Carnival Cruise Line is homeporting the Carnival Legend in Melbourne for 16 sailings over 2018/19.
She will now call Melbourne home with her first cruise leaving this afternoon to New Caledonia.
Announcing the news and welcoming the ship to her new home port,ย Carnivalย Cruise Lineโs President, Christine Duffy said, โTodayโs news is in response to the unprecedented demand forย Carnivalfun in Victoria, our second biggest Australian market.โ
โSince launching in 2012, over 117,000 Victorians have sailed withย Carnivalย Cruise Line โ a number which would fill the Rod Laver arena twice,โ said Ms. Duffy.
Carnivalย Legendย will undergo a A$57 million upgrade in May to further โMelbourniseโ the ship with FunShip 2.0 features. This includes Alchemy Bar, an immersive experience featuring cocktails handcrafted by master mixologists, the Mexican-inspired BlueIguana Cantina and Tequila Bar, and Guys Burger Joint curated by Californian restaurateur and Food Network TV personality Guy Fieri.
Ms. Duffy continued with, โI understand Victorians love good coffee, so weโve started there and upgraded our espresso machines on board, ahead ofย Carnivalย Legendโs arrival into Melbourne, ensuring guests can get their morning caffeine fix.โ
These new features will accompany the existing 45 activities across 12 decks of fun onย Carnivalย Legend, including Green Thunder โ the fastest and steepest waterslide at sea, three swimming pools, the childfree Serenity Retreat and more than 20 bars, lounges and dining options.
Mornington Peninsula couple and avidย Carnivalย lovers, Jennifer and Dennis McCarthy, said todayโs news will make it even easier for them to cruise with their favourite brand.
โWeโre incredibly excited about todayโs news. We love everything aboutย Carnivalย which is why weโve sailed over 100 days with the brand and plan many more.
โNow with our very own ship in Melbourne weโre able to cut down on interstate travel pre-cruising and jump straight into the fun.โ
Carnivalย Legendโs sailings boast a range of destinations including the South Pacific, with calls to ports in New Caledonia and Vanuatu, Trans-Tasman escapes to New Zealand, and quick getaways to one of Australiaโs favourite destinations โ Tasmania.