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Carnival celebrates Cinco de Mayo in Australia, launches 2016-17 programme

Helen Hutcheon
Jennifer Vandekreeke (right) and marketing director Jayne Andrews celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Carnival Australia invited Seatrade Insider to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at El Loco Mexican Cantina in Sydney tonight.

Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for ‘fifth day of May’ and is an annual celebration of the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Tequila flowed between mountains of tacos as Carnival Cruise Line vp Australia and New Zealand, Jennifer Vandekreeke, launched the 2016-17 programme for resident ship Carnival Spirit and her visiting sister, Carnival Legend.

As previously reported, Carnival Spirit will be fitted with a new Bluelguana Tequila Bar and a Bluelguana Cantina Mexican eatery when she goes into drydock at the Sembawang Shipyard in Singapore in August.

Vandekreeke said the company will operate a record 133 cruises in 2016-17, ranging from three-night short breaks to 18-night cruises to Hawaii.

‘Now we have two ships sailing from Australia and an ever-growing number of repeat guests, we’re keen to expand our itineraries and offer new ways for holidaymakers to enjoy the fun of a Carnival cruise,’ she said.

The new programme, which goes on sale tomorrow, includes more Tasmanian cruises, a new 10-night itinerary around New Zealand’s South Island and four cruises between Sydney and Hawaii.

There are more short family-friendly itineraries from Sydney, including seven round-trip cruises to Moreton Island and two to Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast.