Carnival Magic Sets Sail On Inaugural Voyage
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – The newest ship in Doral-based Carnival Cruise Lines fleet will set sail Monday on its inaugural voyage. The 130,000 ton Carnival Magic is packed with a number of new innovations including an expansive open-air sports and recreation complex, including the first ropes course and outdoor fitness area at sea. Other features include a WaterWorks aqua park, which includes a 312-foot long spiral water slide, among other attractions; a Caribbean-themed pub, and a wrap-around promenade with whirlpools extending over the ship’s sides. Galveston, Texas is the ship’s home port. Last month, Carnival announced a half-billion dollar plan for upgrading more than a dozen of their ships, drawing upon the appeal of comedian George Lopez, Food Network star Guy Fieri, and Miami’s DJ Irie to revamp ships in what Carnival is calling Fun Ship 2.0. According to the plan Lopez will be in charge of all of the ships club’s comedy clubs. The line’s “Punchliner” comedy clubs will be re-branded with Lopez’s name. Fieri, known for a number of Food Network shows including “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives”, will create a joint of his own aboard the Carnival ships, known as “Guy’s Burger Joint”. The casual restaurant will include burgers designed by Fieri as well as a burger where cruisers can dress their own. Miami’s DJ Irie, known for raising the roof at Miami Heat games and other events, was named Official DJ of Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival CEO Mickey Arison is also owner of the Miami Heat. The first to see the makeover will be the Carnival Liberty, which is based in Miami and which is returning from refurbishment in dry-dock later this month. Fourteen of the line’s ships are expected to be upgraded by 2015, and the company said the first phase of improvements will exceed $500 million. Carnival is the world’s largest cruise company, and in addition to operation Carnival Cruise Lines, it also operates Princess Cruises, Holland America, Cunard, Seabourne, and Costa.
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Carnival Magic Sets Sail On Inaugural Voyage