Carnival Cruise Lines will deploy a second year-round ship to New Orleans, the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph, in August 2007. Carnival will be the only cruise line to operate year-round from New Orleans and, with the deployment of the line’s 2,056-passenger Fantasy to New Orleans in October, will now offer four-, five- and seven-day cruise to the most attractive destinations in the western Caribbean.

Carnival Triumph will begin year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises from the Port of New Orleans Sept. 2, 2007, becoming the largest cruise ship based at that port. The Fantasy will launch year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans beginning Oct. 26, 2006. Prior to the start-up of week-long service, Carnival Triumph will operate a special one- time five-day cruise from New Orleans Aug. 28, 2007.

With the Fantasy and Carnival Triumph, Carnival expects to carry 320,000 passengers annually from New Orleans.

Two ‘Fun Ships’ in New Orleans

Carnival Triumph’s deployment reaffirms the excellent relationship that Carnival and the Port of New Orleans have enjoyed dating back to 1994 when Carnival became the first major cruise line to realize the port’s vast potential as a year-round cruise homeport.

Since that time, New Orleans has become one of Carnival’s fastest growing departure points, experiencing a 10-fold increase in passenger counts in just over a decade.

Although New Orleans’ cruise operations temporarily ceased following Hurricane Katrina, from early on Carnival expressed the intent to return to pre-Katrina capacity levels and operate two cruise ships from that port.

“The Port of New Orleans has been a valued business partner for Carnival for more than a decade and we’re extremely pleased to deploy the Carnival Triumph and Fantasy to that port. Not only does basing these ships in New Orleans offer consumers two exciting ‘Fun Ship’ vacation choices, it is also indicative of the continued economic recovery of this vitally important cruising region,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange pointed out that with the announcement from Carnival, New Orleans will again have four home-ported cruise ships.

“After Hurricane Katrina, Carnival reaffirmed its commitment to the New Orleans tourism industry, and said it would bring back two ships to homeport here year-round as soon as possible. Carnival has lived up to its promise and shown that cruising will continue to have a vibrant future in New Orleans. Before Hurricane Katrina, the cruise industry generated about 2,800 jobs, and we anticipate that figure will continue to grow with the return of four home- ported cruise ships to the Port of New Orleans,” LaGrange said.

Carnival Triumph’s Seven-Day Cruises From New Orleans

Carnival Triumph’s new year-round seven-day program from New Orleans will begin September 2, 2007, and offer two different western Caribbean itineraries visiting Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios; and Belize, Cozumel and Progreso (available on an alternating basis from November to April).

Prior to the start-up of this program, Carnival Triumph will offer a special one-time five-day cruise from New Orleans to Costa Maya and Cozumel departing August 28, 2007.

Guests can extend their stay in New Orleans with a variety of pre- and post-cruise land packages providing an opportunity to explore the city’s many excellent restaurants, shops and historical landmarks.

Signature ‘Fun Ship’ Amenities

More than three football fields in length, the 102,000-ton Carnival Triumph encompasses 13 passenger decks housing a 15,000-square-foot spa, cellular phone service, an Internet cafe, including wireless access in virtually all public rooms and areas, a jogging track, full casino gambling, and 18 themed lounges and bars with dramatic interiors inspired by the world’s great cities.

Dining options include twin two-level restaurants offering extensive menus and wine lists and a casual poolside eatery featuring 24-hour pizza and ice cream/frozen yogurt. All Carnival Triumph dining venues feature “Georges Blanc Signature Selections” created by the world-renowned French master chef who has maintained the coveted three stars from Michelin for the past 25 years.

Also available are “Camp Carnival” and “Club O2,” offering supervised activities and expansive facilities for children and teens, respectively.

Carnival Triumph will also feature a variety of spacious accommodations, including spectacular penthouse suites and a wide selection of cabins offering dramatic ocean views from private balconies—ideal for scenic cruising. All accommodations feature the new “Carnival Comfort Bed” sleep system featuring plush mattresses, luxurious duvets, and high quality pillows and linens.

Pricing and Reservations

Carnival will begin accepting reservations for the Carnival Triumph’s departures from New Orleans on Sept. 6, 2006.

Prices for the Carnival Triumph’s year-round seven-day cruises from New Orleans begin at $449 per person based on double occupancy; prices for the one-time five-day cruise aboard Carnival Triumph start at $369 per person.

Special 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.
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