Yesterday morning in Sydney Harbor (which would be our last night) the 85,900 ton Carnival Spirit arrived to kick off her year round cruises from Sydney to the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand.
This is the first time in Carnival’s 40 year history that they have based a ship in Australia. Australia’s cruise market has recently grown substantially, which has attracted ship’s from Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Holland America Line.
In order to make sure that the Australians sailing onboard were comfortable, Carnival decided to renovate and upgrade the Spirit before sending her over down under. The 2 week dry dock took place in San Francisco and brought changes to the ship both internally and externally. From new dining menus, to a change in beer, new Australian outlets in cabins, and even a change in the coffee recipe; the Carnival Spirit is now able to provide a completely customized vacation option for Australians. Along with these changes, the Carnival Spirit also received the world’s steepest and fastest water slide on a cruise ship, Green Thunder. Serenity, Carnival’s adult only retreat and an Australian themed barbecue were also added during the drydock.
The Carnival Spirit will set sail on her first Australian cruise on October 20th. The Carnival Spirit will offer itineraries to the Pacific Islands, New Zealand and Melbourne on 3 to 12-night voyages for the next 5 years.
Make sure to check out Carnival’s new ad for their Australia cruises at the top of this article.
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Carnival Spirit: Tim Hunter, Herald Sun
