Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,052-passenger Ecstasy, which underwent an extensive refurbishment last year under the first phase of the line’s $250 million “Evolutions of Fun” initiative, has earned the company’s coveted “Crystal Eagle” award for superior guest service.
The award is presented annually by Carnival to the shipboard team that receives the highest ratings from the line’s comprehensive guest comment card system, in which guests are asked to rate their “Fun Ship” cruise experience in a wide range of categories, including crew service and friendliness, on-board cuisine and entertainment, and children’s programming.
“While Carnival endeavors to provide fun, quality and affordable vacations aboard all 22 of its ‘Fun Ships,’ the Ecstasy received particularly high marks not only in the all-important area of guest service but also for the many guest, pleasing facilities and features incorporated during its recent renovation. Congratulations to the Ecstasy team for embodying our company’s commitment to creating lasting vacation memories for our guests,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
To mark the occasion, a shipboard reception was held aboard the Ecstasy during which Dickinson presented Captain Salvatore Messina with a custom-designed award that resembles an eagle. The criteria for “Crystal Eagle” award is best described by its acronym for “eagle” which is as follows: Exceeding Expectations, Anticipating Needs, Going the Extra Mile, Lasting Memories, Excellence in Every Aspect.
The Ecstasy’s extensive 35-day refurbishment included expansive new facilities for children and teens, a 1,200 square foot conference center, an updated Lido restaurant and gift shop, a completely renovated Spa Carnival facility, new art and photo galleries, and a nine-hole miniature golf course, all of which are part of “Evolutions of Fun,” the cruise industry’s most ambitious ship refurbishment and product enhancement initiative focusing on the line’s eight Fantasy-class vessels.
The Ecstasy’s multimillion-dollar refurbishment also included the renovation of its 1,026 staterooms which now feature flat-panel televisions, new wall coverings, and updated bathrooms.
