Carnival to replace only SC-based cruise ship in 2016

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - The Carnival Cruise ship Ecstasy will call the Port of Charleston home beginning in February, replacing the Fantasy, which had been based in the Holy City for nearly five years.

On the ship's new schedule, which begins on Feb. 6, passengers will be able to select four-day cruises to Nassau, five-day cruises to Nassau and Freeport or the private island of Half Moon Cay, according to a release from Carnival.

There will also be two different seven-day options: one will feature Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay and Nassau; while the other will feature Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay.

Three special six-day cruises are planned, departing May 23, Oct. 2 and Oct. 30, officials said.

The Carnival Ecstasy features a WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long water slide, a tropical-themed resort-style pool, 150 staterooms and suites featuring private balconies.

The Fantasy will be based out of Miami beginning next year.

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