Carnival Sensation has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation that added 98 balconies to existing staterooms, a new Circle ‘C’ facility for 12- to 14-year-olds, a water park and an adults-only deck retreat. The makeover was part of the $250 million ‘Evolutions of Fun’ refurbishment program for Carnival Cruise Lines’ eight Fantasy-class vessels. Carnival Sensation is the fourth ship to receive the upgrades.

Big enhancements included the addition of Carnival WaterWorks, a park with water slides and water spray attractions, and the redesign of the main pool to give a resort-style ambiance with oversized umbrellas, thatched-roof shading and other tropical elements. A Serenity retreat for adults was added to the aft area of Promenade Deck.

New balcony staterooms measure 230 square feet and 24 of them are located midship, 12 near the stern, and 62 are aft. Additionally, a number of suites were modified making balconies larger. All of the 1,026 staterooms were remodeled with new wall coverings, tile work, carpeting and light fixtures. And nearly all public venues received cosmetic enhancements.

The Sensation sails year-round three- and four-day Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral.

Yesterday Carnival Cruise Lines released details on it’s largest ever “Fun Ship,” the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream. The ship will offer a new entertainment concept called “The Piazza”, plus cantilevered whirlpools, new types of staterooms and elaborate children’s facilities. “It’s a new era of Fun Ship cruising,” says Carnival.

The Carnival Dream will debut in Europe on September 21, 2009 before before moving to year-round service from Port Canaveral in December 2009.

New types of accommodations on Carnival Dream include ‘cove’ balcony staterooms located closer to the waterline that offer views and value. New deluxe ocean-view staterooms sport two bathrooms and extra room, with families in mind. Other family-friendly accommodations will sleep five people.

The Piazza is designed as a relaxing oasis during the day that converts into a bustling entertainment complex at night. This indoor/outdoor café and live music venue will sport a bandstand and circular dance floor, with a curving glass wall dividing the indoor and outdoor areas. The Piazza will offer full bar service and an espresso bar offering gelato and baked goods, along with high-speed Internet access.

The traditional promenade will go to new heights with a half-mile, open-air promenade encircling the ship on Deck 5. In addition to deck chairs and space for strolling, the promenade will offer four whirlpools cantilevered over the sea.

Five levels above, the Lido will offer the largest open deck area of any Carnival ship and a tropical, resort-style main pool, large LED screen, a Serenity adults-only retreat and other features.

A new dance club concept with indoor/outdoor access will be reached via an 11-deck-high atrium with a cantilevered bandstand atop a massive ground-level dance floor.

There will be children’s programs for three age groups and an expansive Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, as well as a two-level miniature golf course.

Other features include a 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, with 65 adjacent spa staterooms and suites.