Carnival Cruise Lines was founded in 1972 by cruise visionary Ted Arison. The start of the cruise line was very rocky when its first ocean liner Mardi Gras ran aground off Miami on its first voyage. In 1981 the company's first new ship the Tropicale, entered service, which was the beginning of a story of a tremendous and unparalleled success: from 1981 to late 2001, Carnival put into service 18 more state-of-the-art ships, with five more on order until 2004.
The world's largest cruise line is also the originator of the "Fun Ship" concept, with lavish Las Vegas-style revues in multi-deck show lounges, 24-hour pizzerias, and expansive health and fitness centers. Step aboard a Carnival "Fun Ship" and you'll see why the largest fleet is also The World's Most Popular Cruise Line. From spiral waterslides and huge casinos to Vegas-style shows and up to 22 lounges, these festive floating resorts offer something for everyone. Feast on sumptuous midnight buffets and fresh lobster aboard every sailing.
With budget-friendly prices, a top-notch kids' club and a huge variety of entertainment, Carnival deals are some of the best offers at sea. A host of flexible dining options are available on Carnival ships, including casual alternative restaurant venues and a choice of four different dining room meal times. As a result, Carnival ships' galleys serve fewer meals at any one time, resulting in better quality of preparation and service.
Nautica Spas on Carnival ships are some of the largest and best equipped, and feature a trained staff to keep passengers in top form.
Carnival is the only cruise line to offer a vacation guarantee. If for any reason you are unhappy with your cruise, notify Carnival before your first port of call. You may disembark at the ship's first non-US port and Carnival will refund the unused portion of your cruise fare and pay for your flight back to your embarkation port.
The Carnival fleet consists of modern and fully-equipped Carnival ships. Carnival Destiny, the first-ever passenger ship to surpass the 100,000 ton limit, debuted in 1996. The ship is now based in San Juan year-round. Carnival Conquest was launched in the fall of 2002 and is the largest of the Carnival ships in the fleet. At 110,000 tons it offers myriad choices in entertainment, dining and activities.
With 60% of her staterooms featuring ocean views and 60% of those balconies, there's no better way to cruise the Western Caribbean than aboard the Carnival Conquest. The wide variety of onboard activities makes this Megaliner a floating fun for the whole family.
The first ship in a spectacular new class for Carnival Cruise Lines, Carnival Spirit entered service in early 2001. The ship sails on exotic itineraries in the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal, as well as to Alaska and Hawaii.
Carnival Liberty was launched in the summer of 2005 and is the 23rd ship in Carnival's fleet. It is a Destiny class ship and takes its place with the others as one of Carnival's most popular ships.
Carnival Cruise Lines' renowned fleet is sure to meet anyone's expectations of a great cruise aboard a great ship.