By
Adam Lawrence |
Carnival has announced what it says will be the line’s most ambitious ever refit.
Next February, the line’s Destiny ship will enter the Fincantieri yard in Italy for a 49-day drydocking that will include a reconfigured layout, the addition of a partial deck the expansion of two other decks within the forward section of the ship, and the addition of 182 new cabins. The refit is valued at US$182 million.
Following the dry dock, the newly-renamed Carnival Sunshine will embark on a schedule of nine and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Venice from April-October 2013, then launch year-round seven-day Caribbean departures from New Orleans from November.
A wide range of new food and beverage outlets will be added, including a new poolside burger bar and Mexican cantina, a steakhouse and an Italian restaurant. The ship’s main dining rooms will be completely renovated. Five new bars, including a sports bar, a cigar bar and a library bar, will also be incorporated into the refitted ship.
New recreational assets include the Serenity adults only retreat, the SportSquare open air complex with mini-golf, jogging track and volleyball facilities, and the WaterWorks waterpark complex.
All the ship’s cabins will be revamped, with new tropical-style décor. Play areas catering for three different age groups of children, plus a new spa facility are also included in the project.
“This is our most ambitious ship conversion project to date and it will radically transform the Carnival Destiny into essentially an entirely new ship offering a variety of exciting dining and beverage choices, spectacular outdoor spaces and entertainment options,” said Carnival CEO Gerry Cahill.