Carnival Freedom delivered in Marghera, Italy

Fincantieri shipyard yesterday delivered a big baby, 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom, to proud new parents Carnival Cruise Line, in Marghera, Italy. The vessel is the 22nd in Carnival's "Fun Ship" fleet.

Kathy Ireland, the ship's godmother, will deliver the traditional blessings at the naming ceremony in Venice on March 4, after which the ship will sail her inaugural Mediterranean cruise on March 5.

The ship's regular schedule will be 12- and 14-day Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises sailing round-trip from Rome's port, Civitavecchia.

Carnival Freedom offers the same "drive-in movie" experience as sister line Princess Cruises, a poolside 270-square-foot LED screen showing movies and concerts, and the ship also has bow-to-stern wireless Net access and cellular coverage.

Most staterooms have either an ocean view or a private balcony, and every stateroom has Carnival's upgraded "Comfort Bed" sleep system, which we've tested and award a 2-thumbs-up rating.

Contact SureCruise.com for cruise rates and reservations.