MIAMI (05/15/03) - Carnival Cruise Lines, the world's largest cruise operator, will deploy the "Fun Ship" Sensation on four- and five-day Mexico sailings from New Orleans beginning in fall 2004. The 2,052-passenger Sensation will replace the 1,452-passenger Holiday on this itinerary, expanding capacity by 41 percent. The Sensation, which currently operates from Tampa, will launch year-round sailings from New Orleans with a four-day cruise departing Oct. 23, 2004. On its new route, the Sensation will depart New Orleans Thursdays on four-day cruises to Cozumel, and on Mondays and Saturdays on five-day cruises to Cozumel and either Costa Maya or Calica. "Since Carnival launched New Orleans' first short cruise program aboard the Holiday in April 2002, consumer response has been outstanding. We're certain that the newer, larger Sensation will enjoy the same success sailing from New Orleans, which has become a guest favorite for its strong tourist appeal and convenient, close-to-home location," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. Commented Port of New Orleans Executive Director/CEO Gary LaGrange, "The four/five day itinerary has always been an extremely popular cruise option for this market. Carnival's decision to base the Sensation in New Orleans demonstrates the ongoing popularity and excellent growth potential of this market. The Port of New Orleans is responding to this challenge with its newest cruise terminal at Erato Street, scheduled to open in the fall of 2004." Dickinson added that the New Orleans community has been very supportive of Carnival, a fact that makes this latest capacity increase all the more gratifying. "We have received such tremendous enthusiasm from the people of New Orleans since we first started cruising from there some eight years ago. That support was particularly evident and instrumental during our recent challenges with the Carnival Conquest and the Chalmette power lines," Dickinson stated. "The efforts of many people, including Congressman David Vitter, Senator Ken Hollis, Port Director Gary LaGrange and all of the Dock Board Commissioners, Public Service Commissioner Jay Blossman, Governor Mike Foster, Mayor Ray Nagin, and numerous others who worked hard to achieve a resolution is so very much appreciated by all of us at Carnival. It clearly demonstrates a commitment on the part of those individuals to achieve solutions that benefit the greater New Orleans community and they should be commended for their efforts," he added. "We look forward to returning the Carnival Conquest to New Orleans where she will remain year-round, as soon as the river level goes down."
Continued Expansion of New Orleans Cruise Market Including the Sensation's 41 percent capacity increase over the Holiday, combined with Carnival Conquest's seven-day sailings from New Orleans, Carnival is expected to carry approximately 350,000 guests annually from New Orleans - a 12-fold increase over the line's first full year of operations there in 1995. "New Orleans is one of our fastest growing homeports, consistently receiving high marks from our guests for its accessible, convenient location, as well as excellent pre- and post-cruise land stay opportunities," Dickinson said.
Value-Packed Four- and Five-Day Mexico Cruises The Sensation will kick off its New Orleans-based four- and five-day Mexico cruise program Oct. 23, 2004. On this route, four-day cruises depart Thursdays and call at Cozumel, one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations, with a wide variety dining establishments, as well as excellent beaches, golf, fishing, shopping, and watersports. Cozumel is also featured on five-day voyages, along with Calica on five-day cruises departing Mondays and Costa Maya on five-day sailings departing Saturdays. Both Costa Maya and Calica offer gorgeous white-sand beaches and magnificent crystal-clear waters, which attract sun worshippers, snorkelers and scuba divers the world over.
Signature Fun Ships Amenities The 70,000-ton Sensation, which entered service in 1993, features a wide range of "resort-style" amenities, including a 12,000-square foot health club, three swimming pools, a 114-foot-long water slide and a dozen different lounges and bars, ranging from a rollicking piano bar to a multi-deck theater offering lavish Vegas-style entertainment. The ship's 10 passenger decks also house three restaurants, including two main dining rooms and a poolside eatery offering alternatives for breakfast, lunch and dinner and a 24-hour pizzeria. Like all "Fun Ships," the Sensation offers its own version of "Camp Carnival," offering fun, supervised activities for kids ages 2-15, as well as a comprehensive golf program with professional instruction both aboard ship and during golf excursions.
Pricing and Reservations Prices for the Sensation's new four- and five-day Mexico cruises from New Orleans begin at $329 per person, 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 four- and five-day cruises are available starting at $16 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.
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