Carnival Cruise Lines "Fun Ship" cruises return to New Orleans today when the 2,056-passenger Fantasy embarks on a four-day cruise to Mexico this afternoon from the new Erato Street Cruise Terminal, part of the ship’s year-round four- and five-day program from that port.

Fantasy’s year-round schedule from New Orleans, four-day cruises depart Thursdays and call at Cozumel while five-day cruises depart Mondays and Saturdays and visit Cozumel and Costa Maya.

The 70,000-ton Fantasy – the namesake behind Carnival’s "Fantasy-class," the most successful series of ships ever introduced – marks the return of year-round Carnival voyages from New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

With the Fantasy’s brand new four- and five-day cruises, combined with Carnival Triumph’s year-round seven-day cruises from New Orleans announced earlier this year, Carnival expects to carry approximately 320,000 passengers annually from that port.

Cruisers can extend their stay in New Orleans with a variety of pre- and post-cruise land packages providing an opportunity to explore the city’s many excellent restaurants, shops and historical landmarks.

"Carnival is delighted to resume ‘Fun Ship’ cruising from New Orleans, which, in addition to being one of America’s great cities, has historically been one of our most popular and fastest growing homeports," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

The ship encompasses 10 passenger decks and features a variety of on-board amenities and facilities, including three swimming pools, Carnival’s signature "Twister Waterslide," a 12,000-square-foot health and fitness center, a comprehensive golf program, a jogging track, cell phone service, an Internet café, and "Camp Carnival" and "Club O2" with expansive facilities and activities for children and teens, respectively.

The Fantasy also houses 1,028 staterooms featuring the new "Carnival Comfort Bed" sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality pillows and linens.

Eating options include two formal restaurants with expansive menus and wine lists and a 700-seat poolside eatery featuring 24-hour pizza and self-serve ice cream/frozen yogurt. All Fantasy dining venues feature the new "Georges Blanc Signature Selections," delicious menu items created by the world-renowned French master chef.

Carnival is currently accepting reservations for all of its "Fun Ship" departures from New Orleans.

Prices for the four- and five-day voyages from New Orleans begin at $299 per person while Carnival Triumph’s seven-day voyages from New Orleans start at $529 at per person, based on double occupancy. Special rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, along with round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways, are also available.