Carnival Cruise Lines has always recognised the need to be a trend-setter in the tourist industry. With its extensive research into consumer preferences, it is able to anticipate vacation trends and tailor its product to the needs and desires of its guests. Evolutions of Fun is just the latest example of the company’s commitment to guest satisfaction and its continued efforts to make the ‘fun ship’ vacation experience the best it can be.

At $250m, Evolutions of Fun is the cruise industry’s most ambitious ship refurbishment and product enhancement initiative – focusing on Carnival Cruise Line’s eight Fantasy class vessels. These ‘extreme makeovers’ are part of an overall initiative to upgrade all the unique guest-pleasing features and the design style of the Fantasy-class vessels, and provide guests with new and exciting shipboard amenities.

The Fantasy-class of vessels is the most successful series of cruise ships ever introduced, as well as the industry leader in three to five-day vacations, carrying nearly 1.6 million guests annually. Evolutions of Fun is designed to build on their tremendous appeal with vacationers by incorporating a host of new and exciting facilities and features.

Expansive children’s water parks, a new design style and features for pool areas, and the creation of the ‘serenity’ adults-only deck area will be part of a dramatic transformation of the Fantasy-class ships’ open decks.

These expanded outdoor recreation areas will initially be incorporated into the 2,052-passenger Inspiration and Imagination during a month-long drydock later this year, and added to other Fantasy-class ships in 2008 and 2009 during scheduled drydock periods.

SHIP-WIDE REFURBISHMENTS

Updated pool and deck areas are only the latest components of extensive ship-wide refurbishments to the Inspiration and Imagination, which began in 2005 and include renovations to virtually every guest area.

Among the new features are fully remodelled staterooms and suites, including new bathrooms; flat-screen televisions in staterooms and select public areas; atrium lobby bars; updated sound and lighting systems in various lounges and clubs; coffee bars; nine-hole miniature golf courses; new art and photo galleries; New York-style delis in the Lido restaurants; and purpose-built conference facilities.

With Carnival expected to carry a record 575,000 children in 2007, particular emphasis is being placed on family-friendly amenities, with new and expanded play areas, part of the line’s top-rated Camp Carnival programme, and new facilities for the Club O2 teen programme. Custom-designed spaces geared toward 12- to 14-year olds are also planned and more than 50 interconnecting staterooms are being added to several Fantasy-class ships – perfect for large families or family
gatherings.

HEALTH-CONCIOUS CONSUMERS

“With Carnival expected to carry a record 575,000 children in 2007, particular emphasis is being placed on family-friendly amenities.”

The Evolutions of Fun initiative is also responding to the changing needs of health-conscious consumers, with a complete overhaul of the ships’ 12,000ft² spa facilities. The spa makeovers include new private treatment rooms, state-of the art exercise equipment and a host of cosmetic enhancements.

The addition of new sound and lighting systems in the main show lounges takes Carnival’s legendary revues to another level, with several dazzling new productions that make maximum use of video projections, pyrotechnics, lasers and elaborate sets and costumes.

Many aspects of the Evolutions of Fun enhancements have already been completed on the Fantasy, Ecstasy and Fascination and partially executed on the Sensation, Elation and Paradise. By 2009, the entire Fantasy-class fleet will be completed. This will include the transformation of open deck areas.

IMPROVEMENTS ACROSS THE FLEET

Other upgrades incorporated across the fleet include the Carnival ‘comfort bed’ sleep system, with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high-quality linens and pillows, a variety of cuisine enhancements, Wi-Fi internet access in virtually all public areas, and a mobile phone service.

Carnival’s eight Fantasy-class vessels are part of the line’s 22-vessel fleet, which operates voyages ranging from three to 16 days to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Greek Islands.

Carnival currently has three new ships on order. The 112,000T Carnival Splendor is scheduled to enter service in July 2008. The 130,000T Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic – which will be the largest fun ships ever constructed – are scheduled for delivery in October 2009 and June 2011, respectively.