Carnival Cruise Lines will add balconies to 98 existing staterooms aboard the 2,052-passenger Carnival Sensation during a 35-day scheduled dry dock taking place in January 2009.

Ocean view staterooms will be retrofitted with new balconies that will extend from the ship and measure approximately 230 square feet.  Twenty-four of the new balcony staterooms will be located mid-ship on both the port and starboard sides and 12 will be located near the stern, while the other 62 will be located within the aft section of the ship, with several of these cabins featuring extended balconies.

Additionally, a number of the Carnival Sensation’s suites will be modified to feature larger, extended balconies to create a more spacious area from which to enjoy panoramic sea views.

The stateroom modifications are just one aspect of the ship’s extensive multi-million-dollar renovation, all part of the line’s wide-ranging “Evolutions of Fun” product enhancement initiative. Carnival Sensation’s “extreme makeover” will also include a previously announced Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, Serenity adults-only area, and a redesigned tropical-themed main pool area.

Additionally, all staterooms will be completely refurbished, as well as virtually all dining, dancing and entertainment venues.  Guest corridors will be renovated and a new “Circle C” facility catering to 12- to 14-year olds will be added, as well.

“These new stateroom modifications represent a significant investment in our product and, when combined with the many other ‘Evolutions of Fun’ amenities, add exciting new features and choices to an already spectacular ‘Fun Ship,’” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience.

Carnival Sensation currently operates year-round three- and four-day Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla.  On this route, three-day cruises depart Thursdays and call at Nassau while four-day voyages depart Sundays and visit both Nassau and Freeport.

The 70,000-ton SuperLiner is part of the line’s 22-vessel “Fun Ship” fleet which operates three- to 18-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and South America.  The line currently has two ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011.

Carnival Sensation’s new and extended balcony staterooms will be open for reservations October 24, 2008.