Preview of Carnival's Newest Ship: The Carnival Vista

Carnival Cruise Line is adding  and new ship in 2016, the Carnival Vista.  I have to say, the ship looks awesome!

Carnival sometimes gets a bad wrap but really it is a good line - especially for weeklong cruises.  I'm not a big fan of Carnival for short cruises; likely where Carnival got the "party ship" reputation.

Back to the Vista.  With this ship Carnival is really planning  to up its game.  Want an IMAX Theatre at at sea?  Yes please; Vista has one.  Stateroom specifically for families?  Why not!  Family Harbor staterooms and suites and the Family Harbor Lounge - where kids and parents can hang out, play games and help themselves to the cookie and snack bar.  Of course there is also an adult only area to escape to when the kids are entertained at the kid's clubs.  A record size 455-foot-long water tube ride, the largest water park at sea, and even an 800-foot-long sky ride will keep the entire family entertained for the entire cruise.  throw in on board sites like a pub with a working brewery on site, and it all sounds awesome!

 Check out the preview pictures of the Vista.  I am really excited about the launch of this ship.  The Vista is schedule to enter service in March of 2016 in Europe.  She will then come to New York for her US inaugural cruise, and then she will travel to Miami where she will launch year round Caribbean service.

Amber Cove - The Next Great Caribbean Cruise Destination?

     
Amber Cove, the newest Caribbean cruise destination is set to welcome its first cruise ship, has signed an agreement with Carnival Cruise Line to allow Carnival to be the first major cruise line to utilized the exciting new facilities at this new destination port; when it opens in opens in October 2015.  This exciting new destination, located near the historic town of Puerto Plata, on the beautiful north coast of the Dominican Republic- will welcome it first cruise ship, the Carnival  Victory. with a day long call in October 6th, according to Reuters.

       The port is situated in a spectacular cove between lush tropical landscapes and souring mountains.  Amber Cove will feature extensive recreational activities, and feature some of the most extensive shore excursions programs available in the Caribbean.   From beautiful beaches, to exciting water sports and snorkeling in crystal clear waters, to eco-adventures on land and water, Amber Cove promises something  to satisfy your Caribbean dream adventures.  Other exciting excursions will include crossing the rugged country side on Terracross vehicles, horseback riding along miles of open beaches, or even the luxury of renting your own beachside bungalow with your own personnel chief.   The port will feature historic architectural elements that echo the area's colonial past.  Its cobblestone plazas will feature themed restaurants and bars, a locally sourced marketplace, recreational amenities, and be the transportation hub for access to land and sea adventures.  The nearby town of Puerto Plata, discovered by Columbus in 1492, offers you limitless opportunities to shop, eat, drink and explore.  The port will offer 2 births that are able to accommodate the largest ships.

       Carnival Cruise Line is planning to make 37 calls to Amber Cove, in the first 6 months after it opens in October of 2015, for 7 night and longer cruises departing from Florida.  According to Terry Thomton, senior VP of itinerary planning for Carnival, "Amber Cove is destine to become a cornerstone...and provide an unmatched combination of fun in the sun activities and eco-tourism opportunities".  Over 100,000 guests will experience this new jewel of the Caribbean in its first 6 months.