if so would we have any problem leaving the kids there as we want to do the jeep/cave thing in Cancun, which they are not old enough to do.

Hi Jan,

Camp Carnival is open during port days... we open 15 minutes prior to arrival so parents can drop their children off before their excursions leave. We ask that if parents are on board at 12pm, that they collect their children for lunch, however, if they are off the ship, we do take the kids, age 2-11, for pizza and fries only in the lido restaurant. Once on board the Carnival Liberty, you will need to check the Camp Carnival Activity Schedule for the closing time that day and make sure you are there to collect your children. Hope this helps to clarify things, and have a great time on the Carnival Liberty :-)

Thanks,

Abby :-)
Carnival Triumph Youth Director

aliboo said

I have already booked and paid for a cruise for my daughter and I. We have been put into a room that holds two. My dad who had initially made a deposit before, but then withdrew, now wants to come with us. If there are still rooms available for three on the ship (we don't sail until the next 3 or 4 weeks) can he still pay and be accommodated? Can they move my daughter and I into a new room for three at this stage so that my father can be in our room? Help!!! My dad really doesn't want to miss out on what will be his second cruise with Carnival!!!

Hi Aliboo,

I took a look at your booking and it appears that this has already been taken care of for you; I see your dad has already been added to your cabin.

Mischelle Beattie
Manager, Online Community

Deidra Shores, Kid Reporter

Mayor of Funville — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:50:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered why teens love cruising on Carnival?

Deidra Shores, age 13, is the winner of last fall's NBC Today Show Kid Reporter contest. She'll be sailing on the Carnival Dream next week and sending video reports from the ship.

Carnival sponsored the Kid Reporter contest, and the prize was a weeklong cruise for Deidra and her family. The aspiring journalist will be reporting throughout the week of July 3 to share her cruise experiences and conduct some fun interviews, so be sure to check back for Deidra's reports!

Congratulations, Deidra!

What are your teen's (or if you're a teen, your own) favorite things to do on a cruise?

Kid Reporter Deidra Shores is pictured here interviewing Captain Carlo Queirolo for an NBC Today Show report during the Carnival Dream's inaugural events, in New York last November.

Carnival Magic: It's Coming to Galveston

Mayor of Funville — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:17:00 GMT

If you haven't heard the big news, we'd be glad to help bring you up to cruising speed. Today, we announced the location of the upcoming Carnival Magic's home port. Our latest "Fun Ship" — all 130,000 tons of it — will be proudly operating out of Galveston, Texas, beginning November 14, 2011.

Feel free to discuss the news below with your fellow Funville fans... and for more on this, including discussions already in progress, see:

carnival-news.com: Carnival Magic to Operate Seven-Day Cruises From Galveston...

John Heald's blog: It’s Not An Illusion………It’s Magic

facebook.com/Carnival: New 130,000-ton Carnival Magic...

twitter.com/CarnivalCruise: Carnival Magic... Becoming Port's Largest Year-Round Ship

Which of our bloggers are you hoping to see aboard the Carnival Magic? Do you have any suggestions for me?

All the best,
The Mayor of Funville

It’s Q&A Time! Ask Our Bloggers

Mayor of Funville — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:46:00 GMT

Cruising on Carnival is FUN, and we know you know how much fun it is.

But, have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes? If you’ve ever had a moment during your cruise where you thought, just briefly — “How do they do that,” “Where’d they get that idea from,” or “What’s ship life like beyond what I can actually see?” — our bloggers want to help solve those cruising mysteries for you.

If you’ve got questions, our bloggers…

Abby Kracoff – Youth Director, Carnival Triumph
Butch Begovich – Cruise Director, Carnival Liberty
Jaime Deitsch – Asst. Cruise Director, Carnival Pride
Todd Wittmer – Cruise Director, Carnival Dream
Malcolm “Woo Hoo” Burn – Cruise Director, Carnival Miracle

…have got the answers!

Ask any of them anything about cruising, then look forward to reading a response to your questions once a week, right here on The Blog at Funville.

Please submit your question through the comment box below.

My Vacation

Butch Begovich — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:29:00 GMT

Hello Funville readers, Butch here. It’s back to work on the Carnival Liberty and loving every minute of it! I just returned from seven weeks of vacation and now I feel refreshed and ready to… well, cruise!

So many of you come to us for your vacations so it might be kind of strange that I need to leave the ship for mine. Although my job is fun and I truly do feel blessed to do what I do every day, it is nice to get away from my office, the e-mails, the planning, and for those of you who know me well know I can talk your ear off. So it’s nice to give my voice a rest! Leaving a ship is always a little bit fun because we, cruise directors, often do not get to spend time with each other because there is only one on each ship. A dear friend of mine and fantastic cruise director, Kevin Noonan, came on board for my last week for what we call a hand-over to prepare to take over the Liberty in my absence.

So what did I do on my vacation? Immediately after leaving the ship I spent a week in South Florida relaxing on the beach and doing, well, nothing. It was great! Some of my good friends from my college days met me down in Miami for a bit of a reunion and so we could catch up with each other. After a week of soaking in the sun it was time to head home to Minnesota to see my family. For the first time in over six years, I got to spend the Easter holiday at home. As a shipboard employee, having a holiday off work is a rare occurrence and I cherished every moment with my parents, my siblings, and my rapidly growing nieces and nephews. After a week at home it was time for some adventure.

I love to travel; it’s this very reason that brought me to Carnival many years ago. After Easter and a quick Twins Game at the new Target Field I traveled to Northern Idaho to visit more family and to do some skiing. After finding my ski legs again, and getting bumped and bruised by the mountains, I headed to Vegas and met up with two of my greatest Carnival friends – who happened to be on vacation too – cruise directors Stephanie Meads and Big Tex and his wife, who is a dancer on the Carnival Valor. Let’s just say, I am living by the phrase: “What happens in Vegas…”

One trek I always make during my vacations is to New York City. Many of my friends from college, including my best friends live there. I love New York! So much culture, great food, and world class shows are all on this one tiny island. I do, however, find it hard to sleep in NYC. Maybe it’s because of all of the noise and over stimulation. So, on a whim, my best friend and I left New York for a quick week in the Riviera Maya in Mexico. I am in Mexico all of the time, but being there without a schedule or work on the brain is a completely different experience. I was so relaxed in Mexico that I did not leave the walls of our resort once in seven days.

After all of my travels it was time to head back to Minnesota, give a quick hug to my mom, do some laundry and come back to work. It is always nice to have a break, but I was ready to come back. In fact, I couldn’t wait to get back on the ship, see all of my team, and hit the ground running. I feel blessed that even though every once in a while I need to take a break to recharge, my job is something that I look forward to doing every day. I wake up with a smile when I am on board the ship and look forward to the day ahead. If you are venturing to the Liberty soon, I’m here, refreshed, and ready to make sure you have the vacation of a lifetime!

It's Malcolm "Woo Hoo" Burn

Malcolm Burn — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:14:00 GMT

Hi everyone, it’s Malcolm “Woo Hoo” Burn, cruise director for the Carnival Miracle. Working for Carnival has been a great adventure for me and now I’m enjoying my 10^th year! Who would have thought I would be here for this long?

Entertainment had me hooked even at an early age. My grade school and high school years were all about chorus, track, theatre, key club, etc. I was involved in so many clubs and I really enjoyed community work giving back and arranging events – I felt this and drama to be my passion. I started acting in commercials, plays and doing extra work! Being on the stage was a high for me. The power I felt being in front of a crowd and being myself was the best feeling in the world! I had an addiction; no matter where I was I would start putting on some kind of show. I knew that I wanted to be in movies and plays and it was the only thing on my mind. Go figure!

After graduation, I got a job at a stadium in Florida – first, as an usher then as security personnel. The job gave me total inspiration! I worked with, and met so many artists (Taylor Dayne; Prince; Expose; Backstreet Boys; Winger; New Order; and even the Florida Orchestra, which my mother also worked with). These people and bands really inspired me, but I wasn’t quite sure what to do. I was itching for it all. Then one day, I was reading the classified section and unique opportunity caught my eye. “Dealers wanted for a dinner cruise. No experience necessary; will train.” Wow, this was for me.

After about a year as a casino dealer, I became friends with one of the owners and then became a personal assistant to the owners – running errands, picking up supplies, paying bills… whatever was need. Then they purchased another ship and then a third. The line was Empress Cruise Lines, out of the Fishermen’s Wharf.

One day, I happened to be watching a commercial for Carnival Cruise Lines. As a kid I would look at brochures of the ships – the Fantasy class ships with all the neon, always made me dream of sailing. The ships were so cool looking. The Carnival commercials reminded me of my younger years. So a week before New Year’s I sent them my resume. I knew that the job of entertaining guests was for me. I wanted to travel, make people laugh. This would be great. So after waiting and waiting I was finally called. I was asked to come down to Miami for a week of training. I was SO EXCITED. I didn’t even have my passport yet.

I arrived at the hotel, meeting Wee Jimmy, Carlo Lumbardo, and a few others. We were all brand new at the time. We headed to dinner where we met Josh Riffe, he was an assistant cruise director filing in for cruise director. Other candidates showed up and we chatted about cruises. The next day we went to the office where we met Carnival Executives. It was great.

After a week’s training everyone was heading to their ships except me! I still needed my passport. Finally after two weeks I was heading out. I packed my bags and said goodbye to everyone. My first ship was the Carnival Fantasy with the cruise director was Valerie Crook; the social hosts were Rebecca Llewellyn and Todd Wittmer. I was a wild man with Carnival at the time! Working about eight months and on about four ships, ending my 8^th month on the inaugural cruise of the Carnival Victory.

I have had many ups and down and have learned so much with this company. Just last year, I had something happen to my heart, and didn’t feel very well. I would not leave and didn’t want to miss the Carnival event that happened in Baltimore with the launch of the Carnival Pride. My heart needed a new valve and I didn’t even know it. Carnival onboard doctors took care of me the last sea day! And man, they really took very good care of me. All I can remember is talking to Josh Waitzman as he took over during mid-cruise and jumped right in. I don’t know who would have been able to do what he did at the time. When the ship arrived in Ft. Lauderdale, I was the first off the ship! Woo Hoo! I woke up 5 days later with a scar down my chest and my mother at my side. Not even knowing what had happened.

So I say thanks, to everyone at Carnival, from cruise directors, friends, crew, staff, captains, the entertainment department in the office and most of all Roger Blum - who stood by my mother during this tragic time. A "miracle" happened on the Carnival Miracle and I was born once again. One year later, I'm still on the Carnival Miracle. Now, I'm writing my story but one day I hope that I can tell it to you in person... See you on the Carnival Miracle.

Celebrate on a Carnival Cruise

Todd Wittmer — Thu, 20 May 2010 17:54:00 GMT

It’s time to celebrate! What better reason to go on a cruise than for a special occasion or celebration. Each week thousands of guests are celebrating a wedding, birthday, anniversary, graduation, honeymoon, engagement, retirement or other special occasion onboard one of Carnival’s “Fun Ships.” The party can always be exciting whether it is planned months in advance or just spontaneously happens while sailing.

What’s the secret to a good celebration on board? Simple, just let us know about your special event!

If you are cruising and know you would like to plan a celebration there are several options available for you. Contact your vacation planner and explore the possibilities. The opportunities are endless, from booking out a lounge with an open bar and hot & cold party food, to surprising someone with our stateroom decorations. Your vacation planner will help you set up the best night possible with all the trimmings. The more you would like to do or have, the more advanced planning is recommended; as there may be lounges that need to be booked or special flowers to order and we want to make sure everything is set and in place before you sail. However, there are also an onboard staff members and concessions onboard to actually cater to all of your last minute needs as well.

Formalities (or celebrations on the Carnival Dream) are great assets to cruising. You may order stateroom decorations, specialty cakes, champagne and strawberries, or simply surprise someone with a bouquet of flowers and sweets. We can also book parties onboard provided the lounge space is available (pre-booking recommended) for your special occasion. Everyone has a different celebration in mind but no matter how different the occasion our goal is the same… to make everyone feel special.

As a Cruise Director, I have been asked to participate in the “surprise” planning of many events and I always have a great time doing so. The best part of my job is seeing someone’s face as they realize this is their memorable experience while feeling like the most special person onboard. I love planning engagements and helping someone literally, change their life. So as an onboard expert – here are a few of my helpful hints:

1) Let us know before you go. We need the details (who, what, when, and how many people you are attending). Then we can help you decide if you want to have a big group event or a little quiet rendezvous.

2) Take the extra step onboard. Contact someone onboard who may be able to help with the small (but most precious) details. It’s always good to see what the formalities shop has available and if the ship’s Group Coordinator or Cruise Director may have any suggestions for the perfect touch.

3) While onboard check the ship’s itinerary or Fun Time activities. This allows you to have plan your special event around a great activity happening on the day of your celebration. Deciding to celebrate on a “Cruise Elegant” night vs a “Cruise Casual” night, or even a daytime celebration will have vastly different atmospheres.

4) Take advantage of the ships luxuries. Most ships have a Steakhouse for fine dining and intimate experiences. Check into the couples spa packages or individual indulgences, plan a surprise appearance on the big screen during one of the live TV Shows or deck parties, or simply find out the best place on the ship to enjoy a peaceful sunset.

Whatever the occasion we know how special your day (or week) is to you and we are here to help. When you choose to cruise you choose a special kind of FUN experience. Get excited, please don’t be shy and most importantly let us know all the details. We will do our best to help you plan and let you know what to expect, so the only person surprised is the “guest of honor.”

All right, it’s time to celebrate. See you soon.

Everyone Loves "Fun Ship" Freddy

Abby Kracoff — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:16:00 GMT

I haven’t quite figured it out yet… Is it the big, bright, blue eyes? Or maybe it’s his striking complexion, which oddly enough resembles mine after a day at the beach without sun block. Perhaps it’s the ultra-chic and uber trendy wardrobe he sports day in and day out? Mostly, I think it’s the infectious, positive energy that he exudes with that maniacal, everlasting smile. Whatever it is, “Fun Ship” Freddy sure does have kids and adults alike flocking to him like the paparazzi to celebrities.

It almost borders on lunacy – the fact that a larger than life, walking funnel can attract and command an entire ship’s attention just by greeting the guests with his trademark four finger wave, as they board the ship. You would think that the President himself was standing on the gangway handing out money, when you watch the sheer excitement of guests (both new and returning alike) with Freddy. And to add insult to injury, this funnel doesn’t even talk and the women swoon over him left, right and center! Although he is only 8 years old, he has mastered the feat of charming everyone. I have personally witnessed small children grasping onto one of his massive shoes unwilling to let him go, teens running down promenade deck in hopes of getting a “high four,” women luring him onto the dance floor to check out his extensive moves, and full-grown men begging for a photo with him.

If you don’t believe me, then come see for yourself. Sooner or later you will find yourself squealing with glee when Freddy passes by and scrambling around trying to find your camera to Memorex the moment. Don’t’ worry… it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s perfectly normal to have an obsession with something, and what better thing to be obsessed with, than a striking, debonair figure who symbolizes FUN?

Meet... PopStarMom

Mayor of Funville — Mon, 03 May 2010 19:18:00 GMT

Hello everyone. It’s Sherri, editor of The Blog at Funville.

As you know we love FUN. So we thought we'd do an interview with one of our very FUN past guests. Meet… PopStarMom!

She’s a producer of wonderfully wacky music videos and her latest video parody takes her, well… on a cruise.

So check out PopStarMom's video, "I'm on a Cruise" then read our one-on-one with her detailing how she does it all.

CCL: How long have you been doing parody videos and where did you get the idea?

PopStarMom: I did my first comedic YouTube video (Fergie’s “Glamorous”) about two and half years ago, just for fun. I had purchased some “Billy Bob” teeth for Halloween and thought it would be funny to sing a song like that with those teeth. When I received a positive response - me, being the ham that I am - I was inspired to do more!

Universal Music Group deleted the audio for a couple of my early videos in which I had merely lip synced to the original artists’ recordings. This inspired me to write my own versions of pop songs and even (ouch!) sing them myself.

CCL: How do you come up with the concepts behind these videos?

PopStarMom: I love pop/hip-hop music. Sometimes alternate lyrics will just come to me, and I just try to build a concept for a video based upon those lyrics and the original artists’ video.

CCL: Did you write the lyrics for “I’m on a Cruise,” or is there someone else on your production team who does the writing?

PopStarMom: Yes, I wrote the lyrics for “I’m on a Cruise,” although I can’t take full credit since it is a parody of another song and uses some of the original phrases.

CCL: Who are some of the people on your video production team?

PopStarMom: I usually set the camera on a tripod and film myself. I also do all my own video editing. Randy Schumann, who is my assistant for my business (http://lifeinmotionfilms.com/), filmed the opening scene for “I’m on a Cruise” and a small portion of my “So What” parody. My husband also helped with some of the camera work for my “So What” parody. Sally (Soleil) was also a big help during the filming for “I’m on a Cruise.” Other than that, PopStarMom has been a one-woman operation!

CCL: How many children do you have and what are their ages?

PopStarMom: I have three children – a 14-year-old daughter, a 12-year-old son, and a 10-year old daughter. They are all featured in my “Bubbly” video, which needs to be reposted with me singing the song.

CCL: Do your like the videos? And, how do they feel about their mom being an online video sensation?

PopStarMom: The 14-year-old and 12-year-old used to tell their friends about my videos, but are now getting to the age where Mom isn’t really cool, even though other people might think so. I know that down deep inside, they secretly love it… sort of.

CCL: How many Carnival cruises have you been on?

PopStarMom: The cruise featured in the video was my first cruise! It will not be my last!

CCL: What is it you really like about cruising with Carnival?

PopStarMom: Compared to other vacations I’ve been on, I was impressed by how much “vacation” I seemed to get for the money on my cruise! I couldn’t have stayed at a dirt-cheap motel and eaten out for what I paid for my 5 day Carnival cruise. With my cruise, I got a huge selection of great food, entertainment, and the camaraderie of fellow cruisers.

CCL: Did you do any shore excursions?

PopStarMom: My friend and I were booked on the Deluxe Sail, Snorkel and Beach Party out of Cozumel. The excursion was cancelled due to high winds, so we ended up taking a taxi to Paradise Beach Club and had a fantastic day at the beach, kayaking, eating and playing on the inflatable water toys.

CCL: How did you get your friend [Soleil] to participate in the video with you?

PopStarMom: A little bit of arm twisting was involved, but not too much. Sally (a.k.a. Soleil) is a great actress, a wonderful friend, and lots of fun!

CCL: Right now, at this moment, what’s your favorite song and what musical artist(s) do you like?

PopStarMom: My current favorite musical group is the Black Eyed Peas. I’ve loved them for years, but I remember the first time I heard “Boom Boom Pow” and thinking, “I LOVE this song!”

Once You Sail, Your Good Times Can't Fail

Funship Friend — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:54:00 GMT

Hi Funville.

My name is Alyssa and when I think of going on vacation all I think about is cruising. I’m on Carnival.com almost every day. I love learning about the new ships and new itineraries. I hope before I am too old, I’ll be able to cruise on all the Carnival “Fun Ships!”

My first cruise was on the Carnival Imagination, before it was dry docked, so I haven’t seen the upgrades, including Carnival Waterworks. I hope to check that out sometime next month (May 2010). I sailed on the Carnival Fascination with a bunch of people from work and it was so much fun. I want to go on the Carnival Magic next year!

Cruising to me is a great escape and everyone is really friendly. I remember standing at the elevator and some people came along and just started chatting with me. I guess it was because everyone was just so happy to be on vacation. It’s like the same person who gives you the finger on the highway for driving so slow, is the same person who will ask you to have a drink and talk so you can get to know one other. I love the fact that each morning I’m given a list of all the activities that are going on that day. I wake up and get my breakfast and let the day begin!

I’ve only been on 3 day, 4 day and 5 day cruises and I hope to experience a 7 day or longer cruise soon. Everyone I come in contact with I somehow get them on a “Fun Ship” cruise. I talk to people each week about cruising and recruit people more and more. I think Carnival is the best cruise line and offers the most for your money. I’ve always wanted to work on one of the ships, to be one of the smiling faces you see aboard! I always tell anyone that is skeptical about cruising to take a 3 day Bahamas cruise on the Carnival Imagination if sailing from Miami, or the Carnival Sensation if sailing from Port Canaveral. My motto is, “Once you sail, your good times can’t fail.”

I've been on 47 Carnival Cruises… and Counting

Funship Friend — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:15:00 GMT

My name is Steven Ciervo and I’ve been on a total of 47 Carnival cruises. I took my first Carnival cruise in August of 1988 aboard the Mardi Gras when I was 13 years old. Since then I have been on almost every ship in the Carnival fleet.

I like cruising with Carnival because it’s a great vacation. “The Fun Ships” is exactly how I think of Carnival – The staff is extremely helpful and very friendly; the shows are incredible; and the food is great. Every time I cruise with Carnival I know I’m going to have a relaxing vacation that is fun and full of great entertainment and activities.

Of all the Carnival sailings I've been on, my favorite itinerary was the 12 day to Hawaii on the Carnival Spirit. I went on this cruise in September of 2009. I love all the Carnival ships but I would have to say that my two all-time favorite ships include the Carnival Dream and the Carnival Liberty. I plan to continue cruising with Carnival and I already have another cruise booked for August 2010 on the Carnival Dream - so if you're sailing then too, let me know. I also plan on going on the Carnival Magic when it sets sail in May of 2011, starting with the Europe itinerary. But between August of 2010 and May of 2011 I plan on booking many more cruises, so see you on the high seas.

Welcome, Captain Cutugno

Butch Begovich — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 19:36:00 GMT

Hello Funville Community:

I hope that all of you are enjoying this Spring, I know I am as I am writing this post miles away from the ship, while I’m enjoying my vacation! While I’m here in the unseasonably warm weather we are having in Minnesota something very exciting is about to take place where I call home - the Carnival Liberty. Sort of a changing of the guard, if you will, as we get reading to send Captain Marco Nogara on vacation and welcome our new Captain, a dear old friend of mine, Captain Giovanni Cutugno.

Now you might not think that a Captain has much impact on the daily operations of a ship, but he does. If the Carnival Liberty, for example, was its own company, the Captain would be like the CEO… Or if we were our own country, the Captain would be like the President. The Captain sets the tone and the energy for the ship’s crew. He's responsible for all shipboard decisions and most importantly he is in charge of the safety of every human life, both guests and crew, that inhabit the ship. It’s a big responsibility.

In my six years with Carnival Cruise Lines, I have never met a Captain that did not take his job seriously and did not work hard to ensure that everyone on board was having a positive experience. And in these six years I have become close to a couple Captain’s who have become special friends of mine; Captain Cutugno is one of those friends.

I often joke with Captain C. (I refer to him this way, sometimes) that he is the only person I know who likes to talk more than I do. Captain Cutugno is a comedian and anyone who has ever had the pleasure of sailing with him knows that when he is introducing his officers at the Captain’s Celebration, or giving his farewell speech at the debarkation talk, you will definitely be in for a laugh and a smile. What I enjoy most about Captain C. is that he is very warm and personable. He keeps things light, even with the extreme pressures of his job – this means that if you’re working on a ship, under his command, you have an overwhelming feeling of support and openness not expressed by many others in his position.

So today, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome aboard the Carnival Liberty, my dear friend, and a man that I am proud to call Captain - Captain Giovanni Cutugno.

My Magical Moment

Jaime Deitsch — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:34:00 GMT

Now that the Carnival Dream has been in service for several months, the focus has shifted to the upcoming Carnival masterpiece that will be setting sail in April of 2011 – the Carnival Magic. What a name! I'm not sure who is responsible for naming the Carnival ships, but each one has an inviting title that sparks the Imagination of passengers to envision what Destiny will behold as they Dream of the possibilities of Elation when they behold the Glory of a brand new Carnival Miracle.

With the excitement of the Carnival Magic, I’ve decided to write about the most magical moment I’ve experienced while working for Carnival Cruise Lines. If we are using “magic” as a noun meaning, “The exercise of sleight of hand or conjuring for entertainment,” then, the magic show featured on the Carnival Triumph, The Zuniga Brothers Big Stage Production or the table artist who performs nightly in the dining rooms would fit that bill. However, a more suitable definition would be using magic as an adjective to mean, “Possessing distinctive qualities that produce unaccountable or baffling effects.”

I cannot narrow this topic down to a singular experience. I genuinely believe that as long as people have stress, as long as they work hard and seek excitement and pleasure there will be a need for an escape from reality, a Carnival vacation. Senior Cruise Director, John Heald tells guests to forget their troubles at home as they embark on a cruising adventure. These troubles will still be waiting for them when they return. So for the next, 5, 7, 12, or 49 days they are here to enjoy an escape from reality.

The most magical moment for me working on board always happens towards the end of the cruise. When I know that working 70+ hours a week has made a difference. When I look out at the crowd hosting a deck party, a hairy chest contest or even a debarkation talk and I see people smiling, laughing and having fun. Knowing that I contributed in some way to these guests escape from reality, that is magical for me. It means that I am accomplishing what I was designed for – helping a lot of people. All it takes is a smile or a laugh, but if those guests are having fun with their “escape from reality” I will have the motivation to continue to put forth the effort of helping to provide fun and memorable vacations. Now that's MAGICAL.

Another Day... Another Ship

Abby Kracoff — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:39:00 GMT

Like all good things in life, my vacation has come to an end. Although this reality makes most people somber, morose and dreaming of retirement, I have an air of excitement about me. You see, returning to another ship is reminiscent of the first day of school after summer break: you get to see all of your friends with their new school wardrobe, fresh haircuts and how things have changed while you have been gone. Being with the company for nearly 10 years now, there is always a familiar face, but there are also new people to get to know and changes the company has made to better the Carnival experience. The Carnival Valor has provided all of these things for me since stepping on board March 21^st.

Leaving the newest ship in the fleet, the Carnival Dream, was bittersweet. That ship provided loads of fun times, as well as many challenges I had to meet and master. I realize now, as wonderful as that experience was, coming back to an older, established ship, is like putting on a comfy pair of shoes. The Carnival Valor is like a well-oiled machine, with less stress, and more time to ensure the guest experience is fun and memorable! There is a lot to be said for older ships in the fleet.

So what can your kids expect when they sail on the Valor? Well in a word, FUN!

F- Freedom from family to have a great time with kids of their own age

U- Utter enjoyment

N- Non-stop good times

All three youth programs (Camp Carnival, Circle “C” and Club O2) are offered on the Valor with a full array of FUNtastic activities. In addition, Carnvial has just introduced its new FUNdraising program for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Camp Carnival will be offering a special bear and outfit in their “Beary Cuddly” program and all the proceeds go to that charity. Not only is it a great way for a child to remember their cruise, but at the same time they have the experience of helping out other children who are in need!

So, just like all the other "Fun Ships" in the fleet, there is something for everyone on board and I hope to see you cruising on the Carnival Valor sometime soon!

Abby.

My Magical Moments

Butch Begovich — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:34:00 GMT

As we start preparing for Carnival’s newest ship, the Carnival Magic, I have been thinking a lot lately about some of the “magical moments” that I have had working for Carnival the past six years.

My job as a cruise director brings me such personal joy everyday. I do not have enough of the right words to describe what an amazing feeling of satisfaction I get from knowing that my job is to make other peoples’ day special. In six years it has never gotten old for me to hear people clap, or the roar of laughter from a crowd. It has never seemed less special or significant to hear the personal stories of our guests who come on our ships to relax, rejuvenate, spend time with family and friends, and to have fun. It has always been a pleasure to meet thousands of people and then get to see familiar faces year after year.

I have some personal achievements that I am very proud of from my last six years; including taking out new ships, traveling the world, working with the great John Heald, and making life long friendships with fellow team members that come from all around the globe… but mostly, my most magical and satisfying experiences come from meeting and getting to know our guests.

I have met some really amazing people throughout the years some of the most memorable to me are those who really embrace the vacation experience. Military personnel, active and veteran, always have a special place in my heart – especially those who get to come and cruise after returning home from overseas to be with their families. I also have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with cancer survivors and those that are on vacation really celebrating life.

Recently, I met a very special family whose oldest daughter is suffering from a severe case of cerebral palsy. Their daughter was confined to a wheel chair and had difficulty walking. She was not expected to live to be an adult, but she defied the odds. I met her mother several times during the voyage and she told me that her daughter had become very fond of me and that often had a hard time getting her to agree to leave the stateroom because she wanted to watch me on T.V. Her mother told me that all she wanted was to meet me in person and I was happy to oblige. Meeting this young woman reminded me of just how special life is and reaffirmed the fact that I have chosen the right career path.

I was again reminded how special it is to be in my position a few weeks ago when I met a courageous single mother traveling with her three teenage children. I met this mother first at our past guest reception mid week and when she entered the party with her kids she stopped to shake my hand and asked if she could give me a hug. I agreed and while we embraced she began to get emotional and whispered in my ear, “Thank you.” At that moment I expressed my appreciation for her gratitude, but didn’t really understand why I was being thanked. Then, during debarkation, I was standing on the gangway saying goodbye to the guests and I again met the same family; this time the young mother was all smiles as she handed me a sealed letter. She wrote me that her husband had recently passed away unexpectedly and that this cruise was her first vacation with the kids since his passing. She wrote in her letter that instead of giving her children material presents for holidays and their birthdays that she was now committed to giving them “memories” and thanked me again for facilitating many new positive memories for her and her family.

These are just a few examples of the many special people that I have had the opportunity to impact in a positive way; in return they have had an impact on me beyond measure. These are the magical moments - the moments where you make a personal connection - that makes it all worthwhile.

Tell me about some of the moments you experienced on your "Fun Ship" vacation that felt magical.

I Love Cruising Carnival

Industry Cruiser — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:49:00 GMT

Hi everyone. My name is Randy.

This cruise thing started with me in 2000. Ten years ago a buddy wanted me to cruise with him on Carnival Destiny. I said I didn't want to be stuck on a ship in the middle of the ocean. He said it wasn't that way, so I gave it a try. After five minutes on the Lido deck, I knew I found my new form of vacation. Now, I seldom even go on a weekend trip anymore knowing that money could go to a cruise. About 25 cruises later, it's still like a “first time” excitement when I board a ship!

I knew I couldn't let this experience be missed by family and friends so I did what I've always done by encouraging them all to go too. Then I found a message board with other cruise enthusiast called Cruiscritic.com. WOW, more of "my" kind of people and I even found a roll call with those sailing on the same cruise I was on next. Very cool that we could chat and establish a rapport, then meet onboard like a family reunion. :)

After establishing myself on Cruise Critic under the screen name "Carnivalman" it seemed that there were a lot of us just as excited. I formed a roll call and we had about 80 of us chatting before our cruise and then, with the help of former CEO Bob Dickinson, I was able to have a private party in the disco on one of the ships where we all got to hang out. I also got married on Carnival Victory in March 2001 but that didn't last long... and it wasn't just because she didn't like cruising... but that will play a big role in the next wife. Ha. Ha!

So now it's the summer of 2001 and I'm sailing on Carnival Pride with the new wife and through a chance meeting we chat with a Cruise Critic host – along with the rapport I had established with another host online, and hearing that Cruise Critic was looking for another Carnival Board Host, I submitted my application and was accepted, thus becoming Host Randy. I've been there ever since and I love it. I also found it very easy and fun to advertise my official group cruises on the Carnival board in order to meet and sail with so many people from all over the US; many have become like family. They all know we're going to have fun on my cruises and book when they see me post a new group cruise. We do all sorts of things, some of which have different group names and logos designed for that sailing and ship. We wear custom designed group t-shirts and lanyards with nametags; have pre-parties at the hotel the night before the cruises; enjoy excursions; private parties; raffles; group pictures; and a glowing home party the last night where we all are in the dance club with our glowing necklaces. This is just a few of the things we do. The crew usually joins in and we're so looking forward to seeing Cruise Director Todd Wittmer again this April 24^th when we board the Dream as "The Dream Team."

I'll get to some more detailed fun in another post but let me leave you with this. We had a group called "The Liberty Castaways" that sailed once on April 1^st, I believe it was in 2006. Another Cruise Critic friend and I decided to play a practical joke on his mother who was sailing with us. He and his girlfriend knew me but his mom and dad were sailing with us for the first time. I was able to secretly meet with Jason (my friend) at embarkation and meet his dad so I could get the dad's Sail & Sign card to get in his and his wife's stateroom – Everyone was in on this except Dear Mom… HaHa. Instead of me explaining what we did… enjoy the video that Jason took of all this. His mom knows he does a lot of filming so it wasn't unusual for him to have the camera rolling.

View Video:

http://www.youtube.com/gatorclaw#p/u/31/jk1jXMuRSKs

See you when we sail.
Randy.

This blog post was written by a "Fun Ship" friend and cruise industry professionl who loves the value of a floating resort vacation.

Behind the Scenes with the Fun Patrol

Butch Begovich — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:49:00 GMT

Hello Funville readers and bloggers. Your old friend Butch here, on the Carnival Liberty, with a look at a very special group of people who run our on board activities - their official title, “Entertainment Staff,” but we call them the Fun Patrol.

Each of our Carnival ships feature about 3 – 5 entertainment staff teams, depending on the class of ship and length of the voyage, who run most of the daily activities. To be a member of the entertainment staff for Carnival Cruise Lines it takes a special type of person. You need to be outgoing, social, comfortable on a microphone, able to hold the attention of a large crowd, and be the life of the party. I think it's a common misconception that E-staffers need to be “funny” or comedic. I personally would rather have folks on my team that are entertaining and can make personal connections with our guests.

If you have cruised on Carnival before, than you've had an opportunity to interact with our Fun Patrol members. They call bingo, run deck activities, do all of the games and contests and are the faces of the crowd control for our tendering and debarkation processes. What a lot of our guests probably don’t realize is that there are different levels of E-staff members. They are divided up into three different tiers and their daily duties are scheduled according to their tier level. To move up a tier level each E-staffer must master a certain set of skills that will make them well rounded in all areas of the entertainment department and eventually prepare them to be an assistant cruise director.

Part of the job of the E-staff is to develop new activities or revise existing events to make them fresh and new. This is done in a number of ways, but usually starts with our weekly brainstorming sessions. I always encourage my team to continually re-invent our activities program so that we can offer our guests a new experience each time, and of course am there every step of the way to offer advice and input. There are some timeless events that will always be a part of the CCL experience; the “Men’s Hairy Chest Contest” is one that comes to mind. Sometimes the ideas are a little far fetched and completely unrealistic, but the best part about brainstorming is that no idea is a bad one. Often times a new activity or event will evolve as we implement it and it starts to takes shape and sometimes even a new direction. Sometimes we try something and it just doesn’t work and sometimes we come up with things that are so good we share our best practices with the rest of the fleet.

Here, on the Carnival Liberty, some recent Fun Patrol members have come up with brand new ideas that have been very successful; including “Mardi Gras Mask Making,” “Fun Field Reporting” (one of my favorites - it’s where a guest becomes a ship reporter for the morning show), the “Who am I” game, and “Sand Castle Competition.”

When you're on your next “Fun Ship” cruise, get to know your E-staff. They are the ones that are there to make sure you have fun! And, if you're cruising on the Carnival Liberty in the near future, watch out… Melissa, Molly Lou, Kyle, Ben and Simon are in the process of starting some new, wild and crazy events.

Berlin is Amazing!

Jaime Deitsch — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:24:00 GMT

As an American, having the opportunity to visit Europe was one of the most enriching and educational experiences I have had. Since I began working for Carnival, I’ve had the incredible pleasure of working with crew members from all over the world. Until I visited Berlin first hand, I thought Germany was so far away. After seeing several European cultures and countries up close and personal, and with my own eyes, the world seems like a much smaller place. At the time I visited Europe, the pound was so much stronger than the dollar, but seeing the sights I saw was worth every penny... or euro… or whatever!

Within only a few weeks time I was able to visit more countries than many people see in their entire lives. The Carnival Splendor took me to Finland, England, Estonia, Denmark, Portugal, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Turkey and the list goes on. Traveling via ship is an excellent way to get a quick glimpse of each location and see an inconceivable amount of historic sites and sounds all within a short time frame. You get to sip tea in England and then try some German beer almost in the same meal! This way, you find out which countries are your favorites and where you would like to go to explore some more.

Of all of the places I visited in Europe, my favorite would have to be Germany. I am of German decent and visiting the city of Berlin gave me an idea about the history of my family. I was able to visit Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Holocaust Memorial all in the same day. The port of Warnemunde is indescribable. Peaceful bliss and beauty is all I can picture. The water, the native shops, and the German sausage were all amazing! Visiting Germany gave me a better understanding of who I am, where I come from and what my family has been through and conquered.

I would highly recommend anyone with the travel bug, visit Europe.

Looking forward to sailing with you soon.

Jaime Deitsch (Carnival Pride)

I'm on Vacation

Abby Kracoff — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:52:00 GMT

I think it’s quite ironic that I work to make sure guests are having a good time on their long awaited vacations onboard one of Carnival’s “Fun Ships” and in reality, I’m anxiously looking forward to my time off. All during my contract onboard, I’m making plans in anticipation of my own vacation. During this past contract, I had several ideas and thoughts regarding my coveted break, but with the many curveballs life threw at me, an altered version ensued.

Usually, the last place I would think to be during my time off is on a ship, but that’s exactly what happened. Unfortunately, issues at home were brewing throughout my entire time on the Carnival Dream and I realized that my mother needed some serious rest and relaxation. After a chance meeting with a friend (another Youth Director currently on the Carnival Freedom) I was persuaded that we should come and sail with her, and in literally days the deal was sealed!

I must admit, being a passenger for a change was definitely way cool! Even if sitting on a bar stool, in my jeans, without a nametag doesn’t seem exciting to you, it was absolutely thrilling for me. It was a real eye opener for me to see and feel the “Carnival guest experience.” The idea of eating on the Lido deck on an embarkation day (forbidden for most crew), feasting on the delectable meals served every night in the dining room, and ordering room service at the whim of my stomach was crazy… especially for my waistline. I must admit it was very hard for me not to greet everyone I came in contact with, as this is what I am used doing while working on board, but it was nice for my mother and I to be on the receiving end of those greetings. The 6 day getaway on the Carnival Freedom was exactly what my mother and I needed. We hung out, took naps every afternoon, shopped, hit the spa and all around decompressed. It was fantastic to experience the kind of top-notch vacation we try to provide day in and day out.

Sailing on a Carnival cruise was not the only thing I did this vacation. I also took an amazing trip to Peru to visit a friend and co-worker, and explored a bit of her country. The trip was amazing, even though we were unable to visit the ancient Inca settlement, Machu Pichu, due to flooding and mud slides. It was truly fascinating to walk through still intact places that were created so long ago without benefit of modern day construction equipment. I think one of the best aspects of the trip was visiting my friend, who I’ve worked with on a daily basis. Being able to see where she lived and meet her family, who I had heard so much about, truly made it an experience I will never forget. This happens to be an unsurpassed perk for choosing this lifestyle and working on ships… you meet incredible people and then get to visit them in the exotic places they live!

Aside from the major trips, I spent a bit of time doing what I do best on vacation: making a butt print on the couch and catching up on all of the TV shows I missed while on board. Although this activity is glorious, it tends to get a bit boring after about a week or two and this is when I start getting excited to go back on board. I miss interacting with the kids, the team, and the social aspect of being on ships. So in less than a week, I will be signing onto the Carnival Valor, just in time for Spring Break and Easter. It will be sad to leave family and friends at home again, but I know there are more fun times to be had!

Best in Show

Claire Heslop — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:59:00 GMT

Everyday it’s hard to believe that I get to perform in amazing productions on the massive stages on board our “Fun Ships” and I call it my job?! As a dancer, it’s always fantastic to be part of the first cast to ever perform a show. The amount of work it takes to put new shows together is unbelievable but exciting all at the same time. So when I’m asked the question, “Which is my favorite show?” of course it’s very difficult to pick, but here are a few of my favorites:

Far From Over, a tribute to the 80’s, was choreographed and directed by Kerry Stables and the first brand new show I got to be a part of on the Carnival Valor in 2004. I was honored to be given the part from Flash Dance, which included getting water poured on me at the end of the show. It was a fantastic experience being a part of this show with the extremely talented inaugural Carnival Valor cast.

(This picture is of me getting wet at the end of Far From Over.)

The Beat was a brand new show that debuted on the Carnival Splendor in 2008. It was choreographed by Joan Palethorpe and George Reich and I absolutely loved dancing in this one. It was difficult to learn and I went through some turmoil in the beginning but it never stopped me loving it. In fact, one of the best numbers I have ever performed in was Soul with a Capitol S, which was made even more fantastic with the fabulous inaugural Carnival Splendor cast.

(This is a picture of the inaugural Carnival Splendor cast performing Soul with a Capitol S from The Beat.)

Get Ready is a new show on the Carnival Dream. In this show I get to play many different characters; the show consists of all Motown music and portrays life from school through different careers. Minnie Madden, the director/choreographer for this show, uses her positive energy to make you believe in the production and enjoy the creative process and therefore the show all the more.

Dancin’ in the Street is the other new show on the Carnival Dream, choreographed and directed by Kerry Stables and Mike Garcia. In this show I perform with 19 other cast members. It’s unlike any other show Carnival Cruise Lines has ever produced. Incorporated in this production is a trampoline that runs the whole width of the stage, four break dancers/acrobats and two pole artists. I felt very privileged to be a part of this insanely talented inaugural Carnival Dream cast.

(This is a picture of the Inaugural Carnival Dream cast in their finale costumes from Dancin’ in the Street.)

I have only mentioned four out of many shows produced by Carnival Cruise Lines and every show that I have had the privilege to perform in has been fantastic. But these particular shows hold a special place in my heart!

A Response to a Funville Blog Reader...

Jaime Deitsch — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:39:00 GMT

Thank you all for reading my post on working for Carnival and for all of the positive comments!

I’d like to say a special hello to Alohadreamer and respond to the following comment:

Jaime, I am so excited for my first cruise on the Sensation on May 16^th to the Bahamas. I also saw the post fun careers and I thought, humm, I love the water, destination sites and I am 4 weeks from graduation with my associates [degree]. What advise can you give me? I believe this is my dream job and do not want to miss an excellent opportunity to work with one of the most exciting companies."

I am sure you are going to love your cruise on the Carnival Sensation! My first cruise on the Carnival Conquest in 2003 was the starting point to me wanting to work on board. If you are celebrating your graduation you need to make the best of your time while you are in the beautiful Bahamas. If you have never been to Atlantis, it’s AMAZING! You can do a day at the beach or the Aquaventure where you get to experience the lazy river and all of the waterslides - there is even one that goes straight through a shark tank!

As far as applying to Carnival, when I did it, I went to Fun Jobs online and printed out the application and sent it in with all kinds of pictures of me doing fun things. I sent in a mission statement and even letters of recommendation. I may have gone a little over the top but it worked! My advice is… Be yourself and be creative. Make sure your application stands out because they really do receive THOUSANDS.

If you have any other questions let me know.

All the best,

Jaime

Dining on the High Seas

Todd Wittmer — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:12:00 GMT

Did someone say food? Aaahhh… One of my favorite past times is to dine on incredible food, which is also a very popular reason a lot of people love to cruise on the “Fun Ships.” We have such a variety of yummy treats at sea. I began working with Carnival in 1999 and in just over 10 years I am amazed by the variety and additions to our food selection. I am also amazed at the 20 pounds I have gained – (Hmmm, I wonder if they are related?).

There is truly something for everyone. All food is complimentary with the exception of the Steakhouse and the yummy treats at the coffee shop. The coffee shop has incredible coffees, cookies, cakes, chocolate covered strawberries, milkshakes and much more that is an absolute delight all for a nominal fee.

The other food choices on the “Fun Ships” are included in your cruise and I, for one am loving every bite. Just coming off a contract on the Carnival Dream, I wanted to give you a quick tour of your dining options:

Let’s start with breakfast:

o We have a buffet on lido deck with all of your breakfast favorites (hot and cold).

o We also have open seating in the dining room (one of my favorite breakfast spots for a great start to the day).

o And, for the late risers, we have a late breakfast line on Lido deck available until noon.

Now it is time for lunch – But, right before that maybe you should stop into the cooking demonstration activity held in the onboard steakhouse. It is a narrated activity in which you get to see and taste some of the best recipes at sea. Call for reservations if you are interested. I'll mention the Steakhouse again later.

Lunch is that exciting time during the day where you get to follow your cravings. The Carnival Dream (and most “Fun Ships”) offers a variety of choices, from:

o The Lido Grill (burgers, dogs and more),

o Burrito bar (made to order),

o Mongolian Woks (made to order),

o Taste of the nation (a different national food featured daily),

o Deli (made to order sandwiches and wraps),

o Tandoori (Indian food station),

o Hot and cold buffet (featuring great salad bars, antipasto, carving stations and hot side dishes),

o 24-hour pizza bar,

o 24-hour ice cream,

o Fresh made deserts,

o And, a Pasta Bar (fresh pasta made to order – other ships may feature this area as a rotisserie or fish and chips restaurant.)

All of the above was just on Lido Deck. There is so much more food to enjoy. Majority of people like to be on Lido deck and at peak times during the day there may be a small wait. But on the Carnival Dream you may also choose to take advantage of the new Bar-BQ on the Promenade Lanai or the open seating dining room famous for our great lunch menu and "Build Your Own Burgers." I am getting hungry just writing this...

After lunch, I suggest you get involved in a few activities and then a take nap to get your energy back in gear just in time for dinner.

Dinner in our dining rooms is great each and every night and the dining room staff (as well as your great room stewards) is one of the best things about sailing with Carnival. Tell me, how many of you want to adopt you waiters and stewards by the end of the cruise?

Dinner times now include "Your Choice Dining" – Before your cruise, you are assigned to early or late seating for dinner. However, the "Your Choice Dining" experience allows you the choice, each night, of just stopping by the restaurant at the time most convenient for you to see if there are any available tables. And just like restaurants on shore, if there is a small wait you will be given a beeper to tell you when your table is available. If you want to skip the dining room one night and would like a quick and casual way to dine, we always have the Lido deck with a hot and cold dinner buffet.

This is the point where I mention the best dining alternative at sea (everyone should try this at least once during their cruise, especially if you have a reason to celebrate). I think our steakhouse is "heaven at sea." The finest quality and quantity on prime cut steaks, seafood, lamb, poultry - The menu is incredible and for a nominal fee of $30 you get a four course meal that rivals any 4 or 5 star restaurant on shore. I have spent $30 alone in some land restaurants on just a two course dinner and it offered nowhere near the service or quality. This is one of those opportunities you just cannot miss. My favorite is the Crab Cake, French Onion Soup, Surf and Turf, and cheesecake. Give yourself a few extra hours and just relax, as this is not only dinner but a great evening out!

If you are still hungry after dinner the “Fun Ships” offer Late Night Snacks from 11:30 pm until 1:00 am for those late night cravings. Oh yeah - I know I mentioned earlier the 24-hour Pizza and Ice Cream bars, but we also have 24-hour, complimentary room service as well.

So now the only thing left to mention is the effects cruise ship food can have on guests and crew members. It is well known that the average guests can gain as much as 5 to 7 lbs. on a seven-day cruise. You would think all the crew would weight a ton, but there is actually little time to eat where you would over indulge and lots of activity behind the scenes that keeps us on the move. The food variety and choices are great - for example, your lobster tonight is my lobster bisque tomorrow – He. He. He. The real secret is the great health club in Spa Carnival and the fact that I use stairs more than elevators. Still 2 lbs. a year for the last 10 years is not too bad... Or so I keep telling myself. Meet me in the disco tonight at midnight and we will dance the calories away.

Just a quick side note, please look after the service staff onboard the ships as they do such an amazing job to make sure you have a great vacation. Yes, it is a very similar situation as if you were to dine in a restaurant on land in regards to the courtesy of gratuities.

Look forward to cruising with you soon.

Youth Programs + Happy Kids = The Perfect Vacation

Abby Kracoff — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:44:00 GMT

To do list:

1. Wake the kids up and get them dressed for school.

2. Get breakfast ready then send them off to school.

3. Commute to work.

4. Play chauffeur to your child’s many extra-curricular activities.

5. Make sure kids complete homework.

6. Do food shopping and meal preparation for the week.

7. Do laundry.

8. Clean house.

9. Pay bills.

Does this tedious list sound familiar? Now close your eyes and picture this… A warm breeze blowing through your hair as the sun’s rays gently warms your skin. Imagine an icy cold, fruity concoction in one hand, while your feet dip into the cool, refreshing water of the pool. Drift in and out of sleep from the gentle rocking of the ship and revel in the fact that although on land, you may have a million and a half responsibilities for your kids, the only thing you need to worry about on board is the next way to relax and have fun.

At this point, thoughts of your children may cross your mind. Then you realize, that’s right, I’m sailing on a Carnival ship – that’s when you know that the only task you’ll have is getting them to come home with you when the trip is over.

If this scenario sounds appealing it could very well be your reality!

Carnival has really stepped it up in terms of catering to families sailing on board. Everyone pretty knows that parents are only truly going to let loose and enjoy their vacation if their children are having fun. That is why so much effort is put into the youth programs on board! Carnival has covered the entire spectrum of ages so every kid can take advantage of exciting activities and lounges.

Starting with the youngest guests, Camp Carnival’s colorful atmosphere and plethora of age appropriate activities and gaming units guarantee that any child from 2-11 years old will always beg to go to camp! From tantalizing toys, high energy dance parties, teddy bear workshops, crazy scavenger hunts, and loads more, kids at Camp Carnival have their days and nights planned.

The younger teens (12-14 year olds) have defined themselves aboard Carnival ships. They are too old to be in a “camp” atmosphere, but rather, they want a fast paced, high energy lounge that allows them to feel mature. We all know that the early teens are the most difficult to please, but Circle “C” directors are a special breed. They can relate to this age group and provide the range of activities that cater to indecisive youth who want to have fun, but be cool doing it. We offer them a variety of video games, scavenger hunts, dance parties and sports activities in order to suit their desires.

The 15-17 year olds carved out their place on board Carnival ships a long time ago. From their comments and wish lists sprung the Club O2 program. And boy has it flourished throughout the years. Teens in this age group want a place to meet others; a place where they can use the latest video gaming units, “veg out,” and party it up ‘til all hours of the night – All this under the supervision of an enthusiastic director who is dedicated to providing fun only for these older teens.

So really, what more can a family ask for in a vacation? We all know that these days time is the most precious thing we have. It should never be wasted, but spent wisely. Carnival understands that and strives to make all members of the family happy… Don’t believe me?? Come sail on board and find out for yourself.

My Favorite European Port

Butch Begovich — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:48:00 GMT

Hello Funville readers. Butch here, on the Carnival Liberty, and I am really happy and excited that we will be returning to Europe in 2011 on the Carnival Magic. Some of the greatest memories I have, while working for Carnival Cruise Lines, are from the two European seasons I worked as an Assistant Cruise Director on board the Carnival Liberty in 2005 and 2006.