Year-round cruises add to Charleston's appeal

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

Did you hear the latest news from Carnival Cruises?

Beginning in May, the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy will operate year-round cruises from Charleston, S.C., a city getting year-round cruises for the first time.

The city's appeal as a top tourist destination was key in launching the year-round service.

Having year-round cruises operating from a drive-to-departure port will make quickie vacations affordable for families, couples, singles and friends.

The Fantasy will operate five-, six- and seven-day cruises to the Bahamas, the Turks and Key West, Fla., beginning May 18.

The Fantasy features resort-style pools with palm trees and an adult-only oasis. The WaterWorks is a sports park for all ages with a huge twisting waterslide, a padded jogging track, a Ping Pong area and a sun deck with a 9-hole mini-golf course.

Or, let the stress sail away at Spa Carnival with body treatments and massages.

Cruisers ages 2-11 will play at Camp Carnival with an experienced and supervised team. Kids ages 12-14 have Circle "C" Club with dance parties, late night movies, karaoke, video games and more. And, there's a dedicated 'round-the-clock Club for teens ages 15-17.

Sample per person rates on seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises start from just $399. Itineraries include a couple of fun days at sea, and calls at Grand Turk Island, Half Moon Cay (Carnival's private island) and Nassau, Bahamas.

Six-day Eastern Caribbean cruises, from $289 per person, visit Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas, and also calls at Key West.

Rates on 5-day cruises start from $239 per person. The Fantasy sails to Freeport and Nassau, and circles around for a couple of extra days at sea.