Carnival to Increase Capacity in New Orleans

Carnival Cruise Lines - which operates the only year-round cruise program from New Orleans - will increase capacity by 34 percent when the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph replaces the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy in November 2009. Carnival Triumph will introduce new seven-day Western and exotic Western Caribbean schedules to complement the four- and five-day cruises to Mexico. The seven-day cruises will depart on Saturdays with Western Caribbean voyages to Belize City; Isla Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel. Eastern Caribbean cruises will call at Key West, Freeport and Nassau. Four-day cruises will depart Thursdays to Cozumel, while five-day cruises will depart Mondays and Saturdays to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.
Carnival Triumph will operate 65 departures annually from New Orleans, carrying approximately 200,000 passengers. Carnival Fantasy, which currently sails from New Orleans, will be deployed to Mobile, Ala., to operate four- and five-day cruises beginning in November 2009.Carnival Triumph will make its New Orleans debut with a special four-day cruise departing Nov. 10, then launch its new year-round four-, five- and seven-day schedule beginning with a weeklong voyage departing Nov. 14, 2009. The 102,000-ton Carnival Triumph offers a 14,500-square-foot spa, a jogging track, shipwide Wi-Fi access and cell phone service, a duty-free shopping mall, and three restaurants. Also featured are 18 themed lounges and bars, including a wine bar, sports bar, piano bar and a multi-level theatre showcasing lavish revues. A golf program offering professional instruction and opportunities to play top Caribbean courses is available, as well. Family-friendly amenities include programming for children in three age groups - Camp Carnival for youngsters, Circle C for 12- to 14-year olds, and Club O2 for older teens. Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Triumph's cruises from New Orleans.