Cruise Line Update: Carnival Cruise Line

Choosing a cruise line and vessel to travel on is rarely a simple proposition. Cruise lines constantly add offerings and amenities to become the be-all-end-all of cruising.

Carnival Cruise Line presents a family-friendly atmosphere and with sailings from 25 ports around the world, cruisers are always going to be able to find an itinerary that suits them. The line operates 25 ships as well, meaning there is definitely a ship to fit your needs. As of 2015, the line served more than 4.5 million passengers, making it the biggest cruise line in the world based on passengers carried.

The line’s biggest new arrival recently debuted. Carnival Panorama is the line’s first new West Coast-based ship in 20 years. The ship’s name was officially unveiled in mid-December with the help of longtime Wheel of Fortune host Vanna White.

Carnival Cruise Line. Photo: Debbie Ann Powell | Dreamstime.com

Carnival Panorama is the first ship to bring a few new ideas to the forefront. Carnival Kitchen is a new concept; the center offers more than 15 interactive cooking, baking and decorating demonstrations. The new ship features Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint and Smokehouse Brewhouse.

The ship is home to the first Sky Zone trampoline park at sea. The new ship conducted an inaugural cruise before embarking on a year of week-long voyages from Long Beach, California, to Puerta Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.

In other culinary updates, the Carnival Mardi Gras debuts in 2020 and includes Emeril Lagasse’s Bistro 1396 and Rudi Sodamin’s Rudi’s Seagrill.

Mardi Gras is set to feature an open-air recreational area called Ultimate Playground, slated to include the first-ever roller coaster at sea. BOLT will act as the centerpiece for the recreational area.

The coaster is all-electric and features motorcycle-inspired vehicles adorned with lightning bolts. The cars have a digital speedometer and sound effects to provide a more immersive experience. Guests will reach speeds topping out at 40 mph on the 800-foot track. Mardi Gras is expected to launch in August 2020.

In recent cruise line news, Carnival Cruise Line became the first cruise operator officially recognized as sensory inclusive by KultureCity. The certification comes with expansive training for guest-facing staff members throughout the fleet. The training, according to Carnival, includes teaching staff to understand and help guests with sensory needs and disabilities, including autism, down syndrome, PTSD and more.