MIAMI (August 29, 2007) – When the Carnival Inspiration emerges from its month long dry dock in early October, it will be the first Carnival ship to feature a brand new adults-only area called “Serenity.”

Designed as an ocean-going oasis for relaxation, tranquility and comfort, the new “Serenity” areas are part of Carnival’s $250 million “Evolutions of Fun” ship enhancement initiative which is resulting in a dramatic transformation of the line’s eight “Fantasy-class” vessels.

The “Serenity” areas will be located in a secluded aft section of the ship that provides for spectacular ocean vistas. The stunning new design will feature plush chaise lounges and chairs. Colorful oversized umbrellas and a separate relaxation area will also provide the opportunity for guests to enjoy this new area in shaded comfort. Two whirlpools will be available to offer the ultimate relaxing escape.

Complete bar service will be provided by attentive waiters offering a tempting selection of icy cocktails and frozen concoctions. For guests interested in a snack or casual meal, the Lido Restaurant is conveniently located nearby.

“We continually strive to provide a high quality cruise vacation that provides our guests with a wide variety of choices and experiences,” said Vicki Freed, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Our new ‘Serenity’ retreat will provide another great new option for those seeking a relaxing alternative to the other exciting outdoor activities and entertainment facilities available on board,” she added.

The new “Serenity” adults-only areas are just one component of Carnival’s wide-ranging “Evolutions of Fun” initiative, cruising’s most ambitious ship enhancement program. Other new features to be incorporated into “Fantasy-class” vessels include the Carnival WaterWorks expansive aqua parks featuring 300-foot-long corkscrew water slides, double-lane racing slides and various water-spray apparatus, as well as a new design style and features for the main pool areas.

The Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Imagination will be the first two “Fantasy-class” ships to include all of the “Evolutions of Fun” enhancements, which are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. By 2009, all “Fantasy-class” ships are expected to be completed, including the “Serenity” areas and fabulous new transformation of the open decks.

Additional components of the “Evolutions of Fun” program include fully remodeled staterooms and suites including new bathrooms, flat-screen televisions in staterooms and select public areas, atrium lobby bars, updated sound and lighting systems in various lounges and clubs, coffee bars, nine-hole miniature golf courses, new art and photo galleries, New York-style delis in the Lido restaurants, and purpose-built conference facilities.

“Evolutions of Fun” also encompasses a number of family-friendly enhancements for the “Fantasy-class,” including new children’s play areas -- part of the line’s top-rated “Camp Carnival” program -- new facilities for the “Club O2” teen program, custom-designed spaces geared toward 12- to 14-year olds, and 50 interconnecting staterooms – perfect for large families or family gatherings.

The program also includes a complete overhaul of the 12,000-square-foot “Spa Carnival” facilities, with new private treatment rooms, state-of-the art exercise equipment and a host of cosmetic enhancements.

Are the adults on mass-market ships capable of being 'serene'? ( present company excepted. )

Actually the area may well provide a good place for guests to sit and contemplate life before they throw themselves off!

A real enhancement, sorry 'evolution of fun' would be to have a permanent 'Samaritans' office onboard - $50 a session.

Whoops, I've gone all cynical again.

[ 08-29-2007: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

As an aside I have often wondered why more kids don't go mssing on cruises ? I have met a few that would have been so easy to just pick up and then let go !!!

But seriously, there are adult only ships and I am surprised there are none sailing from the US. There are no children only [meaning family only] ships; they would be sailing virtually empty during term times. As pointed out, even Disney have adult only areas and I think most ships these days have adult only retreats? P&O & Princess limit the number of children aboard at any one time, more lines should try that as it does get bad when there are hoards of kids who then group together and can be a nuisance. Perhaps no more so than adults at times.

It's always the minority that give everyone a bad name though, kids or adults. On my last trip there were a number of children; unfortunately 2 were a nuisance to other pax, the rest were fine. [It doesn't help either when 2 adults took to lane swimming in the pool during the one hour set aside for children only. I did not see children in the water during the adult only times.]

Tolerance for all

One cruisetalker only takes Carnival when school is in session, on a 10 day or longer cruise, and on a Spirit/Vista ship only.

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Originally posted by eroller:
What is interesting is that the new "Serenity" area is in a relatively small section of an aft deck which is currently the kiddie pool. Ernie

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There seems to be little privacy from the above decks above, not that would be much of an issue? from the latest artist rendering I saw the kiddie pool goes away and 2 small jacuzzis are its replacement. How much noise comes off the back end of the ship? Would that make it Serene?

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Originally posted by nycruiser:
now now! Let children be children! [...]

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Originally posted by LeBarryboat:
I wonder what the age requirement will be for the new "Serenity" area? I mean....do you have to be a senior citizen? Funny they called this the "Serenity" area an adult only area....was it named after a certain undergarment product?

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I hadn't thought of that angle though I did take a slight detour to the idea of "sanctuary" from Logan's run