MIAMI, April 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Cruise Lines, a brand of global cruise operator Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL;NYSE: CUK), today accepted delivery of the corporation's 100th ship, the Carnival Magic, in ceremonies at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, where the vessel was built.

In recognition of this achievement, on April 29 all guests sailing aboard Carnival Corporation & plc's 100 ships will enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at dinner to commemorate this historic and unprecedented milestone.  All told, more than 227,000 guests across the company's 10 cruise brands will participate in the toast, believed to be the largest celebration of its kind at sea.

Following the traditional maritime handover ceremony in Italy, Carnival Magic will debut on May 1 with a nine-day Mediterranean cruise from Venice to Barcelona.

Prior to the departure of its inaugural voyage, the 130,000-ton vessel will be named by its godmother, Lindsey Wilkerson, a former patient of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital who now serves as an employee and ambassador of the organization. The choice of Wilkerson as godmother is a tribute to Carnival's ongoing partnership with St. Jude, one of the world's premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases.   

As the line's newest ship, Carnival Magic will introduce a host of innovations, including the RedFrog Pub, a colorful Caribbean-inspired watering hole featuring its own private label draught beer; Cucina del Capitano, a family-style Italian restaurant that brings the heritage of Carnival's captains to the table; and SportSquare, an expansive open-air recreation complex with the first ropes course and outdoor fitness area at sea.

Other features include a WaterWorks aqua park with a 312-foot-long spiral water slide and other attractions; The Lanai, a wraparound promenade with an outdoor barbeque area and whirlpools that extend out over the ship's sides; and Ocean Plaza, a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue.

"With a combination of exciting new features such as the RedFrog Pub, SportSquare and Cucina del Capitano and other popular 'Fun Ship' amenities, Carnival Magic epitomizes our company's continued commitment to providing our guests with fun, memorable vacations at an incredible value," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines' president and CEO.

Added Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc's chairman and CEO, "The delivery of a new cruise ship to one of our brands is always a proud and exciting moment," said Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.  "It is particularly meaningful that delivery of Carnival Corporation & plc's 100th ship is for the Carnival Cruise Lines brand, which provided the foundation upon which Carnival Corporation & plc was established and, ultimately, grew into the largest cruise operator in the world with 10 global brands."  

Following the May 1 inaugural voyage from Venice, Carnival Magic will sail a series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean departures from Barcelona through Oct. 16, then reposition to Galveston, Texas, for year-round seven-day Caribbean departures beginning Nov. 14, becoming the largest ship ever based at the port year-round.

For additional information and reservations on the Carnival Magic or any other of the line's ships, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Carnival also can be found on:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/carnivalcruise

Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/carnival

Flickr:  www.flickr.com/photos/carnivalcruiselines/

Journalists also can visit Carnival's media site, www.carnivalpressroom.com.

Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL;NYSE: CUK), is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com

SOURCE Carnival Cruise Lines