Already known for its abundance of world famous theme parks, Central Florida also continues to grow as one of the world’s premier cruise ship ports.

While Orlando, FL remains one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations, nearby Port Canaveral sits just an hour’s drive from the gates of Disney World. And now, the Port has again expanded its lineup of world class cruise ships.

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced the addition of a third ship to its Port Canaveral fleet. The 20-year-old Carnival Ecstasy, currently based in Galveston, TX, will move to Port Canaveral and begin sailing from Central Florida on Nov. 7, 2011.

The 2,052-passenger ship will operate four- and five-day cruises to The Bahamas. Ecstasy will depart Thursdays on four-day ‘long weekend’ cruises visiting Nassau and Half Moon Cay or Freeport. The five-day cruises will depart Mondays and Saturdays offering ports of call at Nassau, Freeport and Half Moon Cay or Key West.

The Ecstasy joins the Carnival Sensation and Carnival Dream at Port Canaveral. The Port also acts as the home base for the Disney Magic and Disney’s extraordinary new ship, Disney Dream. Rounding out the cruise ship lineup in Port Canaveral are two Royal Caribbean ships, the Freedom of the Seas and Monarch of the Seas.

For more information on discount Orlando vacation packages and discount cruises, please go to www.WestgateReservations.com.