Carnival Vista - Carnival Cruise Line's newest and largest ship - is set to debut in Europe 1 May, 2016. In addition to offering a variety of unique innovations and features, the ship will operate a unique Mediterranean schedule that will visit a number of new destinations for the line, including its first-ever call at Malta.
The 133,500-ton ship will visit Valletta on six different European departures - the 13-day inaugural voyage departs from Trieste, Italy on 1 May, and the 10-day voyages from Athens to Barcelona depart on 24 May, 21 June, 19 July, 13 September and 11 October, 2016.
During their time in Valletta, Carnival Vista guests can experience and explore all this charming seaside capital has to offer, from strolling along tree-lined promenades to visiting centuries-old churches, forts and other architectural marvels and enjoying quaint cafes and shops.
Carnival Vista's inaugural European season will run through October 2016 followed by a series of voyages from New York City then year-round six- and eight-day Caribbean departures from Miami beginning in November 2016.
Designed to connect guests to the ocean with sweeping views and plenty to do both outdoors and in, Carnival Vista will take cruising to new heights and introduce an exciting array of groundbreaking new features including: SkyRide, a breakthrough suspended open-air cycling experience; the world's first IMAX® Theatre on a ship; an expanded water park featuring the colourful Kaleid-O-Slide, the line's first raft-riding water tube slide; Seafood Shack, a delectable New England-inspired eatery; RedFrog Pub, including the line's first onboard brewery, and other enhanced dining, bar and entertainment options.
Featured on Carnival Vista and a first for the fleet will be the New England-inspired Seafood Shack, a casual indoor/outdoor dining venue near the Lido Marketplace eateries. This seafood-lovers' paradise will feature a menu full of delicious, fresh favourites available for purchase, including lobster rolls, steamed lobster, fried shrimp, crab cakes, fried clams and more.
Carnival is expanding the line's popular Latin-infused Havana experience inside and out on Carnival Vista. Celebrating Cuba's gloried past, Havana Bar serves traditional cocktails and bites during the day and transforms into a sizzling Latin dance club at night. The fun also extends outdoors with a new Havana Pool located aft and offering stunning views of the ocean, whirlpools and relaxation area, complete with colourful umbrellas, faux palm trees, thatched patio huts and comfy seating, perfect for soaking up the sun while enjoying a refreshing mojito. 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.
Located in a new dedicated family zone on Deck 2, the new Family Harbour accommodations offer an array of deluxe ocean-view, balcony and interior staterooms that accommodate up to five family members. Parents and kids will have even more room to relax at the new, exclusive Family Harbour 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.
As the family cruise leader, carrying more than 700,000 children on board each year, the company designed Carnival Vista with even more fun for families day and night. The indoor/outdoor Camp Ocean for children under 12 is a dedicated undersea-themed play space with more than 200 fun and educational ocean-inspired activities. 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.
The Carnival Vista's guest and crew operations will be headed by a Maltese national. Pierre B. Camilleri has been appointed Hotel Director of the Carnival Vista. He is a graduate of the Institute of Tourism Studies, Malta with hospitality management experience in Malta, Ireland, Italy and China. He joined Carnival Cruise Line in 2004 as Hotel Director and has managed Carnival's flagship for the past three years.
Carnival Vista's various European and Caribbean itineraries are open for reservations. For additional information and reservations contact any travel agent, or visit carnival.com.