Carnival Miracle Delivered!

Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from Kvaerner Masa-Yards. I thought you
might appreciate this press release as it goes into much more detail,
regarding the ship, than the cruise line's release. If you have
missed any of my news' postings, they are available on my web site.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com


9 Feb 2004,
MS Carnival Miracle was delivered by Kvaerner Masa-Yards



MS Carnival Miracle, newbuilding no. 503, has been handed over to
Carnival Corporation at Kvaerner Masa-Yards’ Helsinki shipyard.



Carnival Miracle is the sixth cruise ship in the Spirit class series
of new Panamax-size cruise ships for Carnival Cruise Lines (four
ships) and Costa Crociere (two ships). The first ship in the series,
Costa Atlantica, was delivered in year 2000. Carnival Spirit and
Carnival Pride were delivered in 2001, Carnival Legend in 2002 and
Costa Mediterranea followed in 2003.



Carnival Miracle is scheduled to enter service in the end of February,
with varying cruises from Jacksonville, Florida, visiting ports such
as Freeport and Nassau, Bahamas, Key West in Florida and Cozumel and
Costa Maya in Mexico.



Carnival Miracle was built by the yard together with a large number of
turn-key and other suppliers. The ship was floated out from the
covered newbuilding dock in June 2003 and the successful sea trials
took place in November. At the completion party held onboard Carnival
Miracle at the Helsinki yard already on January 17th, Mr. Micky
Arison, Chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation noted that the ship
was completed three weeks before the date agreed on. “You have done a
fantastic job,” he said.



Carnival Miracle is one of the most spacious ships of the contemporary
cruise sector



Carnival Miracle carries a total of 2,680 passengers (lower beds:
2,124 passengers) in a total of 1,062 staterooms. The maximum crew
capacity is 961. Main dimensions are; length overall 292.5 m, maximum
breadth 38.8 m (over the bridge wings), breadth at dwl 32.2 m and
draught at dwl 7.8 m.



Carnival Miracle and her sister ships set a new standard for balconied
accommodations. Balconied staterooms have become a much sought after
amenity with today’s passengers and the task was to meet that demand
in the design. In designing a more narrow superstructure, one more
deck with passenger staterooms could be added. In the superstructure
most of the staterooms face the sea, and the technical spaces,
including the air conditioning machinery, are placed in the center of
the ship, behind the passenger corridors.



The relative number of outside passenger staterooms and staterooms
with balcony is very high; 80% of all the staterooms are outside
staterooms and 70% of all the staterooms have a balcony. All the
prefabricated staterooms have been manufactured by Piikkio Works Oy.



In all, Carnival Miracle features twelve passenger decks plus four
decks below for machinery and crew spaces. The Metropolis Atrium
stretches over ten decks. The Phantom main lounge, which is three
decks high, seats some 1,160 guests. The location of the show
lounge/night club, Mad Hatter’s Ball, is underneath the main lounge.
The main restaurant, Bacchus Restaurant, is two decks high and seats
altogether some 1,300 guests. In order to achieve this, the galley was
positioned below the restaurant using escalators for service. The Nick
& Nora’s is a supper club located at the top of a soaring
ten-deck-high atrium and housed under a red-tinted glass dome that
forms the forward portion of the Carnival Miracle's massive winged
funnel.



The Horatio’s Restaurant behind the main pool area is a casual
Lido-area has a variety of special dining areas for breakfast, lunch
and dinner buffets, and 24-hour pizza and ice cream.



There is the two-level health and fitness center, the Adonis Spa, four
swimming pools, one featuring a retractable dome, five whirlpools, a
large casino (Mr. Lucky’s) and more than ten themed bars, lounges and
public areas for activities and entertainment, including the Dr.
Frankenstein’s Lab dance club, the Frankie & Johnnie’s jazz club and
the Maguire’s sports bar. In addition there is a big shopping area, a
wedding chapel,. There is also an internet library, a conference
center and large facilities for children and youngsters, including a
cascading water slide.



The central idea of “Famous Fictional Icons” has inspired Joe Farcus,
Carnival's ship architect, in the design of the public rooms aboard
Carnival Miracle. The dramatic interiors exist in the architecture and
décor throughout Carnival Miracle.





High technology design and construction



Carnival Miracle has a diesel-electric machinery, consisting of six
Wärtsilä 9L46D diesel engines, with a total power of 62,370 kW, each
connected to an alternator producing electricity to the ship’s main
electric network. The propulsion consists of two azimuthing electric
Azipod® propulsion units, with a power of 17.6 MW each. Carnival
Miracle has three 1.91 MW tunnel thrusters in the bow. The service
speed is 22 knots.



Carnival Miracle - A Green Star



The classification society of Carnival Miracle is the Italian
R.I.N.A., and she sails under Panama flag. Carnival Miracle fulfils
R.I.N.A.’s new Green Star environmental standard, consisting of two
voluntary RINA class notations, CLEAN SEA and CLEAN AIR, setting
strict requirements on the ship’s design and operation, in order to
protect the environment and keep the sea and air clean.



Main particulars



Gross tonnage 85,900
Passenger capacity, lower bed 2,124

(including balconies, approx. 88,500)
Passenger capacity, max. 2,680

Length o.a. 292.5 m
Passenger staterooms, total 1,062

Breadth, max. 38.8 m
Passenger staterooms, outside 849 (80%)

Breadth, dwl 32.2 m
- with balconies 750 (70%)

Draught, dwl .8 m
Crew capacity 961

Speed, service 22 knots


Machinery outp 62,370 kW


Propulsion 2 x 17.6 MW

Azimuthing rudder propellers


Classification Society R.I.N.A

Appendix:



Carnival Miracle, technical details



Designing the Miracle

The joint development work of the “Spirit-class” series started in
fact as early as in the first half of the 1990´s.



At that time Kvaerner Masa-Yards’ Helsinki shipyard was busy building
the (later to be) eight-ship Fantasy class series of cruise ships for
Carnival Cruise Lines – the last two of which, Elation and Paradise,
were the first cruise ships in the world equipped with azimuthing
electric propulsion.



The aim with the new series was to create a new generation of cruise
ships of Panamax-size, meaning that the main dimensions should allow
the new ships to go through the Panama Canal. The yard presented it’s
first concepts for this new series, called “Project 8000”, to Carnival
in 1994. Joe Farcus, Carnival’s well known architect, presented layout
sketches of the new design, and the yard worked on fitting them on the
lower part of the existing Fantasy-class design, as a common basis for
a new Panamax design. The idea of common platform ships for three
different Carnival brands was born. The brands included Carnival
Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, and later also the Costa Crociere.
For these brands, concepts were developed with similar hull structure,
similar machinery arrangement and similar technical spaces, to mention
the most important. A common technical platform design gives several
benefits, such as that of serial production and ease of maintenance.
In summer and fall 1997 the layout principles were agreed upon for all
three brands.



In early 1998 it was decided that the first ship, Costa Atlantica,
should be built for Costa Crociere, for delivery in year 2000, to be
followed by Carnival Spirit in spring 2001.



What does it take to build a cruise ship like Carnival Miracle?

In addition to major components, main diesel engines, and auxiliary
machinery and equipment, propulsion system, electrical motors, hotel
and restaurant equipment, the nearly 1,600 cabins, the following
figures give an idea of the magnitude of the construction and
outfitting task of a cruise ship of this size; There are some 40,000
light points onboard, some 2000 km (more than 1,200 miles) of cables
and 350 km (220 miles) of piping, some 7,000 automation points onboard
monitoring all the ships functions and systems, some 4 300
loudspeakers, 2 200 telephones and more than 500 000 electrical
connections. The ship is put together from more than 100 large grand
blocks, weighing up to 450 tons, which are extensively pre-outfitted.
Designing of ships is today completely computer-based, and computer
automated manufacturing is applied were practical, as for cutting the
steel plates. But drawings are still needed. In building Carnival
Miracle, more than 6,000 drawings were required. The Helsinki yard
builds a cruise ship of this size in less than two years.



Carnival Miracle - A Green Star

The classification society of Carnival Miracle is the Italian
R.I.N.A., and she sails under Panama flag. Carnival Miracle fulfils
R.I.N.A.’s new Green Star environmental standard, consisting of two
voluntary RINA class notations, CLEAN SEA and CLEAN AIR, setting
strict requirements on the ship’s design and operation, in order to
protect the environment and keep the sea and air clean.



A leading feature of the CLEAN SEA notation is that bunker tanks must
be installed over double bottoms, to prevent accidental discharge of
oil. Ships must also be fitted with holding tanks for all black and
grey water waste, to prevent organic pollution, and must meet the
standards set down in the voluntary IMO MARPOL Annex IV. Special
requirements ensure garbage is disposed of safely, and ships must not
use TBT-based anti-foulings.



The CLEAN AIR notation sets limits on SOx and NOx emissions from the
engines, and requires compliance with the voluntary standards of Annex
VI to Marpol. There is a 3 per cent limit on sulphur content in fuel
that can be burnt. RINA also sets requirements for refrigeration gases
and their containment in the case of an accident, and sets controls
for incineration plants.



Waste handling

Carnival Miracle waste handling systems includes two 1,400 kW
incinerator, a food waste system, a new food waste handling system
with vacuum transportation from feeding stations in all galleys and
food preparation areas as well as processing for burning in the
incinerators, a recycling and storage system for glass, metal, ash and
paper - including a new automatic ash transport and packing process.



High level of redundancy

Carnival Miracle has a very high level of plant redundancy. Plant
which has an impact on the safety of the ship has a redundancy built
into it in such a way that at least 50 per cent of nominal capacities
remains available after any single failure. Some features include:



* divided machinery plant into two independent parts. This includes
main machinery plant, fuel tanks, electric machinery, auxiliary
systems, ventilation, piping, cabling and control and automation,
basically from “fuel storage tanks to the propellers”.



* divided redundant main electric distribution and monitoring between
the wheelhouse and control room (on Deck A), and between the two
separated high voltage switchboards (on Deck B) and the two separate
cyclo-converter rooms (on Deck B).



* divided redundant telephone, public addressing, control and alarm
systems.



* five of the six generators can supply all normal service rating.
This arrangement allows for one engine to be out of service for
maintenance.



From the safety point of view, Carnival Miracle complies with safety
standards which are more advanced than those applicable to the date of
the actual keel laying. The ship has been built and classified in
compliance with not only the existing SOLAS requirements, but also the
amendments already approved by the IMO Maritime Safety Committee and
known at the moment of the signature of the contract.



The class notations granted by RINA to the ship certify much more than
the structure, as they cover key operating systems, including the
notations IAQ and IAI relevant to the automation plants, and the
notations IWS and TMS relevant to the possibility of performing
in-water survey of the hull and monitoring of the control parameters
of the tailshafts.



Integrated alarm, monitoring and control system (MAS)

Carnival Miracle has an integrated microprocessor-based Machinery
Automation monitoring and control System (MAS). The system fulfils the
Class requirements for operation with unattended machinery spaces. MAS
includes functions like monitoring, alarm and data logging, main
diesel start/stop and safety system, power management system,
machinery, ballast, fresh water, bilge, fuel, and HVAC control and
monitoring systems, ship performance displays and the manoeuvring
recorder system.



Wheelhouse/ Navigation

The navigation system is integrated (STN Atlas NACOS) and has a
electronic chart system.





Carnival Miracle, Main particulars



Gross tonnage
85,900

(including balconies, approx.
88,500)

Length o.a.
292.5 m

Length cwl
263.6 m




Length pp
260.6 m




Breadth, max.
38.8 m

Breadth, dwl
32.2 m

Draught, dwl
7.8 m

Draught, scantling
8.0 m




Passenger capacity, lower bed
2,124

Passenger capacity, max.
2,680

Passenger staterooms, total
1,062

Passenger staterooms, outside
849 (80%)

- with balconies
750 (70%)

Crew capacity
961

Speed, service
22 knots

Speed, maximum
24 knots




Classification Society
RINA

*100-A-1.1-NavIL; TP with additional notations +IAQ-1, IWS, TMS,
CLEAN-SEA, CLEAN-AIR, +AVM-DPS

Flag
Panama

Machinery
Diesel-electric, power station, Azipod@ propulsion

Machinery output
62,370 kW

Main engines
6 x Wärtsilä 9L46D

6 x 10,395 kW/514 rpm

Main generators


6 x 14,405 kVA / 60 Hz / 11,000 V, ABB

Propulsion
2 x 17.6 MW Azipod@

Propulsion motors
The brushless synchronous motor, mounted inside the pod of the Azipod@
propulsion units have double windings. Max. output power of each motor
is 17.6 MW, with a speed range of 0-150 RPM.

Propellers
Two fixed pitch Azipod@ propellers

Bow thrusters
3 x 1,91 MW

Fin stabiliser
Pair of fin stabilisers

Fresh water
Three Fresh Water production plants: 2 x 650 tons/day evaporators and
1 x 200 tons/day FW Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant.

Steam plant
- Two (2) oil fired steam boilers. 13000 kg/h at 9 bar each


- Six (6) exhaust gas boilers. 2600 kg/h at 9 bar each



Waste Management Plant Two Dry garbage shredders for the burnable and
un-burnable waste (i.e. cartons, wood, plastic, glass and tins).
Collected from passenger/crew areas and transported to the Garbage
Room at Deck A level. The unsorted waste is fed into two (2) heavy
duty high capacity shredders.
One Waste Compactor suitable for compacting cardboard, paper and
plastic.


Three Glass Shredders. The crushed glass (3 colours) is collected in
bags or containers and stored on board for later delivery to shoreside
reception facilities.


One Tin Densifier, capable of compacting ca. 70 kg tin cans per hour.


Two Garbage Incinerators; automatic, multi-chamber, semi-pyrolitic
marine type, incineration capacity 1,400 kW each.

Tender- and Lifeboats
- 12 partially enclosed lifeboats. Capacity 150 persons each.


- 2 semi-rigid man overboard rescue lifeboat. Capacity 6 persons each.
Diesel engine/water jet propelled. Speed of 25 knots.


- 6 enclosed cruise tender/ lifeboats. Capacity 150 persons each.

Liferafts
52 inflatable life rafts, capacity each 35 persons.

Elevators
A total of 24 elevators are installed.


12 passenger elevators for 18 persons

3 "panoramic" type elevators in the Atrium for 18 persons


6 crew/service elevators for 12 persons


1 crew/service elevator for 20 persons


2 galley provision elevators for 18 persons/1500 kg

Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from Carnival and thought you would find
it interesting to contrast with the shipyard's release. If you have
missed any of my news' postings, they are available on my web site.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com


CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES TAKES DELIVERY OF NEW 88,500-TON CARNIVAL
MIRACLE


20th 'Fun Ship' To Be 'Officially' Named By Former Army Private
Jessica Lynch in Dockside Ceremonies in Jacksonville, Fla., Feb. 27


MIAMI (February 9, 2004)
Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival
Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), today took delivery of
its
20th "Fun Ship," the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle. The delivery
took
place during traditional handover ceremonies in Helsinki at Kvaerner
Masa-Yards, the Finnish shipyard that constructed the massive $375
million
SuperLiner.
Following a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Helsinki to
Jacksonville, Fla., Carnival Miracle will be "officially" named Feb.
27,
2004, by former Army private Jessica Lynch, then depart on its
inaugural
three-day voyage from Jacksonville, marking the first time that
Carnival has
ever operated from this Northeast Florida port.
Carnival Miracle will operate three-, five- and six-day
departures
from Jacksonville through April 17, followed by a series of seven-day
cruises from Baltimore and New York through the fall. The ship will
then
reposition to Tampa to launch year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises
Nov. 7,
2004, becoming that port's newest and largest cruise ship.
"Not only is the Carnival Miracle a spectacular 'Fun Ship'
with all
the features and facilities desired by today's discriminating
vacationers,
it also will operate a truly innovative inaugural schedule with
departures
from four convenient U.S. homeports, including our first-ever voyages
from
Jacksonville," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
"We are also very honored that Jessica Lynch, who represents the
thousands
of brave men and women of our armed forces, will be naming this vessel
in
Jacksonville, a city that possesses a storied maritime and military
history," he added.
More than three football fields long and encompassing 12
passenger
decks, Carnival Miracle offers a wide variety of amenities and
features,
including a 14,500-square-foot health club, indoor and outdoor
promenades, a
children's play room, a wedding chapel, Internet café, and a duty-free
shopping mall.
Dining options include a two-level main dining room, an
expansive
poolside restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets and a
24-hour pizzeria, an upscale reservations-only supper club, a
patisserie,
and complimentary 24-hour stateroom service. Sixteen lounges and bars,
with
dramatic interiors inspired by famous fictional icons of film,
literature,
theater and song, are featured, as well.
Of the ship's 1,062 staterooms, 80 percent offer an ocean view
with
80 percent of those featuring private balconies.
Carnival is accepting reservations on all of the Carnival
Miracle's
2004 departures.
For additional information and reservations, contact any
travel agent.

Carnival Cruise Lines is a proud member of the exclusive World's
Leading
Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America
Line,
Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The
Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a
commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide
range of
lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching
cruise
vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

Anyone else going on the Feb 27 inaugural sailing on Carnival's
Miracle?

Never having met any of the RTC "family" I'd even buy a beverage or
two to say hello....

I'll have some photos to post of the ship for all to review upon my
return.

regards,
Craig Pavlus
http://res.cheapertravel.com




Ray Goldenberg wrote in message . ..
Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from Carnival and thought you would find
it interesting to contrast with the shipyard's release. If you have
missed any of my news' postings, they are available on my web site.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com

Hi Craig,
I won't be on her as we will be on the RCI Voyager at that time but if
you get the chance you may try and meet up with Ms. Anne Campbell who is the
editor and founder of Cruisemates and also the founder of Cruise Critic. She
will be onboard for the opening ceremonies as well as the first week.
Jim

"Craig" wrote in message
m...
Anyone else going on the Feb 27 inaugural sailing on Carnival's
Miracle?

Never having met any of the RTC "family" I'd even buy a beverage or
two to say hello....

I'll have some photos to post of the ship for all to review upon my
return.

regards,
Craig Pavlus
http://res.cheapertravel.com




Ray Goldenberg wrote in message
. ..
Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from Carnival and thought you would find
it interesting to contrast with the shipyard's release. If you have
missed any of my news' postings, they are available on my web site.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com