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Alaska Airlines
MIAMI (02/13/01) - With its high percentage of ocean-view and balconied staterooms, numerous indoor and outdoor vantage points for optimum viewing of spectacular scenery, and an enclosable pool, the Carnival Spirit's innovative design makes it perfect for deployment in Alaska. The 15th ship in the "Fun Ship" fleet is slated to sail the waters of the 49th state beginning in May 2001.
The first in a new class of 86,000-ton ships, the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit is 960 feet long, among the longest vessels in cruising. At the same time, with a 105-foot beam, it is narrow enough to transit the Panama Canal, which allows for an exciting array of itineraries.
Alaska, where the ship will spend its inaugural summer season, provides endless opportunities for scenic cruising, from pine-forested coastlines to the state's famous fjords where glaciers meet the sea in spectacular displays of ice "calving." Wildlife, from sea lions, whales and orcas that inhabit the waters of this wild northern region, to the eagles that soar above it, can also be seen from excellent vantage points aboard the Carnival Spirit.
The Carnival Spirit's long, sleek hull design creates extensive interior public space while allowing 80 percent of the ship's 1,062 staterooms to offer an ocean view. Eighty percent of outside accommodations feature private verandahs, providing a wonderful, intimate venue for enjoying Alaska's stunning scenery.
Locations for glacier gazing abound throughout the Carnival Spirit. The ship's uppermost exterior levels, Sky Deck 12 and Sports Deck 11, provide excellent observation areas for those seeking the ship's highest vantage points. An exterior promenade on Atlantic Deck 3 provides an opportunity to circumnavigate the entire ship on one deck and sightsee from a wide array of exterior vantage points closer to the water. The forward end of the promenade is enclosed by the Jungle Room, a winter garden area, accessible through automatic doors, which offers protection from the elements in a comfortable, atmospheric room featuring seating and large picture windows.
Another excellent observation point can be found on the Lido Deck. Here, guests can relax at a cozy table, sipping hot chocolate and watching the shoreline slip by through deck-high picture windows. And should the weather turn inclement, the retractable Sky Dome can be extended to cover the main pool area so guests can swim in the heated pool or use the whirlpools throughout the occasionally cool Alaska season.
Carnival Spirit is perfect for Alaska cruising for yet another reason - it is the first ship in Carnival's fleet scheduled to be equipped with Wartsila's revolutionary "enviro-engine," an innovative system that closely monitors fuel delivery to the engine's cylinders, dramatically reducing smoke emissions. The company will also be installing a $2 million state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system, the first of its kind in the Carnival fleet.
The Carnival Spirit is scheduled to begin its inaugural season April 29 with a 16-day Panama Canal cruise from Miami to Los Angeles, followed by a three-night voyage from San Francisco to Vancouver departing May 20, a series of weeklong Glacier Bay and Glacier Route Alaska cruises throughout the summer, and a 14-day Panama Canal sailing from San Diego to Miami departing Oct. 20. From Miami, Carnival Spirit is slated to sail a unique eight-day program to "exotic" Caribbean ports of call throughout the winter, commencing Nov. 3.
For additional information and reservations, call Carnival's Alaska desk at 1-800-529-6792. Information and reservation also can be obtained via Carnival's Web site at www.carnival.com.