The 2,052-passenger Carnival Inspiration will launch year-round short cruises from Long Beach, Calif., this afternoon when it departs on a sold-out four-day voyage to Catalina Island and Ensenada.

Carnival Inspiration provides an exciting new choice on this popular itinerary which encompasses three-day cruises departing Fridays to Ensenada and four-day cruises departing Mondays to Ensenada and Catalina Island.  Previously, this itinerary was operated by the Carnival Paradise, which has been redeployed to Tampa.

The 70,000-ton Carnival Inspiration underwent an extensive multi-million-dollar refurbishment as part of the line’s “Evolutions of Fun” enhancement program and includes such innovations as a WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long water slide, 82-foot-long racing slides and a water spray area, a Serenity adults-only retreat, a tropical-themed resort-style main pool area and numerous other features.

Carnival Inspiration joins the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor which operates seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach.