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Carnival launches $250 million expansion aimed at both adults and kids
Carnival Cruise Lines announced a $250 million initiative that will add children’s water parks and adults-only deck areas to its eight Fantasy-class ships.
The new features are part of Carnival’s $250 million “Evolutions of Fun” program, a ship refurbishment and product enhancement initiative that focuses on the Fantasy-class vessels.
“The Fantasy-class vessels are the most successful series of cruise ships ever introduced, as well as the industry leader in three- to five-day vacations, carrying nearly 1.6 million guests annually,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
The expanded outdoor recreation areas will initially be incorporated onto the 2,052-passenger Inspiration and Imagination during month-long dry docks this fall and added to other Fantasy-class ships in 2008 and 2009 during scheduled dry-dock periods.
The updated pool and deck areas on the Inspiration and Imagination are just one component of extensive ship-wide refurbishments to these vessels that initially began in 2005 and include renovations to virtually every area.
Among the new features are 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.
With Carnival expected to carry a record 575,000 kids this year, particular emphasis is being placed on family-friendly amenities, with new and expanded play areas, part of the line’s Camp Carnival program, and new facilities for the Club O2 teen program.
Custom-designed spaces geared toward 12- to 14-year olds are also planned and more than 50 interconnecting staterooms are being added to several Fantasy-class ships to make them suitable for large families or family gatherings.
The initiative also includes an overhaul of 12,000-square-foot spa facilities. The spa makeovers include new private treatment rooms, state-of-the art exercise equipment and a host of cosmetic enhancements.
Many aspects of the “Evolutions of Fun” enhancements have already been completed on the Fantasy, Ecstasy and Fascination and partially executed on the Sensation, Elation and Paradise.
Report by David Wilkening
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