CARNIVAL CRUISES TO OPERATE NEW CARIBBEAN PROGRAMS FROM FORT LAUDERDALE.

MIAMI (05/05/00) - Carnival Cruise Lines will offer an exciting 10-day Panama Canal program from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on the MS Tropicale Nov. 22, 2000, through Jan. 31, 2001, with highlights including Aruba, Costa Rica and Gatun Lake. Then, beginning Feb. 10, 2001, the line will introduce a new four-port seven-day Caribbean program on the Tropicale from Fort Lauderdale, featuring calls at Belize and Progreso/Merida, Mexico - two ports never before offered on a Carnival itinerary. “Both of these programs reflect Carnival’s continuous effort to create interesting and diverse itineraries that offer something out of the ordinary,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president. “The ports of call featured on these routes combine a diversity of cultural, sightseeing and activity options to create a dynamic and exciting vacation experience.” 

10-day Panama Canal cruises from Fort Lauderdale in late 2000 

Beginning Nov. 22, 2000, the Tropicale will operate a series of eight 10-day voyages, featuring a partial transit of the Panama Canal, one of the most popular wonders of the modern world. The cruises will feature a variety of diverse and interesting ports, including stops along the Central and South American coasts and the Caribbean. Ports of call include Aruba; Cartagena, Colombia; Limon, Costa Rica; and Key West, Florida, along with scenic cruising on the 163-square-mile Gatun Lake, the largest man-made lake in the world. Prices for the 10-day Panama Canal voyages start at $749 per guest. Rates for the third and fourth guests in a stateroom start at $399 per person. Prices include port charges and are based on double occupancy. 

Seven-day “New Caribbean” cruises from Fort Lauderdale in early 2001 
The Tropicale’s seven-day “New Caribbean” program will begin Feb. 10, 2001, and included within the four-port itinerary are two stops never before featured on a Carnival route - Belize and Progreso/Merida. Other stops include Key West and Playa del Carmen/Cozumel, Mexico. Belize is an unspoiled paradise, full of natural wildlife and beautiful beaches. Home to the world’s second largest barrier reef, it is a favorite among snorkelers and scuba divers, who enjoy exploring the exotic sea creatures and marine life living in these warm Caribbean waters. Progreso/Merida, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, is rich in Mayan culture and archaeological sites. Its ancient temples and palaces, most notably Chichen Itza and Uxmal, date back to as early as 1500 B.C. and offer excellent sightseeing opportunities. Guests can also shop in the colorful local markets, where Mayan arts and crafts and the region’s famous hammocks are available for sale, or bask in the area’s beautiful beaches. Prices for the seven-day cruises start at $549 per guest. Rates for the third and fourth guests in a stateroom start at $305 per person. Prices include port charges and are based on double occupancy.