Carnival Cruise Lines Announces 22nd Vesssel - Carnival Freedom

MIAMI – Earlier today in a traditional maritime handover ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, Carnival Cruise Lines took delivery of the new 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom – the 22nd vessel in the “Fun Ship” fleet.

Following its official naming ceremony in Venice March 4, presided over by godmother Kathy Ireland, Carnival Freedom will sail on its inaugural voyage – a nine-day Mediterranean cruise from Venice departing March 5.

Carnival Freedom will then launch a program of 12-day Grand Mediterranean and Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises March 14, operating round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia).

“Europe is one of the fastest-growing regions for cruising, offering consumers the opportunity to experience the stunning landscapes, centuries-old architecture and rich cultural history and then return to the comfort and convenience of a ‘floating resort,’” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. “And Carnival Freedom, with its array of dining and entertainment options, high-tech amenities and all-ages appeal – along with diverse itineraries featuring magnificent seaside ports in the Mediterranean, Greek Isles and Turkey -- offers the ultimate European vacation,” he added.

One of the most technically advanced cruise ships at sea, Carnival Freedom features Carnival’s Seaside Theater, a poolside 270-square-foot LED screen displaying movies, concerts and other programming, along with “100 percent bow-to-stern” Internet wireless access and cellular phone service.

Also featured are 22 lounges and bars with dramatic interiors inspired by prominent design themes of the past decades and centuries, as well as a 13,300-square-foot health club, one eighth-mile jogging track, and extensive facilities for children and teens, part of Carnival’s popular “Camp Carnival” and “Club O2” programs, respectively.

Sixty percent of its 1,487 staterooms offer either an ocean view or balcony – perfect for scenic European cruising. All staterooms feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

Following its European program, Carnival Freedom will sail on a 14-day transatlantic voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Miami, positioning the vessel for a winter schedule of seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning Nov. 17, 2007.

Reservations are being accepted on all of Carnival Freedom’s European and Caribbean itineraries.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

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