Ally

NEW YORK (Associated Press) - Carnival Corp., the world's largest cruise operator, said Thursday it ordered two new ships totaling 765 million euro ($1.12 billion) for a brand that caters to German-speaking travelers.

The two 71,000-ton vessels will be made at Germany's Meyer Werft shipyard. The 2,174-passenger ships are targeted to sail under the AIDA Cruises brand beginning in April 2011 and May 2012.

Carnival said it also decided to boost the weight and capacity of another vessel already being built by Meyer Werft to the same level as that of the new orders. The expansion means the ship's cost will rise to 350 million euro ($513.8 million) from 335 million euro ($491.8 million). The AIDA vessel is expected to launch in April 2010.

Carnival said the new orders and expansion are meant to accommodate increased demand among European travelers.

Carnival also runs Holland America Tours and Princess Tours

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15/03/2009 - Costa Fortuna - Transatlantic - Ft Lauderdale, Nassau, Catalina Island, St Maarten, Guadeloupe, Barbados, Tenerife, Madeira, Barcelona & Savona - 17 Nights

10/10/2009 - Costa Classica - Grand Oriental Cruise - Shanghai, Nagasaki, Tokyo, Kobe, Naha, Keelung & Hong Kong - 16 Nights

Flying to Houston for Enrique and Lauren's wedding!! Cruising in: 25 day(s), 4 hour(s), 43 minute(s)