Carnival Cruise Lines' newest ship, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic, operating from Barcelona, providing cruise holidays of exceptional value around the Mediterranean

This marks Carnival's first full season of cruise holidays in the Mediterranean for three years, as well as the first time the line has homeported a ship in Barcelona.

As demand for cruise holidays around the Mediterranean grows, companies move to take a share of an ever growing market.

Carnival have introduced the line's newest ship, Carnival Magic which will offer a host of on-board amenities and facilities, including Ocean Plaza, an indoor/outdoor cafe and live entertainment venue with full bar service, a patisserie and a dance floor; Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat offering magnificent sea views; and The Lanai, a wrap-around promenade encircling the ship with cantilevered whirlpools that will extend over the ship's sides.

Carnival Magic will also build upon the line's distinction as the family cruise leader, with dedicated facilities and programming for children in three age groups – along with a miniature golf course and an expansive WaterWorks aqua park with multiple water slides and other features. Extensive formal and casual dining options, including two two-level main dining rooms, an expansive poolside Lido restaurant, an elegant steakhouse serving U.S.D.A. prime dry-aged beef, a sushi bar, and complimentary 24-hour stateroom service, will also be available. High-tech features aboard the Carnival Magic will include the Fun Hub, a comprehensive intranet portal and shipboard social network, along with ship-wide Wi-Fi access. Health-conscious guests will enjoy a 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa featuring a thalassotherapy pool, thermal suite and elaborate spa and gymnasium facilities.