On Sunday June 3, Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest “Fun Ship,” the 130,000-ton Carnival Breeze, will depart on its inaugural cruise – a 12-day Mediterranean voyage from Venice that will arrive in Barcelona June 15, visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia; Athens, Greece; Izmir, Turkey; Messina (Sicily), Olbia (Sardinia),  Rome (Civitavecchia), and Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy; Monaco, Monte Carlo; and Marseilles, France, along the way.

During its maiden voyage, Carnival Breeze guests will be among the first to experience the ship’s many exciting innovations, including the new Thrill Theater, an immersive multi-dimensional special effects experience that makes viewers feel as if they’re part of the movie, along with top-deck amenities such as the WaterWorks aqua park, Serenity adults-only retreat, and the SportSquare open-air recreation area.  New dining options include Bonsai Sushi, the line’s first full-service sushi restaurant, and Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ, an outdoor venue that is reminiscent of a backyard barbecue offering a variety of grilled favorites.

Following its inaugural voyage from Venice, Carnival Breeze will operate a summer schedule of 12-day Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona through Oct. 25, 2012.  Featured ports on these voyages include Marseilles or Monaco; Livorno; Naples; Dubrovnik; Venice; Civitavecchia (Rome), and Messina (the June 15 and Sept. 7 departures add a stop in Palma de Mallorca, Spain; while the Aug. 14 and 26 voyages also visit Olbia/Sardinia, Italy).  Select voyages also overnight in Venice or Civitavecchia (Rome).