Carnival Cruise Lines has announced a new contest for kids. In celebration of their newest and largest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, Carnival launched the Virtual Book of Dreams contest, inviting children living in the U.S. and Canada to enter and possibly win a family cruise. Entries must be received by September 18, 2009.

Children between the ages of 7-12 have the opportunity to share their dreams online at www.carnivalbookofdreams.com for a chance to become the world's first-ever cruise ship waterslide Godchild. If chosen, the child will travel to New York City to christen the Carnival WaterWorks waterpark on the Carnival Dream. The winning family will also receive a two-night cruise on the Carnival Dream when the ship launches in North America in November.

In a philanthropic effort to remind people why its important to dream, Carnival Cruise Lines is also making a $2 donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for every entry received and $1 for each vote on the Virtual Book of Dreams website at www.carnivalbookofdreams.com. St. Jude is one of the world's leading centers for research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. A maximum contribution of $25,000 will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

To enter the Virtual Book of Dreams contest, children must complete the thought "I'm always dreaming up fun stuff. Wouldn't it be awesome if..." in 250 words or less. From now through September 18, 2009, parents and legal guardians of children between the ages of 7-12 can submit their child's written dream entry and corresponding hand-drawn illustration online at www.carnivalbookofdreams.com.

Dream submissions will be judged based upon the creativity and originality of the dream, expression and emotional content. In late September 2009, Carnival will announce four finalists chosen by a panel of judges. In addition, one Wild Card finalist will be selected by the public voting online at the Virtual Book of Dreams website. Each of the finalists will then be featured in a final round of public online voting that will last until the beginning of October.

The Virtual Book of Dreams Grand Prize Winner will be chosen in mid-October. The selected winner will be named the Godchild of the Carnival WaterWorks water slide aboard the Carnival Dream and will be invited to participate in a ship christening ceremony in New York City in mid-November 2009. The winning family will also receive a two-night cruise aboard the Carnival Dream. All other contest finalists will be treated to digital cameras and other prizes from Carnival Cruise Line.

For more information, visit www.carnivalbookofdreams.com.