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| · May 14, 2003 · |
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· New Carnival Miracle To Operate Unique Seven-Day Key West-Bahamas Cruise Program From Baltimore In 2004 MIAMI - Carnival Cruise Lines will launch a one-of-a-kind seven-day round-trip Key West/Bahamas program from Baltimore in 2004 aboard the new 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle. The program, which will operate April 25 - May 30 and Sept. 5 - Oct. 24, 2004, is the only program of its kind from Baltimore and will feature three tropical ports of call - Key West, Fla., and Nassau and Freeport, The Bahamas.
"We are very pleased to offer this innovative seven-day cruise program from Baltimore, which combines the convenience of 'close-to-home' cruising with three popular destinations and the many 'resort-style' features of our spectacular new 'Fun Ship,' Carnival Miracle," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president. He added that the unique round-trip program from Baltimore is made possible by Carnival Miracle's faster sailing speed, which enables the vessel to reach popular tropical destinations and return in one week's time. "Maryland is proud to welcome Carnival Cruise Lines to the Port of Baltimore," said Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. "As one of the world's top cruise lines, Carnival clearly recognizes the benefits of coming to Baltimore. Our location in the heart of the nation's fourth-largest consumer market and the convenience the Port of Baltimore offers, combine to make Baltimore an excellent homeport for the Carnival Miracle and any sister ships that may follow." Innovative Week-Long Cruise Program From Baltimore On April 25, 2004, the new 88,500-ton Carnival Miracle will operate the first of 14 week-long round-trip Key West/Bahamas sailings from Baltimore - the only program of its kind from that port. The program will encompass six cruises in spring 2004 (April 25 - May 30) and eight more in the fall (Sept. 5 - Oct. 24, 2004). Voyages will depart Sundays and include a day-long call at Key West, famous for its laid-back atmosphere, legendary watering holes and eclectic mix of shops, boutiques and restaurants. Also featured is an extra-long, 14-hour visit to Nassau, home to magnificent beaches, golfing and watersports, as well as a variety of interesting sites and attractions. Freeport, the third stop on the itinerary, offers gorgeous white-sand beaches, including world-renowned Lucaya Beach, along with myriad shopping, dining and sightseeing opportunities. Continued Expansion of Close-To-Home Cruising Carnival Miracle's new sailings from Baltimore are just the latest example of Carnival's focus on providing more convenient, "close-to-home" cruise options. Including Carnival Miracle's sailings from Baltimore, Carnival will operate from a record 19 North American homeports in 2004 - the most in cruising. 'Resort-Style' Amenities and Facilities A "floating resort" in every sense of the word, the new Carnival Miracle, currently under construction at Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Helsinki, will offer a variety of signature "Fun Ship" amenities, including a luxurious health and fitness facility, a "Camp Carnival" children's program, four swimming pools and a spiral waterslide. The 960-foot-long ship will also feature three restaurants, including a two-level dining room, an expansive poolside eatery and an elegant reservations-only supper club. Sixteen lounges, ranging from an elaborate, multi-level theater showcasing lavish Vegas-style revues to an intimate piano bar and two-level disco, will be featured, as well. Other features will include an on-board duty-free shopping mall, a wedding chapel, a video game room, Internet cafe and a comprehensive golf program offering professional instruction both aboard ship and during golf excursions. Special Two- and Three-Day Cruises from Baltimore In addition to the 14 seven-day departures from Baltimore, Carnival Miracle will also operate a pair of two-day cruises departing Sunday, June 6 and Sunday, Oct. 31, as well as a three-day Labor Day weekend cruise departing Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004. Pricing and Reservations Carnival will begin accepting reservations for Carnival Miracle's new seven-day sailings from Baltimore on Friday, May 16, 2003. Prices for the seven-day cruises begin at $549 per person. Prices for the two- and three-day cruises begin at $179 per person (prices are based on double occupancy). If purchased through Carnival's "Fun Finance Plan (SM)," which enables consumers to extend their cruise payments over 24 monthly installments, the seven-day cruises are available starting at $26 per month; two- and three-day cruises begin at $9 per month. "Fun Finance Plan" payments are based on a 24-month payment term at the lowest annual percentage rate available. Actual "Fun Finance Plan" monthly payments and terms may vary according to the applicant's credit qualifications. Valid for U.S. individual bookings only. Certain other restrictions apply. Round-trip air transportation supplements from a variety of North American gateways and special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom are also available. For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, or visit www.carnival.com. Carnival Cruise Lines is a proud member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guests, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer an exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Media Contact: Vance Gulliksen VGulliksen@carnival.com |
| Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association |