Onsite: First Look: Carnival Imagination Completes Evolutions of Fun Initiative

MIAMI-Carnival Cruise Lines on Tuesday showed off Carnival Imagination's new digs, part of the $250 million Evolutions of Fun initiative for its eight Fantasy-class ships. The first Fantasy-class ship was built back in 1990 and, anecdotally, the blueprint for this line of ships was first drafted on a piece of paper by Carnival architect, Joe Farcus in 1987 in the office of Ted Arison, Carnival's founder.

But after 18 years and eight ships, retouches were needed to keep the ships fresh and relevant. In Carnival Imagination's case, most areas onboard were remodeled with new carpeting, furniture and other soft goods. Staterooms were redone and installed with flat-screen TV's and upgraded bedding as were public corridors and bathrooms. A new club for tweens, Circle C, is also in the process of being added.

Probably the most visible change is what was done with the outside top deck areas. Most ambitious is Waterworks, an aft space on deck 12, which now includes a four-deck high, 300-foot waterslide, dual-lane, 82-foot-long racing waterslides and a waterspray park, great for kids. Also added was Serenity, an over-21 retreat that includes two hot tubs and chaise lounges. "We lacked an area like that," said Brendan Corrigan, Carnival Cruise Lines' senior vice president of marine operations. Oversized yellow-colored umbrellas were added to the main pool section along with faux palm trees that gives the area a more tropical look.

Along with Carnival Imagination, Evolutions of Fun has also been completed on Carnival Inspiration. Renovations on the five remaining Fantasy-class ships will be undertaken and completed over the next couple of years. (DE)