New pool areas and water parks on Fantasy-class ships

Picture this: You’re sitting in a bubbling whirlpool, thatched roof overhead, warm Caribbean sun up above. Palm trees surround your idyllic oasis. As you relax, your biggest decision is whether to take a dip in a nearby pool or indulge in a tropical drink at the open-air bar across the way.

Think you’re at a Caribbean resort? That’s what [% 11986 | | Carnival %] would like you to think. The cruise line is upgrading the pool and water-park areas of its eight Fantasy-class ships to give them an updated look. When it’s done, guests will feel as if they’re at a land-based resort, rather than floating in the middle of the sea.

The Lido Deck will be redesigned with thatched roofs and brightly colored mosaics. The pool’s design aims to reflect a beach, complete with umbrella-shaded seating at the water’s edge. Teak decking and comfortable lounge chairs will complete the design.

At the aft end of the Verandah Deck, Carnival will also be adding its “Carnival WaterWorks” water park. The highlight of this area will be a four-deck-high, 300-foot-long waterslide—the longest at sea. Guests can also enjoy a separate three-lane waterslide and a spray park where kids and adults can cool off and splash around. Other upgrades include an adults-only sundeck called “Serenity.”

The Carnival Imagination and Carnival Inspiration will be the first ships to receive the renovations, as their upgrades will be complete by the end of 2007. The remaining six ships will get their makeovers by the end of 2009.