Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,052-passenger Ecstasy, which underwent an extensive refurbishment last year under the first phase of the line’s $250 million "Evolutions of Fun" initiative, has earned the company’s coveted "Crystal Eagle" award for superior guest service. The award is presented annually by Carnival to the shipboard team that receives the highest ratings from the line’s comprehensive guest comment card system, in which guests are asked to rate their "Fun Ship" cruise experience in a wide range of categories, including crew service and friendliness, on-board cuisine and entertainment, and children’s programming.
To mark the occasion, a shipboard reception was held aboard the Ecstasy during which Carnival President Bob Dickinson presented Captain Salvatore Messina with a custom-designed award that resembles an eagle. The criteria for "Crystal Eagle" award is best described by its acronym for "eagle" which is as follows: Exceeding Expectations; Anticipating Needs; Going the Extra Mile; Lasting Memories; Excellence in Every Aspect.
The Ecstasy’s extensive 35-day refurbishment included expansive new facilities for children and teens, a 1,200-square-foot conference center, an updated Lido restaurant and gift shop, a completely renovated Spa Carnival facility, new art and photo galleries, and a nine-hole miniature golf course, all of which are part of "Evolutions of Fun," the cruise industry’s most ambitious ship refurbishment and product enhancement initiative focusing on the line’s eight Fantasy-class vessels.
The Ecstasy’s multimillion-dollar refurbishment also included the renovation of its 1,026 staterooms which now feature flat-panel televisions, new wall coverings, and updated bathrooms.
Future "Evolutions of Fun" initiatives include expansive new children’s water parks, a new design style and features for the pool areas, and the creation of the "Serenity" adults-only deck area.
The Ecstasy sails year-round from the Port of Galveston on four- and five-day cruises to Mexico. Four-day cruises depart Thursdays and call at Cozumel, while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and visit Cozumel and Progreso/Yucatan. To experience Ecstasy's Superior Guest Service yourself, call us at 888-286-9827 to book onboard. 
Royal Princess, the newest ship to join the Princess fleet, welcomed its first passengers today, as it set sail on its maiden voyage from Barcelona, Spain under the command of the line's senior master, the recently appointed Commodore Michael Fatchen. The intimate 710-passenger vessel, which takes the name of a much-beloved former Princess ship, debuts with a series of unique Elite Mediterranean cruises that feature a variety of new itineraries and unique ports. Royal Princess' first "Mediterranean Interlude" voyage features calls in Marseille, Florence/Pisa, Elba, Palermo, and Mallorca.
Upcoming voyages include a number of interesting new "explorer" destinations, including four ports appearing for the first time in Princess routes: Ravenna, Italy; Split Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; and Canakkale (for Troy), Turkey - all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Royal Princess itineraries will also take travelers to such intriguing places as the Crimean coast, Egypt and the Holy Land.
A sister ship to the line's popular Tahitian Princess and Pacific Princess, the 30,200-ton Royal Princess offers passengers a boutique version of Princess' acclaimed onboard options -- including a variety of dining and entertainment choices and a large number of cabins with private balconies - all offered in intimate surroundings.
Royal Princess guests will enjoy the line's new culinary enhancements set to debut on the ship, including the innovative Chef's Table exclusive dinner experience, all new dining room menus, enhanced buffet service, and a number of special treats such as an afternoon "cookies and milk break" featuring fresh-from-the-oven soft-baked cookies, and in-cabin delivery of Princess' renowned homemade pizza.
Passengers will find the ship offers many of Princess' signature dining options, including the favorite Sabatini's trattoria and Sterling Steakhouse. Other hallmark Princess features added to the vessel include the Lotus Spa, Grand Casino and 24-hour room service, including Ultimate Balcony dining. Suite passengers will enjoy fully renovated accommodations featuring fresh décor and new furnishings. The ship was also readied for her new passengers with new production staging in the show lounge, new carpet and upholstery, and the line's new premium mattresses and bedding.
To book onboard Royal Princess call us at 888-286-9827
Carnival Cruise Lines, Shape and Men’s Fitness magazine have partnered to sponsor the fourth annual "Mind/Body Cruise" to be held aboard the Carnival Conquest, December 2- 9, 2007. The seven-day cruise aboard the 2,974-passenger "Fun Ship" will operate round-trip from Galveston, Texas, and call at Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and offer guests a rejuvenating experience through a variety of fitness, nutritional, and wellness classes and seminars.
In addition to fitness and relaxation classes that include an energetic aerobic workout to the sound of live drums or a daily sunset meditation session on the ship’s Lido Deck, the "Mind/Body Cruise" offers interesting and informative cooking demonstrations and nutritional workshops, all hosted by renowned personal trainers, and nutrition and health experts.
Classes and other programming for the "Mind/Body Cruise" will be conducted by leading experts who will also be on hand for personal, one-on-one consultations and Q&A sessions. Participating experts include: Jacqui Stafford - Recognized as a leading authority on beauty, style and fashion, Stafford is an executive director at Shape magazine where she writes a monthly fashion column and has made countless TV appearances on such shows as NBC’s "Today" show, ABC’s "The View" and "The Tyra Banks Show."
Teri Hanson - a personal trainer and group fitness instructor for more than 20 years, Hanson is assistant fitness editor for Weider Publications, contributing to such magazines as "Shape," "Natural Health" and "Fit Pregnancy." She is also the star of Shape’s soon-to-be released Yoga DVD "Long Lean and Strong."
Jon Giswold - is best known for his work in the country’s most prominent fitness clubs. He currently teaches group exercise classes at Reebok/Sports Club New York and other locations.
Jeffrey Scott - A Reebok University global master trainer and an international fitness presenter, Scott is known for his creative choreography and a strong athletic influence. He has starred in more than 20 fitness videos and has made numerous television appearances including NBC’s "Today" show.
Kent and Maria Burden - Authors of the award-winning book, "Yin Yang Fitness: The Whole Package of Health" and creators of a series of mind and body DVDs, the Burdens have made numerous appearances on television programs both in the U.S. and U.K.
Misty Tripoli - Tripoli is a Nike Elite Instructor and one of the world’s most innovative and engaging fitness instructors, dance choreographers and personal trainers. She is known for her revolutionary and energetic fitness classes, and has been featured in several fitness magazines and television programs.
Jim Stoppani, Ph.D. - Stoppani received his doctorate in exercise physiology from the University of Connecticut. He currently serves as senior science editor for Muscle & Fitness, Muscle & Fitness Hers and Flex magazine.
Carnival is currently accepting reservations for the upcoming "Mind/Body Cruise" aboard Carnival Conquest. Prices begin at $659 per person based on double occupancy and include all "Mind/Body Cruise" activities. Call us at 888-286-9827 to book onboard, participants must reference fare code CSSH when making the reservation. « Newer Articles — Older Articles »
