Posted by: Editor on Nov 04, 2006 – 08:28 PM
excursions Getting away together as a family during the holidays and eschewing the pressures of entertaining at home is fast becoming a major trend among consumers with cruise vacations an extremely popular choice for these family holiday getaways.
Carnival, the world’s largest cruise line, will operate all 21 of its “Fun Ships” on holiday cruises this year, offering a variety of three- to eight-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico departing from 11 North American homeports.
“Our ‘Fun Ship’ holiday cruises – with elaborate decorations, fun-filled activities and traditional entertainment and cuisine – offer a convenient, affordable and hassle-free alternative for families to reconnect and spend some quality time together during this festive season. Many families, in fact, have made ‘Fun Ship’ cruising part of their holiday tradition,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
A holiday mood is set the minute guests step on board, as the ships’ atrium and promenade areas are adorned with colorful Christmas trees, garland, wreaths and mistletoe, along with signage proclaiming traditional holiday greetings.
The spirit of the season continues with an elaborate holiday-themed revue with sets that evoke a “home away from home” atmosphere complete with a faux oversized fireplace, large comfortable sofas and a Christmas tree with decorations created by the kids from the “Camp Carnival” program.
Kids also have an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents, performing a dance routine with the ships’ entertainers. Santa Claus, of course, also makes an appearance, bringing along a sack full of toys which are distributed to all children on board. A parade of crew members representing dozens of different nationalities on board closes the popular show.
One of the great aspects of spending the holidays at sea is the bountiful array of delicious food – and no cooking! Holiday menus include the traditional oven roasted turkey with all the trimmings and freshly baked pecan pie, among many other selections.
With music such an important part of the season, traditional holiday selections are available within Carnival’s in-stateroom music system and incorporated into the live entertainment presented by the cruise director and entertainment staff. Caroling is also popular with guests and crew strolling throughout the ship singing classic and contemporary holiday songs.
Other featured events include readings of traditional holiday stories such as “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by the ship’s staff, while popular holiday-themed movies such as “The Polar Express” are shown on the in-cabin televisions.
Carnival’s “Fun Ships” are known for their festive shipboard ambiance and the line’s New Year’s cruises offer one of the biggest celebrations at sea. Highlighting the festivities is the traditional countdown by hundreds of “Fun Ship” revelers who enjoy complimentary noisemakers, party favors and champagne for ringing in the New Year.
In addition to providing a lifetime of memories, “Fun Ship” cruising during the holidays is one of the most affordable vacations around.
For example, for just $499 per person, consumers can sail on a four-day Bahamas cruise aboard the 2,052-passenger Sensation from Port Canaveral, Fla., a five-day Caribbean cruise aboard the 2,056-passenger Fantasy from New Orleans, or a five-day Key West/Nassau cruise aboard the 1,486-passenger Celebration from Jacksonville, Fla.
For those looking for a longer-length departure, seven-day Caribbean cruises from San Juan aboard the 2,642-passenger Carnival Destiny or from Miami aboard the 2,758-passenger Carnival Victory are available starting at $749 per person, while seven-day Caribbean voyages from Tampa aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle or from Miami aboard the 2,974-passenger Carnival Valor are available for just $799 per person. Prices are based on double occupancy for an interior (category 4A) stateroom and are subject to change without notice.
For additional information and reservations on Carnival’s “Fun Ship” holiday cruises, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.