CARNIVAL'S LAUNCHES NEW SEVEN-DAY CRUISE SCHEDULE
FROM GALVESTON ON 'FUN SHIP' ELATION
One-of-a-Kind Program Includes Port Calls to Progreso/Yucatan, Cozumel and
Belize
MIAMI (09/29/03) - Carnival Cruise Lines' 2,052-passenger "Fun Ship"
Elation inaugurated the line's first new seven-day cruise program from Texas
when it departed on its from the Port of Galveston at 4 p.m. yesterday.
Elation is the newest and largest cruise ship to be based in Galveston
year-round.
Yesterday's sold-out voyage kicked off new one-of-a-kind week-long schedule
featuring port calls to Progreso/Yucatan and Cozumel, Mexico, and Belize
City, Belize, which offer exceptional beaches and watersports, as well as
interesting sightseeing opportunities, including ruins, pyramids and other
archeological sites.
The Elation joined Carnival's 1,486-passenger Celebration, which was the
first cruise ship to sail year-round from Galveston when it began four- and
five-day Mexico service in September 2000. Including the Elation, Carnival
expects to carry some 240,000 passengers annually from Galveston - the most
of any cruise line.
"Response to 'Fun Ship' cruising from Galveston has been exceptional
as consumers appreciate the convenience of sailing from this centrally
located homeport, as well as the opportunity to enjoy pre- and post-cruise
opportunities in this charming and historic city. We fully expect this
popularity to continue with the Elation's new seven-day program," said Bob
Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
Commented Steven M. Cernak, Galveston port director, "We are proud to
welcome Carnival's Fantasy-class vessel Elation to Galveston's Cruise
Terminal. In partnership with Carnival, the Port of Galveston is currently
in the process of upgrading Terminal No. 1 and upon completion will be able
to handle any vessel in the company's fleet.
"The Port of Galveston has established itself as the Western Gulf of
Mexico's gateway for international cruise vacations. Our continued growth
allows numerous options where passengers can cruise from the Port of
Galveston on a long weekend cruise or relax on a vacation of longer
duration. We have come a long way in less than three years, our growth has
been phenomenal but we will continue our efforts to maintain Galveston as
the port of choice for our cruise customers."
The Elation, which was launched in 1998, encompasses 12 passenger
decks housing three swimming pools, three restaurants and a dozen "themed"
lounges and bars, including Duke's, a live music venue that pays tribute to
jazz legend Duke Ellington and New York's "Cotton Club" scene; Mark Twain
Library, which pays homage to the romantic Riverboat Era with scale models
of famous vessels that plied the Mississippi; and the Mikado, a
Japanese-inspired theater showcasing lavish Vegas-style revues.
Other features include a 2,400-square-foot enclosed play area - part
of the line's fleetwide top-rated "Camp Carnival" - which features a
computer lab, arts and crafts center and indoor climbing maze.
Elation also includes a 12,000-square-foot health club and salon,
full casino gambling, a jogging track, and a comprehensive golf program with
professional instruction available both aboard ship and during golf
excursions.
