On Tuesday, May 18, Carnival Cruise Lines officially launched its new, year-round cruise schedule from historic Charleston, SC. According to PR Newswire, Carnival Fantasy will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages to The Bahamas and Key West, Fla. from the Passenger Terminal in Charleston. Starting in 2011, Carnival will also offer a series of Bermuda cruises from Charleston on the Carnival Fantasy.
“Charleston is a beautiful, historic city within easy reach of millions of U.S. residents who will now have convenient access to Carnival’s fantastic and affordable cruise vacation options year-round,” said Carnival Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jim Berra.
“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 South Carolina State Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome. “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 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.
Which cruise line is right for you? While Carnival offers a lot for families and kids, Norwegian Cruise Line has a more relaxed atmosphere and nightlife scene for singles and adults.