22, September 2014: Australia’s biggest ever cruise season is officially underway this morning, with Sydney staging a spectacular welcome to mark the maiden arrival of the latest ship to call Australia home - Carnival Cruise Lines’ superliner - Carnival Legend.
In keeping with its name, the 88,500-tonne ship enjoyed a legendary entry into the Harbour with the Australian Girls Choir performing a medley of well-known Australian tunes, along with the American and Australian national anthem and Australia’s unofficial anthem, Waltzing Matilda with 3,000 guests and crew singing along.
Jennifer Vandekreeke, Carnival Cruise Lines Vice President, Australia and New Zealand said, “The biggest chorus at sea was a truly fitting arrival for Australia’s newest ship as she sailed into the iconic Sydney Harbour and I was honoured to be part of the fun.”
Carnival Legend is the first international ship to arrive in Australia for the 2015 summer cruise season which will see a record flotilla of more than 35 different ships sailing in local waters, making more than 600 calls to Australian ports and injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy.
In a move which underlines the surging demand from Australians for cruise holidays, Carnival Legend is the second ship to be based in Australia by Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator.
Carnival Legend will sail on 22 cruises from Sydney over the next seven months, giving 55,000 Aussie families and couples a fun-packed holiday and injecting an estimated $20 million into the local economy.
With cruises starting from just $100 per day, Australians are choosing Carnival Cruise Lines holidays because the all-in cost covers not just comfortable accommodation but dining at a variety of different restaurants, live entertainment and 45 activities to see, do, taste and try, every day.
“Australians have shown a real affinity for Carnival Cruise Lines because we share a similar outlook on life –a passion for fun, new experiences and adventure. It’s because of this great fit that we decided it was time for an encore, bringing Carnival Legend out to join sister ship, Carnival Spirit,” added American-turned-Aussie, Jennifer Vandekreeke.
Before settling in her new home of Australia, Carnival Legend undertook a massive $47 million Aussification upgrade to ensure the ship was just right for this market, combining the best mix of award winning American innovations tailored to suit Australian tastes.
The ship was kitted out with the latest and greatest features including the jaw-dropping Green Thunder water-slide, the fastest and steepest water-slide at sea, bespoke menus, coffee and wine to meet Australian tastes.
Carnival Legend will also boast a number of features and facilities never before seen in Australia, including a Bonsai Sushi restaurant and the Red Frog Pub with locally brewed ThirstyFrog Summer Ale.
For the kids, Hasbro, The Game Show, Seuss at Sea the Cherry on Top lolly shop are exclusively available in Australian waters on Carnival Legend. Families and adults alike can also find unlimited activities spanning 12 decks including a sports court, jogging track, two-deck fitness centre, more than 22 restaurants, bars and lounges and world class entertainment to name a few.
About Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line in the world with over four and a half million guests travelling every year. Carnival Legend’s arrival will be the second ship in Carnival’s 24-strong fleet to be based in Australia, following Carnival Spirit’s arrival in October 2012. With 45 daily activities from Zen to adrenalin to enjoy, Carnival Legend and Carnival Spirit offers fun-loving couples and families memorable holidays at great value.
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