Carnival Magic Makes its First U.S. Appearance; Debuts with Exclusive Maroon 5 Concert

GALVESTON, Texas, Nov. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Carnival Cruise Lines' newest ship, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic, arrived at its year-round homeport of Galveston, Texas, after completing its transatlantic voyage. An expected crowd of more than 4,000 will celebrate the ship's U.S. debut with a concert by three-time GRAMMY Award-winning band Maroon 5, internationally known for hits like "Moves Like Jagger," "This Love," "She Will Be Loved," "Wake Up Call" and "Makes Me Wonder."  The chart-topping group, nominated for the 2011 American Music Awards' "Favorite Pop/Rock Band," will perform an hour-long concert set to the backdrop of the stunning new vessel from Pier 21.

"Today marks a big day for Carnival Cruise Lines as we introduce the spectacular new Carnival Magic to its U.S. homeport of Galveston, Texas," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines' president and CEO. "We're thrilled to celebrate the Carnival Magic's arrival with a Texas-sized performance by Maroon 5, one of the country's most popular bands."

On Monday, November 14, Carnival Magic – the newest and most innovative cruise ship to sail from Texas – will depart on its inaugural U.S. voyage, launching a year-round Caribbean cruise program that will feature two different week-long itineraries, including seven-day western Caribbean voyages to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and week-long eastern Caribbean cruises to Nassau, Freeport, and Key West.  

Carnival Magic offers a wide variety of innovations, including the RedFrog Pub, a colorful Caribbean-inspired watering hole featuring its own private label draft beer; Cucina del Capitano, a family-style Italian restaurant that brings the heritage of Carnival's captains to the table; and SportSquare, an expansive open-air recreation complex with the first ropes course and outdoor fitness area at sea. Other features include an exciting WaterWorks aqua park with a 312-foot-long spiral water slide and other attractions; The Lanai, a wraparound promenade with an outdoor barbeque area and whirlpools that extend out over the ship's sides; and Ocean Plaza, a stunning indoor/outdoor cafe and live entertainment venue.

Carnival Magic joins the Carnival Triumph which launched year-round four- and five-day cruises from Galveston last month.  Homeporting the Carnival Magic and Carnival Triumph in Galveston represents the largest-ever capacity commitment by a cruise line to Texas. With these deployments, Carnival expects to carry more than 450,000 guests annually from Galveston – a 28 percent increase over the current year. Carnival Magic's arrival is also expected to have a positive impact on the Texas economy.  According to a study commissioned by the Cruise Lines International Association, in 2010 the North American cruise industry contributed $1.1 billion in direct spending to the Texas economy, with cruise industry spending generating 16,457 jobs and $828 million in income for Texas workers.

For additional information and reservations on Carnival's "Fun Ship" cruises, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Carnival also can be found on:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/carnivalcruise 
Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/carnival 
Flickr:  www.flickr.com/photos/carnivalcruiselines/ 
Journalists also can visit Carnival's media site, www.carnivalpressroom.com.

About Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival is "The World's Most Popular Cruise Line®," with 23 "Fun Ships" operating three- to 16-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe, the Pacific Islands and New Zealand.  In addition to the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, which debuted in Europe and launches year-round service from Galveston, Texas, on Nov. 14, 2011, the new 130,000-ton Carnival Breeze is scheduled to enter service June 3, 2012. 

Carnival is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.  Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com

About Maroon 5

Capturing their first of three GRAMMY Awards as "Best New Artist" of 2005 and going on to sell more than 15 million albums worldwide, Maroon 5 won over fans and critics alike with their hybrid rock/R&B sound. The band recently released their third studio album Hands All Over, which was produced by studio legend Robert John "Mutt" Lange. Met by critical praise, with Rolling Stone stating it's their "brightest sounding and poppiest album yet," the album notched a #2 debut on the Billboard Top 200 Albums' chart. Earlier this year, Maroon 5 received a GRAMMY Award nomination for "Misery," the debut single off Hands All Over, in the category of "Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals." The nod marks the group's seventh GRAMMY nomination overall and 4th in that category. Most recently, Maroon 5 hit #1 on the iTunes Top Songs Chart with the release of their new song "Moves Like Jagger," featuring Christina Aguilera. The track recently hit the #1 spot on the Top 40, Hot AC and Billboard Top 100 charts. Maroon 5's releases have gone gold and platinum in over 35 countries around the world, including Hands All Over, which was certified gold by the RIAA in December 2010. In addition, frontman Adam Levine joined the lineup of celebrity coaches on NBC's hit series The Voice, eventually coaching team member Javier Colon to victory when America voted him the winner of the show. The Voice will return for the second season in Winter 2012.

SOURCE Carnival Cruise Lines

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