MIAMI (January 2, 2008) - Carnival Cruise Lines has been named the number one cruise line in Southern Living Magazine's 2008 Readers Choice Awards.

The annual awards are based on surveys available to the publication's 15 million readers who are asked to designate their number one choice in a variety of travel-related categories. Carnival was cited as the preferred cruise line more than any other cruise operator.

Carnival's "Fun Ships" were recognized for providing excellent activities and entertainment options, an exceptional array of fine quality cuisine, and convenient Southern U.S. departure points, with 17 ships departing from eight ports throughout Florida, Alabama, Texas and Louisiana. "The convenience is a real winner and a great reason to keep going back again for more of what their ships have to offer," said Wanda McKinney, Southern Living's associate travel editor.

"We take a great deal of pride in providing our guests with wonderful vacation memories and have made a tremendous investment in continually updating and enhancing the 'Fun Ship' vacation experience. To have these efforts acknowledged by the discerning readers of Southern Living is extremely gratifying," said Vicki Freed, Carnival's senior vice president of sales and guest services.

Over the past five years alone, Carnival launched five new 110,000-ton "Fun Ships" - the largest in its fleet - and rolled out the $250 million "Evolutions of Fun" shipboard refurbishment program that includes extensive renovations for its eight Fantasy-class ships. New amenities for these vessels include the Carnival WaterWorks aqua parks, Serenity adults-only areas and totally redesigned main pool areas.

"With exciting new ship projects and guest-driven initiatives such as 'Evolutions of Fun,' Carnival is more committed than ever to providing our guests with fun, high quality, memorable vacations - all at an incredible value," Freed added.

Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 "Fun Ships" operating voyages ranging from three to 18 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe, the Greek Isles and South America.

The line currently has three new ships on order, including the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, set to launch Carnival's first Northern European cruise program July 13, 2008, and the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic - to be the largest "Fun Ships" ever constructed when they enter service in June 2009 and October 2011, respectively.

MIAMI (August 29, 2007) - When the Carnival Inspiration emerges from its month long dry dock in early October, it will be the first Carnival ship to feature a brand new adults-only area called "Serenity."

Designed as an ocean-going oasis for relaxation, tranquility and comfort, the new "Serenity" areas are part of Carnival's $250 million "Evolutions of Fun" ship enhancement initiative which is resulting in a dramatic transformation of the line's eight "Fantasy-class" vessels.

The "Serenity" areas will be located in a secluded aft section of the ship that provides for spectacular ocean vistas. The stunning new design will feature plush chaise lounges and chairs. Colorful oversized umbrellas and a separate relaxation area will also provide the opportunity for guests to enjoy this new area in shaded comfort. Two whirlpools will be available to offer the ultimate relaxing escape.

Complete bar service will be provided by attentive waiters offering a tempting selection of icy cocktails and frozen concoctions. For guests interested in a snack or casual meal, the Lido Restaurant is conveniently located nearby.

"We continually strive to provide a high quality cruise vacation that provides our guests with a wide variety of choices and experiences," said Vicki Freed, Carnival's senior vice president of sales and marketing. "Our new ‘Serenity' retreat will provide another great new option for those seeking a relaxing alternative to the other exciting outdoor activities and entertainment facilities available on board," she added.

The new "Serenity" adults-only areas are just one component of Carnival's wide-ranging "Evolutions of Fun" initiative, cruising's most ambitious ship enhancement program. Other new features to be incorporated into "Fantasy-class" vessels include the Carnival WaterWorks expansive aqua parks featuring 300-foot-long corkscrew water slides, double-lane racing slides and various water-spray apparatus, as well as a new design style and features for the main pool areas.

The Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Imagination will be the first two "Fantasy-class" ships to include all of the "Evolutions of Fun" enhancements, which are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. By 2009, all "Fantasy-class" ships are expected to be completed, including the "Serenity" areas and fabulous new transformation of the open decks.

Additional components of the "Evolutions of Fun" program include fully remodeled staterooms and suites including new bathrooms, flat-screen televisions in staterooms and select public areas, atrium lobby bars, updated sound and lighting systems in various lounges and clubs, coffee bars, nine-hole miniature golf courses, new art and photo galleries, New York-style delis in the Lido restaurants, and purpose-built conference facilities.

"Evolutions of Fun" also encompasses a number of family-friendly enhancements for the "Fantasy-class," including new children's play areas -- part of the line's top-rated "Camp Carnival" program -- new facilities for the "Club O2" teen program, custom-designed spaces geared toward 12- to 14-year olds, and 50 interconnecting staterooms – perfect for large families or family gatherings.

The program also includes a complete overhaul of the 12,000-square-foot "Spa Carnival" facilities, with new private treatment rooms, state-of-the art exercise equipment and a host of cosmetic enhancements.

Digital renderings of the new "Serenity" adults-only area, along with images of various other "Evolutions of Fun" initiatives, including the "Carnival WaterWorks" aqua parks and redesigned pool areas, can be viewed at www.evolutionsoffun.com.

Carnival's eight Fantasy-class vessels are part of the line's fleet of 22 "Fun Ships" which operate voyages ranging from three to 16 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe, the Greek Isles, and South America.

MIAMI, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Cruise Lines, the world's largest cruise operator, will launch San Diego's first year-round cruise schedule with four- and five-day Baja Mexico voyages aboard the 2,052-passenger "Fun Ship" Elation beginning in June 2007.

On this program -- the only one of its kind from Southern California -- the Elation will depart Thursdays on four-day cruises to Cabo San Lucas and on Mondays and Saturdays on five-day cruises to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, on a rotating schedule.

Short cruises are the fastest growing segment of the cruise industry and Carnival pioneered the four- and five-day schedule which fits in perfectly with today's busy lifestyles. Four-day cruises operating Thursday to Monday provide the ideal "long weekend getaway" while five-day voyages offer a comprehensive, multi-port cruise experience all in less than a week's time.

The Elation will offer 78 voyages annually from San Diego and join the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit which has operated seasonal eight-day Mexican Riviera voyages from San Diego since 2004.

With the Elation and Carnival Spirit, Carnival is expected to carry more than 230,000 passengers annually from San Diego -- the most of any cruise operator.

Additionally, with the deployment of the Elation, Carnival will be the largest cruise operator on the West Coast and the only cruise line to base three ships year-round in Southern California, with the Paradise and Carnival Pride offering year-round three- to seven-day voyages from Long Beach, Calif.

"The Elation's new four- and five-day cruises from San Diego add a whole new dimension to West Coast cruising. Not only is the port within a day's drive of millions of residents within the western U.S., San Diego offers a variety of convenient air options with the airport just minutes away from the cruise terminal," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

"The addition of year-round home-ported cruise service really puts San Diego on the cruising map," said Robert "Rocky" Spane, chairman of the board of port commissioners. "This decision by Carnival Cruise lines is great for Carnival's business and great for the region's economic progress."

New Four- and Five-Day Cruises from San Diego

Beginning June 2, 2007, the 70,000-ton Elation will launch the first year- round cruise program from San Diego encompassing four- and five-day cruises to ports in Baja Mexico.

Four-day cruises feature Cabo San Lucas, one of Mexico's most popular seaside destinations highlighted by its distinctive rock formations, lush landscape and aqua-blue waters popular with snorkelers and scuba divers the world over. Five-day cruises add a stop in Ensenada, located along Mexico's Baja Peninsula and offering gorgeous beaches, a waterfront promenade, and its most famous attraction, the "La Bufadora" geyser.

Prior to the start-up of this program, the Elation will operate a special six-day Mexico cruise departing San Diego May 27, 2007. Featured ports on this one-time voyage include Cabo San Lucas, La Paz and Ensenada, each offering magnificent white-sand beaches, diverse cultures, and interesting sites and historical attractions.

Special 15-Day Panama Canal Cruise

The Elation will also sail on a special 15-day Panama Canal cruise departing Port Canaveral, Fla., May 12 and arriving San Diego May 27, 2007. It will mark Carnival's first Panama Canal cruise since 2004.

In addition to the unforgettable transit of the Panama Canal, the Elation will visit the Caribbean island of Aruba followed by calls at Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Acapulco, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Numerous shore excursion opportunities, including watersports such as kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as myriad golfing and eco-tourism opportunities, will be available during this voyage.

The Elation, which currently operates four- and five-day cruises from Port Canaveral, will continue that program through May 12, 2007, then embark on its Panama Canal cruise.

Signature 'Fun Ship' Amenities

The 855-foot-long Elation houses a 12,000-square-foot health club, 12 lounges and bars, a jogging track, an Internet cafe and ship-wide wi-fi access, cell phone service, on-board duty-free shopping, a comprehensive golf program, three swimming pools, and Carnival's signature "Twister Waterslide."

"Camp Carnival" and "Club O2," offering expansive facilities and supervised activities for children and teens, respectively, are featured, as well.

Three restaurants, including two elegant main dining rooms with extensive menus and wine lists and a 700-seat poolside eatery featuring 24-hour pizza and self-serve ice cream/frozen yogurt are also featured. A patisserie and complimentary 24-hour stateroom service are also available.

The Elation also houses a wide selection of spacious staterooms and suites, all of which feature the new "Carnival Comfort Bed" sleep system featuring plush mattresses, luxurious duvets, and high quality linens and pillows.

Carnival will be accepting reservations for Elation's Panama Canal cruise on Friday, Nov. 3, 2006. Reservations will be accepted for the ship's year- round four- and five-day cruises from San Diego beginning Monday, Nov. 6, 2006.

Prices for the Elation's new four- and five-day cruises from San Diego begin at $339 per person. Rates for the ship's special six-day voyage departing May 27, 2007, from San Diego start at $599 per person, based on double occupancy.

The 15-day Panama Canal cruise is available starting at $799 per person. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways, are also available.