Carnival Cruise Line is taking the good times south, announcing plans to base its superliner Carnival Legend in Melbourne for a record season of cruises in early 2018.
Known for its fun holiday offerings – including its top-deck splash park and jaw-dropping Green Thunder waterslide – the 2680-guest Carnival Legend will sail on six roundtrip cruises from Melbourne during February and March 2018, offering Victorians a new way to holiday at sea.
Cruises will range from three-night short cruises enabling holidaymakers to enjoy a short break at sea, to an 11-night voyage around New Zealand, with a four-night itinerary to Tasmania and a 10-night cruise to the South Pacific also available.
Carnival Legend’s maiden Melbourne season will mark the first time Carnival has cruised from Victoria since 2013, when Carnival Legend’s Australian-based sister ship Carnival Spirit offered two roundtrip cruises from Melbourne.
Fares on a Carnival Legend three-night cruise start from $549* per person twin share for the March 16, 2018 departure, while fares on Carnival Legend’s 11-night New Zealand cruise, which visits the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga and Napier, start from $1499* per person twin share.
A second 10-night New Zealand cruise will take in the sights of the South Island, as well as Wellington, with fares from $1249* for the February 21, 2018 departure. Meanwhile the four-night cruise to Tasmania, departing February 17, 2018 will be priced from $699*.
Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said the cruise line was excited to head south, particularly given the growing number of Victorian guests sailing on Carnival’s cruises from Sydney.
“Homeporting from Melbourne allows us to expand our offering to include more of our popular New Zealand cruises and short breaks, and also gives Victorians the chance to take a Carnival cruise direct from their doorstep, enjoying all the fun features that have made Carnival Legend such a hit north of the border,” Ms Vandekreeke said.
Spanning 12 decks, the 293-metre long Carnival Legend features more than 20 restaurants, bars and lounges, as well as its popular Green Thunder – the fastest and steepest waterslide at sea – and entertainment offerings unique to Carnival including Hasbro, The Game Show and the whimsical Seuss at Sea program.
A regular summer visitor to Australia since 2014, the 88,500-tonne superliner also offers a sports court, jogging track and two-deck fitness centre.
Announcing the record Melbourne season, Ms Vandekreeke said Carnival was also preparing to launch a range of entertainment initiatives, including new onboard parties, a dedicated arts and craft area and interactive games, with more details to be unveiled over the coming months.
For more information and bookings call 13 31 94 or visit www.carnival.com.au
SOURCE: Carnival Cruise Line