Ted Arison, created the Carnival Cruise Lines in 1972. This was after he separated from NCL (Norwegian Cruise Lines), which he had originally founded, with Knut Kluster in 1966. The TSS Mardi Gras was the first ship launched in 1972. Arison's vision was to make it possible for the average person to be able to afford a cruise vacation. Almost 30 ships have been added to the fleet through the years, each as good or better than the previous ones. Six of the ships have since been retired, including the Mardi Gras.
Carnival Cruise Lines has eight separate classes of ships. The classes divide the ships into various sizes, speed, ability, years built and passenger capacity. The first class is the Holiday Class (1985 to 1987) and presently consists of the Holiday ship only. The Fantasy Class (1990 to 1998) contains eight ships. The Destiny Class (1996) is the Carnival Destiny ship. The Triumph Class (1999 to 2000) contains two ships that were originally part of the Destiny Class. The Spirit Class (2001 to 2004) contains four ships. The Conquest Class (2002 to 2007) has five ships. Carnival Splendor is the only ship in the Splendor Class (2008). The newest class of ships is the Dream Class (2009) that will launch one ship in fall, 2009 and one in summer, 2011.
The 22 ships (as of summer 2009) in the Carnival Cruise Lines fleet go to various destinations around the world. Choose from Northbound, Southbound or Glacier Bay Alaskan cruises. Visit Eastern, Western or Southern Caribbean areas. Pick Baja Mexico or Mexican Rivera destinations. Other locations include the Grand Mediterranean cruise in Europe; special voyages to Bermuda and the Bahamas; cruises to the Canada/New England area; transatlantic itineraries; and even a "Cruise to Nowhere" cruise.
Carnival Cruise Lines ships are known for the numerous features and activities. This includes a kid's program (Camp Carnival) that separates into several age groups and provides activities throughout the ship. The shows found on board rival those found in Las Vegas, with all the extravagance and glamor. There are a large number of bars and lounges offering a variety of additional entertainment. Other highlights include a Vegas-style casino, numerous sports activities, Spa Carnival (fitness center, salon and spa), several pools and a large water slide, duty-free shops and specialty stores, along with several dining options.
The first ship of the company ran aground near Miami on its debut cruise. The retired ship, the Tropicale, which was launched in 1982, was the industry's first newly constructed ship in years. It was designed specifically for cruises and the first of a shipbuilding boom. In 1984, Carnival Cruise Lines was the first company to use network TV for marketing purposes. Carnival Cruise Lines carried the most passengers of all cruise lines and received the "Most Popular Cruise Line in the World" distinction in 1987. The Carnival Dream is the largest ship ever built for the company.
