Carnival Cruise Lines on Monday announced it was partnering with various celebrities for its Fun Ship 2.0 program, which will feature new ship amenities and improvements. In the first phase of the program, which extends through the end of 2015, Carnival is to invest more than $500 million across its 23-ship fleet.

“Fun Ship 2.0 is the largest and most ambitious initiative that our company has ever undertaken, and it will serve to significantly transform the Carnival vacation experience for our guests,” President and CEO Gerry Cahill said at a New York City press conference. “Through breakthrough partnerships with some of today’s biggest talents and most popular entertainment brands, plus our very own new branded experiences and onboard destinations, Carnival fans and those new to our cruises are destined for an incredible vacation experience.”

Here’s the list of Fun Ship 2.0 changes:

• Comedian George Lopez will become the creative director for comedy to enhance its fleetwide comedy clubs.
• Food Network guru Guy Fieri will develop burger venue Guy’s Burger Joint
• Leading video game manufacturer EA Sports will create the first EA Sports Bar at sea
• DJ Irie (Official DJ of the Miami Heat) will become the cruise line’s official DJ and lead and create DJ Irie’s Spin’iversity, which will train and develop the musical skills of onboard DJ talent.
• Hasbro will be coming onboard to create “Hasbro, The Game Show,” a new series of production and entertainment activities based on the “Family Game Night” television show.

In addition, Carnival announced new dining options, including the RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Bar and the complimentary BlueIguana Cantina.  The Carnival Liberty will be the first ship to feature many of the new dining and bar venues when it returns from improvements at the end of October. Fourteen ships are to receive many of the Fun Ship 2.0 enhancements.

By Anita Dunham-Potter (editor@www.expertcruiser.com)
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