Carnival Cruise Lines' newest cruise ship comes with a view - quite a few views actually, and that's probably why they named it the Carnival Vista.
The line revealed some major details of the 3,936-passenger ship that's due in spring 2016 including the first IMAX movie theater at sea and SkyRide, an open-air cycling experience in which riders are suspended above the upper decks for a view that's 150 feet above the sea.
"Carnival Vista celebrates the connection to the oceans on which we sail and gives our guests amazing seascapes around every corner and more ways to enjoy every moment of sun and fun during their cruise vacation," said Mark Tamis, Carnival's senior vice president of guest operations.
Also unique to the Vista will be a an expanded water park, the centerpiece of which will be a raft-riding slide called the Kaleid-O-Slide that sends riders down a 455-foot twisted, visually stimulating tube.
Two other new features will be a New England-inspired eatery called the Seafood Shack and the line's first onboard brewery connected to the RedFrog Pub.
The SkyRide is the latest salvo in above-deck options various cruise lines have offered to give cruisers a unique view of the ship and its surroundings. Disney Cruise Line gave us the AquaDuck water slide and Royal Caribbean offered up the North Star pivoting arm ride on Quantum of the Seas. Now Carnival's SkyRide lets riders tool around 800 feet of suspended track on a recumbent bicycle. It will be adjacent to the line's ropes course as part of the activity park that also includes a sports hangout with mini-bowling, ping-pong, arcade basketball and sports video games.
The IMAX theater will span three decks, offering the latest new films as well as classic IMAX offerings. It will be adjacent to the Thrill Theater, a short, theatrical 3D attraction that features moving seats and other special effects. Both will be part of the Carnival Multiplex, offering a concession stand with traditional moviegoing fare.
The line also plans to introduce indoor/outdoor seating for many of its dining venues similar to the Waterfront concept on Norwegian Cruise Line. Those venues include Seafood Shack, Fahrenheit 5555, Bonsai Sushi, Library Bar, Cherry on Top, RedFrog Pub and Havana Bar.
Havana Bar, which transforms at night into a Latin music dance venue, will also spill over to a new Havana Pool area with whirlpools and relaxation area. Havana Cabanas with private patios with chairs and hammock will be a new amenity as well.
Also new to accommodations will be Family Harbor staterooms that can hold up to five family members and access to the Family Harbor Lounge with large-screen TVs, games and complimentary breakfast and snacks and access to a concierge desk.
The Fun Ship 2.0 amenities that have been rolled out to the Carnival Breeze and other ships in the fleet will be on hand aboard the Vista as well including Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina and Tequila Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, Alchemy Bar, Cloud 9 Spa, HASBRO the Game Show and Punchliner Comedy Club.
The Vista will also be getting the full Seuss experience, which includes the Dr. Seuss Bookville reading and play space as well the Seuss at Sea program, Green Eggs and Ham with The Cat in the Hat and Friends character breakfast, Seuss-a-palooza Story Time and Parade.
The 133,500-ton, 1,055-foot-long ship is currently under construction at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. The 25th and largest ship in Carnival Cruise Lines' fleet will debut May 1, 2016 to sail the summer on a series of Mediterranean voyages before relocating to New York in November.
By Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel
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