carnival tropicale cruise ship

This Carnival cruise ship made history. Now it's being scrapped.

Another icon of the early days of cruising has been sent to the scrappers.

Ocean Dream, which originally sailed as Carnival Cruise Line 's Tropicale, arrived at the scrapyards of Alang, India, on Friday after being idle for nearly a year due to the coronavirus crisis.

Unveiled in 1982, the 1,422-passenger ship was the first cruise vessel purpose-built for Carnival, and it played a significant role in the line's early growth.

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Ordered just eight years after Carnival's founding in 1972, the 10-deck-high ship was larger than the line's three existing vessels at the time -- Mardi Gras, Carnivale and Festivale. It also was the first true cruise ship at the line.

Carnival had bought its first three vessels on the second-hand market, and all were traditional ocean liners that the line had converted for use as cruise ships.

The addition of a purpose-built cruise ship to the Carnival fleet was thus a major milestone in the line's development. In part due to the success of the ship and three more, bigger vessels based on the same design that came later, Carnival grew rapidly and soon was able to begin buying up its rivals to become the world's biggest cruise company.

Now known as Carnival Corp., the company today operates nearly 90 cruise ships under not just the Carnival brand but eight other cruise brands including Princess Cruises, Holland America, Seabourn and Costa Cruises.

Built by Danish shipbuilder Aalborg Verft, Tropicale initially sailed from Miami to the Caribbean. But the vessel would go on to play an important role in launching Carnival cruises to other destinations such as Alaska and Mexico. Tropicale was the first Carnival ship to be based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, New Orleans and Tampa.

Tropicale was, notably, also the very first Carnival ship to boast one of the line's signature "whale tail" winged funnels -- a now-iconic design flourish dreamed up by the noted ship designer Joe Farcus. All Carnival ships since Tropicale have had one.

Tropicale left the Carnival fleet in 2000, transferring to sister line Costa Cruises. It sailed for Costa through 2005 as the Costa Tropicale before being transferred to another sister line, P&O Cruises Australia, to sail under the name Pacific Star. In 2008, the ship was transferred yet again, to Spanish line Pullmantur. It was there that it took on the name Ocean Dream.

A few years after that, the ship was sold to Peace Boat, a Japan-based non-governmental organization that runs educational voyages as part of its mission of working toward peace, human rights, environmental protection and sustainable development.

Peace Boat has purchased a former Princess Cruises ship to take Ocean Dream's place.

Tropicale is the oldest former Carnival ship still in existence. Once it is scrapped, the oldest former Carnival ship to still be in existence will be the 1987-built Celebration, which now sails for Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line as the Grand Celebration.

The scrapping of Tropicale comes just just six months after one of the most iconic ships from the early Royal Caribbean fleet, Sovereign of the Seas, was sent to the scrappers .

Related: Why the scrapping of Sovereign of the Seas is so heartbreaking

The ships are among a growing list of cruise vessels that have been sent to the scrappers in the past 10 months as the cruise industry experiences an unprecedented shutdown.

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• Carnival Tropicale ship (Ocean Dream) arrives in Alang, India to...

Carnival Tropicale ship (Ocean Dream) arrives in Alang, India to be scrapped

The first newbuild ship for CCL-Carnival Cruise Lines (launched in 1981) ended her 39-year career. Introduced in mid-January 1982 as Carnival Tropicale , on January 1, 2021, the industry's pioneering liner was beached at India's Alang Shipbreaking Yard .

Tropicale entered service sailing from Miami  to the Caribbean, but also became a pioneer for the company sailing to Alaska and Mexico and later being homeported in New Orleans (Port NOLA, Louisiana) and Tampa Florida . As a modern cruise ship, she featured the latest amenities and used bright colors in her decor that echoed the fun ship marketing. Tropicale was also Carnival's first "Fun Ship" with a winged funnel shape (aka whale tail) that became one of CCL's signature vessel design elements.

The last decade of Tropicale's career saw the liner operating for the Japanese NGO Peace Boat under the name "Ocean Dream". Peace Boat operated world voyages and short cruises (all itineraries leaving roundtrip from Japan) until the pandemic hit in March 2020. Though Peace Boat had announced plans to expand the bareboat charter operations with a second ship in 2020 ( Pullmantur Zenith ), both contracts were terminated and the vessels were laid up. 

In September 2020, the company announced it was retiring Ocean Dream and when her world voyages resumed they would be operated on a newer, bigger cruise ship. Princess Cruises ’ Sun Princess was bought and renamed Pacific World to continue the world cruises of Peace Boat.

Ocean Dream (Carnival Tropicale) became a victim of the pandemic. Outdated by the industry's growth, the passenger liner was sold for scrap .

Archives: Carnival Tropicale

• October 15, 2011

The Carnival Tropicale was the first new ship built for Carnival Cruise Lines, launching in the early 1980s. She was transferred to Costa Crociere in 2001 and currently sails as the Ocean Dream for Pullmantur Cruises.

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13 Former Carnival Ships – Where Are They Now?

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• November 17, 2020
• 2.8K shares

Carnival Cruise Line, formed in 1972, is known today as the most popular cruise line in the world.

Since its conception, the cruise line has had eleven ships that are no longer sailing with them, five of them added to the list after the cruise industry shut down in 2020.

Some have been scrapped, and some continue to sail under other cruise lines today.

Check out a bit of history behind the twelve former ships and see where they are now.

1. Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras was sold to Carnival from Canadian Pacific in 1972 and was just over 18,000 gross registered tons. She sailed under the Carnival flag until 1993 and was then sold to Epirotiki.

Many names and a few cruise lines later, the ship was laid up and ultimately sold for scrap in 2003. She was in service for a total of 42 years.

In 2021, Carnival will debut the new Mardi Gras , the largest ship in the fleet. It will feature BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, as well as a variety of new dining and bar venues.

2. Carnivale

Before being sold to Carnival in 1976, Carnivale was called Queen Ann Maria for the operator Greek Line. In 1993, Carnival transferred her over to a subsidiary cruise line, Fiesta Marina Cruises.

After a few other cruise lines and the ultimate name of Topaz sailing under the Peace Boat Organization, she was retired and laid up in April 2008.

The ship was beached in India to be scrapped that summer, and the process was completed in 2009.

3. Festivale

Carnival acquired Festivale in 1977 from the South African Marine Corporation. She was originally a mail service ocean liner, but when Carnival bought her, they refit her into a cruise ship in Japan for $30 million.

A few cruise lines later, she ended up with Premier Cruise Line, sailing under the name Big Red Boat III . When Premier went bankrupt in 2000, the ship was seized, and Big Red Boat III was ultimately scrapped in 2003.

4. Tropicale

Tropicale was a monumental ship for Carnival, as she was their very first new build. She began sailing in 1982, mainly in the Caribbean.

The ship was then transferred to Costa as Costa Tropicale , then to P&O Australia as the Pacific Star.

After that, she was sold to Pullmantur Cruises, refurbished, and sailed as Ocean Dream . As of 2012, Ocean Dream left Pullmantur and was chartered to Peace Boat.

In January 2021, the ship was scrapped.

Holiday was Carnival’s second purpose-built cruise ship. Constructed in Denmark, Holiday entered service in 1985. In 2003, she was refurbished, and in 2005, during Hurricane Katrina, she was used as temporary housing for victims of the storm.

She sailed from Alabama to the western Caribbean until 2009, when she was transferred to the fleet of Iberocruceros, another cruise line owned by Carnival Corp. and renamed Grand Holiday .

After that, she was transferred to the Ibero Cruises fleet and was transformed into a floating hotel for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. In 2014, she was sold to the British cruise line Cruise & Maritime Voyages and sailed for them under the name Magellan .

After CMV ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy in July 2020, Greek ferry operator SeaJets purchased Magellan at auction in October 2020 for $3.4 million.

Seajets is planning to turn the ship into a floating hotel in Liverpool for the 2021 Grand National, but she was resold for scrap due to high operating costs. She was renamed Mages and sailed to Alang, India, for scrapping in January 2021.

6. Celebration

Celebration was built for Carnival in 1986 in Sweden. She sailed for them until 2008, when she underwent a refurbishment and began sailing for Iberocruceros as the Grand Celebration .

In May 2014, she was transferred to Costa, and after a very short-lived run (she was actually sold the day before her first Costa cruise), she was acquired by the newly formed Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line to begin sailing in February 2015.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line sold the ship in November 2020 , and she was beached in Alang, Turkey, on January 14, 2021, for scrapping.

Jubilee was built in Sweden in 1986 for Carnival Cruise Line, and Celebration and Holiday were her near-sister ships. In 2004, she was transferred to P&O Cruises Australia and renamed Pacific Sun .

In 2012, Pacific Sun left P&O and was sold to HNA Cruises, who named her Henna . She sailed for them until November 2015, when HNA shut down operations after three years of losing money.

The ship was sold and scrapped at the Alang, India yard in 2017.

Read More: Former Carnival Cruise Ship Getting Scrapped

8. Carnival Fantasy

Fantasy was the first ship in Carnival’s new Fantasy class when she entered service in March 1990. Built at Kavaerner Masa-Yards in Helsinki, Finland, the ship initially sailed Caribbean cruises from Miami.

In 2007, the ship was re-christened Carnival Fantasy and refurbished in 2008, 2016, and 2019. She sailed for Carnival for 30 years until the cruise industry shutdown in March 2020.

In July 2020, Carnival sold the ship, and it was scrapped in Aliaga, Turkey.

LAST LOOK: Remembering Carnival Fantasy [PHOTOS]

9. Carnival Ecstasy

Carnival Ecstasy debuted in 1991, and it is the second ship in the Fantasy Class.

As one of the most versatile and popular vessels in the “Fun Ship” fleet, her over-the-top Joe Farcus-designed interiors became a fan-favorite, including the iconic 1934 Rolls-Royce Saloon, which was later relocated to the Gateway on Carnival Celebration.

In February 2022, Carnival announced the retirement of Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Sensation from the fleet. Unlike Sensation, Ecstasy resumed its regular service in Mobile, Alabama, from March to October 2022.

It is the only ship out of the six other retired Fantasy-class ships that offered a farewell cruise season to its guests.

The last voyage happened from October 10 to 15, 2022. In November 2022, the ship arrived at the Aliağa scrapyards in Turkey for scrapping.

10. Carnival Sensation

Launched in 1993, the Carnival Sensation was one of the early stars of Carnival Cruise Line’s Fantasy-class ships. Built in Finland, she joined her sisters Fantasy, Ecstasy, and Imagination in bringing a more casual and fun-focused approach to cruising.

Back then, she was considered quite the modern marvel, boasting features like the seven-deck-high neon-splashed atrium, a tiered lido deck, and even a 24-hour pizzeria. Her inaugural season saw her setting sail from Miami, whisking passengers away to the Bahamas and the Caribbean on sunny escapes.

Over the years, the Sensation saw several renovations and updates, adding balconies to cabins and sprucing up public spaces. She also switched home ports a few times, spending stints in Tampa and Port Canaveral before returning to Miami.

In 2022, the Sensation’s time came to an end. After nearly 30 years of service, she was sold for scrap.

11. Carnival Fascination

Fascination entered service in 1994 as the fourth member of Carnival Cruise Line’s Fantasy class. The ship was built, like her sisters, in the Kavaerner Masa-Yards in Helsinki, Finland. She was re-christened Carnival Fascination in 2007.

In her 26 years of operating for Carnival, she received refurbishments and upgrades in 2006, 2010, and 2013. Fascination cruised from New York, San Juan, and Jacksonville.

In July 2020, Fascination entered long-term layup status and was sold to a disclosed buyer, later revealed to be an Asian company, for use as a floating hotel. In November, she underwent a name change from Carnival Fascination to Century Harmony .

However, due to strict Chinese policy, the ship wasn’t able to sail. In October 2021, she was sold for scrap and arrived at Gadani, Pakistan, in February 2022 as Y Harmony .

12. Carnival Imagination

Like her Fantasy-class sisters, Imagination was built at Kavaerner Masa-Yards in Helsinki, Finland. The ship entered service in 1995 and most recently sailed Mexican Riviera itineraries from Long Beach, California.

The ship was renamed Carnival Imagination in 2007 and was refurbished most recently in 2016.

The vessel entered long-term layup status in July 2020; Carnival announced the ship had been sold for scrap in August 2020 and was sent to the scrapyard in Aliaga, Turkey.

Last Look: Remembering Carnival Imagination [PHOTOS]

13. Carnival Inspiration

Built in 1996 at the Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Helsinki, Finland, Inspiration was the fifth entry in the Fantasy class. Renamed Carnival Inspiration in 2007, the ship was most recently refurbished in 2010.

The ship sailed Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, California. After the cruise industry shut down in March 2020, Carnival announced in July that the ship and Carnival Fantasy had been sold for scrap and sent to the shipbreakers in Aliaga, Turkey.

Last Look: Remembering Carnival Inspiration [PHOTOS]

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Carnival Celebration

EXPERIENCE LIKE THAT… BUILDS SHIPS LIKE THIS!

Welcome Carnival Celebration, now sailing from Miami,

filled with so much fun. Let's get packing!

A unique partnership brings Space Cruisers™ to kids ages 2–11… and Carnival Celebration is the first ship on Earth where you’ll find it!

STAGE PERFORMANCES THAT MIX SONG, DANCE AND A SPECIAL SOMETHING EXTRA WOW YOU ON CARNIVAL CELEBRATION

YOUR INNER EXPLORER WILL LOVE IT! THERE’S A WORLD OF FUN TO TAKE IN AT THE GATEWAY ZONE.

CARNIVAL CELEBRATION: GREAT FUN TOGETHER, ALL POWERED BY LNG

You know, it’s hard work making effortlessly-fun vacations. That’s why we’re looking forward to kicking back with you on the new Carnival Celebration as we toast to the last 50 years. So please bring that unique Carnival spirit... and know that this ship’s bringing the fun. Just like sister ship Mardi Gras ® , Carnival Celebration has six Zones — themed areas that bring together incredible experiences and flavor. New flavors you haven’t experienced yet — nobody has! — are heating up at Latitudes™ , The Golden Jubilee™ and Emeril’s Bistro 1397™ . (Mmm, new Emeril.) Carnival Celebration also marks the return of innovations like BOLT ® — our onboard rollercoaster, Bonsai Teppanyaki™ , RedFrog ® Tiki Bar , Family Feud™ Live , Havana Bar™ , Seuss at Sea™ , and Playlist Productions™ . Perhaps best of all, all the fun you’ll have on Carnival Celebration is powered by clean LNG fuel!

MEET THE GODMOTHER

It’s Cassidy Gifford! We all know Cassidy’s mom, Kathie Lee Gifford, from some of the most memorable moments in Carnival’s history. But among Kathie Lee’s proudest accomplishments is definitely her daughter, who’s now serving as godmother to Carnival Celebration. (Just as Kathie Lee did for the original M.S. Celebration!) Cassidy grew up around Carnival, spending countless family vacations at sea, and plenty of time on the set of TV shoots… which she still does today — Cassidy’s an actress. We can’t wait to welcome both daughter and mother aboard this amazing ship!

MEET THE NAMING CEREMONY

New ships usually start sailing with a naming ceremony, to help send the ship on its way with everyone’s best wishes. But you can probably guess that when Carnival does a naming ceremony, it’s all that… plus a show, plus a party! For Carnival Celebration this involved the ship’s godmother Cassidy Gifford and her mom, Carnival legend Kathie Lee. Plenty of other fun folks were on-hand, including Emeril, who was there to cut the ribbon at his new restaurant, Bistro 1397… and the whole event coincided with the big ribbon cutting of the amazing Terminal F at PortMiami. Now that’s what we call a naming! Let’s sail!

LET’S CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF VACATIONING OUR WAY

Carnival Celebration ® has six Zones to explore, and each gets you deep into fun. Stay and play a while, relax with refreshment and more.

Celebration Central

Celebration Central is designed to make an impression… and that’s good because it’s going to be your first one! You can count on Carnival Celebration’s atrium to set the vacay vibes for your whole cruise. Look up and you’re honestly in for an eyeful — floor-to-ceiling windows, 14-foot LED screens, a ceiling of 1,400 color-changing lights… everything points to BIG FUN happening in here. And even if you’re just passing through, know that you’ll definitely be back later. Center Stage features a rotating selection of live entertainment, while Tropicale Bar serves up great drinks with a nostalgia chaser nodding to our first ship to sport the iconic red, white and blue funnel. Aquaria Bar features an ocean-themed glass mural pulled from Carnival Victory that’s now a two-deck high decorative wall. (Also: great drinks here too!) Then there’s fan-faves, from cups of comfort at JavaBlue ™ Café to great eats at Bonsai Sushi ™ and Bonsai Teppanyaki ™ , and some very entertaining reasons to come back, like Piano Bar 88 , The Punchliner Comedy Club ™ and more.

The Gateway

When you’re cruising on Carnival Celebration there’s just so much destination to be found… even right on board. That’s because here, in The Gateway zone, “international flavor” isn’t just an expression, but a way of life! Design, décor, cuisine and even the entertainment is inspired by grand locations, landmarks from around the world. You’ll find a rotating selection of these vistas brilliantly displayed right on the innovative LED windows and ceiling, plus theme nights that match — including Abroad in Europe, Far East Voyage and Mexico Lindo — which each feature food, drink and entertainment to match. But every moment is a special occasion thanks to onboard spots that are proud to import their flavor from all over. We’re talking restaurants and bars like Latitudes ™ with its old-school railway station vibe, The Golden Jubilee ™ featuring a unique mix of great drinks and live music, plus Emeril’s Bistro 1397 ™ , which is deliciously all over the map. And don’t miss your chance to sip a little cocktail magic at returning fan-favorite Alchemy Bar ® .

Summer Landing

Go ahead and call Summer Landing 'the greatest chill spot at sea'... and we'll be right there with you, any time of year! What's three letters long and goes great with chilling outdoors? BBQ, so we're building a Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse into this zone so it always tastes like summer here with freshly-smoked faves designed by Guy Fieri and original Parched Pig ® beers brewed just feet away. If you're wondering where the pool and whirlpool are, we're so alike, you and us... and that's why we're sure you're gonna love The Watering Hole , a poolside bar we're building for aficionados of backyard-style relaxation. And for military folks — or folks who just want to raise a glass to them — please report to Heroes Tribute ™ Lounge for great service. We know you guys like soft serve too, so we're throwing in a Swirls ™ location — one of two! And why wouldn't we? At Summer Landing, fun this cool is literally always in season.

820 Biscayne

We’re at home anywhere we sail… but you can only have one hometown, and for Carnival that is unmistakably Miami. So it’s not hard at all to locate the inspiration for 820 Biscayne on Carnival Celebration. If you’re wondering about the nameplate, that’s the address where it all got started — but nobody has to wonder where all the fun, flavor and good looks you’ll find in this zone were sourced. After all, it’s so authentically Miami… just check out the art deco designs, neon splashes and great flavors! On that note there’s Bar 820 for tropical cocktails and Cuban coffee, plus Deco Deli serving up a selection of classic sandwiches… Cuban faves included. And while Miami isn’t quite known as a pizza town, we don’t think you’ll mind that we’re serving up the cheesy stuff until 4 a.m. at Miami Slice . (Roll up your sleeves and dig in!) And like any cosmopolitan center, dining quality and variety counts big. That’s why you’ll find Cucina del Capitano and Rudi’s Seagrill restaurants in the neighborhood.

If you’ve cruised with us before, you know Lido ... but aboard Carnival Celebration ® this poolside zone features even more delicious and fun experiences among the familiar flavors. Evolving the classic poolside rum-bar was a tall order, but RedFrog Tiki Bar will be serving up the good stuff across two decks’ worth of South Pacific atmosphere. Also first-time-fresh is Street Eats , bringing together highlights from the world’s fast-good cuisine like kebab, bao buns and seriously upgraded fries. Shaq’s latest Big Chicken ™ restaurant is here, and fan-fave spots like Guy’s Burger Joint ™ , the New England-inspired Seafood Shack ™ , and BlueIguana Cantina ™ taco spot aren’t done with your taste buds yet. And for folks hoping we haven’t forgotten: yes, Lido is absolutely home to one of two Swirls ™ locations, the free soft-serve spot!

THE ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND

Don't let the name fool you — this zone is ages everybody and up. Kids, you're going to love this. And adults, the playground has grown up with you. So yay for play! Of course The Ultimate Playground starts with BOLT ® , the first rollercoaster at sea, an all-electric thrill ride that puts the power of speed in your hands. But that's only the beginning — this playground has the largest Carnival WaterWorks ™ ever with three huge spiraling slides, plus SportSquare ™ is here featuring an entire mini-golf course, full-court basketball and a ropes course. And, of course, more. Ultimate enough for you?

LET’S CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF PACKING LOADS OF FUN TO GO

Carnival Celebration ® welcomes back so many fun fan favorites… while inviting hot new innovations along for one spectacular ride.

BOLT: ULTIMATE SEA COASTER

Aboard Carnival Celebration ® you’ll meet BOLT ® : the fastest — and first! — rollercoaster at sea. Strap in and zoom your motorcycle-style speed machine around an open-air course high, high above sea level. You know how on most rollercoasters... actually, never mind. Forget other coasters because this all-electric thrill ride puts you in the driver’s seat. That means you actually get to control how fast you go, so hit the gas and try for the fastest time, go for the biggest thrill — plus some amazing 360° ocean views! And for the folks who choose to chill: go light on the pedal, and this just might be the coaster for you!

Space Cruisers

Exploration is one reason we love Carnival cruises, but why stop at the seas? For cruisers ages 2–11, there’s a new vacation experience introducing kids at Camp Ocean to the wonder of space exploration. Space Cruisers ™ , debuting on Carnival Celebration, was developed in partnership with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, so budding astronomy fans can enjoy NASA-inspired activities to help them blast off to a love of the cosmos. Activities vary by age group, but some include designing a personal mission patch, building and racing Mars Rovers, designing and testing bridge physics, playing space-themed bingo, plus hands-on learning about how objects orbit in space. 3, 2, 1… FUN!

The classic railway-inspired mechanical flap board is definitely the first thing you’ll notice about Latitudes ™ , but what sticks with you about this bar may just be something else. For instance, the drinks: specialty cocktails crafted not just to refresh, not merely to delight… but to actually match the scenery. What scenery, you’re wondering? At Latitudes no matter where we’re sailing, the views come to you from any corner of the world. Innovative virtual windows invite you to take in some of Earth’s most breathtaking views as you sit back and sip something delicious, whether you’re here for a special event, an occasion celebration… or simply a delicious departure from the ordinary.

Family Feud Live

The show has been delighting viewers at home for generations, but you never had the chance to buzz-in on a cruise ship… until now! Carnival ships are the only place you’ll find Family Feud™ Live, and on every sailing we’ll be hosting games on an authentic Family Feud™ set — right down to the iconic Face-Off podium, plus all the excitement of Fast Money. Family Feud Live will be emceed by none other than your cruise director, so if you’re game, sign up your team of five for an audition… and make sure they bring that Family Feud spirit. And, of course, everybody’s welcome to grab a seat in the audience to catch all the hilarious action!

For those who flock to waterparks just ready to make a splash, we’d suggest sliding on over to WaterWorks ™ aboard Carnival Celebration ® . Three large-scale spiraling slides, a giant dumping bucket, twin racing slides and more — you know, the works — are all practically overflowing for your hydro-delight. When you spot the big slides on board you’ll see that they mean business, splashy business: Blue Lightning ™ is packed with headfirst, high-speed twists and turns, while Orange Thunder ™ starts you off standing before propelling you down into a world of wetness… and of course, our signature Twister ™ slide keeps on thrilling splash-seekers.

CENTER STAGE + PLAYLIST PRODUCTIONS

They’re not plays, they’re not exactly concerts… these shows are something else entirely. Every performances is built on amazing songs you know and love, presented like you’ve never seen before. Multi-talented performers fill the stage with song, dance... and superstar attitude. Then they sometimes leave the stage behind, like in The Most Magnificent Circus and We Are One where they soar above the audience. Or Color My World , a show where they break into actual live-graffiti painting, right on stage. Carnival Celebration plays host to a lineup of all-new shows, plus fan-favorites Celestial Strings , which reimagines rock and pop favorites as symphonic classical compositions, and Amor Cubano with the rhythmic sounds of today’s Latin hits.

SERENITY ADULT-ONLY RETREAT

Somebody at Carnival knows just what you need, and it's pretty much exactly the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ . Look, you'll still be on the same ship as the kids, the hoopla, and all the Carnival-style excitement... but you could easily forget, because when you're at Serenity you could not be further from it all. The world you'll find yourself in is one of complete peace, sea breezes and, of course, a nearby bar. It's the place to get done the kind of stuff you just can't seem to do anywhere else — reconnect with your partner, finish that book, or do absolutely, blissfully, nothing at all.

The Golden Jubilee

Even when you’re looking to the future, you still think about the past. So that’s why — if you were us — you might pay tribute to 50 years of Carnival fun and history by creating a space like The Golden Jubilee ™ ! The atmosphere makes you want to grab a vintage cocktail (lucky for you, that’s the house specialty) and raise a glass with your neighbor… but this bar is just as much an entertainment spot, helping the good times flow with a stage that puts you up close to live performances. The décor transports you decades back through time, and this aesthetic is made of actual artifacts from Carnival ships of the past, mixed with design elements inspired by our earliest ships. Outside, there’s even a Carnival history exhibit! They built great stuff back then, and we still do! This may just remind you to think about the fun history you’re creating throughout your vacation.

CLOUD 9 SPA

True or false: cruises are a time for relaxation. Our answer: whether you're all action all the time, or chill to the core, everybody needs a chance to take it easy! And nobody will find an easier spot than Cloud 9 Spa ™ aboard Carnival Celebration ® . This is an oasis built from the ground up for relaxation, from a full complement of traditional spa services like massages, facials, body wraps to the carefully-designed climates of Cloud 9's thermal suites... rooms swirling with moist or dry air, each heated very precisely. It turns out it's true: anyone can find a reason to say 'ahhh' at Carnival Celebration's Cloud 9 Spa.

THE PUNCHLINER COMEDY CLUB

Carnival Celebration ® has its own Punchliner Comedy Club in the Celebration Central zone, and up on stage you’ll find some real pros who know how to wedge a little laughter into anyone’s evening. You can count on these comedians to not hold back either. Since some of them get up and say exactly what’s on their mind, we also schedule family-friendly performances… so the only red faces in the audience are from laughing a little too hard.

SO THAT’S ALL THE FUN ON CARNIVAL CELEBRATION ® ?

LET’S CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF PUTTING FLAVOR WHERE IT COUNTS

Carnival Celebration ® connects our chefs’ savvy with your plate at every mealtime, snacktime and pizza-time (that one’s open anytime until 4 a.m.!).

Emeril's Bistro 1397

Emeril’s second restaurant at sea does something a little different. While the heart of Emeril’s Bistro 1397 ™ is in the same delicious place — his hometown Creole dishes from New Orleans — the new restaurant also keeps its passport at the ready, collecting extra flavor inspiration from every corner of the world. Then it serves up international dishes… all with Emeril’s signature culinary flair! From one day to the next you’ll find new stuff on the menu — so make sure to come back and see what surprising specialties are ready to delight you for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Cucina del Capitano

At Cucina del Capitano ® on Carnival Celebration ® , who you’ve got gathered around the table is truly as important as what’s being served there. At our table you’ll enjoy delicious Italian favorites — we serve them family-style because we know that sharing large plates and sharing tales of your day’s adventures goes hand-in-hand. Speaking of which, our walls are adorned with old snapshots from our officers’ family albums, proving that the rustic Italian-farmhouse atmosphere definitely isn’t for show. Tip: Great news! Your first meal at Cucina del Capitano is on the house… and additional visits are just $8.

Big Chicken

When Shaq tells you to build a chicken joint on board, you start warming up immediately. The big guy brings his poultry know-how and good taste to the seas with Big Chicken ™ on Carnival Celebration ® . Just like Shaq’s a multitalented entertainer, his restaurant is no one-trick chick. Step up to the counter for lunch or dinner and walk away with your choice of chicken sandwiches, crispy chicken strips or juicy fried chicken baskets... plus side dishes like potato salad and jalapeño slaw. Early-morning buzzer-beaters are invited to enjoy a breakfast of classics like chicken biscuits, a three-cheese omelet or our biscuit/egg combo featuring bacon or sausage. Snoozers are invited, too — breakfast is served until 3!

Rudi’s Seagrill

Rudi’s Seagrill ™ is the brainchild of cookbook author and master chef Rudi Sodamin. He has years of experience pleasing palates of vacationers… and this guy loves serving up a smile as much as Carnival does! But he’s serious about seafood, and an evening at Rudi’s proves it through the courses. Enjoy selections like seafood bisque and crab-stuffed lobster tail imperial — all served with an elegant flair that pays proper tribute to the beauty of the ocean from which so much fun, and flavor, arises.

Bonsai Teppanyaki

It’s a meal, a performance, and it’s definitely unforgettable. The Bonsai Teppanyaki ™ experience is set to delight guests aboard Carnival Celebration ® . Take a little time out of vacation to sit down to a selection of tempting appetizers, before your chef prepares the main course featuring selections of meats, tofu, fish, shrimp or lobster… right at your table. In the teppanyaki tradition — and Carnival’s tradition of fun — expect an interactive, satisfying meal full of surprise and delicious delight.

Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse

With choices like brisket, sausage, baby back ribs and dry-rubbed chicken, our pros do the smoking right there over hickory wood before serving them up at your table. You’re in Guy Fieri’s house — Carnival Celebration ® has Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse. Now about the brews: this house of BBQ tradition doesn’t just satisfy your hunger — you’ll also enjoy our all-new, exclusive line of Parched Pig ™ craft brews. There’s a smoked porter, a farmhouse ale, a hoppy IPA and a toasted amber, all brewed just feet from your table. Tip: Come by and check out the free menu at lunchtime, plus live music and lively atmosphere all day.

Bonsai Sushi

So maybe you’ve had sushi before, but have you tried it at Bonsai Sushi ™ ? This is Carnival’s onboard seafood-and-soy-sauce spot, and we think you’ll enjoy our latest location, aboard Carnival Celebration ® . Dine indoors or out amidst carefully-pruned bonsai trees, while enjoying a delectable menu with sit-down service. Rounding out the meal: soups, sides, sakes and desserts. So the next time you’re taking a stroll down the onboard promenade, stop at Bonsai Sushi for a roll, a box or maybe order a whole sushi ship — seaborne satisfaction for two.

Guy's Burger Joint

We call Carnival Celebration ® 's onboard burger spot Guy’s Burger Joint ™ . We teamed up with Guy Fieri to design not just the burgers and fries, but to help bring in the kind of rustic atmosphere you’d find at a roadside burger shack somewhere off a coastal highway. All signs point to ambiance — and serious flavor — so try a burger dressed up the way Guy likes it, or take it off-roading… to the nearby topping bar, where you can make it your own.

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse

Haute cuisine meets atmosphere at Fahrenheit 555 ™ , a dining experience that stands toe-to-toe with some of the best steakhouses on land. Except this one’s at sea — aboard Carnival Celebration ® . Ours features your choice of steak cuts, lobster, lamb and more… and inside, there’s even a full bar that pours great pairings. These are the building blocks of an amazing experience — delectable elements that combine with great service to offer an evening to remember.

Street Eats

Some of the world’s favorite flavors aren’t found in restaurants, but on the street in trucks, stalls and carts where flavor, convenience... and quality matter. That’s right, when you’re just feet from the chef, you know they’re cooking to impress! Street Eats is Carnival’s tribute to this food phenomenon, with three ever-changing open-air stations. The first, Steam Dream , specializes in the steamiest stuff this side of the spa, featuring favorites like bao buns and pot stickers. Then there’s Mad Sizzle , which puts the “skill” in skillet with the likes of kebab and satay. And we’re definitely not about to forget Time Fries , which serves up every cruiser’s dream: fries loaded up with culinary creations from our chefs, like cheesesteak fries! On Carnival Celebration ® you may be far from the street, but flavor’s right around the corner.

Seafood Shack

A good seafood dish… mmm, quite the catch. However you like yours — roll, bowl or platter — Seafood Shack ™ is Carnival Celebration's place for you to cast your net. Imagine a seaside spot in New England, where the locals gather for great meals served with a bit of a breeze and a lot of a view. (That said, nowhere on land will you get 360-degree ocean views like ours!) Look to Seafood Shack for rustic favorites like Crab Cake Sliders, Lobster BLT, Fried Buffalo Shrimp, Snow Crab and more. Steer a course for Carnival Celebration ® ... that’s where you’ll find this little shack by the sea, wherever in the world you happen to be!

AND THAT WAS JUST THE FIRST COURSE!

LET’S CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF AMAZING HOMES AWAY FROM HOME

Carnival Celebration ® wouldn’t be complete without a place for you to settle in and recharge after a long day’s fun. And we have so many choices to fit you just right.

STATEROOM DESIGN

Design is more than just the way things look — it's as much about how they work. And staterooms aboard Carnival Celebration ® are packed with innovative changes to both. It's the way the ring-lit vanity mirror lights you evenly and shadow-free as you get ready. How the ottoman cushion flips over to serve as an extra table. And even those reading lights, recessed into the wall so you can read in bed without waking anyone! These details are really more than just details. Better comfort, lighting and storage all spring from a deep understanding we've developed around how people actually use their staterooms… and how small changes to the room add up to make the experience that much better. (Enough USB charging ports for everybody’s stuff? Oh yes!) Thoughtful, guest-centric design is how we do it… and all this in-room convenience comes paired with a fresh new look.

Havana Staterooms & Suites

Consider your Havana stateroom or suite your own island resort aboard Carnival Celebration ® . Most important is the exclusive location: near the Havana Bar & Pool. This relaxation pool is your members-only spot, and the bar's a fun-for-all hotspot when the sun goes down. Indoors, all Havana staterooms feature a unique décor, but step up to a Havana Cabana for an extra-large outdoor chill space. Step into a Havana Cabana suite for even more space, plus a luxurious rain shower. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms & Suites

Cloud 9 Spa ™ staterooms on Carnival Celebration ® feature exclusive décor and in-room amenities to help soothe you after a long day’s fun — spa bathrobes and slippers, plus toiletries by Elemis. Book one of these staterooms and enjoy priority spa reservations, unlimited access to the thermal suites, free fitness classes, exclusive discounts and more! And you can have comfort and value — Carnival Celebration's got a full range of Cloud 9 staterooms in all sizes, from cozy Interiors to stretch-out Suites.

Family Harbor Staterooms & Suites

Family Harbor staterooms, with their unique nautical décor, can be found near Carnival Celebration’ own Family Harbor Lounge — an exclusive spot with breakfast, snacks during the day, plus board games, family movies, video games and more. The benefits don’t end there — your little girls and boys eat free in most onboard specialty restaurants and get a free evening of Night Owls babysitting service, so you can enjoy a little alone time.

Interior Staterooms

Here’s the most affordable way to experience Carnival Celebration ® , without cutting even a single corner in the comfort department. With an Interior stateroom you’ll get a full private bathroom, your choice of bed size and layout — covered in linens you can feel at home in — all of which make this truly a great spot for curling up after a long day’s fun.

Ocean View Staterooms

These comfy rooms with a view let you take in the scenery as you sail toward your beautiful destinations. And how about those views? Nowhere on land will you find anything like ‘em. But the views aren’t all that matters here — Ocean View staterooms on Carnival Celebration ® are a little bit bigger than Interior rooms and most feature a supremely loungeable couch for those times when neither lying nor standing will do.

Balcony Staterooms

Balcony staterooms are proof that while it’s great to be cruisey… on vacation, breeziness is a virtue too. And any time you’re in your well-appointed Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Celebration ® , you’re just steps away from the outdoors by way of your private open-air oasis. Designed for kicking back al fresco, you’re in for some amazing ocean views… views so stunning you’ll just have to feel ‘em to believe ‘em.

Get all the comforts of home, and even a few extras. Since your huge Suite on Carnival Celebration ® affords you VIP status, you're in the priority line when getting on and off the ship… plus Suites come with exclusive perks! (Carnival Excel Suites pack even more, like concierge service and access to Loft 19™.) A Suite is the ultimate way to enjoy the ship, and the extra comfort definitely goes a long way, with more room to put your feet up or stretch out on the extra-large balcony.

Loft 19 ™ was designed to afford you a unique opportunity for relaxation and indulgence. This retreat-style space invites you to soak up the sun all day from the comfort of a lounge chair or infinity whirlpool. This pairs so perfectly with Carnival Excel suites that staying in one actually gets you Loft 19 access! Drink service is always close at hand, plus you can even opt for a little private time — renting a cabana gets you more than just a place in the shade, but extras like fresh fruit, chilled towels, lunch delivery and concierge service. (Cabana rentals are open to everyone, though guests in Carnival Excel-level suites enjoy priority reservations.)

LET’S CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF CRAFTING REALLY BIG THINGS

Carnival Celebration has gone from the drawing board to the seas! Explore this a map of the ship, and start fueling your vacation dreams.

LET’S CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF HEADLINES THAT INSPIRE

Carnival Celebration had people talking before they even got their first look. And now that everybody’s sailing? Looking good! Find the latest news and announcements right here.

• What Ever Happened To........???

Carnival Tropicale ship??

By carnivalfancruiser , January 5, 2009 in What Ever Happened To........???

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carnivalfancruiser

The first ship I cruise was Tropicale and Hurricane George was heading in for US. But we had a wonderful time and weather was perfect.:cool:

But it was a couple years later I last heard of Tropicale ship or seen in Tampa port.:mad:

Then Sensation, Fascination, and Celebration was tampa ships:eek:

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Share on other sites.

I believe Tropicale became Costa Tropicale, and is now in Europe.

That was correct, until 2005 when Costa trasferred CostaTropicale to P&O Australia which named her Pacific Star and based her out of Singapore.

In late 2008, however, P&O Australia abbruptly sold her to Pullmantur who will call her Ocean Dream and use her in and around Aruba.

30 years is late middle age for a cruise ship, and the "old Tropicale" is 28!

The lack of private verandahs (only her top suites have them) dates her badly, although otherwise she appears to be in great shape

• 1 month later...

The Ocean Dream (formerly Tropicale / Costa Tropicale / Pacific Star ) is a cruise ship , built in 1981. The ship began sailing for Carnival Cruise Lines as the Tropicale in 1982. The Tropicale was Carnival's first newly built ship. Operating mainly in the Caribbean. She was transferred to the Costa fleet in July 2001 and renamed the Costa Tropicale . The Costa Tropicale was retired in 2005 and entered service for P&O Cruises Australia as the Pacific Star in December of that year . She was formerly Queensland’s latest cruise liner, she was based in Brisbane , performing cruises along the Tropical Queensland coast, to various islands in the South Pacific , New Caledonia , and to New Zealand . In March 2008, P&O Cruises Australia sold the Pacific Star to Pullmantur Cruises . She has been refurbished and is currently sailing as the Ocean Dream .

I remember being on the Carnivale July of 1981 and the chatter among the ships crew was the building on a new very modern ship, Tropicale. Time does fly. Almost 28 years ago

• 3 weeks later...

I remember when Tropical came to the west coast. She caused a stir and stoped traffic in the port of L.A. This was in the Early 80s. I never sailed on her, But did go onboard a couple times. This was before all the security they have today.

Tom in Long Beach.

journeymore

The Tropicale was also my first cruise experience. It was a southern carribean cruise in 3/1990. Great memories.

• 2 months later...

I was on her twice. Once in the spring of 1982 on a Mexican Riviera cruise and once in the Caribbean. Funny, on the Mexico cruise DH and I sailed with another couple. Just last week the other couple sent a photo of all of us the the ship and asked if I remembered the trip. Oh yea, we had a fun time. She was so modern for the time!

In late April, I did a Southern Caribbean cruise on the Caribbean Princess. The Ocean Dream (former Tropicale) was docked in Barbados and St. Lucia when were there. Other than the new funnel from her Costa days, the exterior of the ship has not changed much. However, it was interesting how small and dated this ship looked. When this ship entered service, it was one of the very first large (at that time, large was over 30,000 tons) modern cruise ships. Ships have certainly changed since the early 1980s.

• 2 weeks later...

HHIslandGirl

My second cruise (first on Carnival) was on the Tropicale...In fact, I just found a bunch of photos from that trip for the slideshow at my wedding reception...We had so much fun on that trip!

Ga-Fl Peach

My first cruise was on the Tropicale - she taught me to LOVE cruising! Trip was out of Tampa to Grand Cayman and Cancun. The rain began to pour as we entered GC - it was the first day of monsoon season, but we had fun at the Turtle Farm, Hell and Sting Ray City. I had flown in to dive in Cancun lots of times but it seemed so different coming in by sea. And the salemen there were so pushy at the dock that I have never wanted to go back.

I'm taking my first cruise in January and it will be on this ship. It is now "Ocean Dream" through Pullmantur. I have done some research and realize it is an older ship but it was renovated in 2005 so I am hoping that should help. Plus since we have never been on a cruise before maybe we won't notice. Our 7 night route will start in Cartagena, Colombia and we will travel on to Santa Marta, Colombia; Aruba; Bonair; Margarita Island, Venezula; Curacao and then enjoy one day at sea before returning to Cartagena.

For anyone who has been on this ship, how bad does it rock? Will we likely get sea sick? We will be on deck 5 in an interior room.

Oh and here is a video of how she is looking currently:

ms Tropicale (1981-present) Built in 1981 as Tropicale by Aalborg Værft A/S, Aalborg, Denmark for Carnival Cruise Line. She was the first of Carnival’s “new builds”, as a ll Carnival ships before her were older ships, either purchased or chartered from other companies. Tropicale became the prototype of all future Carnival ships and was also the first Carnival ship to feature their trademarks, a distinctive tall and winged “whale-tail” funnel painted red, white and blue, as well as a water slide into the midships pool.

As the company expanded and acquired larger ships, Carnival decided that Tropicale would be their 'test ship' for new or revised cruise itineraries and, as such, she was the first Carnival ship to be based in San Juan, PR, New Orleans, La, Seward, Alaska and Tampa, Fl . She operated out of Tampa, Fl on four-night cruises to Key West, Fl and Cozumel, Mexico and five-night cruises to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. She was also used on the U.S. west coast out of Los Angeles (San Pedro) for cruises to the Mexican Riviera in the winter and to Alaska in the summer season.

In 2000, she received an internal transfer to Italy-based Costa Cruises and subsequently underwent refits in Genoa, Italy over the course of 2001 and 2002 where she was customized for a European client base. She served with the company until 2005, when replacement by larger, more modern cruise ships prompted a transfer to P&O Cruises Australia.

She was given another refit to the tune of $20 million, making her suitable for the Australian cruise market.

__________________

In December 2005, she entered service with P & O Australia Cruises as Pacific Star, home-based at Brisbane from where she cruised Queensland’s coastline as well as the South Pacific Islands of Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, the Loyalty Islands and onto New Zealand.

She was acquired by Spain-based tour operator (and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd subsidiary) Pullmantur Cruises in March 2008 and after yet another refit in Singapore, is currently cruising for them as Ocean Dream.

I just returned this afternoon from cruising on the old Tropicale's sister ship - the Holiday out of Mobile, Alabama. It really brought back memories of sailing on the Tropicale and was a wonderful 5 day cruise to Cozumel and Calica/Playa de Carmen! Several cruisers said the Holiday reminded them of cruising on the grand old ships of yesterday.

November 10th (2009) a newer ship, the Fantasy will be the ship Carnival uses for the Mobile venue. So if you want a wonderful cruise, take the Holiday before she is gone. ;)

Carnvial Tropicale was my first cruise also. We took her in October 98-it was a 4 day to Cozumel and key West. We loved her-and although we have been on much better ships-we have a soft spot in our hearts for her-after all-it was she who got us addicted to cruising.

CapeCodCruiser

Tropicale was also my first - out of New Orleans with DH and 2 sons. What a great vacation we had. Thanks for the memories!

I never sailed on the Tropicale, but I happened to watch the "A-Team" conning their way onto her for a trip from Sicily to the US. So I got curious, whether she was a "real" cruise ship in the 80's.:D

Tropicale was my second cruise, 5 days out of Tampa. I was on board this ship in 1999. I enjoyed every second of that cruise, her age really did not matter...it was a great time!!

During its last year in service under the Carnival flag, the Tropicale was the laughing stock of the cruise industry. After every cruise, reporters gathered at the Port of Tampa to interview disgruntled passengers. Toilets regularly backed up into the hallways, air conditioning quit working, crew members argued with passengers ... but Carnival rarely cancelled a sailing. They just patched it up and sent it out again. Sometime in 2000, I believe, the Miracle joined the fleet for the 7-night cruises, and the Inspiration was moved to the 4- and 5-nighters. From that point on, it's had several identities, and is currently doing runs in the southern Caribbean as the Ocean Dream. It was more like a nightmare when in Tampa!

I just returned this afternoon from cruising on the old Tropicale's sister ship - the Holiday out of Mobile, Alabama.

By 1986. the cash was more free flowing and Carnival launched it's first multi- ship class;The Holiday, Jubilee and Celebration

wmwmarmstrong

Awww use to get butterflies when I would see her in port at San Pedro. Thanks for great memories.

• 5 weeks later...

crusinpsychRN

We sailed the Tropicale out of Miami. The cabin was all wood and beautiful.

• 10 months later...

My first Cruise was on the Tropicale from San Pedro to Mexico. and...my second cruise was on the Holiday to Mexico also.

What memories of youth!

I never sailed the Tropical, but heard good things about her. I did sail on the Holiday and Celbration. Both were good ships and easy to navigate the layout.

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Watch CBS News

Royal Caribbean, Carnival will cruise out of Baltimore for first time since Key Bridge collapse. Here's when.

By Adam Thompson

Updated on: May 17, 2024 / 7:56 PM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE - Royal Caribbean and Carnival are getting ready to set sail out of the Port of Baltimore as the first cruise departures from the port since the March 26 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

The Port of Baltimore announced that the Vision of the Seas, owned by Royal Caribbean, will embark on a five-night voyage on May 25 from Baltimore to Bermuda.

The Carnival Legend will depart out of Baltimore on May 26.

"Baltimore is back," the Port of Baltimore posted on social media.

"We are extremely grateful to the officials and incredible first responders in Baltimore, who've shown great leadership and resolve in this difficult time, as well as our supportive partners in Norfolk, whose rapid response allowed us to continue to deliver our scheduled sailings for our guests," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "It's been our goal to resume operations in Baltimore as soon as possible, and after working closely with local, state and federal agencies, we look forward to a successful return."

Get ready…Port of Baltimore is ready to cruise once again! @RoyalCaribbean 's Vision of the Seas will depart on May 25 for a 5-night trip from Baltimore to Bermuda! This marks the 1st cruise leaving Baltimore since the bridge incident. Baltimore is back! https://t.co/XEguEqqTOR pic.twitter.com/v7dLcDpLmA — Port of Baltimore (@portofbalt) May 15, 2024

The cargo ship Dali crashed into Baltimore's bridge in late March, killing six construction workers, halting access to and from the Port of Baltimore and knocking down the entire bridge.

The Port of Baltimore services cruise ships from Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian.

A Carnival spokesperson told CBS News the company expects a less than $10 million impact on both adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization as well as its adjusted net income for the full year 2024.   

In April, a Carnival cruise ship was expected to return to Baltimore, but after the Key Bridge collapse, it ported in Norfolk, Virginia.

Regina Ali, a spokesperson for AAA, was on that Carnival ship when the cargo ship caused the bridge collapse.

"I'm looking and I'm like, 'Wait a minute, this is in Maryland and it was so surreal,'" Ali said. 

Since then, cruise ships originally slated for Baltimore took off and  returned in Norfolk.

Adam Thompson is a digital content producer for CBS Baltimore.

Featured Local Savings

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An inside look at Key Bridge salvage operation as cruise ships return to Baltimore

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Maryland Weather: Humid Memorial Day Weekend; a few storms

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• What Ever Happened To........???

Carnival Tropicale ship??

By carnivalfancruiser , January 5, 2009 in What Ever Happened To........???

Recommended Posts

carnivalfancruiser

The first ship I cruise was Tropicale and Hurricane George was heading in for US. But we had a wonderful time and weather was perfect.:cool:

But it was a couple years later I last heard of Tropicale ship or seen in Tampa port.:mad:

Then Sensation, Fascination, and Celebration was tampa ships:eek:

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

I believe Tropicale became Costa Tropicale, and is now in Europe.

That was correct, until 2005 when Costa trasferred CostaTropicale to P&O Australia which named her Pacific Star and based her out of Singapore.

In late 2008, however, P&O Australia abbruptly sold her to Pullmantur who will call her Ocean Dream and use her in and around Aruba.

30 years is late middle age for a cruise ship, and the "old Tropicale" is 28!

The lack of private verandahs (only her top suites have them) dates her badly, although otherwise she appears to be in great shape

• 1 month later...

The Ocean Dream (formerly Tropicale / Costa Tropicale / Pacific Star ) is a cruise ship , built in 1981. The ship began sailing for Carnival Cruise Lines as the Tropicale in 1982. The Tropicale was Carnival's first newly built ship. Operating mainly in the Caribbean. She was transferred to the Costa fleet in July 2001 and renamed the Costa Tropicale . The Costa Tropicale was retired in 2005 and entered service for P&O Cruises Australia as the Pacific Star in December of that year . She was formerly Queensland’s latest cruise liner, she was based in Brisbane , performing cruises along the Tropical Queensland coast, to various islands in the South Pacific , New Caledonia , and to New Zealand . In March 2008, P&O Cruises Australia sold the Pacific Star to Pullmantur Cruises . She has been refurbished and is currently sailing as the Ocean Dream .

I remember being on the Carnivale July of 1981 and the chatter among the ships crew was the building on a new very modern ship, Tropicale. Time does fly. Almost 28 years ago

• 3 weeks later...

I remember when Tropical came to the west coast. She caused a stir and stoped traffic in the port of L.A. This was in the Early 80s. I never sailed on her, But did go onboard a couple times. This was before all the security they have today.

Tom in Long Beach.

journeymore

The Tropicale was also my first cruise experience. It was a southern carribean cruise in 3/1990. Great memories.

• 2 months later...

I was on her twice. Once in the spring of 1982 on a Mexican Riviera cruise and once in the Caribbean. Funny, on the Mexico cruise DH and I sailed with another couple. Just last week the other couple sent a photo of all of us the the ship and asked if I remembered the trip. Oh yea, we had a fun time. She was so modern for the time!

In late April, I did a Southern Caribbean cruise on the Caribbean Princess. The Ocean Dream (former Tropicale) was docked in Barbados and St. Lucia when were there. Other than the new funnel from her Costa days, the exterior of the ship has not changed much. However, it was interesting how small and dated this ship looked. When this ship entered service, it was one of the very first large (at that time, large was over 30,000 tons) modern cruise ships. Ships have certainly changed since the early 1980s.

• 2 weeks later...

HHIslandGirl

My second cruise (first on Carnival) was on the Tropicale...In fact, I just found a bunch of photos from that trip for the slideshow at my wedding reception...We had so much fun on that trip!

Ga-Fl Peach

My first cruise was on the Tropicale - she taught me to LOVE cruising! Trip was out of Tampa to Grand Cayman and Cancun. The rain began to pour as we entered GC - it was the first day of monsoon season, but we had fun at the Turtle Farm, Hell and Sting Ray City. I had flown in to dive in Cancun lots of times but it seemed so different coming in by sea. And the salemen there were so pushy at the dock that I have never wanted to go back.

I'm taking my first cruise in January and it will be on this ship. It is now "Ocean Dream" through Pullmantur. I have done some research and realize it is an older ship but it was renovated in 2005 so I am hoping that should help. Plus since we have never been on a cruise before maybe we won't notice. Our 7 night route will start in Cartagena, Colombia and we will travel on to Santa Marta, Colombia; Aruba; Bonair; Margarita Island, Venezula; Curacao and then enjoy one day at sea before returning to Cartagena.

For anyone who has been on this ship, how bad does it rock? Will we likely get sea sick? We will be on deck 5 in an interior room.

Oh and here is a video of how she is looking currently:

ms Tropicale (1981-present) Built in 1981 as Tropicale by Aalborg Værft A/S, Aalborg, Denmark for Carnival Cruise Line. She was the first of Carnival’s “new builds”, as a ll Carnival ships before her were older ships, either purchased or chartered from other companies. Tropicale became the prototype of all future Carnival ships and was also the first Carnival ship to feature their trademarks, a distinctive tall and winged “whale-tail” funnel painted red, white and blue, as well as a water slide into the midships pool.

As the company expanded and acquired larger ships, Carnival decided that Tropicale would be their 'test ship' for new or revised cruise itineraries and, as such, she was the first Carnival ship to be based in San Juan, PR, New Orleans, La, Seward, Alaska and Tampa, Fl . She operated out of Tampa, Fl on four-night cruises to Key West, Fl and Cozumel, Mexico and five-night cruises to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. She was also used on the U.S. west coast out of Los Angeles (San Pedro) for cruises to the Mexican Riviera in the winter and to Alaska in the summer season.

In 2000, she received an internal transfer to Italy-based Costa Cruises and subsequently underwent refits in Genoa, Italy over the course of 2001 and 2002 where she was customized for a European client base. She served with the company until 2005, when replacement by larger, more modern cruise ships prompted a transfer to P&O Cruises Australia.

She was given another refit to the tune of $20 million, making her suitable for the Australian cruise market.

__________________

In December 2005, she entered service with P & O Australia Cruises as Pacific Star, home-based at Brisbane from where she cruised Queensland’s coastline as well as the South Pacific Islands of Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, the Loyalty Islands and onto New Zealand.

She was acquired by Spain-based tour operator (and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd subsidiary) Pullmantur Cruises in March 2008 and after yet another refit in Singapore, is currently cruising for them as Ocean Dream.

I just returned this afternoon from cruising on the old Tropicale's sister ship - the Holiday out of Mobile, Alabama. It really brought back memories of sailing on the Tropicale and was a wonderful 5 day cruise to Cozumel and Calica/Playa de Carmen! Several cruisers said the Holiday reminded them of cruising on the grand old ships of yesterday.

November 10th (2009) a newer ship, the Fantasy will be the ship Carnival uses for the Mobile venue. So if you want a wonderful cruise, take the Holiday before she is gone. ;)

Carnvial Tropicale was my first cruise also. We took her in October 98-it was a 4 day to Cozumel and key West. We loved her-and although we have been on much better ships-we have a soft spot in our hearts for her-after all-it was she who got us addicted to cruising.

CapeCodCruiser

Tropicale was also my first - out of New Orleans with DH and 2 sons. What a great vacation we had. Thanks for the memories!

I never sailed on the Tropicale, but I happened to watch the "A-Team" conning their way onto her for a trip from Sicily to the US. So I got curious, whether she was a "real" cruise ship in the 80's.:D

Tropicale was my second cruise, 5 days out of Tampa. I was on board this ship in 1999. I enjoyed every second of that cruise, her age really did not matter...it was a great time!!

During its last year in service under the Carnival flag, the Tropicale was the laughing stock of the cruise industry. After every cruise, reporters gathered at the Port of Tampa to interview disgruntled passengers. Toilets regularly backed up into the hallways, air conditioning quit working, crew members argued with passengers ... but Carnival rarely cancelled a sailing. They just patched it up and sent it out again. Sometime in 2000, I believe, the Miracle joined the fleet for the 7-night cruises, and the Inspiration was moved to the 4- and 5-nighters. From that point on, it's had several identities, and is currently doing runs in the southern Caribbean as the Ocean Dream. It was more like a nightmare when in Tampa!

I just returned this afternoon from cruising on the old Tropicale's sister ship - the Holiday out of Mobile, Alabama.

By 1986. the cash was more free flowing and Carnival launched it's first multi- ship class;The Holiday, Jubilee and Celebration

wmwmarmstrong

Awww use to get butterflies when I would see her in port at San Pedro. Thanks for great memories.

• 5 weeks later...

crusinpsychRN

We sailed the Tropicale out of Miami. The cabin was all wood and beautiful.

• 10 months later...

My first Cruise was on the Tropicale from San Pedro to Mexico. and...my second cruise was on the Holiday to Mexico also.

What memories of youth!

I never sailed the Tropical, but heard good things about her. I did sail on the Holiday and Celbration. Both were good ships and easy to navigate the layout.

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Is This Hot IPO the Next Carnival?

T he inviting market waters greeted a new cruise line operator earlier this month. Viking (NYSE: VIK) completed its initial public offering (IPO) on May 1, pricing a little more than 64 million shares in the offering at $24 apiece. Most of the stock belonged to existing stakeholders. Viking itself received the proceeds for just 11 million freshly minted shares.

The timing of Viking's arrival as a publicly traded company is solid. Leading cruise line Carnival Corp. (NYSE: CCL) has seen its stock nearly double since the start of last year, and its peers are also trouncing the market .

Viking's first few weeks on the market have been a success. The river cruise specialist has traded as low as $25.71, hitting a high of $30.23 on Wednesday. Avoiding the obstacle of being a broken IPO out of the dock is a good start, but let's go from potholes to portholes and take a look at why more investors should be paying attention to Viking.

It's a different kind of regatta

Viking's $4.7 billion in revenue last year is well shy of Carnival's $21.6 billion haul, but it's not fair to just lump the stock exchange debutante with the three larger publicly traded cruise line operators. It may take passengers on waterway vacations, but it's a different product with a different target audience.

Let's start with the fleet. Carnival ships tend to entertain thousands of seafarers, with its largest vessels having room for more than 5,000 passengers. Viking operates a whopping 92 ships and counting, but they are much smaller in size. Its flagship business of river cruises -- accounting for 80 of its 92 vessels -- operates a fleet of small ships that take on no more than 190 passengers.

Carnival's gargantuan ocean liners can't navigate the rivers of the world that Viking covers. Just eight of Viking's ships are of the larger ocean variety, but even there, passenger capacity is fewer than 1,000.

With a more nimble fleet, Viking's itinerary is very different. Just 4% of its watery escapes tackle the Caribbean, the beach-happy region that accounts for two-thirds of the three largest cruise line operators' sailings. Viking's more than happy to lean on European rivers for 60% of its excursions.

There's no denying that Carnival and its more traditional rivals like big boats, and they cannot lie. In a push to skew younger and more mass market, the titans of cruising have added rock walls, water slides, and enough attractions to draw in families with active kids to its higher-capacity ships.

Viking is unapologetic about aiming for the more traditional target audience of guests 55 or older who have the financial independence to spend lavishly on more intimate sea adventures year-round. Viking's total revenue per passenger was $7,251 last year, more than four times what Carnival is generating.

A rising tide lifts all ships

Viking is similar to the larger cruise ship operators in some good ways that investors are more familiar with. Like Carnival, Viking also shattered pre-pandemic records across many important metrics last year. As a result of adding ships and passengers willing to pay more, Viking's revenue is 47% higher now than in 2019. This is a lot better than Carnival's 4% top-line increase in four years.

Viking's net operating income is 44% higher than in 2019. Its adjusted free cash flow topped $1 billion for the time last year, 13% greater than where it landed four years ago. Return on invested capital has risen from 26.1% to 27.5%.

Rudder-kicking investors will be quick to note that Viking posted a large loss in 2023, but that was the result of a one-time non-cash hit on private placement derivatives. Viking's business is improving, and investors will likely get to see that firsthand next week when it reports its first quarterly results as a public company.

There's a new way to invest in cruise line stocks , and the debutante provides a differentiated niche leader that's outpacing the long-term growth of the market's more established players.

Should you invest $1,000 in Viking right now?

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Rick Munarriz has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Carnival Corp. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .