MIAMI (May 10, 2007) – Carnival Cruise Lines began accepting reservations today for its new 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, whose much-anticipated inaugural 2008 season will include the line’s first 12-day Northern Europe program, as well as a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing and week-long “exotic” eastern Caribbean voyages.

Representing a new class of vessel for the line, the 3,006-passenger SuperLiner will offer a host of innovative facilities, including a luxurious 21,000-square-foot health and fitness center that will feature Carnival’s first thalassotherapy pool and elaborate thermal suite. Surrounding the facility will be 68 spacious spa staterooms and suites – another first for the line.

Other highlights include a 5,500-square-foot children’s play area – the largest in the Carnival fleet – along with expanded sports and recreation facilities, including a mid-ship pool covered by a retractable dome.

“Today’s consumers are seeking high quality, affordable vacation experiences that provide them with a lifetime of memories,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. “With its numerous on-board innovations as well as a diverse array of itineraries that includes our first Northern Europe cruise program, we expect unprecedented demand for Carnival Splendor’s 2008 cruise season,” he added.

Carnival Splendor’s inaugural season will kick off with a series of 12-day Northern Europe cruises operating round-trip from London (Dover) July 13 – Aug. 30, 2008. Ports of call include Copenhagen; Warnemunde (Germany); Helsinki; St. Petersburg; Tallin (Estonia); and Amsterdam. 

The ship will also operate on a special one-time 12-day western Mediterranean cruise departing London (Dover) Sept. 11, 2008, calling at Le Havre (Paris), France; Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Malaga and Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy.

Following these voyages, Carnival Splendor will operate a “Grand Mediterranean” cruise Sept. 23, 2008 and two “Mediterranean & Greek Isles” voyages round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) Oct. 5 and 17, 2008.

Carnival Splendor will then sail on a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Oct. 29 – Nov. 14, 2008, which will position the vessel for a series of 10 seven-day, four-port “exotic” eastern Caribbean voyages beginning Nov. 22, 2008. Featured ports include Casa de Campo/La Romana (Dominican Republic); St. Thomas/St. John; San Juan; and Nassau.

Carnival is currently accepting reservations on all of the Carnival Splendor’s various 2008 European and Caribbean departures.