Its Fun Ship Version Two

Under the 2.0 title, the company aims to dramatically transform its ship-board style, with a multi-year effort to offer new dining choices, more exciting bars, lounges and entertainment options, including innovative partnerships and new branded spaces.  

In the first phase alone, which extends through to the end of 2015, Carnival will invest more than $500million across its 23-ship fleet (with the new Carnival Breeze joining in the Mediterranean in summer 2012).

The first announced tie-ups are with entertainer George Lopez, who will become Carnival’s creative director for comedy and enhance its comedy clubs; Food Network star Guy Fieri, who will develop a burger venue called Guy’s Burger Joint; leading video game manufacturer EA Sports to create the first EA Sports Bar at sea; and Hasbro for new larger-than-life game shows featuring iconic games and brands. 

Carnival is also working with leading production talent to create a high-energy musical showcase and pronounced celebrity song-master DJ Irie their Official DJ. Other unique branded rooms will be the RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Bar and three other fun themed bars and lounges, as well as a complimentary BlueIguana Cantina casual dining option.

President and CEO Gerry Cahill explained: “Fun Ship 2.0 is the largest and most ambitious initiative our company has ever undertaken and it will serve to significantly transform the Carnival vacation experience for our guests.

“Through breakthrough partnerships with some of today’s biggest talents and most popular entertainment brands, plus our own new branded experiences and on-board destinations, Carnival fans and those new to our cruises are destined for an incredible vacation experience.”

Carnival Liberty (sailing year-round to the Caribbean from Miami) is the first ship to feature many of the new dining and bar venues, having just returned from a scheduled refurbishment while 14 others are scheduled to receive many of the enhancements through 2015. 

MORE INFO: in the UK, call 0845 351 0556 or visit www.carnivalcruise.co.uk; in the US, call 1800 764 7419 or www.carnival.com.