VENICE: On a sunny Saturday afternoon this past March, Venetians and vacationers lined the waterfront of this historic Italian island city to view a true American spectacle: Floating past them was the world's newest cruise ship, the 3,700-passenger Carnival Freedom -- practically screaming Americana.

Reminiscent of an American flag, the ship's trademark red, white and blue funnel, more than 13 decks up, soared well above the Venetian skyline. Passengers in the Freedom Restaurant (on Lido Deck) peered past an ice-blue Statue of Liberty (towering two decks) on Venice's age-old basilicas, while the ship's signature blue "Twister" waterslide snaked against the backdrop of Saint Mark's Square.

Though Carnival Freedom was built in Marghera, Italy (on the mainland shore just west of Venice), she appeared to be a long way from home. Whereas ships operated by cruise lines with roots in Europe (Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Costa Cruises) appear at home cruising the waters of the Northern Adriatic Sea, Carnival's colorful and colossal ship looked like an American tourist waving national colors.

The resemblance to an American abroad should not be disregarded by U.S. travelers. Indeed, the predominant story of Carnival Cruise Lines' 22nd ship was one not of the ship itself but of the line's commitment to introducing Americans (primarily) and families (particularly) to the wonders across the Big Pond -- at bargain prices.

Kathy Ireland
Underscoring the emphasis on both, Carnival chose Kathy Ireland, the former supermodel turned businesswoman, to serve as godmother of the ship. Ireland, who broke a ceremonial  jerboam of Veuve Clicquot champagne across the bow, remained on board after inaugural events to cruise with her husband, three children (ages 12, 8 and 3) and their grandparents.

"It's a wonderful way to see the world, particularly if you have children," Ireland said. "And this ship is really family friendly. There's something for everyone."

The fifth in Carnival's Conquest class is indeed a good choice for multigenerational families wanting to cruise Europe. For kids and teens, facilities range from Camp Carnival to the new teen Club 02, featuring a dance floor and a video arcade.

For adults, Carnival Freedom's reservations-only Sun King restaurant provides for an evening in an elegant supper club setting. The ship's Lido Deck features fun for all, with a 270-square-foot LED screen for outdoor theater, four swimming pools and a 214-foot-long waterslide.

Lounges, Bars and Spas
All is complemented by 22 lounges and bars, a gigantic health club and spa, and a variety of staterooms ranging from standard insides to suites. It's hard to imagine a hotel or resort in the region where Carnival Freedom will cruise offering similar activities -- particularly at a comparable price.

With lead-in rates priced below four figures, Carnival appears well poised to become the price leader in Europe. That's not to say that Carnival is the bottom feeder, but Carnival Freedom has some of the most competitive rates on European itineraries.

What truly sets Carnival Freedom apart in Europe, however, is its emphasis on fun. Carnival Freedom brings a "youthful vitality," says one Carnival executive, to a travel destination that is becoming increasingly popular with young children and families. The combination of the ship's amenities and features along with the ports of call and shore side activities makes Carnival Freedom a good bet for families.

Carnival Freedom will offer the line's first foray into the Greek Isles and Turkey. She will sail seven 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises and a dozen 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” voyages through October 16. Cruises will operate round-trip from Civitavecchia, the port for Rome.

The 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises include eight ports:  Naples, Italy; Rhodes, Greece; Izmir (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey; Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon, Greece; and Livorno, Italy, as well as an overnight call in Rome (Civitavecchia).

The 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” cruises visit seven ports: Naples, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy (two-day call); Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy.

Land Excursions
These cruises offer guests a variety of landside experiences, including visiting the legendary Acropolis and the Temple of Poseidon in Greece, as well as the ancient cities of Olympia, Priere, Didyma and Miletus, which are four of the best-preserved settlements of Grecian history. Also included is an overnight call in Civitavecchia, allowing time for shore excursions to Rome to see the centuries-old Coliseum or to Vatican City to tour St. Peter’s Basilica. Extended calls in Istanbul give guests time to visit the fabled Blue Mosque and Topkapi Museum.

A number of shore excursions have been designed to appeal to families. In Barcelona, for example, family bicycling tours are offered. On board Carnival Freedom, kid-friendly dining options include special children's menus in the main dining room, 24-hour pizza, ice cream at the poolside restaurant and a special children's turndown service providing freshly baked cookies.
 
Carnival Freedom strives to provide for its past passengers the comfort of cruising Europe with a familiar name. And with an on-board passenger mix expected to exceed 90 percent North American on each sailing, the ship also may appeal to less intrepid travelers who want to cruise Europe, true (red, white) and blue.
Carnival Freedom repositions to Miami following its inaugural season in Europe to offer a series of seven-day cruises. She returns to Europe in 2008.