Continually innovating the cruising experience, Carnival Cruise Line successfully launched its newest ship, Carnival Vista, earlier this year. Onboard are over 25 different dining and bar venues, including the line’s first onboard brewery. In addition, Carnival is expanding its Carnival Journeys cruise enrichment series, including new ones for their 2017 Alaska cruises. And Carnival has just announced its initial lineup for Carnival LIVE, a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience onboard.
Carnival Vista
Carnival Vista’s debut earlier in May brought another new dimension to Carnival Cruise Line. After completing her current season of Mediterranean itineraries, she’ll then be embarking on a special 13-day transatlantic crossing and arriving in New York. From there, the Carnival Vista will do some 11-day voyages from New York before repositioning to Miami. She’ll then be sailing on yearround Caribbean cruises.
Debut of Red Frog Pub & Brewery
Carnival Cruise Line first introduced the Red Frog Pub onboard the Carnival Magic in 2011. Since then, they’ve added the Red Frog Pub on other ships – the Carnival Breeze, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Legend, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Pride and Carnival Miracle.
Carnival Vista Brewmaster Colin Presby Tends to the Fermentation Tanks for the Redfrog Pub and Brewery (photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
The Carnival Vista is the very first ship that also has a brewery onboard, created in collaboration with Miami-based Concrete Beach Brewery. At the Red Frog Pub and Brewery, guests can enjoy Caribbean bites with the hand-crafted beer actually brewed on board.
Onboard Diverse Dining Experiences
Dining venues on the Carnival Vista are diverse. A few include Fahrenheit 555, a classic American steakhouse; Bonsai Sushi; and Guy’s Burger Joint, which features fresh-made burgers, along with hand-cut fries and innovative toppings that have been created by Carnival’s partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri. Cucina Del Capitano serves a wide variety of Italian favorites, which are served family-style, while Seafood Shack has traditional New England clam chowder, crab cake sliders, lobster rolls and more.
The Chef’s Table
The Chef’s Table on the Carnival Vista (photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
For guests who want more of a special VIP experience, The Chef’s Table fits perfectly. Starting with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, the 14 guests in this group are then taken on a tour of the galley to see it in operation. From there, they enjoy an impressive dinner. Appetizers, entrees and desserts specially created, not on the regular menus, are served and hosted by one of the master chefs on Carnival Vista.
New Unique Alaska Voyages in 2017
Alaska Mendenhall Glacier hike (photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Journeys cruise enrichment series continues to expand. For the first time it includes the new 14-day Alaskan roundtrip adventure cruise on the Carnival Miracle departing Sept. 2, 2017 from Long Beach. This cruise features seven spectacular destinations, including Carnival Cruise Line’s first ever visit to Icy Strait Point, along with Glacier Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also on this 14-day cruise, the Carnival Miracle will feature Vancouver, Canada, as well as the stunning Alaskan ports of Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka. Offering culture, rich history and awe-inspiring natural wonders, from magnificent fjords, calving glaciers, native sea and animal life, a wide range of exciting shore excursions are also available.
The unique experiences continue onboard the Carnival Miracle, where guests can enjoy local entertainment, Alaskan cuisine and cultural opportunities. And special activities will also be onboard, ranging from cooking and crafts to celestial navigation.
In 2017 and 2018, the Carnival Legend will be offering 38 seven- and eight-day Alaskan voyages. Sailing either round-trip from Seattle or from Vancouver, Canada to Seattle, guests will be able to enjoy Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Victoria, BC, in addition to a full day cruising Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm Fjord.
Carnival LIVE – 2017 Initial Lineup
Carnival LIVE brings the best of live comedy and live music to the seas. For a truly one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, guests have a chance to enjoy top artists perform in the main show lounges. Ranging in capacity from 900 to 1,300 guests, the main show lounges provide a more intimate setting.
The initial lineup recently announced for the 2017 Carnival LIVE includes comedians Jeff Foxworthy and Jay Leno, as well as country music stars Little Big Town and Tim McGraw.
Jay Leno, longtime former host of NBC’s Tonight Show, will entertain guests with performances May 3, 2017 aboard the Carnival Victory and the Carnival Vista on May 4, 2017. One of the most successful comedians around who’s also a multiple Grammy Award nominee and author of 11 books, Jeff Foxworthy brings his comedy onboard with two shows. He’ll be on the Carnival Freedom June 21, 2017 and on the Carnival Ecstasy June 22.
McGraw, a three-time Grammy Award winner artist, performs on the Carnival Breeze March 2, 2017 and Carnival Valor March 3.
Carnival LIVE – Little Big Town (photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
Chart topping band and recipient of nine Country Music Association awards, Little Big Town will be performing on the Carnival Dream May 11, 2017 and the Carnival Valor May 12.
General admission prices for these special Carnival LIVE performances range from $30 to $80 per person, significantly less than attending land-based venues. VIP tickets are also available. Ranging from $100 to $300, these include seating in the first five rows of the show lounge, a commemorative concert pass and a photo opportunity with the artist.
Options for Groups
With the new Red Frog Pub and Brewery on the Carnival Vista, a fun group theme might be people who enjoy craft beers. If your group is looking for another way to experience Alaska, tapping into the Carnival Journeys cruise enrichment series offered on the new 14 day Carnival Miracle sailing might be an option. And if you’re looking for a special entertainment option to build a group around, Carnival LIVE might be a great fit.
