Biggest US cruise ship could call at Malta

There is a "reasonable possibility" that Carnival Freedom, the biggest North American cruise liner operating in Europe, will start calling at Malta.

The official naming of the 110,000-tonne vessel took place in Venice yesterday, presided over by "godmother" Kathy Ireland. Carnival Freedom will sail on her inaugural voyage, a nine-day Mediterranean cruise from Venice, this afternoon. She will then launch a schedule of 12-day Mediterranean and Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises beginning on March 14.

The Freedom was delivered to Carnival Cruise Lines in a traditional handover ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, on Saturday. It is the line's 22nd vessel in the Fun Ship fleet.

"Families today are seeking interesting vacation options that offer exciting and rewarding experiences. And European cruising offers the ideal all-ages holiday," Bob Dickinson, Carnival's president and chief executive officer, said.

"Europe is one of the fastest-growing regions for cruising, offering consumers the opportunity to experience the stunning landscapes, centuries-old architecture and rich cultural history and then return to the comfort and convenience of a 'floating resort'," he said.

Asked whether Malta could be included as a port of call, Mr Dickinson said that "everything is on the table".

"There is reasonable possibility that Malta could be on the itinerary as we grow larger and get additional ships operating in the Mediterranean in the coming years," Mr Dickinson said.

The new 2,974 passenger super liner features an interior design theme that takes guests on a journey through the centuries. From ancient Babylonia to the heyday of disco, from the 19th century Victorian era to the contemporary style of the 1990s, the public rooms of Carnival Freedom celebrate many periods in time.

A spacious 4,200-square-foot play area is the focal point of the Freedom's Camp Carnival programme. The facility is divided into five distinct areas: A movie room, featuring a 16-monitor video wall displaying children's favourite films and cartoons; an arts-and-crafts centre with spin and sand art and candy-making machines; a soft play area with padded play equipment for toddlers; a gaming room with PlayStation consoles; and a children's library with youth-oriented books.