Consider Carnival

In 1972, Ted Arison launched a single converted trans-Atlantic liner with the dream of making ocean cruising accessible to the average vacationer.  Their rather inauspicious start, as conveyed by one of their Business Development Managers, included the fact that Arison initially had the funds to paint only one side of the Mardi Gras -- and that they promptly ran aground on a sandbar leaving the port the morning of their first voyage.  As the saying goes, they've come a long way, Baby!   Today Carnival is the largest and most successful cruise line in history.  In 2010 Carnival hosted almost 4 million paying passengers aboard 23 ships sailing from over 20 ports throughout the world.


Some things haven't changed -- Carnival is still known as the home of the Fun Ships.  Their fleet is specifically designed to provide an entertaining environment for passengers of all ages..  You can still engage in an amazing array of exciting activities and entertainment options from early morning to late night aboard any Carnival sailing. They still make cruising accessible by offering a myriad of budget-friendly 3-, 4- and 5-day cruises from conveniently located ports.   They are still the first choice for families, offering outstanding age appropriate children's programs and features like water parks guaranteed to appeal to the most discriminating youngster.

These days, however, Carnival's appeal extends far beyond vacationing families and budget shoppers.  Their 'Evolutions of Fun' program is bringing major updates to older ships in their fleet.  These extensive renovations, the addition of fabulous new mega-ships like the Magic and newly launched Breeze and availability of exotic 7+ day itineraries have broadened Carnival's appeal to include a myriad of other travelers.  Couples, honeymooners, groups, and seniors are sailing Carnival in ever expanding numbers.
To cater to these new travelers, most  Carnival ships now offer sophisticated adults-only Serenity areas complete with decidedly upscale spa services.  Excursions are no longer limited to pirate ships dispensing gallons of rum punch or sedate island tours.  You can choose from cultural and historical explorations, thrilling adventure expeditions, and eco-tours.  If you haven't sailed Carnival in awhile, you likely will be surprised by the evolving quality of Carnival's cuisine as well.  Never known as the 'Food Ships' they offer dependably good food -- frequently surprisingly so.  You will find New York style deli sandwiches, fresh sushi, Mongolian barbecue, grilled salmon -- and their perpetual favorite chocolate melting cake.  Carnival still includes a lobster night on every single sailing of 7 nights or more, something you may not find on competitor popular-priced cruise lines,

Carnival also offers some amazing ports of call.  My personal favorite itineraries include the 6- and 8-day Caribbean offerings aboard the Carnival Valor.  The Valor gets fabulous feedback from passengers and professionals. Her Western Caribbean six-day itineraries feature stops in Key West, Montego Bay and Grand Cayman.  Eight day itineraries alternate between the exotic Southern Caribbean including Curacao and Aruba and Eastern Caribbean calling on Antigua and Tortola.

With such a broad array of activities and amenities for all ages, Carnival is also exceptionally group friendly.  Their ships provide exceptional meeting space to accommodate your family reunion or Seminar at Sea, and they offer a flexible pricing program that allows travel agents to customize your group with value-added amenities and produce a one-of-a-kind travel experience.  If you have an upcoming reunion or business retreat, talk to your travel agent to explore the possibility of hosting that function aboard one of Carnival’s exciting new ships.

Granted, Carnival is still not for every cruiser.  If you are looking for an ultra-premium cruise experience with discriminating personal service, multiple opportunities for personal enrichment, and upscale spa-type cuisine, Carnival will likely not meet your needs,.  But for anyone looking for a great cruise product, a guaranteed fun time at an affordable price point, Carnival is a fabulous vacation choice.

And yes, I did say 'guaranteed.'  Carnival is so confident of its cruise product that it actually comes with a guarantee.  If you sail on Carnival and are not having a great time, let them know -- you can disembark at the first port.  They will fly you back to your port of origin and refund the unused balance of your cruise,  That's how confident Carnival is about their cruise product.

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