Carnival Cruise Lines announced details of their newest “Fun Ship”, Carnival Magic, and the list of  brow-raising features includes several “first at sea” surprises, including a unique way to get dumped.

Cruising through the years

Before we look at Carnival Magic, let’s put things in perspective. Back in the day (circa 1990′s), cruise ship recreation meant days lounging languidly on deck with a good book. Perhaps a lively round of bingo on sea days, followed by an energetic game of shuffleboard or ping pong.

Fast forward to the new millennium

Royal Caribbean breaks the mold with the first rock climbing wall at sea (gasp!), an ice skating rink (with real ice!) and an indoor promenade soaring 4 decks high. What will they think of next? How about “flowrider” surf simulators, zip-line at sea, and a variety of  ship “neighborhoods” including Central Park (with real trees).

Not to be outdone, Norwegian Cruise Lines (formerly known as NCL), adds to their roster of “firsts at sea” with shipboard bowling  alleys, an Ice Bar, exclusive “villa” complexes, and entertainment straight from Vegas.

Other cruise lines get in the act as Princess unveils “movies under the stars”, Celebrity boasts the first “Lawn Club” with real grass, and NCL, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival sail neck-to-neck in the race to build the biggest, baddest aqua park at sea.

Now, back to Carnival Magic…

Here’s what’s on tap: the first indoor/outdoor pub at sea with a private-label beer brewed especially for the ship. The fist-ever cruise ship ropes course where thrill-seeking guests can traverse nets with views of the ocean 150 feet below. An outdoor weight-lifting area (a la Venice Beach) – another first at sea.

Oh, still curious about “getting dumped at sea”? You’ll have to climb into Carnival Magic’s gigantic, 500-gallon “dump bucket” to experience that for yourself. Don’t worry, you’ll be dropped in the pool – not the ocean!

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic will set sail May 2011 with a series of 7 to 12-night Mediterranean cruises. In November, Carnival Magic will reposition to Galveston, Texas to become the port’s largest year-round cruise ship, offering 7-night Caribbean cruises.

To learn more about mixing fun and business at sea, click on About Carnival Cruise Lines.

Filed under: Cruise News, Fun & Happy Stuff, Miscellaneous