Carnival to return to Europe with Magic

Industry giant Carnival is returning to Europe, a destination it abandoned during the economic downturn of the past two years.

Carnival will announce today that its next ship, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic, will be based in Barcelona after it debuts in May 2011. The Magic currently is under construction at a Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.

Carnival cited the worsening economic situation in 2008 when it announced it was pulling out of Europe -- a high priced vacation option for Americans that became a tougher sell as the economy tumbled. The line's plan to return to Europe in 2011 suggests Carnival executives see better times ahead.

Carnival senior cruise director John Heald revealed Carnival's plan to return to Europe in a personal blog he maintains for past passengers and fans. Heald says the Magic will sail seven-, nine- and 12-night cruises to Monte Carlo, Rome, Naples, Messina, Palma, Marseilles, Venice and Dubrovnik.

The new European voyages will go on sale today to past Carnival passengers with introductory fares starting at $829 per person. Bookings will open to the general public on Jan. 26.

The 130,000-ton Magic is a sister to the 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream, which debuted in September.