Carnival Cruise Ships

The introduction of the Magic to the fleet of Carnival Cruise ships in June 2011 will mark the company's 39th anniversary. Carnival Cruise Line was founded by Ted Arison in 1972 when the TSS Mardi Gras took the first contingent of passengers out of Miami's port.

The Evolution of Carnival Cruise Ships

Carnival is taking a big step forward with the introduction of the Dream and Magic over the next three years. The Arison family has expanded the company's fleet into several classes including the Holiday, Fantasy, Spirit and Conquest classes. These vessels have distinctive themed restaurants, bars and casinos that fit into Carnival's desire for a Las Vegas-styled experience.

This international cruise company embodies the fun and frivolity of a Fun Ship cruise with "Fun Ship Freddy." This mascot shares the distinctive color and shape of the tail fin that emerges from the top of each ship. The red, white and blue funnel has been a fixture of Carnival Cruise Lines for decades.

Mickey Arison and other key members of company management offered their help to relieve problems caused by Hurricane Katrina. The federal government and Carnival worked out a large contract where the following ships were used for emergency housing in Mobile, Alabama:

  • Holiday
  • Ecstasy
  • Sensation

Direct Line Cruises has been booking discounted cruises with Carnival and providing international travel info since 1995. The company offers info on discounted cruises to the Mediterranean, Europe and the north Atlantic through its website. Travelers who book trips lasting longer than four nights have access to free travel insurance.