A unique exhibit commemorating the National Aeronautics & Space Administration’s (NASA) Mercury space program and the historic 1962 splashdown of the Friendship 7 capsule off the coast of Grand Turk is now open at the Grand Turk Cruise Center.

Grand opening festivities were held this past weekend, with representatives from the Turks and Caicos Islands’ government, Carnival Corporation & plc and the Grand Turk Cruise Center in attendance. Special guest speakers included Janet E. Petro, deputy director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center and former NASA astronaut Winston Scott.

“Splashdown Grand Turk” is a 3,500-square-foot attraction celebrating the unique relationship of the American human spaceflight mission and its importance to Grand Turk’s history. 

Located on the south side of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, the free exhibit features amazing replicas unique to the Mercury space program, including a scaled 20-foot-tall Atlas rocket and a full-size, three-dimensional replica of astronaut John Glenn in spacesuit, and, of course, a detailed replica of the Friendship 7 capsule, which splashed into the Atlantic in 1962, a few short miles from the island of Grand Turk. 

Storyboards at the exhibit depict the accomplishments of the NASA space program and detail the differences in space equipment of yesterday and today while offering an overview of the current space program and future plans.

“This exhibit together with the replica of the Friendship capsule at the entrance of the Grand Turk Airport will serve to educate and inform cruise guests, the citizens of Turks & Caicos and other visitors to the islands about this fascinating connection between Grand Turk and the early days of the Mercury space program,” said H.E. Governor Gordon Wetherell, governor of the Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI.

“We believe that having this great exhibit at the Grand Turk Cruise Center not only pays homage to the remarkable history of the NASA space program, but also shows the historical richness of the island,” said David Candib, director of business development for Carnival Corporation & plc, which operates the Grand Turk Cruise Center.  

Opened by Carnival Corporation & plc in 2006, the Grand Turk Cruise Center serves as a gateway to this unique destination and encompasses a state-of-the-art pier and a 14-acre complex offering a variety of shops and restaurants.

The 2011 cruise season will bring 285 ship calls to the Grand Turk Cruise Center carrying approximately 625,000 visitors who will have an opportunity to learn more about Grand Turk’s involvement with the NASA space program.

For more information on the Grand Turk Cruise Center visit www.Grandturkcc.com.  Additional information on the Mercury space program is available at www.nasa.gov.

The blog of Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director John Heald has been named Best Cruise Line Blog in Porthole Cruise Magazine’s 2011 Editor-in-Chief Awards.

Selected by Porthole’s Editor-in-Chief Bill Panoff, the annual awards are designed to recognize excellence in the cruise and travel industries.  

Launched in March 2007 in conjunction with the debut of the Carnival Freedom, Heald’s blog has grown to become cruising’s most popular blog, with more than 8 million visitors to date.

Thousands of readers check in daily to read his humorous take on shipboard life, interviews with cruise industry personnel, and other fun features.

The blog’s popularity has even spawned an annual Bloggers Cruise which offers fans an opportunity to sail with Heald and participate in a variety of fun on-board activities.  The fourth installment of the series will take place on the Carnival Glory in February 2011.

Carnival Cruise Lines is excited to announce the FIRST ever Cooper River Bridge Run wedding in Marion Square- a FIRST for Charleston, a FIRST for the Run, and a FIRST for Carnival! Carnival Cruise Lines is inviting interested couples to submit an application for a chance to be the first to tie the knot or renew vows at Carnival’s “beach” in Marion Square, after racing to the altar in the 2011 Cooper River Bridge Run. Carnival Cruise Lines’ Race to the Altar fundraiser will benefit MUSC Children’s Hospital as part of a year-long partnership.  

Couples interested in winning a unique wedding experience and a honeymoon aboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ Fantasy can enter to win by February 18.  To enter:

• Complete submission form available at www.bridgerun.com or email lmiller@rawlemurdy.com to request the form.
• Send in optional brief video description explaining:
  • Who you are as a couple
  • How you met
  • Why you would be perfect to win
• Submissions can be sent to:
  Rawle Murdy, Associates
  Attn: Carnival Race to the Altar
  Post Office Box 1117
  Charleston, SC 29402
  Email: lmiller@rawlemurdy.com
• Full rules available at www.bridgerun.com.

On February 25, the winner will be announced as the FIRST couple to ever be married on the beach in Marion Square after running the Cooper River Bridge Run.  In addition, the winning couple will receive:

·         First dance on festival main stage in front of family, friends and 40,000 fellow runners

·         Honeymoon in an ocean view stateroom on a five-day Bahamas cruise aboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ Fantasy

Carnival Cruise Lines’ sponsorship of the Cooper River Bridge Run and the race to the altar fundraiser are part of Carnival’s year-long partnership with MUSC Children’s Hospital.   Funds raised during the Bridge Run through participation of the Charleston public will be donated by Carnival to MUSC Children’s Hospital.  The partnership includes several in-kind and monetary donations and fundraisers, as well as bringing smiles and fun to the patients of the MUSC Children’s Hospital with quarterly visits by Carnival Fantasy crew members.

Carnival Cruise Lines has named six “Funtastic” travel partners of the year for 2010. This new awards program replaces Carnival’s previous “Partner of the Year” program in an effort to better recognize top partners from each sales region as well as a top strategic partner. 

“Funtastic” partners are selected from each of Carnival’s four U.S. sales territories, one from Canada and one from its group of strategic partners.  Selections are made based on year-over-year growth, improvement in key performance metrics, and overall partnership strength.  Carnival’s team of business development managers submit nominations, which are then narrowed to six winners by the company’s sales leadership team.

The six “Funtastic” partners for 2010 include:

• The Cruise Corner in Simpsonville, S.C. (Southeastern Region)
• Mann Travels in Charlotte, N.C. (Northeastern Region)
• Bluegreen Corporation in Indianapolis, Ind. (Central Region)
• Prestige Travel & Cruises in Las Vegas, Nev. (Western Region)
• We Make People Happy Vacations in Delray Beach, Fla. (Strategic Partner)
• itravel2000.com in Mississauga, Ontario (Canada).

“We congratulate our ‘Funtastic’ travel partners on the many accomplishments they’ve achieved throughout the past year and thank them for their tremendous support,” said Joni Rein, vice president of worldwide sales for Carnival Cruise Lines. “These partners exemplify the reason why so many of us chose to work in the travel industry – to have fun, be successful and help people realize their vacation dreams. We’re inspired by their partnership and by the many valued travel partners we work with every day.”

Each “Funtastic” travel partner is awarded with a commemorative crystal plaque as well as a celebratory dinner.

Travel partners may find additional information on Carnival at GoCCL.com. The travel agent portal, which launched in mid-2010, features new-and-improved booking functions, intuitive research functions as well as training resources and comprehensive product information.

Last week NBC’s Today Show announced their new Carnival-sponsored segment “Have You Ever,” which features the show’s anchors embarking on brand new experiences.

The segment ties into Carnival’s new “Hey America, Didja Ever” campaign that inspires people to try new things and add more fun to their lives.

In the second segment that aired earlier today, Today Show weathercaster Al Roker was attached to a harness and undertook the unique and heart-racing task of changing a light bulb on New York’s famed George Washington Bridge.

Wait and see what Ann Curry crosses off her list on the final installment of “Have You Ever,” airing Friday, January 21.

Carnival will also be helping consumers share, fulfill and celebrate first-time experiences throughout the year, driven by the “Didja Ever” campaign headquarters on Carnival’s Facebook page.

Martin Landtman, a longtime veteran of the maritime industry with more than three decades of experience in shipbuilding and technical operations, has been named senior vice president – marine operations at Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines.

In this capacity, Landtman will oversee all aspects of marine operations for the line’s 22-vessel fleet, including technical operations, safety, environmental and quality assurance, marine operations, budgeting, deck and engine manning and training, port operations, maritime legal and medical services.

Landtman will begin his new position on Feb. 1, 2011, reporting to Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of ship operations.  Landtman replaces Brendan Corrigan, who is retiring after 33 years with Carnival but will remain with the company during the transition process.

Prior to being named to his new position at Carnival, Landtman spent two years as president of Aker Yards/STX Finland, Inc., one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, and five years as senior vice president at Teollisuuden Voima Oy (TVO), a privately owned electric company in Finland.

He also spent nine years serving in senior management positions at Kvaerner Masa-Yards, a leading Helsinki-based shipbuilder, and three years as president of Kvaerner Warnow Werft GmbH, a Rostock, Germany-based shipbuilder. Landtman also spent 10 years at Wartsila Shipyards in Helsinki, holding a number of technical operations posts, including head of machinery design.  

“Martin brings extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of shipbuilding and technical operations and will be a tremendous asset to Carnival’s marine operations team,” said Rodriguez.  “I would also like to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation to Brendan Corrigan for his 33 years of service to Carnival and offer our best wishes in his retirement,” he added.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to outdoor fun and fitness at the innovative SportSquare to be featured on Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest vessel, Carnival Magic, when it sets sail May 1.  The line’s most expansive outdoor recreation area by far, SportSquare on Carnival Magic (www.carnivalmagic.com) is an active cruiser’s on-board paradise, featuring SkyCourse, the first ropes course at sea, and cruising’s first-ever outdoor fitness area.  Guests can also get in the swing of things with the line’s first-ever two-level nine-hole miniature golf course, which the company is encouraging fans to help name at www.carnivalmagic.com/contest. 

Sure to be a talked about feature will be SkyCourse, the first-of-its-kind ropes course located on Spa & Sports Deck 12. The spectacular new attraction will offer fun and adventure for all, along with magnificent views of the sea nearly 150 feet below. On SkyCourse, thrill-seeking guests can strap into a safety harness and choose from a beginner or intermediate course, traversing across rope bridges, swinging steps and beams suspended above the top deck.  Approximately 20 guests at a time can zig and zag along the two 230-foot courses, while friends and family can join in the fun by cheering participants on from the deck.  Each of the 20 different elements on the ropes course is named after a notable bridge in the U.S.

“We’re literally taking fun and fitness to a new level with SportSquare.  Whether you’re climbing our amazing new ropes course at sea, doing some fresh-air cardio or just taking it all in, there’s something fun for everyone to enjoy, day or night,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.   

Guests can get pumped up at Sky Fitness featuring a wide array of exercise equipment, stationary bicycles, elliptical and rowing machines, punching bags and more. For a run in the sun and fresh sea air, Sports Track offers an 800-foot-long jogging path that surrounds the entire area. When guests are ready to get their game on, they’ll find lighted multi-purpose space for basketball, volleyball and soccer, along with a six-station Vita exercise course and ping pong and foosball tables. And for those who just want to relax and check out the sports action in the area or on TV, SportSquare also features a full bar with a large flat-screen display.  

Have a Ball and Name Magic’s Miniature Golf Course
As part of its Make The Magic Yours campaign, Carnival is continuing to give fans the opportunity to add their personal touches to its newest and most innovative “Fun Ship.” Winning fans have already created witty coaster sayings for the line’s first Caribbean-themed pub at sea, named a delicious dish for its family-style Italian restaurant, and the giant water dump bucket that will provide a splashing good time for kids and adults alike.

Today, the company is challenging fun-atics to name SportSquare’s two-level, mini golf course. Through, January 24, 2011, fans ages 13 and older can submit their suggested name at www.carnivalmagic.com/contest for a chance to have their winning entry forever “linked” to the nine-hole course, along with a prize package which includes a digital camera and Carnival-branded golf paraphernalia.

Entries must be no more than 50 characters and Carnival ship-worthy, as they’ll be judged by the company based on relevance, creativity and originality then culled down to five finalists.  In late January, Carnival will invite fun seekers to vote for their favorite name to choose one lucky winner who will be announced in mid-February. Additional information and contest rules are available at www.carnivalmagic.com/contest.

In addition to serving as a clever way to name Carnival Magic’s mini-golf course, the contest will raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, with Carnival donating $1 for each entry and vote, as well as for each Facebook fan who “likes” the contest.

SportSquare, along with Carnival Magic’s many other unique innovations, are highlighted in an interactive micro site, www.carnivalmagic.com, which features a full-screen virtual tour, exclusive images and videos, construction footage and more. 

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic is slated to debut in Europe with a series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean cruises operating May 1 – Oct. 16, 2011.  Following a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing, Carnival Magic will launch seven-day Caribbean service from Galveston, Texas, Nov. 14, 2011, becoming the port’s largest year-round cruise ship.

In a major boost for the tourism industry, the world’s largest cruise line – Carnival Cruise Lines – has announced that it will base one of its cruise ships fulltime in Australia.

The 88,500 tonne Carnival Spirit will be the largest cruise ship ever to sail year round from Australia when she arrives in Sydney in October 2012 to operate a schedule of 8-12 day voyages to the Pacific Islands.

The move – announced globally in Sydney today – represents the first time Carnival Cruise Lines has ever ventured into Australian waters and reflects growing confidence in cruising in the region.

Carrying 2,667 passengers, Carnival Spirit will be the first ship to be based in Sydney year round that is too tall to sail under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.  Rising nearly 53 metres above the waterline, Carnival Spirit is more than three metres taller than the specified clearance height for ships passing under the Bridge.  Because of its height, Carnival Spirit will be based at the only cruise facility east of the Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay’s Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Founded in 1972 and based in Miami, Carnival Cruise Lines is the best known cruise brand in North America and is expected to carry more than four million passengers this year – the most in the global cruise industry.

As the largest cruise ship sailing from Australia year round, Carnival Spirit offers a wide range of onboard facilities and features, with approximately two-thirds of its cabins featuring private balconies – the most of any Australian-based ship.

Aimed at fun-loving Australians seeking vibrant, active holidays with a broad diversity of on-board choices, Carnival Spirit offers a host of areas for outdoor fun, including a 22 metre corkscrew water slide, four swimming pools, a miniature golf course, jogging track and a sport court.  Guests have their choice of 16 lounges and bars, including a 1,170-seat three-deck-high theatre.  In addition to a two-level main dining room, Carnival Spirit features a reservations-only steakhouse and an expansive casual poolside restaurant. The ship also houses a two-level health spa with wrap-around ocean views and an Internet café.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which represents Carnival Cruise Lines’ Australian deployment locally, said the cruise line’s move into Australia was testament to both the recent growth and the ongoing potential of the local cruise industry.

“Cruising is booming in this country because it offers passengers a great value holiday that includes accommodation, top quality food and loads of entertainment that appeal to all age groups,” Ms Sherry said.

Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines’ President and CEO, said the cruise line was looking forward to introducing its unique style of cruising to the Australian market.

“Carnival has become the most popular cruise choice among North Americans by offering an experience that is casual, friendly and fun with a wide variety of activities for guests of all ages, including a huge array of options on our expansive outdoor decks,” Mr Cahill said.

Carnival Spirit will offer a year round schedule of 8 to 12-day cruises to the Pacific Islands and a selection of 13-day sailings to New Zealand beginning October 25, 2012, with the program expected to go on sale by the middle of this year.  The shipboard experience will be tailored to the Australian market with onboard spending in Australian dollars and no tipping required.

Ms Sherry said while the primary market would be Australians and New Zealanders, Carnival’s strong brand recognition in the United States would play a role in attracting more US tourists to Australia.

Carnival Spirit’s deployment meant there would be seven Carnival Corporation & plc ships cruising fulltime from Australia by the end of 2012, ensuring the industry was well on its way to reaching its target of one million passengers by 2020, if not sooner, she said. Other Carnival Corporation & plc brands operating fulltime in Australia include P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises.

“It is amazing growth considering there were just two ships based in Australia year round in 2007,” Ms Sherry said.

“This really underscores Sydney’s position on the world cruise map and our resolve to keep growing the market with multiple brands that appeal to customers.”

For more information visit www.CarnivalCruise.com.au.

With Carnival Magic’s inaugural European season right around the corner Carnival is holding a Europe Sale, offering best available upgrades and on-board credits up to $300 per stateroom, for bookings made between Jan. 10- 30th , 2011.  Carnival Magic’s European schedule encompasses seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages May 1 through October 16, 2011.

The best available upgrade offer applies to new individual bookings for stateroom categories 4A and higher.  Upgrades are available within specific stateroom accommodation types (interior to interior, ocean view to ocean view, balcony to balcony).  The promotion also includes a $200 onboard credit per stateroom for seven-day Europe sailings, $250 onboard credit per stateroom for nine-day sailings, and $300 onboard credit per stateroom for 12-day sailings.

The upgrade and onboard credit promotion is available in conjunction with the line’s Fun Select rates, which allow guests to select the stateroom of their choice based on deck, location and accommodation category.

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic is set to debut in Europe on May 1, 2011. The ship will offer a variety of unique features — including  the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub offering its own private label beer, the Cucina del Capitano Italian specialty restaurant, serving up family-style Italian fare, and the SportSquare outdoor recreation complex, featuring cruising’s first outdoor ropes course — all designed for an unforgettable “Fun Ship” experience.

Following its inaugural European season, the ship will then sail on a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing followed by the launch of seven-day Caribbean service from Galveston, Texas, November 14, 2011, becoming the port’s largest year-round cruise ship.

For complete details on Carnival’s Europe Sale, visit  www.carnival.com

Earlier this week NBC’s Today Show announced their new Carnival-sponsored segment “Have You Ever,” which features the show’s anchors embarking on brand new experiences.

The segment ties into Carnival’s recently unveiled “Hey America, Didja Ever” campaign that inspires people to try new things and add more fun to their lives.

On today’s segment, Today Show Host Natalie Morales kicked off the series by attending the New York City trapeze school.  Throwing caution to the wind, Morales climbed 30 feet up a ladder and leaped forward for her first acrobatic experience, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

“Have You Ever” segments will air every Friday through January 21 and will even have weathercaster Al Roker undertaking the unique and heart-racing task of changing a light bulb on the George Washington Bridge.

The line will also be helping consumers share, fulfill and celebrate first-time experiences throughout the year, driven by the “Didja Ever” campaign headquarters on Carnival’s Facebook page.