New Zealand says kia ora to Carnival Spirit

Monday, 4 February 2013

For immediate release

New Zealand Says Kia Ora To Carnival Spirit – The Newest And Largest Ship To Call Australasia Home

Carnival Spirit, the newest and largest ship to be home ported year round in Australasia, sailed into Auckland today on her maiden voyage to New Zealand.

Four months after her inaugural cruise from her new home port of Sydney, the months of planning and millions of dollars’ worth of major modifications are paying off.

Playing on the “big is better” theme, Carnival Cruise Lines has made some big changes for Spirit’s arrival down under. Bespoke upgrades include Green Thunder, the steepest and fastest waterslide at sea and Serenity™, a huge, luxurious child-free retreat with panoramic views of the big blue.

The new additions are just two examples of more than 40 zen to adrenalin activities that New Zealand families and couples can enjoy on Carnival Spirit every day of their holiday, any time of year.

American-turned-Antipodean, Jennifer Vandekreeke, Director Carnival Cruise Lines Australia & New Zealand, has been instrumental in honing the vast range of onboard activities which make up the new and unique holiday option for this market.

“We came down under because we felt Carnival Cruise Lines would be a great fit with the Aussie and Kiwi personalities – both being playful, outgoing and fun-loving. We also knew we’d need to make some upgrades to ensure Carnival Spirit was perfectly suited to discerning Australasian guests.

“We’ve demonstrated our commitment by spending more than $NZD8.5 million in upgrades which capture the delightful mix of antipodean personality and American style and service which is evident from Green Thunder to the coffee and even the backyard BBQ now installed onboard. We’re convinced Kiwis will love the collaboration as much as we’ll enjoy having them aboard. ”

Families looking for fun and memorable holidays at great value will find the right combination of ‘we-time’ and ‘me-time’ with unlimited family-friendly activities including WaterWorks –the ship’s aqua adventure playground and award winning youth programs that engage, inspire and entertain kids from two to 17-years of age. Adults and couples will enjoy the restaurants, bars, lounges, upgraded fitness centre and day spa.

Whether it’s ultimate relaxation or action-packed adventure, Aussies and Kiwis can explore every speed of holiday on sailings year round from three to 12 night voyages that explore the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Melbourne and Tasmania.

FAST FACTS ON THE NEWEST AND LARGEST SHIP TO CALL AUSTRALIA HOME YEAR ROUND:

At 292.6 metre long Carnival Spirit is almost three rugby fields long and if tipped on her stern, she’d be more than 30 metres higher than Rangitoto’s volcanic cone (260m)

Holds up to 2,680 guests

Too big to get under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, let alone the Auckland Harbour Bridge

Over 1000 crew

Over 40 onboard activities per day

Features the steepest and fastest waterslide at sea

With 1062 staterooms, Carnival Spirit offers more accommodation than Auckland’s two SKYCITY hotels and The Langham combined.

20 restaurants, bars and lounges

Serenity – a huge child free, open air retreat with 270° ocean views

60 per cent of the cabins are balcony cabins – 682 in total – more than any other ship based in Australasia

For more information on Carnival Spirit visit: www.carnival.com.au

About Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line in the world with over four million guests travelling every year. Until now Carnival has never ventured outside the US, and Australia/New Zealand was chosen because of the great fit between the Carnival experience and the Australasian way of life. For further information or to book your next cruise visit www.carnival.com.au

About Carnival Australia

Carnival Australia is part of Carnival Corporation & plc and represents the world's most popular cruise brands including Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, P&O Cruises World Cruising, Princess Cruises and Seabourn. Together these brands represent approximately 80 per cent of the Australian and New Zealand cruise market.

www.carnivalaustralia.com

ENDS

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