On Carnival Fantasy’s new Charleston-based cruises, Carnival is expected to carry more than 140,000 passengers annually from the port. Including Charleston, Carnival Cruise Lines will operate from 20 North American homeports in 2010, with 12 year-round departure points – the most in cruising.

The new year-round departures from Charleston dramatically expand upon Carnival’s decade-long relationship with the port. Previously, Carnival has operated seasonal voyages from Charleston, including two 5-night departures on the Carnival Triumph this year and two on the Carnival Glory next year.

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

"Charleston is an extraordinary city within easy reach of millions of U.S. residents who will now have convenient access to Carnival’s fantastic and affordable cruise vacation options year-round," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s President and CEO. "Our past experience with the Port of Charleston, which has a very efficient and conveniently located cruise terminal, has been outstanding."

"Carnival and this vessel fit perfectly with the internationally acclaimed Charleston tourism market, which draws cruise passengers from across the Southeast and beyond," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority. "We have enjoyed a successful, long-standing relationship with Carnival, and we are very pleased to significantly expand that relationship with a year-round calendar. This commitment by Carnival underscores Charleston's cruise development potential."

Source: Cruisebusiness.com

On a side note the Carnival Elation will be moved from San Diego to Mobile dropping the year around 4,5, and 6 day cruises from that port. I take it that these cruises must have been less then successful.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Westerdam:

On a side note the Carnival Elation will be moved from San Diego to Mobile dropping the year around 4,5, and 6 day cruises from that port. I take it that these cruises must have been less then successful.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Waynaro:
CARNIVAL ELATION is a well moved ship. She started with Carnival in San Pedro, then was moved to Galveston, before being based in San Diego. I would assume the cruises out of San Diego is not as successful also. CARNIVAL PARADISE operates the same 3 and 4 days cruises just north in Long Beach.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by NAL:
dmwnc1 .....why do you suppose Paradise lost her no-smoking status? With just under 20% smokers in the US, I would think she would have been very popular. It seems often there are complaints from non smokers about smokers at sea. Do you suppose it's her market and/or demographics? I have no idea. Has Carnival ever given reasons?

---

I heard it was because they had to discount the 7-day cruises to fill the ship so often to the point that it was no longer worth it. Not sure if there is any fact to it or not. Some 'I'm taking this cruise to prove I can quit' smokers failed after a few rounds at the bar and Carnival penalized them heavily for cleaning up the 'residue' from their cigs. Some I heard were even kicked off the ship.

quote:

---

Originally posted by NAL:
dmwnc1 .....why do you suppose Paradise lost her no-smoking status? With just under 20% smokers in the US, I would think she would have been very popular. It seems often there are complaints from non smokers about smokers at sea. Do you suppose it's her market and/or demographics? I have no idea. Has Carnival ever given reasons?

---

It was no big secret at the time that on-board revenue was down across the board for PARADISE, compared to other ships in the fleet. Apparently smokers are also big drinkers and gamblers.

While a substantial number of people appreciated the no-smoking atmosphere, there were just not enough of them to consistently fill the ship on her particular itinerary, no matter where she was placed. And a majority of those people on board were simply not the typical Carnival passenger--these people were looking for a quiet, more laid-back cruise vacation, which is not what the brand is all about.