Carnival Cruise Lines is launching its first-ever “Friends & Family Rates Sale” offering savings of up to $600 per stateroom and 50 percent reduced deposits on a wide range of three- to 12-day “Fun Ship” departures through the end of August.

Reservations must be made between March 19-22, 2013, to qualify for the special Friends & Family Rates promotion.

Carnival is also hosting a special preview sale on Monday, March 18, exclusively for past Carnival guests that offers complimentary best available upgrades, as well as the discounted Friends & Family Rates and 50 percent reduced deposits.

The Friends & Family Rate Sale offers savings up to $300 per stateroom on three- to five-day voyages and up to $600 per stateroom on cruises of six days or longer.

The promotion is available in conjunction with a wide variety of three- to 12-day “Fun Ship” departures through August 31, 2013, including voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Europe and other destinations.

The promotion is valid on new bookings only and capacity controlled. Certain other restrictions apply.

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