Carnival's new ship sets sail

Carnival took delivery of the

Carnival Freedom

last Wednesday, named her on Sunday, and will send her off on her maiden voyage today. The new "Fun Ship" is the 22nd in Carnival's fleet.

After its nine-night inaugural voyage, the

Carnival Freedom

will sail 12-night "Grand Mediterranean" and Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises through late October. It will then reposition from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Miami, and spend the winter cruising the Caribbean on seven-night itineraries.

The new ship features 1,487 staterooms, 60 percent of which have windows or balconies. Other onboard highlights include a giant poolside movie screen, wireless Internet and cell phone access throughout the entire ship, 22 bars and lounges each designed around a past era in history, a large spa, and extensive kids' and teens' areas.

If you want to see Carnival's new addition for yourself, you can currently book cabins on the

Carnival Freedom's

Europe and Caribbean itineraries. For more information or to reserve your spot on one of these sailings, visit

Carnival's website

, call 800-227-6482, or contact a travel agent.