Carnival Cruise Ships Taking You Around The World

Ask anyone and they'd tell you they would love to go on a vacation away from work. But for many, that remains to be a dream waiting to be fulfilled. For others, it is a goal worthy of pursuit.

Vacation cruise is an activity that is fast gaining popularity. In 1980, an estimated 1.6 million Americans took vacation cruise. Fast forward to 2007 and you see that number rise up to a staggering 12 million. A survey would also reveal later on that among people who have gone on vacation, those who went on vacation cruise are the most satisfied. And among the most popular choice of these holiday goers is the fleet of Carnival Cruise ships.

Carnival Cruise ships are operated by Carnival Cruise Lines and has been in business since 1972 when it was founded by Ted Arison. Currently, it is a branded division within the Carnival Corporation & Plc., a corporation which is publicly traded and operates different cruise brands. Carnival ships are known for its glitzy, Las Vegas style entertainment and ship decoration. They are credited for pioneering the short and affordable cruises. They call their line of ships as the "Fun Ships" and offer a wide range of activities for all ages on board. Perhaps what Carnival Cruise ships are better known for is its trademark smokestack or funnel which is shaped like a whale's tail and painted red, white and blue.

Carnival Cruise ships are built with the goal of having everyone who walks up their gangway feels like they are boarding USS Fun. From its modest start, is fleet has grown to include twenty-two with other ships currently in construction and set to join the fleet sometime in 2011. Below is a timeline of the significant events that have transpired with the Carnival Cruise ships:

* It was in 1972 when Carnival's first ship, the TSS Mardi Gras set sail on its maiden voyage.

* In 1978, TSS Festivale would join the fleet with the recognition as the largest and fastest vessel that would sail from Miami to the Caribbean.

* In 1984, Carnival Cruise becomes the first cruise line that would launch advertisement on network television.

* In 1987, Carnival earns the distinction of being the Most Popular Cruise Line in the World having carried the most number of passengers than any other cruise line.

* In 2002, the 110,000 ton Carnival Conquest, the largest Fun ship ever constructed would make its debut.

* In 2009, the 130,000 ton Carnival Dream would enter the service in the month of October, earning the distinction of being the largest Fun ship in the fleet. Another ship of the same size would enter service in 2011.

The latest addition, the Carnival Dream has such features as the Thalassotherapy Pool. This pool has water jets that massage the body and which contains a special formulation of ocean water that is rich with vitamins and other trace mineral elements. This is perfect for health buffs as well as others who are less inclined but just the same want to relax their mind and body. Along this is the Cloud 9 Spa where you can pamper yourself to health massage and other treatment designed to de stress the mind, body and spirit.

It also has Carnival WaterWorks, a water activity center that features Twister Water Slides and Splash Parks. The place is perfect for the young people as well as for the young at heart to enjoy under the sun. Of course, the Las Vegas style fun and entertainment center is a standard feature as well as other activity centers that Carnival Cruise ships are well known for.