Carnival Cruise Lines is introducing enhancements to its Internet offerings, revamping carnival.com and launching a new social networking/group planning tool, “CarnivalConnections.com”.
‘CarnivalConnections.com’ enables guests to build lasting vacation memories with their family and friends and stay connected to fellow ‘Fun Ship’ enthusiasts using an innovative new social networking/group planning technology,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
      A host of new and expanded features have been incorporated into the revamped carnival.com site, including an interactive destination map, destination “virtual tours,” guest video testimonials, and a “close-to-home” cruise locator, along with a new “look and feel” mirroring the line’s current advertising campaign.
      “CarnivalConnections.com,” the line’s new on-line community, was specifically created to bring family and friends together by helping them plan and manage their “Fun Ship” cruise. Using an innovative electronic invitation tool and insightful guest-written message boards and cruise reviews, the site provides users with a variety of helpful resources to select the “Fun Ship” vacation that matches their interests and lifestyles.
      Taking its cue from the recent trend of “togethering” - in which families and friends partake in fun, memorable activities to bring them closer together - the site’s customized “e-vites” can be tailored for family reunions, “girlfriend getaways,” and a host of other groups.
      The site’s interactive features can also be used by travel agents as an electronic group marketing tool to attract or retain their client base.
      “CarnivalConnections.com” also features real-time message boards where registered users can ask questions, post responses and offer feedback about a past or future “Fun Ship” cruise to other on-line community members. There’s also a section where users can post longer length ship reviews containing detailed information on their recent Carnival vacation.
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