Carnival Spirit to Launch Unique Five- and Nine-Day Mexican Riviera Cruise Program From San Diego in December

MIAMI, April 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Cruise Lines will introduce a new one-of-a-kind schedule from San Diego encompassing five- and nine-day Mexican Riviera voyages aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit beginning Dec. 10, 2010.

On this unique program, five-day cruises will visit the popular resort town of Cabo San Lucas for two full days, while nine-day cruises will also feature a two-day call in Cabo San Lucas in addition to visits to the stunning seaside destinations of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and La Paz, the first time this port has been featured as a regular stop on a Carnival itinerary.

"Carnival Spirit's convenient new schedule from San Diego provides consumers with two distinctly different West Coast cruise choices – a value-packed five-day cruise and a port-intensive nine-day itinerary, both calling at world-class resort destinations along the Mexican Riviera," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

The two-day visits to Cabo San Lucas were selected based on guest feedback requesting more time to enjoy this popular destination which is highlighted by its distinctive rock formations, lush landscape and aqua-blue waters teeming with tropical fish.

Nine-day cruises depart Friday and return Sunday so guests can enjoy a longer cruise with more time in the spectacular ports of call, all within a typical weekend-to-weekend vacation period.  Five-day cruises depart Sunday and return Friday, offering the ideal short cruise vacation at an attractive price.

Nine-day cruises will also call at Puerto Vallarta, a charming city where guests can relax on gorgeous white-sand beaches or stroll along the famed Malecon, a seaside walkway lined with restaurants, art galleries, and shops.  Also featured is Mazatlan, known as the Pearl of the Pacific for its beautiful beaches, abundant marine life, and myriad fishing and diving opportunities.  Rounding out the itinerary is La Paz, a sun worshippers' paradise famous for its excellent sportfishing, snorkeling and scuba diving, with white-sand beaches stretching the length of its magnificent waterfront.

The namesake vessel in the line's Spirit-class, Carnival Spirit offers a variety of on-board facilities and features – an indoor wrap around promenade, a classic American-style steakhouse located at the top level of a soaring-nine-deck high atrium, extensive spa and children's facilities, and a two-level promenade lined with themed lounges, bars and nightspots.  Four swimming pools, as well as Carnival's signature Twister Waterslide, are featured, as well.

Carnival Spirit also offers bow-to-stern Wi-Fi, full casino gambling, myriad entertainment choices, including lavish production shows, along with a wedding chapel and conference center.  In addition to the steakhouse, dining options include a two-level formal restaurant and an expansive poolside eatery with a 24-hour pizzeria, New York-style deli, an Asian specialty venue and other casual choices.

Of the ship's 1,062 staterooms, 80 percent offer either an ocean view or balcony – ideal for viewing the beautiful scenery.  All staterooms feature the Carnival Comfort Bed with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

Carnival Spirit will operate its new five- and nine-day Mexican Riviera schedule through April 1, 2011.  The Carnival Spirit will then offer its previously scheduled 12-day Hawaii cruises (April 10 and 22, 2011) and a full season of seven-day Alaska cruises departing from Seattle (beginning May 10, 2011).

The new five- and nine-day cruises replace the Carnival Spirit's previous eight-day Mexican Riviera program. Guests scheduled to sail on the eight-day voyages have the following options: switch to a new nine-day Mexican Riviera cruise with their eight-day cruise fare protected; re-book an alternate Carnival sailing and receive a $50 per person on-board credit; or cancel and receive a full refund.  Travel agent commissions will be protected.

Carnival is currently accepting reservations on the Carnival Spirit's new five- and nine-day Mexican Riviera cruises.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.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 Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of 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