Cruise News

Carnival Fantasy to sail from Charleston year-round

September 18, 2009

Beginning in May, the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy will operate year-round cruises from Charleston, S.C., a city getting year-round cruises for the first time.

The Fantasy will operate five-, six- and seven-day cruises to the Bahamas and Key West, Fla., beginning May 18.

To accommodate the move, the 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation will replace the Fantasy in Mobile, Ala., where it will operate year-round service. The Elation is currently sailing year-round from San Diego.

The changes come on the heels of Princess Cruises’ cutback of Mexican Riviera itineraries, and reverses a major capacity ramp-up on the West Coast over the last few years.

Carnival said that it expects to carry more than 140,000 passengers annually from Charleston, which will become Carnival’s 20th North American homeport and the 12th that offers year-round service.

Carnival has previously operated seasonal cruises from Charleston, including two five-day departures on the Carnival Triumph this year and two on the Carnival Glory next year.

Charleston’s centralized location in the southeastern U.S., as well as the city’s appeal as a tourist destination, were key factors in the decision to launch the year-round service, Carnival said.

The Elation will offer four- and five-day cruises from Mobile, plus a series of seven-day Western Caribbean cruises in spring, summer and fall 2010.

For reservations and information call 703 722 6070 or see www.takeuscruising.com.

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