Carnival Cruise Lines BDM (l to r) Sissel Way, Mark Richards, Lance Dye and Shane Gibbons
Carnival Cruise Lines has launched its largest program of Australian cruises yet, with highlights including more cruises to the South Pacific and Tasmania and a variety of weekend getaways.
On sale June 5, the new program features Carnival Legend’s second summer season down under, with the 2680-guest ship joining Carnival Spirit in Sydney to offer a record 143 fun-filled cruise holidays in 2015 and 2016 – an increase of more than 40 per cent over the previous program.
Cruise fares start from $649* per person twin share for a three-night escape, giving Australians the perfect chance to sample all the fun and relaxation of a Carnival holiday at sea.
Carnival Cruise Lines Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said the cruise line had decided to return to Tasmania following the success of its inaugural cruise to the island from Sydney earlier this year.
Other highlights of the 2015-16 program include:
- Special Melbourne Cup cruises in 2015 and 2016, with Carnival Spirit offering action-packed itineraries including entry to the nation’s most famous race event. Prices start from $1907* per person twin share for the eight-night cruise departing Sydney on October 30, 2015.
- Two 18-night cruises between Sydney and Honolulu including visits to beautiful Tahiti and Fiji. Offering Australian dollars onboard and featuring cuisine and entertainment geared for Australians, the Carnival Legend cruises will sail from Sydney on April 20, 2015 and from Honolulu on September 26, 2015 with fares from $1899* per person twin share for the Sydney sailing.
- Two 15-night cruises to and from Singapore on Carnival Spirit taking in Lombok and Bali in Indonesia as well as calls to Darwin, Brisbane and far north Queensland. The August 1, 2015 departure from Sydney and return sailing from Singapore on August 30, 2015 are both priced from $1499* per person twin share.
- Two 13-night cruises between Brisbane and Singapore will give Queenslanders their first chance to sail on Carnival from their doorstep. Departing August 3, 2015 and August 30, 2015 the cruises are priced from $1499* per person twin share.
The two ships will also continue to offer the cruise line’s trademark cruises to the sun-filled Pacific, which have proved particularly popular with holidaymakers aged 30-50 years looking for a relaxing, fun holiday. Fares for an eight-night cruise to Noumea, Isle of Pines, and Mare start from $1099* per person twin share.
Launching the program, Ms Vandekreeke said the new visits to Brisbane and Melbourne would give more travel agents the chance to see the Carnival product and enjoy a tour of the ships.
Ms Vandekreeke said the 2015-16 program built on the success of Carnival Spirit, which has carried more than 160,000 Australians since her debut in Australia in late 2012. The largest and newest ship to be based in Australia year round,
Carnival Spirit features 12 decks of fun from the deck-top Green Thunder – the steepest and fastest waterslide at sea – through to its 16 bars and lounges.
“We’re looking forward to introducing Australians to Carnival Legend this September and we’re thrilled that she’ll be with us for a second summer season in 2015-16, giving us the opportunity to introduce some exciting new cruise itineraries,” Ms Vandekreeke said.
A sister ship to Carnival Spirit, Carnival Legend has just undergone a revamp and now boasts a Green Thunder slide as well as a host of new features including the Bonsai Sushi restaurant, the Red Frog pub and a Cherry on Top lolly shop. Carnival Legend will also offer the cruise line’s new Seuss at Sea program including exciting family, dining and entertainment experiences that feature the amazing world and words of Dr Seuss.
In addition to the new Green Thunder, the ship’s “Aussification” for its local debut includes a focus on food and coffee to meet Australian tastes, as well as the introduction of Australian powerpoints and Australian pricing onboard.
For more information agents should visit www.GOCCL.com.au , call 13 31 94 or email cclsales@carnivalaustralia.com
*Fares are per person twin share. Subject to availability, conditions apply