Carnival On-Line Blog Exceeds 25,000 Readers

(Senior Cruise Director John Heald, pictured above, has started a new online blog)

Since being launched in March 2007, the new on-line “blog” written by Carnival Freedom Senior Cruise Director John Heald has attracted more than 25,000 visitors who have enjoyed his insightful and often humorous look at the ship’s inaugural 12-day European cruise schedule.

Heald’s blog can be viewed at www.carnival.com/freedom and offers a lighthearted, behind-the-scenes account of life aboard a cruise ship and interesting happenings ashore, all delivered with his trademark off-beat humor and self-deprecating manner.

Personal Photos of Destinations

Also included are Heald’s personal photos of scenic destinations in Italy, Greece, and Turkey, along with travel tips, shore excursion recommendations and more. With the blog’s interactive feature, scores of readers have left their comments and questions for Heald.

“I am thrilled and slightly bemused that so many people have taken the time to read my nightly ramblings on the Web site. Working on a cruise ship is a unique experience and this gives me a great opportunity to share those experiences with everyone,” Heald said.

Known for his easygoing demeanor, quick wit and engaging personality, Heald is one of the most popular cruise directors in the industry. He joined Carnival in 1986 as a bartender and, after transferring to the entertainment department, was named a social host three years later. He was promoted to cruise director in 1990 and in 2004 was named senior cruise director in the Carnival fleet – currently the only individual to hold that position with the company.

Itinerary Information Available

Itinerary information on the Carnival Freedom’s 12-day European cruises, along with interesting “fun facts” about the 2,974-passenger SuperLiner and a profile of Carnival’s award-winning interior architect Joe Farcus, are also included.

Carnival Freedom will continue its 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” and “Mediterranean & Greek Isles” cruises, operating round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia), through October 16, 2007. It will then sail on a 14-day trans-Atlantic voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Miami, positioning the vessel for a winter schedule of seven-day Caribbean voyages from Miami November 17. Carnival Freedom will return to Europe in May 2008 to operate another season of “Grand Mediterranean” and “Mediterranean & Greek Isles” cruises.

For more information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call (800) CARNIVAL or visit www.carnival.com.