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Attended a most interesting presentation to learn more about the newest ship soon to arrive to our shores.   The Carnival Spirit which will be permanently based down under, is set to thrill the young and young at heart.

Peter Taylor, Director Corporate Affairs, Carnival Australia, introduced Jennifer Vandekreeke, Director Carnival Cruise Lines, who originally hails from Carnival’s Miami headquarters and is now based in Sydney.  Jennifer heads up the Carnival team here and is supervising the Aussiefication of Carnival Spirit before she begins her full time Australian itineraries.

The venue for this event was Hilton’s famous Marble Bar, where we enjoyed food and beverage to the sounds of a live band, that put most into a cruise mode.

Jennifer gave us an insight into some of the many new features that are aimed at making Carnival’s Australian based cruises even more exciting for their Aussie passengers.  Apart from simple things such as Australian power points in the cabins and not calling main courses “entrees”, there are a myriad of other changes that will appeal to the Australian market, including many food, coffee and wine choices.

Specially made cocktail holders fashioned in the shape of a disco mirror ball put all in the Carnival Spirit and were a taste of what passengers will find on board. Entertainment will reflect Australian tastes, especially in the on board comedy venues.  Simple things such as “beef snags” served on white bread with tomato sauce will be available free of charge in the BBQ area.

I can’t wait to review this new addition to our shores, so I will be flying to join Carnival Spirit in Hawaii on her voyage to Sydney in late September.  The ship has been refurbished with a host of features sure to delight. Look forward to lots of blogs and articles on this exciting ship.

PHOTOS: Carnival Spirit, Jennifer Vandekreeke & Peter Taylor

Words & Photos:  John Pond