The 2,052-passenger Carnival Inspiration recently launched year-round short cruises from Long Beach 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. Carnival is the West Coast cruise leader and is the only company to operate two ships from California on a year-round basis. Together the Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Splendor are expected to carry 400,000 guests on an annual basis – more than any other cruise operator.

Carnival Cruise Lines, 800-327-9501 (individual), 800-327-5782 (groups), www.GoCCL.com