MIAMI (May 2, 2007) – Based on the incredible success of the Internet “blog” of Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director John Heald – whose humorous and insightful postings have attracted nearly 200,000 visitors since the site was launched last month – Heald will host his first-ever “Bloggers Cruise” aboard the Carnival Freedom in January 2008.

The seven-day western Caribbean cruise will operate round-trip from Miami January 19-26, 2008, and will visit three of Heald’s favorite ports of call: Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.

Heald’s blog, originally part of the micro-site created for the launch of the Carnival Freedom, can be viewed at www.carnival.com/freedom. The only one of its kind in the travel industry, the blog provides Heald with a unique platform to entertain and amuse readers with colorful anecdotes from the Carnival Freedom’s inaugural season in Europe, as well as his 20-plus years at sea. One of the more popular features is a Q&A section in which Heald fields readers’ inquiries on a wide variety of topics.

“Who would have thought that in less than two months, nearly 200,000 readers have visited this blog. To celebrate, I invite all of our readers to sail on this special ‘Bloggers Cruise’ which, in addition to some fun activities, offers a great chance for us to meet and have an incredible time. I hope this cruise will be the first of many,” Heald said.

During the weeklong “Bloggers Cruise” on Carnival Freedom, Heald will host a number of special events, including a Welcome Aboard Reception, trivia contests, and question-and-answer sessions. Special photo opportunities with Heald will be available, as well.

A goody bag containing various giveaways and logo items will be provided to all “Bloggers Cruise” participants, and Heald will, of course, be submitting entries to his blog throughout the voyage. 

As senior cruise director, Heald will also perform his regular duties throughout the voyage, including hosting shipboard orientation sessions and port briefings, as well as serving as emcee for the Carnival Freedom’s diverse entertainment line-up, including the lavish production shows “Ticket to Ride,” “Jump, Jive and Wail,” and “The Big Easy.” 

He will also host his daily “Morning Show” that broadcasts on Carnival Freedom’s massive 270-square-foot LED screen, the Seaside Theatre, which also is used to display movies, concerts and other programming.

In addition to the “Bloggers Cruise” activities and the Carnival Freedom’s varied entertainment options, participants can enjoy the ship’s vast array of on-board amenities and facilities: four restaurants, including a reservations-only supper club, four swimming pools, 22 lounges and bars, a 214-foot-long water slide, a 13,300-square-foot health spa, full casino gambling, an Internet café and “100 percent bow-to-stern” Wi-Fi access.

Prices for the seven-day “Bloggers Cruise” aboard the Carnival Freedom start at $599 per person. Prices are based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways, are also included.