WHY IT RATES: Travel agents and advisors can now register to attend one of three launch parties aboard the Carnival Sunrise this spring that will give them a firsthand experience of the new-look ship so they can keep their clients in the know.-Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Writer
Emphasizing the value of "See Carnival to Sell Carnival," Carnival Cruise Line is inviting travel advisors to three first-ever ship launch parties aboard Carnival Sunrise after it emerges from a nearly $200 million bow-to-stern makeover. The kick-off party is scheduled at Norfolk, Virginia, May 17, and two more after the ship relocates to New York City, June 10 and 20.
Carnival Sunrise Launch Parties are a new and unique addition to inaugural-season activities and will enable advisors from the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast to see the results of the extensive refurbishment through an onboard exploration of the newest features, spaces and dining choices.
The convenient half-day events include a presentation of post-dry dock features and amenities, a detailed tour of new public spaces and redesigned staterooms, a celebratory luncheon in the main dining room and unique gifts for all attendees.
"Carnival Sunrise is emerging as a completely new ship, and with the launch parties travel advisors will be able to come on board, see the ship and then go back and tell clients what's new and why this is the ship to cruise on," said Adolfo Perez, Carnival's senior vice president of sales and trade marketing.
"Carnival is committed to giving our travel partners these firsthand experiences that enable them to get a feel for the Carnival client and increase their brand knowledge, which in turn grows their Carnival business."
During a two-month dry dock at Cadiz, Spain, the former Carnival Triumph is being transformed into Carnival Sunrise.
The massive renovation will add new dining experiences including Guy's Pig and Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Cucina del Capitano and the fantastic Chef's Table experience; popular bars and lounges including RedFrog Pub, Piano Bar 88 and Limelight Lounge; new on-deck attractions include SportsSquare, WaterWorks and Serenity adult-only retreat; an expanded Cloud9 Spa; enhanced spaces for kids and teens; and a new mall-style retail space featuring fine watches and jewelry, as well as Carnival-branded stores.
Carnival Sunrise enters service April 29, sailing Caribbean cruises from Norfolk. The ship then repositions to New York in May for a series of Bermuda itineraries, fall foliage cruises to Canada/New England and longer Caribbean voyages before relocating to its homeport of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in October, where it will sail four- and five-day Caribbean cruises.
Registration for the Carnival Sunrise Launch Parties is now open at GoCCL.com.
The Carnival Sunrise Launch Parties are part of the ship's inaugural season festivities that include a naming ceremony and a travel advisor familiarization trip. Carnival's trade Facebook page will feature details in the coming weeks about how advisors can participate in other Carnival Sunrise inaugural activities.
For additional information about Carnival Cruise Line call 1-800-327-9501 (individual) or 1-800-327-5782 (groups) or visit the line's travel agent Internet portal, GoCCL.com.
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