It should come as no surprise that the latest ship from Carnival Cruise Line is a big hit with fans of the diverse Fun Ship fleet. That has been the case on every new class of ship the world’s most popular cruise line has ever built. Carefully examining what has worked in the past, adding features sure to please existing fans and throwing in a few forward-thinking attractions has been a solid success formula for decades. Now that Carnival Vista has been in service a few months, we revisit the new ship to see which enduring Carnival Vista features are most likely to stay put on sister ship coming up in 2018.
Enduring Carnival Vista Features: Sports Square
This popular area includes the SkyCourse, an exhilarating suspended ropes course as well as an expanded outdoor activity park that also includes a new indoor sports hangout. The Clubhouse at SportSquare features mini-bowling, ping-pong, arcade basketball, sports video gaming and more.
Enduring Carnival Vista Features: Red Frog Pub And Brewery
Delicious Caribbean bites are served here, but the star is the hand-crafted beer brewed on board in the line’s first onboard brewery developed in collaboration with Miami-based Concrete Beach Brewery. The Caribbean-inspired brews include the aromatic and citrusy ThirstyFrog Port Hoppin’ IPA, ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat spiced and unfiltered ale, and rich and creamy FriskyFrog Java Stout.
Enduring Carnival Vista Features: Havana Cabanas
Highly touted in advance of sailing, the Havana Cabana areas turned out to be some of the most popular on Carnival Vista. Tropics-inspired Havana Cabanas feature accommodations with private outdoor patios – complete with lounge chairs and hammock – that face the expanded Lanai ocean-air outdoor promenade and offer magnificent sea views in addition to easy access to the Havana Bar and Pool.
Enduring Carnival Vista Features: IMAX Theater
Carnival partnered with IMAX® to bring the world’s most immersive cinematic experience to sea with the first-ever IMAX® Theatre on a ship. Guests can take in the latest Hollywood blockbusters, IMAX classics and IMAX documentary content on a screen that’s three decks high. One element of this feature that is quite unique: Carnival has an exclusive contract with IMAX and will be the only cruise line to have the high-tech facilities.
Enduring Carnival Vista Features: Family Harbor
The new Family Harbor accommodations offer an array of deluxe ocean-view, balcony and interior staterooms that accommodate up to five family members. Parents and kids 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. Selling out quickly, look for this area to be expanded on future renditions of Carnival Vista. Look for this feature to be added to other classes of ships as they cycle through dry dock remodeling too.
Enduring Carnival Vista Features: SkyRide
With SkyRide, the cruise industry’s first pedal-powered open-air aerial attraction, Carnival has created some of the best and highest outdoor vistas ever offered on a cruise ship. Active lifestyle riders (you have to pedal to make it work) 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.
Enduring Carnival Vista Features: The Library Bar
The intimate Library Bar offers Carnival guests indoor/outdoor options, in addition to the hoppin’ RedFrog Pub and stylish Havana Bar. One of the few quiet areas of the ship, the Library Bar is an oasis of calm in a sea of fun.
Enduring Carnival Vista Features: The Vista Atrium
The centerpiece Vista Atrium sets a festive mood with its giant, multi-deck-high centerpiece, the Vista Dreamscape that delights guests with its LED screens and changing visuals to create the right atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to welcome guests boarding the ship, meet friends at the bar or enjoy live entertainment and dancing.
Enduring Carnival Vista Features: The Havana Bar
This popular bar on other Carnival ships is even better on Carnival Vista, specializing in mojitos and Cuba Libres plus a full bar menu. From Sabor de Habana, a sampler plate, to ceviche de mariscos, ropa vieja and pan con bistec, guests can taste authentic dishes of Cuba.
Enduring Carnival Vista Features: The Alchemy Bar
Poolside bars BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar provide innovative outdoor cocktail options. The inside equivalent of fun, the Alchemy Bar has mixologists preparing custom cocktails, done so well it’s basically another entertainment option.
A variety of other features ranging from an entirely different look in the main dining room to a buffet area with strolling musicians are also solid wins for Carnival Cruise Line sure to be seen on later FunShip versions.
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