Last night, I attended the Media Preview for the brand new Carnival Vista cruise ship in NYC. Based off Carnival Cruise Line’s very successful Carnival Breeze, this Fun Ship 2.0 will offer innovative and exciting new entertainment like an IMAX Theater and Sky Ride as well as family dining and its own brewery. Designed to connect Guests with the ocean, the Carnival Vista will offer outdoor and indoor dining and entertainment options for cruisers to enjoy. Continue reading for all the details on the Carnival Vista sailing in the Mediterranean beginning in 2016.
On the Entertainment front, the Carnival Vista will offer the very first IMAX Theater at Sea featuring the latest Hollywood blockbusters, IMAX classics and IMAX documentaries on a screen that is 3 decks high! Next door, Guests can enjoy the Thrill Theater offering a multi-dimensional special effects experience. This is all part of the Carnival Multiplex where a concession stand will also offer popcorn and other movie snacks.
Family Entertainment options include the indoor/outdoor Camp Ocean for children under age 12. This is a dedicated undersea-themed play space with more than 200 fun and educational ocean-inspired activities. The Carnival Vista will be the second ship in the fleet to feature Dr. Seuss Bookville, a special reading and play space inspired by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. Here kids and their families can read beloved Dr. Seuss books, make arts and crafts and stretch their imagination with toys and games. Also part of Carnival’s Seuss at Sea program, Carnival Vista guests can enjoy Green Eggs and Ham with The Cat in the Hat and Friends character breakfast, the Seuss-a-palooza Story Time and Parade and more! Finally, the Carnival Vista will also introduce four new games at the family-centric HASBRO the Game Show, as well as special family-friendly comedy performances at Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez.
In terms of Outdoor Entertainment, SkyRide is the cruise industry’s first pedal-powered open-air aerial attraction where Carnival is creating some of the best and highest outdoor vistas ever offered on a cruise ship. Adventurous riders can climb aboard hanging recumbent-like bikes to cycle their way around the 800-foot suspended track with panoramic views from 150 feet above the sea. I had the opportunity to sit in one of the SkyRide bikes and it was a lot of fun. Near the SkyRide will be SkyCourse, an exhilarating suspended ropes course. Both are part of the expanded outdoor activity park that also includes a new indoor sports hangout, The Clubhouse at SportSquare¸ featuring mini-bowling, ping-pong, arcade basketball, sports video gaming and more.
In the largest WaterWorks water park in the fleet, kids and kids at heart will find a thrilling array of splash-tastic fun including Kaleid-O-Slide, the line’s first-ever water tube attraction. Riders will hop on inflatable one or two-person rafts taking them on a fun-filled 455-foot adventure of exhilarating twists and turns with stunning kaleidoscopic visual effects.
The Carnival Vista will offer new dining and bar options in addition to some of the cruise line’s favorite existing options. I had the opportunity to sample some of the upcoming menu items that will be featured on the Carnival Vista and I can honestly say they were all amazing. New to the Vista will be the New England inspired Seafood Shack featuring clam chowder, lobster roll, steamed lobster, crab cakes and more! I tried both the clam chowder and the lobster roll with chips and I enjoyed them both.
At the Red Frog Pub & Brewery, guests can enjoy live entertainment and great food in a pub-like atmosphere. This is also an active brewery! During each sailing two giant copper-topped glass kettles will create tasty ales and lagers that can be enjoyed on tap from the bar and through unique tabletop taps that allow guests to pour their own beer. The full bar will also offer an array of Caribbean-inspired cocktails, beers and rums. Live music and brewing tours and tastings will also be offered in this fun venue. I tried the Red Frog Caribbean slider and it was delicious.
In terms of old favorites, the Havana Bar offers light bites and drinks during the day while transforming to a night club at night. I tried the beef empanada from Havana Bar as well as a chicken croquette with cheese. Both were amazing. It is also located adjacent to the Havana Pool. Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina and the Cherry On Top Candy Store will also be located on the ship. Cherry On Top features a premium mix-to-order ice cream parlor and more than 80 kinds of bulk candy. All dining establishments located on Deck 5 will feature indoor/outdoor seating options as well, giving Guests a chance to dine with the ocean.
For Guests looking to relax, the luxurious two-level Cloud 9 Spa will feature an array of chill-worthy amenities, including a thalassotherapy pool, four steam chambers, the line’s first infrared sauna and hamam, and special “experience showers” that provide a soothing fragrance element, along with a high-tech indoor cycling studio. Guests can get away from it all at the adults-only Serenity retreat, where there are breathtaking views, tranquility and even more lounging options to relax including the line’s first outdoor massage huts.
In terms of Accommodations, the new Family Harbor accommodations offer an array of deluxe ocean-view, balcony and interior staterooms that accommodate up to five family members. They are located within a new dedicated family zone on Deck 2.
Parents and kids will have even more room to relax at the new, exclusive Family Harbor Lounge, a secluded space designed as the ultimate family hang out with large-screen TVs, games and complimentary breakfast and snacks. A special family concierge desk will be available here to assist families in making this their best vacation ever.
The Carnival Vista inaugural sailing on May 1, 2016 will mark the cruise line’s return to Europe as it sets sail from Trieste, Italy. It moves to the United States later in the Fall as it sails select cruises from New York City beginning November 3, 2016. The final home port for the Carnival Vista has not been announced yet. All in all, the Carnival Vista is an amazing, family friendly new cruise option and I can’t wait to actually sail on it.
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The SkyRide looks incredible!!!
What phenomenal insight and ingenuity by Carnival, surely the views will be specatcualar, all while getting your fitness on.
Super Cool