1st-buddy

Author: Santa Choplin Bogdon

Are the kids screaming for an adventure? The teens looking for a good time? Grandma and Grandpa itching for some action? Are you trying to keep everyone happy and in need of a vacation yourself? For those seeking an affordable cruise that can accommodate the whole clan, the megaliner Carnival Triumph lives up to its billing as one of Carnival Cruise Line’s Fun Ships.

Passengers aboard the Triumph are often celebrating honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays or family reunions, and appreciate the ship’s seemingly endless list of activities.

SHIP SHAPE
The 2,758-passenger Triumph sports an international-themed decor highlighting the world’s great places. A seven-deck atrium, accented with tiny white lights and vibrant neon, centers on a huge 3-D image of a globe. Public areas carry the names of great cities, from the grand Rome Lounge to the glittering Club Monaco Casino. For on-deck fun, the ship boasts four swimming pools and a three-story water slide. Staterooms, many with private balconies, are adorned in shades of mauve and copper.

SEA AND DO
The action on board is nonstop from dawn until the wee hours. Fitness buffs can pump up their muscles and heart rates in the health club or on the jogging track. A calypso band entertains out on deck, and art auctions, bingo, shopping and seven hot tubs tempt the grown-ups to climb out of their lounge chairs. Children ages 2 to 11 are invited to join Camp Carnival, which offers a playroom, games, activities and a wading pool. The state-of-the-art Tech Deck boasts the latest PlayStation video games. For those wanting something more serene, SpaCarnival offers an impressive array of treatments.

In addition to elaborate Vegas-style musical revues and a magic show, nightlife includes jazz, rock ‘n’ roll and big-band music in the bars and lounges, and booty shaking at the high-energy Hollywood Dance Club. Rounding out the list of diversions are late-night comedy acts, deck parties and a weekly talent show.

FROM THE GALLEY
Formal meals in the London and Paris dining rooms feature steak, lobster, duck and fresh fish as well as health-conscious choices endorsed by SpaCarnival. Buffet-style dining at the South Beach Club offers foods for all tastes, and guests can satisfy specific cravings at the New York Style Deli, the Hong Kong Noodle Factory, the hamburger grill and the 24-hour pizzeria. Sweet tooths are indulged at a self-serve ice cream station. Not to be missed is the ship’s traditional midnight buffet, complete with elaborate ice carvings and food displays.

SHORE LEAVE
The Carnival Triumph’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary stops at Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Take a San Juan city tour to experience its history and vibrant culture. St. Thomas excursions include sailing and snorkeling around neighboring St. John. St. Maarten has shopping, gorgeous beaches for lounging and sipping rum punch, and, if you’re up for the competition, a chance to crew on an America’s Cup sailboat.

For more information on the Carnival Triumph, call 888-CARNIVAL or visit www.carnival.com