Category: News

Here is where you can find the latest updates on news in the cruise & travel world.

4 NEW CRAFT BEERS DEBUT ON THE CARNIVAL HORIZON

 

 Carnival Cruise Line has announced the names of the four craft beers that will be brewed onboard the new Carnival Horizon which is set to make her debut on April 2, 2018.
Colin Presby, Carnival Cruise Lines expert brewmaster created these mouth quenching new beers and will be offered at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse/Brewhouse, a new dining concept that combines an onboard brewery with a full service restaurant featuring some BBQ favorites and sides developed by Food Network star Guy Fieri.
The announcement was made by Presby and Carnival Vice President of Beverage Operations Edward Allen at a traditional keg tapping ceremony held aboard Carnival Vista, the first North American based cruise ship to feature an onboard brewery.
The names of the four new beers on the Carnival Horizon will include:
• ParchedPig Smoked Porter ~ brewed with in house smoked malt, this robust, full bodied beer offers big and bold flavors and notes of molasses and hickory smoke, providing the perfect complement to Smokehouse/Brewhouse’s BBQ favorites
• ParchedPig Farmhouse Ale ~ this lightly hopped beer is distinguished by its blond color, fruity and complex character with mild spice notes that balance the brew’s dry finish
• ParchedPig Toasted Amber Ale ~ highlighted by its rich amber color and notes of toasted caramel and biscuit, this beer is well balanced, smooth and highly drinkable
• ParchedPig West Coast IPA ~ the embodiment of a traditional West Coast India Pale Ale, this hoppy, intense beer is loaded with bitterness with a bright flavor profile and distinctive aroma of citrus and pine

“Smokehouse/Brewhouse is a unique culinary concept and we’ve created four fantastic brewed onboard craft beers that not only showcase different tastes and brewing styles but also serve as the ideal accompaniment to the venue’s delicious array of barbecue offerings,” said Presby.

The brewery takes center stage at Smokehouse/Brewhouse, which, in addition to delicious craft beers and custom cocktails, will offer a rustic, down home décor as well as a variety of Fieri designed favorites, all smoked “low and slow” using the chef’s signature rubs and spices. The tantalizing offerings include smoked onboard brisket, Memphis style back ribs, dry rubbed chicken, pulled pork, and cedar smoked salmon, along with the chef’s own take on traditional sides and his signature sauces. Dinner menu items are offered on an a la carte basis with a free of charge self service BBQ lunch buffet available on embarkation day and sea days.

Sharon at Sea

 

 

 

 

 

CARLY RAE JEPSEN JOINS CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

 

 

Carnival will be adding a new performer to their Carnival Live Concert Series program this February. Carly Rae Jepsen will be performing a live outdoor concert on Carnival Splendor’s Lido deck on February 18th 2018 while the ship is out at sea.

Carnival released a statement from Carly stating “while I’ve performed all over the world and on Broadway, I’ve never performed on a cruise ship before and I’m really looking forward to a night with my fans in what promises to be a unique venue for an incredible night”.

The concert will be on the 2nd day of a seven-day voyage from Long Beach, CA to the Mexican Riviera.

The Carnival Splendor holds 3,006 passengers and will be repositioning to Long Beach to replace the Carnival Miracle and will sail 7-night Mexican Riviera itineraries as well as 14-night roundtrip Hawaiian itineraries starting in January 2018.

Sharon at Sea

 

 

DISNEY RETURNS TO THE WEST COAST

Another ship is headed to the west coast.  The Disney Wonder will be returning to San Diego for an extended 2 month season from March 2019 through May 2019 for a variety of 2,4,5,& 7 night Mexican itineraries.  The 2 night itinerary will make a stop at the port in Ensenada for a nice weekend getaway.  The 4 and 5 night itineraries will include a stop in Cabo San Lucas, one of the west coast cruisers favorite destinations and the 7 night itinerary will be a Mexican Riviera along with a stop in Cabo San Lucas it will be visiting Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán.  So for all the Disney cruise lovers there are several options to choose from.  You can book through Disney direct or contact your travel agent for details. 

Norwegian Bliss coming soon!!!

The Norwegian Bliss will be Norwegian Cruise Lines sixteenth ship and  third ship in their Breakaway-Plus class. It will accommodate 4,000 guests and will be their most innovative ship to date. It is currently being built by Meyer Werft in papenburg, Germany.

Norwegian Bliss’ innovative design will offer guests the freedom and flexibility and create their perfect experience at sea, with a wide variety of accommodations including luxurious suites in The Haven, Studio staterooms for solo cruisers with virtual ocean views, and new connecting staterooms ideal for large groups and families. Norwegian Bliss will also feature two observation lounges, with one being exclusive to guests of The Haven, a great place for whale watching in Alaska or enjoying the sunsets in the Caribbean. Continue reading “Norwegian Bliss coming soon!!!”

Carnival Breeze – Final Days in Dry Dock!!!

The Carnival Breeze is currently at the Grand Bahamas shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas finalizing her two week dry dock.  Workers have been working hard day and night to complete her refurbishment along with the planned additions.

They have been updating the public areas and lounges with new carpet, some tile work and new lighting.  She is also receiving the tasty Alchemy Bar, the delicious Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ,  and possible rumors have it that she may be receiving the Seafood Shack.  She is also having some hull work completed and finishing up with some new paint on the hull.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She will be on her way back to Galveston, Texas in a couple days to set sail on her first cruise post dry dock on April 30th.  She will be in beautiful tip top shape for her Western Caribbean sailing.

Sharon at Sea

Vista completes final sea trials…

             Carnival Vista successfully completes final sea trials…

Earlier this week the Carnival Vista successfully completed its final sea trials in the Adriatic Sea. The Vista’s navigation, technical and mechanical systems were all thoroughly tested.

The Vista is currently at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard finalizing its construction. The ship will offer the 2.0 upgrades along with some new exciting features including a cycling in mid air called skyRide, the 1st IMAX theatre at sea, a Kaleid-o-slide water slide (455 ft long), family harbor staterooms and more.

The Carnival Vista will hold 3,954 passengers. It will set sail on its inaugural cruise May 1, 2016 from Trieste. It will then run 8-13 day Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Athens. In November the Vista will then reposition to New York briefly before heading to Miami later in the month which will then become her home port where she will be visiting Caribbean itineraries.

Sharon Asmus  Vista