Carnival to base vessel in Australia in 2012

Carnival Australia's ceo Ann Sherry has announced in Sydney that Carnival will base its 2,667-passenger Carnvial Spirit in Australian waters full-time from Oct 2012. It will be the first time Carnival has permanently based a ship outside of the United States.

Itineraries and a homeport for the 88,500-tonne ship are yet to be revealed, however Sherry indicated cruises will be eight to 12 days in length, and sail around the Pacific Islands.

"Carnival Spirit shows fantastic confidence that the Australian market will continue to grow," Sherry said.

"Spirit will bring more choice to the Australian consumer," she added.

A few details on Carnival Spirit

86,000 Tonnes, taking up to 2,600 passengers (with up to 900 crew)

Carnival Spirit set the standard for Carnival's Spirit-class cruise ships. She travels faster than most, so you get the chance to experience even more exciting destinations.

Carnival Spirit also has lots to keep you entertained in between your shore excursions - including a spacious spa and two-deck fitness suite, jogging track, shimmering pools and exotic bars and lounges. Camp Carnival will keep the kids happy and amused. Plus there's a fantastic range of evening entertainment and dining options to tempt every palate.

Lifestyle onboard your Carnival cruise ship

Despite being a speedy cruise ship, you can slow the pace right down on Carnival Spirit.Eight out of ten staterooms have ocean views and 80% of these have their own private balcony - giving you more personal space where you can kick back and relax.

Her public rooms are lavishly decorated with exotic themes and include venues like the Shanghai Piano Bar and the Versaille Lounge. You'll find them comfortable places to meet up with friends for coffee or cocktails, as well as glamorous night spots full of first-class entertainment.

You can leave the tux at home on Carnival Spirit but gents will need a jacket to sample the delights of your cruise ship's reservations-only supper club. Otherwise smart-casual tends to be the norm in the main dining venues.

Daytime cruising on Carnival Spirit

There are enough facilities onboard this cruise ship to make every day different. As well as offering plenty of classes and organised activities, you'll find:

Card Room
Internet Café
Duty-free shops v
Swimming pools
Spa
Saunas and steam rooms
Two-deck gym with ocean views
Beauty Salon
Jogging track
Adult-only whirlpool
Your evening cruise entertainment

Carnival Spirit showcases some wonderfully talented performers in her family-friendly show lounge, including magicians, jugglers, comedians, ventriloquists and more. This is also your nightly venue for glittering Vegas-style shows.

You'll find live music playing throughout your cruise ship, everything from country through to rock. Plus there's dancing 'til late in the Dancin' Dance Club - where else?

If you feel like putting your feet up to watch your favourite team perform, head for the Champions Sports Bar, whilst the Jazz club and cruise ship casino are great late night venues where you can enjoy the entertainment along with your favourite night cap.

Dining on Carnival Spirit

For more formal family dining, you'll find the Empire Restaurant hard to beat. The menus are wide-ranging and include light and healthy dishes as well as nightly options such as steak and fresh seafood.

If you feel like dining without the kids, treat yourself to a table at the reservations-only supper club. You'll need to slip on your jacket and pay a little extra, but this swish New York-style steak house is well worth it. The service is excellent, the wine list extensive and you can swing your partner around the dance floor to live music, in between courses.

If casual dining is more your thing you'll find plenty of easygoing eateries, serving tasty bistro-style dishes or there's a buffet offering a wide choice of international cuisine.