CARNIVAL’S WEST COAST SHORTER CRUISES AVAILABLE STARTING AT $43 PER DAY

             MIAMI (June 25, 2009) – With Carnival Cruise Lines’ ships returning to Mexico earlier this month, the line is currently offering some exceptionally attractive rates on its shorter itineraries departing from Long Beach and San Diego.

            Early Saver rates starting from only $169 per person are available on three- and four-day mid-week voyages aboard the Carnival Elation from San Diego, as well as four-day voyages on the Carnival Paradise from Long Beach.

            Early Saver rates are available up to three months prior to sailing date for cruises of five days or less and up to five months prior to sailing date for longer length voyages.  The special fares include all stateroom types, including suites, and come with a rate protection feature if rates later drop below what the consumer originally paid.

            Attractive rates are also available on Carnival Elation’s new four-day weekend and five-day cruises that begin next month featuring extended visits to the beautiful Mexican resort town of Cabo San Lucas.  Unique to this program is the five-day itinerary departing Saturdays that features two full days in Cabo San Lucas. 

            “Consumers today are seeking strong vacation value and Carnival’s West Coast shorter cruises provide a great vacation at a very affordable price,” said Lynn Torrent, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services. “For as little as $43 per day, no other land-based vacation comes close to the value of a Carnival cruise.  Plus, with a wide selection of three- to five-day cruises from two convenient homeports, there’s an attractive option for every vacation budget,” she added.

Carnival’s West Coast shorter cruise options include:

  • Three- and four-day Baja cruises aboard the Carnival Paradise year-round from Long Beach, providing a fun getaway at an excellent value. Three-day cruises departing Fridays call at Ensenada, while four-day voyages departing Mondays visit Ensenada and Catalina Island.  Early Saver rates start at $219 per person for three-day cruises and $169 per person for four-day cruises.  
  • Three-, four- and five-day Baja or Cabo sailings on the Carnival Elation year-round from San Diego. Three-day cruises departing Fridays visit Ensenada. Four-day cruises departing Mondays call at Ensenada and Catalina Island, while four-day weekend cruises depart Thursdays and feature Cabo San Lucas.  Five-day cruises departing Saturdays offer two full days in Cabo San Lucas, while five-day cruises departing Mondays stop at Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada. Early Saver rates start at $169 per person for three-day and four-day mid-week cruises; $259 per person for four-day weekend cruises; and $299 per person for five-day cruises.

Signature ‘Fun Ship’ Facilities and Features

            The 70,000-ton Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation, both of which have undergone multi-million-dollar renovations, offer a variety of facilities and features – a 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival health club, lavish production shows presented in elaborate multi-level theaters, three swimming pools, conference centers, a jogging track, and spacious accommodations. All staterooms feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

           Dining options include two main dining rooms, an expansive poolside eatery with 24-hour pizza and ice cream, sushi bars, patisseries and complimentary 24-hour stateroom service.  Both of these ships offer the choice of traditional early or late assigned dining or Your Time dining which allows guests to dine at any time between 5:45 pm and 9:30 pm.

            Each ship also features Carnival’s award-winning children’s programs – Camp Carnival for ages 2-11, Circle “C” for 12- to 14-year-olds and Club O2 for ages 15-17, with expansive facilities and dedicated counselors for each group.  An Internet café, ship wide Wi-Fi access and cell phone service are available, as well.

            Rates are based on double occupancy, reflect category 4 (interior) accommodations for select fall sailings and are subject to change without notice.            

            For additional information and reservations on the Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation – or any other vessel in the “Fun Ship” fleet – contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

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 Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:  CCL; NYSE:  CUK), is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines.  Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn.  Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets.  Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.