(April 2, 2008) — Carnival Cruise Lines has added a new eight-day eastern Caribbean cruise option from New York aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle featuring  port calls to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; the private island of Half Moon Cay; and Nassau, The Bahamas.

        The new cruise route will be offered approximately once a month from May through September 2009 and will complement the ship’s existing eastern Caribbean cruise schedule from New York featuring stops at San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., and Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

        “We’re always seeking exciting and attractive itinerary choices for our guests and the Carnival Miracle’s new eight-day cruise option combines the opportunity to visit three distinctively different tropical destinations with the convenience of departing from New York, one of America’s great cities,” said Lynn C. Torrent, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services.

        One of the Caribbean’s newest ports, Grand Turk has quickly earned the reputation as a guest favorite.  In addition to numerous historic attractions and palm tree-lined powdery beaches, Grand Turk is considered one of the world’s best spots for snorkeling and scuba diving. Cruises stop at the new Grand Turk Cruise Center, which features an 800-foot-long private beach, a swimming pool, and the Caribbean’s largest Margaritaville themed restaurant.

        Named Best Private Island by “Porthole Cruise Magazine” for four consecutive years, Half Moon Cay offers a variety of exciting activities to choose from while exploring this privately owned paradise. Guests can enjoy horseback riding through the sand and surf, visit the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park, hike on the nature trail or simply relax in a private beachfront cabana.

        The Bahamian capital of Nassau is an idyllic place with stretches of white-sand beaches and warm, turquoise waters teeming with marine life. In addition to a multitude of water-based options, guests can spend the day shopping for duty-free gifts or take a carriage ride past the city’s historic pastel-colored buildings.

        Carnival Miracle offers a host of on-board facilities and features: 16 lounges and bars, four swimming pools, an expansive 13,500-square-foot Spa Carnival facility, indoor and outdoor promenades, a wedding chapel, ship-wide Wi-Fi Internet access and cell phone service.  Dining options include a two-level formal restaurant, a 1,200-seat casual poolside eatery with a 24-hour pizzeria, and an elegant reservations-only supper club.

        Three different youth programs – “Camp Carnival” for ages 2-11, “Circle C” for 12- to 14-year-olds, and “Club O2” for older teens – with facilities, activities and counselors specific to their age group are included, as well. 

        Carnival Miracle also offers hundreds of staterooms with private balconies – perfect for scenic Caribbean cruising.  The ship also offers a variety of accommodation categories, all of which feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system, with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

        For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.