Carnival Cruise Lines' Year-Round Cruise Program Officially Kicks Off the Fun in Charleston

Carnival Cruise Lines officially launched its new, year-round cruise service from the gracious southern city of Charleston, South Carolina on Tuesday, May 18 when Carnival Fantasy arrived at the downtown Passenger Terminal in the historic port city. The Carnival Fantasy sailed into Charleston accompanied by a fleet of local maritime industry vessels , which joined in celebrating the city’s unique maritime history and welcoming Carnival Cruise Lines to the port. In the spirit of Carnival’s “Fun For All. All For Fun” mantra, several Charleston area leaders and Carnival team members participated in competitive races down the 82-foot-long dual racing water slides.

“Charleston is a beautiful, historic city within easy reach of millions of US residents who will now have convenient access to Carnival’s fantastic and affordable cruise vacation options year-round,” said Jim Berra, Carnival Sr VP & Chief Marketing Officer.

“Carnival Fantasy’s year-round service is a welcome addition to the Port of Charleston and fits well within the context of the internationally acclaimed Charleston tourism market,” said Jim Newsome, SC State Ports Authority President & CEO. “Cruise business benefits Charleston because it provides a positive economic impact in the form of jobs, investment, and visitor spending. We look forward to continuing our successful, long-standing relationship with Carnival.”

The 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy features a host of on-board amenities and facilities including a 12,000-square-foot health spa, extensive children’s facilities for kids in three age groups, a variety of formal and casual dining options and 12 lounges and bars. Also featured is Carnival WaterWorks, an expansive, all-ages aqua park featuring a 300-foot-long water slide, 82-foot-long dual racing slides and a splash zone. Carnival Fantasy also offers Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat, and a resort-style main pool area.

Carnival Fantasy departed yesterday on a 5-day voyage from Charleston to Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas. Carnival Fantasy will operate 5-, 6- and 7-day voyages to The Bahamas and Key West, FL from Charleston and Carnival will also offer a series of Bermuda cruises from Charleston on the Carnival Fantasy in 2011. Cruise Diva will be on board Carnival Fantasy next month to share a sailing from Charleston, including pre-cruise options, so watch for those daily reports here on Cruise Diva's blog.