MSC ‘Balcony Bonanza’ on 2011-12 Europe Cruises - Balcony Staterooms for Inside Rates

(August 2, 2011) – MSC Cruises is offering travelers planning to cruise Europe this winter an opportunity to take advantage of its new “Balcony Bonanza” savings promotion, one of the cruise line’s best of the season, between now and Sept. 30.

Guests receive a balcony stateroom at the inside stateroom rate or a balcony superior at the standard balcony rate. Rates begin at $649 for a balcony stateroom per person plus government fees and taxes (GFTs) on select 8-night cruises and $849 for a balcony superior.

Cruises to Europe featuring special “Balcony Bonanza” rates on 7-, 8-, 9- and 11-night sailings include:

· MSC Musica: 8-night, Eastern Mediterranean “World Heritage Tour” roundtrip from Venice or Bari, balcony from $649; balcony superior from $849 plus government fees and taxes (GFTs); Oct. 30 and several dates in Nov.

· MSC Magnifica: 7-night, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Croatia “The Magnificent Mediterranean” roundtrip from Venice or Bari, balcony from $869; balcony superior $1,149 plus GFTs; Nov. 12 and 19.

· MSC Splendida: 7-night, Western Mediterranean “The Splendid Mediterranean” roundtrip from Genoa or Barcelona, balcony from $919; balcony superior from $1,199 plus GFT; Oct. 16, 21, 23, 28 and 30, Nov. 4 and 6; and Jan. 7 and 8.

· MSC Fantasia: 7-night, Western Mediterranean “Mediterranean Fantasy” roundtrip from Genoa, Barcelona, or Civitavecchia (Rome), balcony from $969; balcony superior from $1,289 plus GFTs; Oct. 14.

Select 9- and 11-night cruise itineraries include:

· MSC Magnifica: 9-night and 11-night, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Croatia “The Magnificent Mediterranean” roundtrip from Venice or Bari, 9-night balcony from $869 and balcony superior for $1,199 plus GFTs; 11-night balcony from $1,069 and balcony superior from $1,379 plus GFTs; Nov. 26 and 27, Dec. 7, and Jan. 5 and 6.

· MSC Splendida: 11-night, Western Mediterranean “The Splendid Mediterranean” roundtrip from Genoa or Barcelona, balcony from $1,019 and balcony superior from $1,349 plus GFTs; Nov. 13 and 24, and Dec. 5.

· MSC Fantasia: 11-night, Western Mediterranean “Mediterranean Fantasy” roundtrip from Genoa, Barcelona, or Civitavecchia (Rome), balcony from $969 and balcony superior from $1,229 plus GFTs; Nov. 5, 16, 26, 27, 28 and Jan. 7, 8, and 9.

For more information about MSC Cruises, call 877-665-4655, contact a local travel professional, or visit us online at www.MSCCruisesUSA.com.

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Carnival Sensation Emerges from Refit with Balconies.

All Photos Copyright: Carnival Cruise Lines

The 2,052-passenger Carnival Sensation has emerged from a multi-million-dollar renovation with a host of new facilities and features, including a sprawling water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, and redesigned tropical themed main pool. Ninety-eight balconies were also incorporated onto existing ocean view staterooms and a new Circle C facility for 12- to 14-year olds was added, as well.

The extensive renovation, which took place during a 35-day dry dock, is part of Carnival’s “Evolutions of Fun” refurbishment program for the line’s eight Fantasy-class vessels. Carnival Sensation is the fourth “Fun Ship” to receive the upgrades, joining the Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, and Carnival Fantasy which have already been renovated. The four remaining Fantasy-class ships will be refurbished over the next few years.

Carnival Sensation resumed its year-round three- and four-day Bahamas cruise program from Port Canaveral, Fla., last week. On this route, three-day cruises depart Thursdays and visit Nassau while four-day voyages depart Sundays and call at Freeport and Nassau.

Exciting Open Deck Upgrades
A highlight of the “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks, a sprawling aqua park that is designed to appeal to guests of all ages. Towering over Verandah Deck, the expansive open-air facility includes a 300-foot-long water slide – the longest at sea – along with twin 82-foot-long racing slides and various water spray apparatus. Another signature element of “Evolutions of Fun” is the redesigned main pool area. Located mid-ship on Lido Deck, the area has a distinctive resort-style ambiance, with colorful, oversized umbrellas, thatched roofing, vibrant tile work and other tropical-themed design elements.

Serenity Adults-Only Retreat
Also new on the Carnival Sensation is Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat located aft on Promenade Deck. Designed as an ocean-going oasis for comfort and relaxation, Serenity offers plush chaise lounges and chairs, and two large whirlpools. Shade is provided by oversized umbrellas, along with an area covered by thatched roofing. Within Serenity, guests can enjoy a wide range of icy cocktails and frozen drinks or partake in various dining options at the nearby, casual Seaview restaurant.

Ninety-Eight New Balcony Staterooms
Ninety-eight existing ocean view staterooms on the Carnival Sensation have been retrofitted with balconies, creating expansive new cabins measuring approximately 230 square feet. Twenty-four of the new balcony cabins are located mid-ship, 12 are located near the stern, and the other 62 are located aft, with several of these accommodations featuring extended balconies. Additionally, a number of the Carnival Sensation’s suites have been modified to feature larger, extended balconies to create a more spacious environment for guests.

New Circle C Facility, Other Enhancements
Carnival Sensation’s refurbishment also included the creation of a new Circle C facility on Atlantic Deck 8. Catering to the 12- to 14-old age group, Circle C includes a high-tech sound and lighting system, plasma screen televisions displaying movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox and gaming pods with the latest games and consoles. All of the Carnival Sensation’s 1,026 staterooms have been completely remodeled with new wall coverings, tile work, carpeting and light fixtures. Additionally, virtually all dining, dancing and entertainment venues, as well as all guest corridors, have been renovated with a host of cosmetic enhancements.

(Photo and Article Credit: Carnival Cruise Lines)