Carnival Ecstacy Offers Unique Itineraries From Port Canaveral

Carnival Cruise Lines launched the cruise industry’s only four- and five-day Bahamas/Caribbean program from Port Canaveral on November 7th when the Carnival Ecstasy departed on a five-day sold-out cruise to Nassau, Freeport and the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay – the first of 78 annual voyages from the Space Coast.

Carnival Ecstasy’s one-of-a-kind schedule includes two different four-day itineraries, along with two different five-day choices. Four-day “long weekend” cruises depart Thursdays and visit Nassau and Half Moon Cay or Freeport, while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays, calling at Nassau, Freeport and Half Moon Cay or Key West. These cruises represent a tremendous value, as well, with non-refundable Early Saver rates starting at $329 per person for four-day voyages and $349 per person for five-day departures.

The new program further bolsters the line’s position as Port Canaveral’s largest cruise operator with three year-round ships carrying approximately 600,000 guests annually. Combined with Carnival Sensation’s three- and four-day Bahamas cruises and Carnival Dream’s seven-day eastern and western Caribbean voyages, the line offers an unprecedented variety of itineraries, cruise lengths, and departure days from Port Canaveral.

“The growth of Port Canaveral as a cruise departure point is truly extraordinary and millions of consumers have discovered the benefits of sailing from this convenient and centrally located homeport,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “The Canaveral Port Authority is an outstanding business partner and deploying a third year-round ship is a testament to our relationship with the port and our confidence in its continued success,” he added.

According to Port Canaveral CEO Stan Payne, “The Carnival Ecstasy’s arrival comes only a few days after we shattered our record for cruise passengers at Port Canaveral. Our success in providing customers, guests and our cruise partners with world-class service and facilities has resulted in momentum that will be richly enhanced by the Carnival Ecstasy.”

Carnival Ecstasy underwent a multi-million dollar refurbishment in 2009 that added a host of new facilities and features, including an expansive WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long spiral water slide, a tropical-themed resort-style main pool area, and a Serenity adults-only retreat. Ninety-eight balconies were added to existing staterooms, as well. These features complement the ship’s wide range of on-board amenities such as a renovated 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival health club, three restaurants, complimentary programs for children in three age groups, a 24-hour pizzeria, a jogging track, and 12 lounges, bars and nightspots.

Carnival Ecstasy’s new schedule continues the line’s longstanding relationship with Port Canaveral, which began in 1990 with a single 950-passenger ship carrying approximately 100,000 passengers annually. Over the past 21 years, Carnival has dramatically expanded its presence at the port, adding newer and larger ships along with new schedules and itineraries.
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Carnival Ecstasy Scheduled for Major Refit.

(March 30, 2009) – The 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy will undergo an extensive, multi-million-dollar refurbishment this fall that will include the addition of an expansive new water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a Circle “C” facility for 12- to 14-year olds, and a redesigned resort-style main pool area.

Additionally, 98 balconies will be added to existing ocean view staterooms.

The refurbishment, which will take place during a 28-day dry dock from September 19 to October 17, 2009, continues a series of major upgrades to the line’s eight Fantasy-class vessels.

Carnival Ecstasy will be the second ship to have additional balconies added following the success of a similar implementation on the Carnival Sensation earlier this year.

Carnival Ecstasy operates year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises from the Port of Galveston. On this route, four-day cruises depart Thursdays and visit Cozumel while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and call at Cozumel and Progreso.

“With a host of new open deck attractions and 98 new balcony staterooms, we’re providing Carnival Ecstasy guests with opportunities for even more memorable vacation experiences,” said Roberta Jacoby, Carnival’s senior vice president of hotel operations.

“Plus with today’s consumers seeking more affordable, close-to-home vacations, adding these exciting new features makes a four- and five-day cruise on Carnival Ecstasy from Galveston an even greater value,” she added.

Exciting Open Deck Features

A signature element of the Fantasy-class upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks, a fun-filled aqua park located on Verandah Deck. Designed with an all-ages appeal, WaterWorks encompasses a 300-foot-long twisting, turning water slide – the longest and most elaborate at sea – along with dual-lane 82-foot-long racing slides, and a wide variety of water spray toys.

In addition, Carnival Ecstasy’s main pool on Lido Deck – which includes a swimming pool and two large whirlpools - will be totally transformed to feature a distinct resort-style ambiance. Vibrant oversized umbrellas, thatched roofing and colorful tile work will create a decidedly tropical feel.

Exclusive Adults-Only Retreat

Another new feature on the Carnival Ecstasy will be Serenity, the line’s popular adults-only retreat located aft on Promenade Deck. With design elements that include teak decking, large umbrellas and thatched roofing, Serenity provides an ocean-going oasis for relaxation and comfort. Guests can enjoy icy cocktails and frozen drinks while relaxing in plush chaise lounges and chairs. Food service is available in the casual Panorama Bar & Grill located nearby.

Ninety-Eight More Balconies Private balconies will be added to 98 existing ocean view staterooms on the Carnival Ecstasy to create spacious new 230-square-foot accommodations. Sixty-two of the staterooms will be located aft – with several of these featuring extended balconies – while 24 others will be located mid-ship and 12 near the stern. Several of the Carnival Ecstasy’s suites will be modified to feature larger, extended balconies.

Other Enhancements

Also included in the Carnival Ecstasy’s refurbishment will be the addition of a new Circle “C” center aimed at the 12- to 14-year-old set. Located on Atlantic Deck 8, the facility will include plasma screen televisions displaying movies and music videos, a high-tech sound and lighting system, gaming consoles and a touch-screen jukebox.

Additionally, all of the ship’s 1,026 staterooms will be upgraded with new plasma screen TVs as well as updated wall coverings, tile work, carpeting and light fixtures. Extensive cosmetic enhancements will be made to virtually all public rooms and areas, with new upholstery, furniture, and wall coverings incorporated into the Blue Sapphire main show lounge, Neon Bar piano bar, Stripes dance club, the poolside Panorama Bar & Grill and Wind Song and Wind Star main dining rooms.

In addition to refurbished elevators and elevator lobbies as well as new lighting and carpeting in the atrium, Carnival Ecstasy’s Internet café will be relocated to Empress Deck and new workstations will be included. Public restrooms and guest corridors will be renovated, as well.

Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Ecstasy’s four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises from Galveston.