Carnival Spirit sails into Sydney

– THE NEWEST AND LARGEST SHIP TO CALL AUSTRALIA HOME –

Carnival Spirit, the newest and largest ship to be home ported year round in Australia, got an Aussie welcome as she sailed into her new home of Sydney Harbour today.

The arrival symbolised the culmination of months of planning and millions of dollars' worth of major Australian modifications made by the world's largest cruise line to Sydney's latest holiday resident.

Playing on the "big is better" theme, Carnival has made some big changes for Spirit's big arrival. Two bespoke upgrades created specifically with Australians in mind are 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 Australian families and couples can enjoy on Carnival Spirit every day of their holiday, any time of year.

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

"We originally came to Australia because we felt Carnival Cruise Lines would be a great fit with the Aussie personality – both being playful, outgoing and fun-loving. We also knew we'd need to make some changes to ensure our first ship, Carnival Spirit, was equipped to give the discerning Aussie audience an amazing holiday experience.

"We've demonstrated our commitment by spending more than $AUD7 million in upgrades which capture the perfect mix of Aussie personality and American style and service which is evident from Green Thunder to the Aussie coffee and even the Aussie backyard BBQ now installed onboard. We're convinced Australians will love the collaboration as much as we'll enjoy having them aboard. "

Sociable and outgoing Australian couples looking for options and-then-some on holiday, will delight in Sydney's newest entertainment quarter featuring unlimited evening activities to suit everyone's taste. From singing your heart out at SuperStar Live to laughing out loud at up-and-coming comedians at The Punchliner or sampling some of the 20 restaurants, bars and lounges, Spirit has something to suit everyone's taste.

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.

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 and Melbourne and in 2014, Tasmania.

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

·         If tipped on her stern, the 292.6 metre long Carnival Spirit would stretch more than 42 metres above the observation deck of Sydney Tower, the city's tallest building
·         Holds up to 2,680 guests
·         Too big to get under the Sydney 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 Australia's largest hotel, the 658-room Crown Metropol in Melbourne
·         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 Australia

Carnival Spirit will be docked at the Overseas Passenger Terminal from Wednesday, 17 – Friday, 19 October before undertaking her first official cruise – an eight-night sailing to New Caledonia on Saturday, 20 October.

www.carnival.com.au