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CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE AND BALLY’S DOUBLE DOWN ON BENEFITS FOR CASINO GUESTS
New Partnership Extends Carnival Cruise Benefits to Bally Rewards Players
MIAMI, May 23, 2024 – Carnival Cruise Line is welcoming more casino players to join the fun on board its fleet of 27 ships by partnering with the Bally’s Corporation, one of the world’s leading gaming and entertainment companies, to extend cruise benefits to Bally’s Rewards guests.
In addition to special events, Bally Rewards’ Legend, SuperStar and Star tier guests are now eligible for complimentary and discounted Carnival cruises. The new partnership between Carnival and Bally’s also extends the reach of both brands. Known as America’s Cruise Line, Carnival sails from 14 U.S. homeports – more than any other cruise line – and Bally’s operates 15 popular properties nationwide.
“We’re committed to our Carnival Players Club guests and in Bally’s, we have a partner that values its own loyal guests with the same fervor. We have plenty of fun to go around across our fleet, so we’re excited to bring Bally’s on board with us and look forward to growing this unique partnership,” said Marty Goldman, Carnival Corporation’s senior vice president of global casino operations.
"This collaboration brings together two industry leaders, combining the excitement of Bally's gaming experience with the unparalleled entertainment and hospitality of Carnival Cruise Line. Together, we will create unforgettable experiences for our guests, both on land and at sea,” said Mike Donovan, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of gaming for Bally’s Corporation. “This partnership represents a new chapter in our commitment to providing exceptional entertainment and gaming options to our valued patrons.”
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site. For more information on Bally Rewards, visitBallyRewards.com.
Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE OPENS MORE SAILINGS IN 2025 WITH ITINERARIES AVAILABLE FOR ALASKA FROM SEATTLE AND NEW CARNIVAL JOURNEYS CRUISES
Carnival is unveiling more of its 2025-26 deployment by opening sailings to Alaska from Seattle
New Options Now Available Aboard Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa, As Carnival Journeys Program Continues to Expand
SEATTLE, Aug. 24, 2023 – It’s never too early to plan for an incredible Alaskan adventure, and today, Carnival Cruise Line is unveiling more of its 2025-26 deployment by opening sailings to Alaska from Seattle on two ships: Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa. Several Carnival Journeys cruises aboard the two ships are also opening for sale, including a transatlantic sailing from Barcelona, Spain to Miami and a 29-day transpacific voyage from Brisbane, Australia to Seattle that features several stops in Japan.
“The wildlife, well-preserved natural wonder, the incredible experiences on shore and the welcoming locals are just some of the reasons why Alaska cruises are so popular with guests, and also why they tend to book quickly,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “These two ships will also build on our popular Carnival Journeys program, making more truly bucket-list destinations available on opposite sides of the world – with Carnival Luminosa’s amazing 29-day transpacific voyage visiting Japan and Carnival Spirit’s two cruises ahead of Alaska season, which will take the ship from Barcelona to Miami and then from Miami to San Francisco.”
The following is a sampling of the new offerings available beginning in April 2025:
Carnival Luminosa
Alaska Sailings
Seven-day Alaska sailings departing every Thursday on Carnival Luminosa begin on May 1, 2025 and continue through Sept. 11, 2025. After departing Seattle, the ship cruises Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia.
Carnival Journeys
Ahead of its Alaska season, Carnival Luminosa will depart Brisbane, Australia on April 3, 2025 on a 29-day transpacific sailing to Seattle, with several unique visits in between. The spectacular destinations guests will visit include Okinawa, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Hakodate and Kushiro in Japan, as well as Anchorage, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska. To see all sailings available aboard Carnival Luminosa, click here.
Carnival Spirit
Alaska Sailings
The Alaska season on board Carnival Spirit offers 21 week-long sailings that depart Seattle and cruise Tracy Arm Fjord and stop in ports Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. The sailings begin April 14, 2025 and continue through the summer, with the final departure on Sept. 9, 2025. The ship will also sail an eight-day cruise departing May 5, 2025 that adds Icy Strait Point as a port of call.
Carnival Journeys
Ahead of its Alaska season, Carnival Spirit will offer two Carnival Journeys cruises. The first is a 14-day transatlantic cruise that departs March 16, 2025 from Barcelona and arrives in Miami, with visits in Malaga and Cadiz, Spain, as well Ponta Delgada, Azores and Bermuda. The second is a 15-day Journeys cruise from Miami to Seattle, departing March 30, 2025, transiting the Panama Canal and visiting Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Carnival Spirit will conclude the Alaska season with a 10-day roundtrip Carnival Journeys Alaska cruise that departs Seattle on Sept. 16, 2025 and visits seven destinations, including Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia.
Following her Alaska season, Carnival Spirit will set sail on a unique 15-day roundtrip Carnival Journeys cruise to Hawaii from Seattle. Departing Sept. 26, 2025 and visiting Honolulu, Oahu; Kahului, Maui; Nawiliwili, Kauai; and Hilo in Hawaii, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. The ship will also sail from Seattle to New Orleans, on a 16-day Panama Canal cruise that departs Oct. 11, 2025. The itinerary includes visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Puntarenas, Costa Rica, then transits the Panama Canal and stops in Cartagena, Colombia as well. To see all sailings available aboard Carnival Spirit, click here.
The new Carnival Journeys cruises build on an already expanding program, in response to travelers’ increased interest in longer vacations and more adventurous experiences. The Carnival Journeys program of longer cruise itineraries offers guests more opportunities to see the world, from ocean crossings and Panama Canal transits, to special sailings that feature spectacular destinations in the Caribbean, Greenland, Hawaii, New Zealand, Japan, Tahiti, Southeast Asia and Alaska. Since the program launched in 2015, more than 330,000 Carnival guests have sailed on a Carnival Journeys cruise. That number is growing significantly as the program now offers more variety than ever before – with more than 85 upcoming and available cruises sailing more than 230,000 guests from now through 2025.
Additional 2025-26 deployment details will be announced soon, with more itineraries becoming available in the coming weeks.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES DUO WHO WILL LEAD TEXAS-SIZED FUN ABOARD ALL-NEW CARNIVAL JUBILEE
Carnival Names Kyndall “Fire” Magyar New Ship’s Cruise Director and Matthew Boyd to Serve as Entertainment Director
MIAMI, Aug. 23, 2023 – As excitement builds around the arrival of Carnival Cruise Line’s next new ship, Carnival Jubilee, the cruise line today announced Matthew Boyd will serve as Entertainment Director and Kyndall “Fire” Magyar as Cruise Director for the ship’s inaugural season. Together, the two will lead the teams that deliver all the fun guests will find aboard the new ship when it begins sailing on Dec. 23, 2023 from its homeport of Galveston, Tex.
“Watching their dedication come to life on board Carnival Jubilee’s sister ships, I know Kyndall and Matthew are perfectly suited to deliver Texas-sized fun that maximizes the capabilities of this spectacular new ship and upholds our high standards for entertainment,” said Chris Nelson, vice president of entertainment.
Both Magyar and Boyd are accomplished leaders who bring a combined 20 years of Carnival experience to the teams they will lead.
Magyar is a Texas native who has been working on Carnival ships since 2016. She most recently served as cruise director aboard Mardi Gras. She was also part of the inaugural team for Carnival Horizon and served as the cruise director of Carnival Vista when the ship returned to service in 2021. She is elated to be part of the inaugural Carnival Jubilee family and bring her home to Texas.
Boyd was recently named Carnival’s 2023 Entertainment Director of the year. He has been part of the Carnival family since 2010 and has served as an entertainment director aboard several ships since 2018. He most recently led the entertainment team aboard Carnival Celebration. He is honored to be the inaugural Entertainment Director of Carnival Jubilee and excited to present guests with all the new entertainment offerings being developed for the new ship.
Carnival Jubilee joins her sisters Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras as the third ship in the fleet powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system. Carnival Jubilee will debut unique and immersive ocean-themed experiences in two new zones, Currents and The Shores. Carnival Jubilee will be home to other features already popular on board her sister ships, like BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster and a transformational three-deck atrium that offers expansive views during the day and doubles as an entertainment venue at night with movable LED screens and theatrical lighting.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras
GETTING READY TO THRILL: CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE’S NEXT ROLLER COASTER AT SEA
More Than 150,000 Carnival Guests Have Experienced BOLT
MIAMI, Aug. 16, 2023 – In celebration of National Roller Coaster Day, Carnival Cruise Line is preparing to welcome its third BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster as it takes shape atop its next new ship Carnival Jubilee. This week, at Meyer Werft in Germany where the ship is under construction, the roller coaster’s 800-foot track is being installed on Deck 19. The installation is expected to be complete next month and test runs are scheduled for October. Once complete, the track will carry two all-electric, two-person cars. The riders control the speed of the car, up to 40 miles per hour, through drops, twists and turns 187 feet above the water line.
BOLT is the centerpiece of the fun-filled Ultimate Playground on Carnival’s three Excel-class ships, and its already proven extremely popular on the first two. More than 150,000 guests have experienced the exhilaration of riding the only roller coasters at sea on Carnival Jubilee’s sister ships Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.
BOLT is manufactured by Maurer Rides in Munich, Germany and its initial iteration became the first roller coaster at sea in 2021 with the debut of Mardi Gras. It has received rave reviews and several accolades, including an engineering award from Popular Science magazine.
Beginning Dec. 23, 2023, Carnival Jubilee will operate year-round from Galveston, Tex., sailing week-long Western Caribbean voyages and visiting popular destinations such as Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras
CARNIVAL’S MARDI GRAS CREW RESCUES COUPLE IN DISTRESS AT SEA
U.S. Coast Guard Calls on Carnival Crew to Help Man in Need of Medical Assistance
MIAMI, August 7, 2023 – Carnival Cruise Line’s crew aboard Mardi Gras answered a call from the U.S. Coast Guard to rescue a couple from a sailboat early Monday morning.
The couple was stranded about 20 nautical miles from Castle Island, Bahamas, and Mardi Gras was less than nine miles from them when the Coast Guard’s call was received by the ship’s officers. As the ship’s team approached the sailboat, a lifeboat was lowered from Mardi Gras to make the rescue just after 1 a.m. Monday.
Once on board, the man was admitted to the onboard medical center and the team is caring for him.
Mardi Gras is operating an eight-day Caribbean sailing that departed from Port Canaveral, Fla. The ship is continuing its planned itinerary and will arrive to Aruba on Tuesday.
Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras
CARNIVAL JUBILEE NOW SPORTING ICONIC WINGED FUNNEL
Construction continues now as shipbuilding crews outfit Carnival’s next new ship with groundbreaking features already thrilling guests on board Excel-class sister ships
Outfitting Underway for New Excel-Class Ship at Shipyard in Germany
MIAMI – July 26, 2023 – Work has begun to install the features that make Carnival Jubilee a true member of the “Fun Ship” fleet, and to kick off this next phase of construction, its winged funnel synonymous with the Carnival Cruise Line brand now adorns the ship.
On Tuesday, cranes lowered the top of the funnel in place atop Carnival Jubilee, which is docked alongside the outfitting pier at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. The ship’s crowning took place just a few days after it first hit the water in its float out from the shipyard’s covered dry dock and successfully completed a series of tests on its bow thrusters and stabilizers.
“Seeing Carnival Jubilee sport the Carnival funnel, the quintessential symbol she’s a ship made for fun, is a gratifying milestone that builds on the excitement after just watching her float out and reveal another important symbol – the Texas star on her bow that signals her Texas pride,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Construction continues now as shipbuilding crews outfit Carnival’s next new ship with groundbreaking features already thrilling guests on board Excel-class sister ships Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration – including BOLT: The Ultimate Seacoaster encircling Carnival Jubilee’s new funnel. Inside, the ship will feature popular dining, including the third Emeril’s restaurant at sea – Emeril’s Bistro 717, and all-new fun, unique and immersive ocean-themed experiences in two new zones: Currents and The Shores.
Carnival Jubilee is set to start cruising from her homeport of Galveston on Dec. 23, 2023, sailing year-round Western Caribbean itineraries with stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, as well as Mahogany Bay (Roatan). To see sailings currently open for sale, visit Carnival.com here.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras
CARNIVAL VENEZIA ARRIVES HOME IN NEW YORK CITY
Carnival Cruise Line to Welcome Ship with ‘Fun Italian Style’ Inaugural Ceremony Featuring First-Ever Godfather to a Carnival Ship, Jay Leno
Carnival Venezia, the latest addition to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, sailed into its New York City homeport for the first time this morning. The ship’s guests just completed a 15-day transatlantic sailing that began in Barcelona, Spain.
Carnival will host a welcome ceremony on board the ship Wednesday evening and acclaimed comedian and television host Jay Leno will become the first godfather named to a Carnival ship. On Thursday, Carnival Venezia will mark its first departure from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, with guests set to embark on a four-day cruise visiting Bermuda.
Carnival Venezia is debuting “Carnival Fun Italian Style” and introducing several new concepts, from restaurants and bars to entertainment programming. The new venues and experiences enhance the ship’s theming, as its design is inspired by the city of Venice, Italy.
The 25th ship in the fleet, Carnival Venezia will offer a wide range of options for guests cruising from New York, including 10 different cruise durations and 22 unique itineraries featuring visits to 25 ports across 14 countries.
Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras
ACCLAIMED LATE NIGHT TALK SHOW HOST AND COMEDIAN JAY LENO NAMED AS ‘GODFATHER’ TO CARNIVAL VENEZIA
For the First Time, Carnival Cruise Line Names a Godfather
MIAMI – June 2, 2023 – Carnival Cruise Line today announced that acclaimed late night talk show host and comedian Jay Leno will serve as its first ever godfather to one of its ships, Carnival Venezia™, at a celebratory event on June 14, 2023 when the ship is blessed and enters service from New York City. The ship is the first to incorporate “Carnival Fun Italian Style” that adds Carnival’s signature fun to the beautiful Italian theming of the vessel. In addition to serving as the Godfather, Leno will perform a special comedy show exclusively for Carnival’s event guests, in partnership with Carnival® World Mastercard®.
“Carnival Venezia originally entered service for our Italian sister brand Costa Cruises and was christened in 2019, so she already has a godmother. With Carnival Venezia joining the fleet and sailing from New York, we wanted to ensure a proper welcome for the ship and decided having a godfather would be both fun and appropriate,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. “And when we thought of someone who would make a FUN godfather with Italian heritage, we knew Jay Leno would be the perfect godfather! And he’s already a member of the Carnival family – he entertained guests a few years ago as part of our Carnival LIVE entertainment series.”
“I am truly honored to be named the godfather of Carnival Venezia. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse,” said Leno. “Carnival’s focus on FUN combined with the Italian theming of this ship is something that is truly unique. I’m also excited to have my very own cruise ship, although I think I’ll need a bigger garage!”
A native of New Rochelle, NY, Leno is the grandson of immigrants from Flumeri, Campania, Italy. He began his entertainment career in stand-up comedy, which led to the nearly two-decades-long role he is best known for as host of The Tonight Show, from which he retired in 2014. During most of his tenure, Leno’s The Tonight Show was the top-ranked talk show on late night, and he earned the reputation as being “the hardest working man in show business.”
Leno currently produces and is host of the CNBC primetime series Jay Leno’s Garage that is now in its seventh season and explores the world of cars, never forgetting that it’s the people behind the wheel who provide the real stories. The series debuted in October 2015 and delivered CNBC’s most-watched first season in network history. He remains in demand as a stand-up performer, corporate speaker and the host of the game show reboot, You Bet Your Life.
Carnival Venezia celebrates Venice, Italy, and has many spaces on board that are reminiscent of her namesake. When guests enter the ship, they arrive in the Venice-inspired atrium Piazza San Marco, the onboard flavor and flair continues at restaurants like the elegant Marco Polo and Canal Grande Restaurants, along with the new Italian specialty restaurant, “Il Viaggio.” Carnival Playlist Productions shows entertain guests at the Teatro Rosso theater that is reminiscent of Italian opera houses.
Guests will also find many Carnival mainstays they know and love on board, including Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Burger Joint, the steakhouse Fahrenheit 555, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki and the Chef’s Table, along with Lido Marketplace, Seafood Shack and Pizzeria del Capitano, Piano Bar 88 and Heroes Tribute Lounge.
Carnival Venezia is set to arrive to her new home in New York City and begin sailing from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on June 15, 2023. The ship accommodates more than 5,000 guests and will offer 10 different cruise durations and 22 unique itineraries featuring visits to 25 ports across 14 countries.
Carnival Venezia’s celebratory event will be livestreamed. To register for the livestream, click here.
To see sailings currently open for sale on Carnival Venezia, click here. For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE BEGINS NORFOLK’S BIGGEST-EVER CRUISE SEASON
Carnival Magic to Embark 100,000 Guests Through October
Carnival Cruise Line is beginning its longest deployment yet in Norfolk, Va. today, with Carnival Magic sailing its first cruise of an extended season that is expected to bring the highest volume of cruise guests to the city in its history.
Carnival Magic is set to welcome 100,000 guests embarking through Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise Center this season. The ship will operate a series of 26 cruises, ranging in length from four- to 10-days, through Oct. 27, 2023.
"It's wonderful to be back in Norfolk, our home for this extended season over the next five months," said Carnival Magic Captain Bruno Palomba." All of our Carnival Magic team members are looking forward to welcoming guests on board and ensuring they have a great vacation.”
Throughout the season, Carnival Magic will visit popular ports in The Bahamas, such as Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Freeport and Bimini, as well as Bermuda and Caribbean destinations, such as San Juan; Amber Cove; and Grand Turk. Today’s cruise is a seven-day itinerary visiting Nassau, Bimini and Freeport in The Bahamas.
The ship accommodates up to 4,724 guests and features a wide variety of stateroom accommodations, a multitude of dining options, Carnival’s signature entertainment, the Cloud 9 spa, water slides and the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. To see current sailings available on Carnival Magic from Norfolk through the fall, click here.
To see all available sailings from Norfolk through 2025, click here. For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.