Hi Everyone,
I received this press release from Carnival and thought it would be of
interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
available on my web site.
Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com
Second Annual 'John Heald Bloggers Cruise' to be Held Aboard Carnival
Fantasy from New Orleans in February 2009
Exclusive Events and Activities Hosted by Popular 'Fun Ship' Senior
Cruise Director Highlight Five-Day Western Caribbean Voyage
MIAMI, Jan. 21
Following tremendous response to the inaugural John Heald Bloggers
Cruise taking place this week aboard Carnival Freedom, Carnival Cruise
Lines has announced that the popular senior cruise director will host
a second Bloggers Cruise, this time aboard the Carnival Fantasy Feb.
7-12, 2009.
The second Bloggers Cruise -- a five-day voyage operating round-trip
from New Orleans and calling at the Mexican ports of Progreso and
Cozumel -- will bring together thousands of enthusiasts of Heald's
widely read blog, which has attracted more than 1.4 million visitors
since its debut last March.
The announcement for the second Bloggers Cruise was made yesterday by
Heald aboard the Carnival Freedom where more than 1,000 of his readers
gathered for a week of fun and interaction.
Through his blog (located at carnival.com and johnhealdsblog.com),
Heald offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at shipboard life, with
humorous and often poignant anecdotes and observations focusing on the
people and places he comes in contact with on a daily basis. He is
often joined by his wife Heidi, assistant cruise director and regular
blog contributor.
"I am very excited to host the 2009 Bloggers Cruise aboard the
Carnival Fantasy and can't wait to see the amazing additions that have
taken place on board following the 'Evolutions of Fun' refurbishment,"
Heald said. "This cruise will be a great opportunity for those who
love cruising and read the blog thingy to come together for a fun
celebration. Of course, I relish the chance to see New Orleans again
and maybe in a small way this cruise will highlight the Big Easy's
continuing rejuvenation," he added.
Carnival Fantasy was selected as the venue for the second "Bloggers
Cruise" as it will be the latest ship to undergo the second phase of
the line's "Evolutions of Fun" vessel refurbishment program, which
will result in a total transformation of the ship.
The upgrades, scheduled to be completed during a month-long dry dock
this fall, will include a Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, Serenity
adults-only area, and a totally redesigned main Lido pool area. These
renovations will complement phase one of the program which included
extensive refurbishments in public areas, as well as all staterooms
and suites.
The "Second Bloggers" cruise also provides participants the
opportunity to sail from New Orleans and experience all the great
features and attractions this one-of-a-kind city has to offer.
Special 'Bloggers Cruise' Events
During the five-day cruise on Carnival Fantasy, Heald will serve as
cruise director and host a number of exclusive events, including a
Welcome Aboard Reception, trivia contests, and question-and-answer
sessions. Special photo opportunities with Heald will be available, as
well.
A variety of special giveaways and logo items will be provided to all
Bloggers Cruise participants, and Heald will, of course, be submitting
entries to his blog throughout the voyage.
The Perfect Venue
The namesake in the line's highly successful Fantasy-class, the
Carnival Fantasy features a variety of dramatic public spaces, with 12
themed lounges and bars, a 12,000-square-foot spa, full casino
gambling and on-board duty- free shopping.
Dining options aboard Carnival Fantasy include two formal restaurants
offering extensive menus and wine lists and a 700-seat casual poolside
eatery featuring 24-hour pizza and ice cream, along with a sushi bar,
a coffee bar serving specialty coffees and sweets, and complimentary
24-hour stateroom service.
Extensive facilities for children and teens, part of the top-rated
"Camp Carnival" and "Club O2" programs, respectively, are also
available. Carnival Fantasy also offers a wide range of accommodation
categories, all of which have been renovated and feature the Carnival
Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and
high quality linens and pillows.
Pricing and Reservations
Prices for the second Bloggers Cruise aboard the Carnival Fantasy
begin at $359 per person based on double occupancy (price includes all
Bloggers Cruise activities and giveaways). Special discounted rates
for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with
air supplements from a variety of North American gateways, are also
available. Pre- and post-cruise land stays in the New Orleans area are
available as well.
Participants must request fare code CPBL/FPBL to be included in the
2009 Bloggers Cruise events.
For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent.
Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:
CCL; NYSE: CUK), 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, and The Yachts of
Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to
quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of
lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching
cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. |