Carnival Cruise Lines – which operates the only year-round cruise program from New Orleans – will increase capacity by 34 percent when the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph replaces the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy from the Big Easy in November 2009.

           

            In addition to providing an exciting new “Fun Ship” cruise option from New Orleans, Carnival Triumph will introduce new seven-day eastern and exotic western Caribbean schedules to complement the line’s popular four- and five-day cruises to Mexico. 

           

            The Carnival Triumph’s seven-day cruises will depart on Saturdays, with exotic western Caribbean voyages visiting Belize City; Isla Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel; and eastern Caribbean cruises calling at Key West, Freeport and Nassau.  Four-day cruises will depart Thursdays to Cozumel, while five-day cruises will depart Mondays and Saturdays to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. 

           

            Carnival Triumph will operate 65 departures annually from New Orleans, carrying approximately 200,000 passengers – the most of any cruise line. Carnival Fantasy, which currently sails from New Orleans, will be deployed to Mobile, Ala., to operate four- and five-day cruises beginning in November 2009.

           

            “We’re very pleased to bring a newer, larger ship to New Orleans as well as expand our operations with new seven-day western Caribbean itineraries that will provide exciting new ‘Fun Ship’ vacation options,” said Terry Thornton, Carnival’s senior vice president of marketing planning.  “In addition to serving as an excellent homeport for Carnival for nearly 15 years, New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind vacation destination and we’re delighted to continue our relationship with this wonderful city,” he added.

           

            “The Port and the entire New Orleans tourism community is thrilled by Carnival’s decision to homeport the Carnival Triumph here,” said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange.  “This community has demonstrated its resilience and proven once again it is an international tourist destination.  This business decision by a valued partner such as Carnival only reiterates the bright future of cruising in New Orleans.”

 

Four- to Seven-Day Cruises from New Orleans

            Carnival Triumph will make its New Orleans debut with a special four-day cruise departing Tuesday, Nov. 10, then launch its new year-round four-, five- and seven-day schedule beginning with a weeklong voyage departing Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009.

           

            Four-day Carnival Triumph cruises departing Thursdays visit Cozumel, a 308-square-mile island offering world-class beaches, myriad watersports and a diversity of restaurants, shops and nightspots. Five-day cruises departing Mondays and Saturdays feature both Cozumel and Progreso, located along Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula offering access to centuries-old ruins and archeological sites, including Chitzen Itza, recently named one of Seven Wonders of the World. 

           

            Seven-day exotic western Caribbean cruises departing Saturdays visit Belize, a tropical paradise where guests can visit Mayan ruins and enjoy myriad eco-tourism opportunities; and Isla Roatan, a breathtaking Honduran island distinguished by gorgeous white-sand beaches and lush countryside. A daylong visit to Cozumel rounds out this weeklong itinerary.

           

            The eastern Caribbean route will feature Key West, the southernmost city in the U.S. known for its excellent shopping and watersports and perpetually laid back atmosphere.  The itinerary also includes two popular Bahamian ports – Freeport, the island chain’s second largest city offering stunning beaches and exciting golfing, shopping and dining opportunities; and Nassau, the bustling capital known for outstanding duty-free bargains, beautiful beaches and historical landmarks.

 

A Truly Magnificent ‘Fun Ship’

            The 102,000-ton Carnival Triumph offers a host of resort-style facilities and features: a 14,500-square-foot spa, a jogging track, ship-wide Wi-Fi access and cell phone service, a duty-free shopping mall, and three restaurants, including twin two-level main dining rooms with extensive menus and wine lists and a 1,200-seat casual eatery with full breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets and a 24-hour pizzeria.

           

            Also featured are 18 themed lounges and bars – including a wine bar, sports bar, piano bar and a multi-level theatre showcasing lavish revues – all with dramatic interiors inspired by the world’s most famous bodies of water. A golf program offering professional instruction and opportunities to play top Caribbean courses is available, as well.

           

            Family friendly amenities include programming for children in three age groups – “Camp Carnival” for youngsters, “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year olds, and “Club O2” for older teens – with activities and facilities dedicated to each.  Additionally, Carnival Triumph offers a variety of accommodations, including a wide selection of balcony staterooms and suites.  All staterooms feature the exclusive Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

 

Reservations Now Open

            Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Triumph’s new four- to seven-day cruises from New Orleans. 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 and pre- and post-cruise land packages, are also available. 

           

            For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.