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Carnival Cruise Line Takes Delivery of New Carnival Vista

By
Dana Lawson
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At a traditional maritime handover ceremony held earlier today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, Carnival Cruise Line took delivery of its newest, largest, and most innovative ship — the 133,500-ton Carnival Vista.

The 3,954-passenger ship will reposition to Trieste, Italy, where it will depart on its maiden voyage May 1, kicking off a summer schedule in Europe that runs through October 2016.

Following a 13-day trans-Atlantic crossing, Carnival Vista will operate a pair of 11-day cruises from New York in November 2016 then launch year-round Caribbean service from Miami later that month.

Carnival Vista offers a number of unique features, including a groundbreaking suspended cycling experience called SkyRide, the first IMAX Theatre at sea, and the RedFrog Pub & Brewery offering three different kinds of beer brewed on board.

Also new is Family Harbor with special family accommodations and a family concierge, along with the tropics-inspired Havana staterooms and suites featuring a dedicated pool area.

The ship’s outdoor spaces include a massive WaterWorks aqua park, highlighted by the 455-foot-long Kaleid-o-slide, the longest slide in the fleet.

“Carnival Vista is a spectacular addition to our fleet and we can’t wait for our guests to experience all of the ship’s exciting new features,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“Carnival Vista will provide our guests an opportunity to create a lifetime of wonderful vacation memories while offering our valued travel agent partners another exciting vacation option to market to their clients,” she added.

Reservations are currently being accepted for Carnival Vista, as well as other ships in the Carnival fleet.

Carnival is a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc and has 25 ships operating three- to 16-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

The company currently has an as-yet-unnamed 133,500-ton ship under construction which is scheduled to enter service in 2018.

 

Oceania Cruises Celebrates Christening of Newest Ship

By
Dana Lawson
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Oceania Cruises officially welcomed its newest ship, Sirena, into the fleet this evening with a majestic christening ceremony at the Port of Barcelona.

After the ship’s godmother, Claudine Pépin, delivered the traditional blessing, a bottle of Moët & Chandon’s finest champagne kissed the ship’s hull, and a flurry of confetti filled the sky in celebration of Sirena’s inaugural voyage.

Joining Pépin for the signature bottle-breaking moment were Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO, Frank Del Rio; President and COO for Oceania Cruises, Jason Montague; and Claudine’s father, legendary master chef Jacques Pépin.

The Pépin family and Oceania Cruises have enjoyed a long and treasured relationship, with Jacques Pépin serving as the line’s Executive Culinary Director since its inception.

“We launched Oceania Cruises with a visionary belief that we could create something special.  With an unwavering commitment to serve our guests the finest cuisine at sea, we established a culinary reputation that to this day defines the Oceania Cruises brand,” said Del Rio.

“That culinary tradition continues, as we welcome Sirena to the family.  Sirena builds upon our epicurean heritage with new gourmet dining experiences, and in godmother Claudine Pépin, who is a noted chef and member of the culinary world’s royal family.”

The 684-passenger Sirena follows the award-winning design blueprint of its sister ships Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, with amenities such as four gourmet restaurants, six elegant lounges and bars, the renowned Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and 342 lavish suites and luxurious staterooms.

Before entering service, the ship underwent a 35-day, nearly $50 million refurbishment that renovated all public spaces and accommodations to Oceania Cruises’ standard of elegance and added several new amenities for guests to enjoy.

The ship debuts with two new specialty restaurants, providing guests with new culinary indulgences to explore. Tuscan Steak — a completely new restaurant concept — is inspired by both Oceania Cruises’ traditional steak house, Polo Grill, and the line’s authentic Italian restaurant, Toscana.

Red Ginger, the beloved contemporary Asian-inspired restaurant currently available on Marina and Riviera, will offer culinary delights such as miso glazed sea bass and lobster pad thai.

Another new dining option awaits Sirena guests at the Grand Dining Room.  During lunch, the restaurant will transform into Jacques Bistro, offering an exclusive menu featuring some of legendary chef Jacques Pépin’s signature dishes.

“The expansion of our culinary offerings on Sirena with Tuscan Steak, Red Ginger, and Jacques Bistro further exemplifies our commitment to epicurean excellence,” shared Montague.  “We’ve given our guests three new gourmet dining options, and more opportunities to enjoy the finest cuisine at sea.”

In addition to the new dining options, Sirena’s most palatial and prestigious accommodations — the Owner’s and Vista Suites — will debut with an elegant new design that features a crisp and modern motif.

Sirena is also the first ship in the Oceania Cruises’ fleet to showcase the enhanced entertainment offerings being developed for the line.  Guests will be treated to a full range of world-class musical, theatrical, and comedic productions in the Sirena Lounge.

Carnival Magic Begins Sailing from Port Canaveral – Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ & Smokehouse Grand Opening | Carnival Cruise Line | EP1

By
John Shallo
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Guests aboard the Carnival Magic relax on Lido Deck by the main pool. The area also features Carnival's Seaside Theatre that shows movies and concert videos. Photo by Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Lines
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Join Cruise Addicts as we’re welcomed aboard the Carnival Magic as she is welcomed to Port Canaveral for the first time. Hear from our guests Travel Writer, Chris Owen (ChrisCruises.com), Scott Lara and Sherry Laskin Kennedy of CruiseMaven.com. Learn more about the Carnival Magic’s new and unique itineraries. Celebrate Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ and Smokehouse grand opening and hear our guests opinions of this new dining venue.

8 Good Reasons Carnival Magic Will Rock Florida

By
Chris Owen
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Carnival Magic has arrived in Florida to sail year-round to the Caribbean.  Initially deployed in Galveston, Carnival Magic was the first Carnival ship ever to debut anywhere other than Florida. But Galveston’s loss is the Space Coast’s gain, especially after the ship went through an extensive remodeling on the way.  Added were features not yet in service when Carnival Magic was born, many were a result of Carnival’s Funship 2.0 initiative.  We’ll highlight those good reasons Carnival Magic will rock Florida, along with some other not so obvious ones.

A waitress aboard the Carnival Magic presents gastronomical offerings in the ship's Prime Steakhouse Photo by Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Lines
Photo: Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Line

Prime Steakhouse= A reasonably priced premium dining venue that is really good and can be reserved in advance, before boarding the ship

 

A photo of the barbecue on Carnival Magic
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse BBQ – Think Chipotle Mexican Grill only Barbecue and free.  This is one serious reason why Carnival Magic will rock Florida.

 

The WaterWorks aqua park on Carnival Two guests on the Carnival Magic a main feature of the ship's WaterWorks aqua park, a 312-foot-long Twister waterslide (entrance on right), and the DrainPipe slide attraction (left). The Twister slide is the longest side in Carnival's fleet. Photo by Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Lines
Photo: Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Line

The WaterWorks Aqua Park on Carnival Magic is a 312-foot-long Twister waterslide, the longest side in Carnival’s fleet.

 

Guests on board the new Carnival Magic try out SkyCourse, the first-ever ropes course at sea in which participants can traverse suspended cables with views 150 feet to the sea below. The course is part of an expansive outdoor recreation area on the ship called SportSquare.
Photo: Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Line

SkyCourse, the first-ever ropes course at sea in which participants can traverse suspended cables with views 150 feet to the sea below. The course is part of an expansive outdoor recreation area on the ship called SportSquare.

 

Guests aboard Carnival Magic enjoy the Cucina del Capitano restaurant that offers family-style Italian dining.
Photo: Newman/Carnival Cruise Line

Cucina del Capitano is another nicely priced premium restaurant that offers family-style Italian dining.

Carnival Magic Will Rock Florida Cruise Pricing Too

Carnival Magic Key West Florida
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line

Cruise Compete

The Price Is Right- Just for Fun, we priced Carnival Magic and Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas (coming to Port Canaveral in November) for comparison.  Carnival Magic prices started at $1266.00 total for two.  Oasis of the Seas, same week in November, prices started at $2078.00 total for two.  Note: you’ll have to surf for real (on Carnival) rather than simulating the experience (on Royal Caribbean).

 

 

Massage therapists administer a couple's bamboo massage on Carnival Magic's Cloud 9 Spa. The two-level facility also includes a full gymnasium, thermal suite and spa accommodations with special access and privileges. Photo by Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Lines
Photo: Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Lines

Cloud 9 Spa will see guests will indulge in 18,000-plus massages, nearly 9,000 facials, more than 6,000 slimming treatments, and some 2,000 personal fitness consultations in the the first year.

Carnival Magic Will Rock Florida
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Reasonable Parking for those who drive to the port.  Not at the port but remotely.  Park Port Canaveral has it for $8.95 per day when prepaid.  Who doesn’t want to find “Astronaut Blvd” on their GPS?   Better Deal: Go a day early, enjoy a Cocoa Beach Snooze & Cruise Package for $95. Parking included during the cruise.

CruiseCompete-LogoThis article is brought to by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts.

Carnival Corporation to Sail to Cuba with All Travelers

By
Dana Lawson
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Today Carnival Corporation & plc announced it will sail as planned from the U.S. to Cuba with all travelers — including Cuba-born passengers — for the company’s week-long voyages to Cuba.

Carnival Corporation worked closely with Cuba to allow its cruise ships to operate in a similar manner as current air charter operations to Cuba, starting with its historic inaugural voyage on May 1, 2016.

Last week, in anticipation of this positive outcome, Carnival Corporation announced its new Fathom brand was accepting bookings to Cuba from all travelers, including individuals born in Cuba.

Fathom’s 704-passenger Adonia luxury cruise ship will begin sailing to Cuba every other week, marking the first time in over 50 years that a cruise ship has been able to sail from the U.S. to Cuba, as well as the first time in decades that Cuban-born individuals will be able to sail to and from Cuba.

“We made history in March, and we are a part of making history again today,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “More importantly, we are contributing to a positive future. This is a positive outcome, and we are extremely pleased. We want to extend our sincere appreciation to Cuba and to our team who worked so hard to help make this happen.”

“We have already seen tremendous interest in the incredible Cuba journey we have put together, and we are ecstatic that this historic opportunity is open to everyone who wants to travel to Cuba,” said Tara Russell, president of Fathom and global impact lead for Carnival Corporation.

Russell added: “Our guests will visit three beautiful and unique destinations on the island all in one week, with the convenience of only having to unpack once while we sail on the Fathom Adonia, our premium small ship with its excellent and diverse dining, service and accommodations. We are looking forward to treating Fathom travelers to an unforgettable experience.”

During each sailing, Fathom will visit Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba, three ports of call for which Carnival Corporation has obtained berthing approval.

As part of this historic sailing in this inaugural year, travelers will enjoy an exciting Cuban experience and will sail aboard the Adonia, where they can choose to partake in onboard experiences, including Cuban- and Caribbean-inspired food and films, music and dancing, and much more.

Special onboard programming will include a wide variety of activities covering an array of interests, ranging from an orientation of Cuba’s history, customs and culture, to geographic-inspired entertainment, to casual and fun personal enrichment activities, along with conversational Spanish lessons.

Seven-day itineraries on Carnival Corporation’s Fathom brand depart from PortMiami on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). The ship will arrive at its first destination, Havana, the following morning (Monday) at 11 a.m. ET. The Adonia returns to its homeport, PortMiami, at 7:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.

Prices for seven-day itineraries to Cuba start at $1,800 per person, excluding Cuban visas, taxes, fees and port expenses. Prices include all meals on the ship, onboard experiences, and several on-the ground activities. Prices will vary by season.

Royal Caribbean Kicks Off “Ticket to Adventure” Interactive Sweepstakes

By
Dana Lawson
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Launching in May with a summer of Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona, Spain, Royal Caribbean International’s Harmony of the Seas is an unprecedented floating adventure that will surprise and delight guests at every turn.

In celebration of the ship’s European debut, and in anticipation of her U.S. arrival in November, Royal Caribbean kicks-off a multi-faceted consumer promotion, “Ticket to Adventure.”

The immersive and interactive sweepstakes encourages consumers to virtually discover and explore Harmony’s thrilling features and seven neighborhoods.  Consumers enter for their chance to win more than $300,000 worth of prizes that range from a grand prize–seven-night Caribbean cruise for four–to 200 invitation-only getaways, more than 175 GoPro HERO4 cameras, over $40,000 in gift cards, and more.

Starting April 21 through November 5, 2016, consumers can simply register for the promotion at RoyalCaribbean.comTicketToAdventure, and then the adventure begins!

Every two weeks, one of Harmony’s seven signature neighborhoods will be unlocked on the site and open the door to interactive content and fun facts, such as the height of The Ultimate Abyss — the tallest slide at sea –to the number of plants in Central Park – the largest living park at sea – and the variety of cocktails the robot bartenders at Bionic Bar can sling.

Bonus instant win games are hidden within each neighborhood, and extra sweepstakes entries will be awarded to those that share Ticket to Adventure with their friends via email or social media.

But that’s not the only way to win. Over the course of the next seven months, Royal Caribbean will infuse a little adventure into some unexpected places and pop culture events, as well as partner with well-known personalities.

The first of which is beloved actor and singer Carlos PenaVega, who will give fans the chance to join him onboard Harmony of the Seas during exclusive, invitation-only preview events in Southampton, England.
Carlos

Hot off his starring role as Kenickie in FOX’s Grease Live, PenaVega will hang out with his winning fans as he leads a number of Grease-inspired special activities and attends opening night of Royal Caribbean’s original production of Broadway’s hit musical Grease.

Fans can enter for the chance to win by visiting the sweepstakes site between now and May 1 and entering code GREASE.

In addition, Royal Caribbean will deploy a series of code words that can be uncovered on RoyalCaribbean.com, through Royal Caribbean emails and exclusive Crown & Anchor Society newsletters for loyal guests, as well as through participating travel agents, or by following Royal Caribbean on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Consumers that find a code can enter it at RoyalCaribbean.comTicketToAdventure to be entered into the grand prize drawing and also to unlock chances for instant-win prizes.

Harmony of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship with amazing features. Harmony combines the iconic seven neighborhood concept that sister ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are known for, with some of the most modern and groundbreaking amenities and offerings that will appeal to guests of all ages.

From The Ultimate Abyss–a dramatic 10-story tall slide–to unparalleled entertainment–including Broadway’s hit musical Grease–and distinct high diving, acrobatic performances in the ship’s trademark AquaTheater, there is an adventure for everyone onboard Harmony of the Seas.

Harmony offers sophisticated dining in venues ranging from Jamie’s Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to Royal Caribbean’s whimsical restaurant, Wonderland, which is a unique culinary adventure for the senses.

Harmony of the Seas will span 16 guest decks, encompass 227,000 gross registered tons, carry 5,497 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,747 staterooms.

Adventures by Disney Introduces New 2017 Itineraries

By
Dana Lawson
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Adventures by Disney recently revealed new itineraries for 2017, including an expansion of popular river cruising vacations with AmaWaterways, as well as enhancements to family journeys to China and Australia.

New European River Cruise Sailings on the Rhine River

In addition to offering a second season of Danube River sailings, Adventures by Disney will expand offerings to include sailings along the Rhine River in 2017. The new Rhine River itinerary gives adventurous travelers the opportunity to experience the beauty of four countries – France, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Combining the award-winning service and luxury of AmaWaterways with the proven family travel expertise of Adventures by Disney, these river cruise sailings offer a vacation experience that is all-inclusive and hassle-free. Designed with guests of all ages in mind, travelers can customize their trip to fit their family’s needs by choosing from a variety of activity options offered at ports along the Rhine River and onboard each day.

“Last year, river cruising itineraries on the Danube River sold out rapidly, proving that families are eager to enjoy this immersive and luxurious new way to travel through Europe with Adventures by Disney,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Adventures by Disney.

“For 2017 we dreamt even bigger, expanding our offerings to include not only the already popular Danube sailings, but also exciting new experiences along the Rhine River. Here we can make unforgettable vacation memories a reality for even more travelers by offering family river cruise sailings that are effortless, personalized, and exhilarating.”

Guests will sail on the Rhine River aboard the all-new, 170-passenger AmaKristina, a river cruise ship being custom built by AmaWaterways with families in mind.

Family-friendly design elements include sets of connecting staterooms and suites, some of which accommodate three- and four-person families, and other details that lend themselves to luxury family vacations. Adventures by Disney has also worked closely with AmaWaterways to reimagine shipboard spaces and activities, offering unique programming for kids, teens, and adults.

Highlights of the eight-day/seven-night adventures include:

  • Ride a toboggan, hike along a waterfall or zipline through the Black Forest.
  • Visit the famous storybook Heidelberg Castle.
  • Enjoy tubing, snow biking, curling and more at Germany’s first indoor ski hall.
  • Explore the Alsace Region of France by canoe or on horseback.
  • Get hands-on during clog painting and a cheese making demonstration in Holland.
  • Bike along the Rhine River, within the German wine countryside, through towns and beyond.
  • Savor unique local dining, including Swiss fondue, a French macaron cooking class, German chocolate tasting, and more.

A post-cruise land package is also available in Amsterdam at the conclusion of the Rhine sailings, offering a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk and a private farewell dinner.

“AmaWaterways is ecstatic to continue working with Adventures by Disney, further expanding the options for family travelers seeking a unique way to explore Europe,” said Kristin Karst, co-owner and executive vice president of AmaWaterways. “A Rhine River cruise with Adventures by Disney, aboard the beautiful AmaKristina, will offer families an immersive, unforgettable experience.  They will have the chance to witness firsthand the beauty, history and culture of the region’s most breathtaking destinations, while creating memories that will last a lifetime!”

Enhanced Itineraries to Visit Shanghai Disney Resort in China, Gold Coast in Australia

Also new for 2017 are enhancements to Adventures by Disney vacations to China and Australia. With the June opening of Shanghai Disney Resort, the China itinerary has been reimagined to include a visit to this exciting new destination.

Adventures by Disney guests will explore the newest Disney theme park with VIP tour guides, offering a truly world-class experience. In Australia, travelers will now enjoy time on the beautiful Gold Coast, including kayaking on Bryon Bay, whale and dolphin spotting, an excursion to Mt. Tamborine, and more.

New United States Vacations Allow Travelers to Discover America

The new 2017 itineraries join an existing lineup of more than 35 other guided group vacations to destinations on six continents, including three recently announced vacations to the diverse United States locales of Central Florida, Montana, and Washington, D.C. & Philadelphia.

Debuting in summer 2016, each of these weeklong trips is filled with activities unique to the destinations. In Central Florida, families will enjoy unprecedented backstage access and VIP experiences at Walt Disney World Resort, airboat through Florida marshlands, and thrill to a visit to the “Space Coast.”

Montana offers glamorous camping, or “glamping,” near Yellowstone National Park and a stay at a dude ranch in Big Sky. And American history comes alive during a visit to the nation’s capital, and the United States’ first capital city.

Whether travelers are setting sail in Europe, exploring exotic destinations in far-off lands, or savoring the majesty of America’s national parks, Adventures by Disney offers exceptional service and hands-on, active experiences that appeal to travelers of all ages.

Bookings for all 2017 vacations open on April 22, 2016.

 

Emerald Waterways’ Launches New Excursion Program

By
Dana Lawson
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Emerald Waterways has announced the launch of their new Emerald Active program, which gives guests the option to engage in more physical pursuits — such as guided bike tours and invigorating hikes — on six of their most popular European itineraries.

  • Hikes in Germany’s dramatic Black Forest during the eight-day Jewels of the Rhine sailing from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, and Wertheim Castle near Miltenberg, Germany, on the 15-day Splendours of Europe sailing.
  • A guided bike tour of the Austrian city of Melk – home to the famed Abby – on the eight-day Danube Delights sailing from Nuremberg to Budapest.
  • A more urban biking experience around the Serbian capital of Belgrade during the 10-day Enchantment of Eastern Europe cruise.

In line with Emerald Waterways’ nearly all-inclusive pricing structure, all Emerald Active excursions are offered to guests at no additional charge.  While not overly strenuous, guests must be in proper physical condition to enjoy these activities.

Launched in 2014, Emerald Waterways caters to the four-star-plus market by using five-star ships and service and an incredibly inclusive pricing plan. The cruise fare includes all transfers to and from the ship; most onboard (and some on-shore) meals; unlimited tea and coffee; wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins replenished daily; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; complimentary Wi-Fi onboard the ship, most shore excursions; as well as all gratuities on and off the ship.

AmaWaterways Celebrates Inaugural Voyage of the New AmaViola

By
Dana Lawson
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Today AmaWaterways announced the debut of its second newest ship for 2016, the AmaViola.

The 170-passenger vessel, sister ship to the recently launched AmaStella, is designed to cater to the group and multi-generational markets specifically with connecting cabins and innovative stateroom configurations, including:

  • Six sets of adjoining cabins that can be connected via an internal doorway, accommodating families of up to five (One of these staterooms has a convertible sofa-bed for one.)

  • Four suites with convertible sofa-beds that can accommodate families of up to four

“The debut of our brand new AmaViola builds on the momentum and tremendous feedback we have already seen since launching our AmaStella in March,” said Kristin Karst, Executive Vice President and Co-owner of AmaWaterways.

“Part of what makes AmaWaterways so unique to the industry is our careful pace in developing fresh design concepts on the rivers. It is this mindset that truly allows our team to deliver innovative features for our guests, and they will see this firsthand with the AmaViola.”

In addition to new group-friendly stateroom configurations, AmaViola also features the company’s latest ship design. Guests have access to a greater number of AmaWaterways’ signature twin-balcony (French and outside balconies) staterooms — which provides breathtaking panoramic views — as well as expanded fitness rooms and salon and massage areas on the lower deck.

Guests sailing aboard AmaViola will enjoy the high levels of luxury and quality for which AmaWaterways is known, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant — a refreshing sun deck and heated pool with a swim-up bar.

Staterooms are also equipped with AmaWaterways’ Entertainment on Demand system, which affords travelers complimentary internet access, the latest movies, a music library, and more. Complimentary unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks are available with lunch and dinner; and complimentary bottled water is provided daily in all staterooms.

In collaboration with Adventures by Disney, AmaViola will feature several departures on the Danube in 2016 with a family theme, including memorable experiences in eight destinations across four countries – Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Guests looking for an even greater immersion into local culture can add a 3-day/2-night pre- or post-stay experience in Prague, Czech Republic. Onboard activities include family karaoke, movie nights for Junior Adventurers, a magic show, cooking classes, games, piano music, and other exciting entertainment geared towards guests of all ages.

Arrival of Port Canaveral’s Newest Cruise Ship Celebrated Today

By
Dana Lawson
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Carnival Cruise Line and the Canaveral Port Authority hosted a special event earlier today to celebrate the arrival of the Space Coast’s newest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic.

Today also marked the official grand opening of the Magic’s new Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse designed by Food Network star Guy Fieri.

The invitation-only event was highlighted by the carving of a massive, six-foot-long pulled pork sandwich by officials from Carnival and the port to commemorate the debut of Fieri’s new BBQ venue which was installed during a multi-million-dollar dry dock last month.

The event also included a traditional maritime plaque exchange between Carnival Magic Captain Antonio Marchetti, Carnival’s Vice President of Commercial Port Operations Carlos Torres de Navarra and Captain John Murray, chief executive officer of the Canaveral Port Authority.

Carnival Magic is the newest Carnival ship to sail from Port Canaveral, joining Carnival Victory and Carnival Valor on year-round departures from the Space Coast, as well as the Carnival Sunshine which operates seasonal sailings.

Together, these four ships will carry more than 650,000 guests annually from Port Canaveral – more than any other cruise operator.  Carnival operates more than 200 three- to eight-day cruises annually from Port Canaveral, providing the widest variety of year-round cruise choices from the Space Coast.

“Port Canaveral is one of our most popular and fastest-growing homeports.  We now have four exceptional ships based there offering our most highly-rated guest features, a huge array of staterooms and suites with private balconies, and a wide variety of itinerary choices,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“For 20-plus years, Carnival Cruise Line has sailed from Central Florida’s port providing their guests with an enjoyable ‘Fun ship’ experience,” Murray said. “We are delighted to continue to be a popular homeport for Carnival guests.”

The new Fieri-designed BBQ venue was among the many new features added during an extensive makeover that also incorporated the new cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar, the RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, BlueIguana Cantina Mexican eatery, and Guy’s Burger Joint — also designed by Fieri.

Carnival Magic offers a variety of family-friendly features as well, including a WaterWorks aqua park highlighted by a 312-foot-long Twister slide, supervised activities and play areas for kids in three age groups, and the Seuss at Sea program which includes the ever-popular “Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with The Cat in The Hat and Friends” and the “Seuss-a-Palooza Story Time and Parade.”

Carnival Magic departed this afternoon on its inaugural cruise from Port Canaveral with a three-day voyage to Nassau and will launch year-round seven-day sailings from the Space Coast April 23, 2016.

Carnival Magic will offer two distinctly different week-long itineraries from Port Canaveral – a western Caribbean route featuring Cozumel, Belize, Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan) and Costa Maya; and an eastern Caribbean option calling at St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk and Nassau, or Amber Cove.

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