Keeping Up With Carnival Cruise Lines

With 23 spectacular ships, “The World’s Most Popular Cruise Line®” offers group planners an unbeatable choice of “floating event venues” for corporate meetings and incentives. Earlier this month, Carnival Cruise Lines announced several exciting new itineraries for the 2013 season, designed to give meeting and event planners more outstanding cruise options – from coast to coast and beyond.

Plan an event at sea that’s 3 or 4-nights, 5-nights, 6-nights, 7-nights or longer; and sail to enticing destinations like the Bahamas, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, Bermuda, Canada & New England, and more. For a memorable incentive program, choose one of Carnival’s exotic 7-night itineraries or an adventure destination like Alaska; shorter 3, 4, and 5-night cruises are perfectly suited for your meetings.

Here are just a few of the value-packed Carnival ships and voyages that are great choices for your next event:

Carnival Miracle’s New West Coast Cruises

The 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle recently emerged from a bow-to-stern refresh and refurbish project that added Carnival’s exclusive Serenity adults-only retreat area and other enhancements. This ship will move to the West Coast in Spring 2013, and offer two itineraries ideal for meetings or incentives:

Seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach feature the seaside resort town of Puerto Vallarta and a special two-day visit to beautiful Cabo San Lucas. This popular cruise is a great “drive-to” incentive option for west coast groups, and will be offered in April 2013, and from October 2013 through April 2014.

Seven-night Alaska voyages from Seattle call at the scenic Alaska destinations of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan; as well as charming Victoria, British Columbia; and also cruises through Tracy Arm Fjord. Departing May 7 to Sept 10, 2013, this unforgettable Alaskan experience will offer your meeting attendees or incentive travel participants myriad opportunities to explore and enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery and wildlife of Alaska.

Carnival Splendor Now Sailing Year-round from New York

Carnival Legend – New Exotic Caribbean Cruises from Tampa

Carnival Valor – Southern Caribbean Voyages Sailing from San Juan

Beginning February 10, 2013 Carnival Valor will begin seven-night Southern Caribbean cruises from San Juan, becoming the port’s newest and largest year-round ship.The itinerary includes extended visits to exotic Caribbean islands: St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; Bridgetown, Barbados; St. Lucia, West Indies; St Kitts, West Indies; and St. Maarten in the Netherland Antilles.

These tropical destinations feature some of the Caribbean’s most idyllic beaches, and are also known for world-class snorkeling, scuba diving, and water sports. Meeting planners will appreciate the choice of flexible meeting venues and A/V (complimentary, of course!) onboard Carnival Valor.

Carnival Breeze – Taking Groups to a New Dimension in the Caribbean

Carnival Breeze will be the first ship to feature all of the dining and entertainment offerings that are part of Carnival’s $500 million Fun Ship 2.0 project. Among the exciting entertainment options is Hasbro, The Game Show;  the new “Punchliner Comedy Club Presented by George Lopez”; and revues by Playlist Productions, combining captivating live performances with high-tech LED staging and special effects.

Carnival Breeze also boasts the first 5D Theater at Sea, guaranteed to deliver a truly immersive movie-going experience! In the ship’s “Thrill 5D Theater”, guests will enjoy an exhilarating, multi-dimensional experience that will make them feel like they are actually in the movie.

 More Short Cruises and Drive-to Ports

With 16 convenient U.S. domestic departure ports, Carnival likely has a ship sailing from a drive-to city, saving you and your attendees travel time and money. And with several short itineraries to choose from, a unique ocean-going meeting venue with complimentary meals, activities and entertainment (as well as meeting space and A/V) is a sure-fire way to boost excitement … and your bottom line savings.

Carnival Victory’s New 4 & 5-Night Sailings from Miami

Four-night “long weekend” cruises depart Thursdays and call at Key West, Florida and Cozumel, Mexico. Five-night sailings departing Mondays include visits to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands; Half Moon Cay, private cruise line island; and Nassau, Bahamas. Departing on Saturdays, five-night voyages feature George Town, Grand Cayman; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

All these destinations offer a unique experience for meeting and incentive participants, with miles of gorgeous white-sand beaches and an array of shore excursion options such as ziplining, horseback riding and kayaking.

Other Ships Offering 3, 4, and 5-night Itineraries Include:

Carnival Triumph - 4 & 5 night Western Caribbean from Galveston

A program with Carnival offers far greater value and is much easier to plan than most land-based programs. Their cruises  include just about everything — a choice of spacious accommodations (most are ocean view, and many have balconies); dedicated conference space, unique theaters and lounges with a/v equipment; all onboard meals plus 24-hour room service; onboard activities, health and fitness facilities; and award-winning nightly entertainment.

Carnival also offers meeting and group event planners a flexible value-added amenity program, along with creative options to customize their program to meet their business – as well as budget – needs. All Carnival ships feature an Internet Cafe with private workstations, along with Wi-Fi access in virtually all public rooms.

Carnival Cruise Line is committed to you and the success of your program – and along with serious business support, their ships deliver serious fun. Your program participants will find a host of resort amenities onboard their ship, as well as an extensive variety of activities and live entertainment, delicious dining options, and Carnival’s friendly service.

Filed under: Cruise News, Meeting & Incentive News, Miscellaneous