If you’ve already been on one or more of Carnival Cruise Line’s cruises, be ready for a whole new experience as your new ship ferries passengers to Venice, out of New York and without ever having to set foot in Italy.
The Carnival Venezia has just opened its new home at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, from where it will sail to offer 22 unique itineraries with visits to 25 ports in 14 countries, such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and Bermuda, all adorned with the glamor and sophistication of the beautiful Italian city.
When its more than 5,000 passengers enter the ship, they find an atrium inspired by Piazza San Marco, where large columns, sculptures, balconies and lots of gold stand out. From there, the Italian style continues in almost all spaces of the enormous ship built in 2019 and which was part of the Costa Cruises fleet, before passing into the hands of Carnival Cruises.
“We take something different and add a touch of fun that sets us apart. It’s exciting to accommodate all those changes,” said Marques “MarQ” Matthias, CEO of Carnival Venezia. “It’s something our customers haven’t seen before.”
MarQ references spaces like the Lido Marketplace (the main dining area), which is different from previous ships by simulating an Italian piazza; the Java Blue Cafe, with a menu of desserts, ice creams and coffee in the style of the best European pastry shops, or its multiple balconies where passengers can sit down to rest and enjoy the scenery.
“Everything has thatflairItalian, but with the fun that people know from Carnival”, says the cruise director, who has been with the company since 2015 leading the fun on various ships in the fleet, such as the Carnival Dream, Carnival Liberty and Carnival Breeze.
MarQ further notes that Carnival Cruise Line hasn’t had a New York-based cruise ship in a while so it’s “a big thrill” to bring the Venezia to the city.
“To be able to say ‘hey we’re bringing this untouched ship to New York,’ is incredible,” he says. “There are many things that we want to try to create a unique experience.”
Flavors of the ‘nonna’
The Marco Polo, Canal Grande, Pizzeria del Capitano and La Strada Grill restaurants offer Italian dishes, but within the gastronomic offer, the new specialty restaurant “Il Viaggio” stands out, which promises a journey through Italy through its rich and diverse gastronomy. from that country.
Each item on the menu, from starters or antipasti to desserts or dolces, is representative of a regional specialty.
“By highlighting the various Italian regions famous for certain specialties, we invite our guests to enjoy an immersive exploration of flavors. A meal that is truly unique, delicious,” said Emeril Lagasse, Carnival’s culinary director. “Guests will find their favorite Italian dishes here, as well as have the chance to try authentic dishes and drinks that just might become their new favorites.”
And Italian-influenced food permeates almost every dining experience on the ship, with Guy’s Burger Joint menu featuring two Italian-style burgers, for example, with toppings like mozzarella, pepperoni, balsamic vinegar and fresh basil.
But there are other options for those who want to vary the menu, such as the steakhouse Fahrenheit 555 and the Asian food joints Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki.
Among the bars, for its part, the Amari Bar stands out, with a menu of Italian-inspired cocktails such as the margarita made with tequila and amaretto, as well as classic drinks such as the Negroni. Other bars available to travelers are the Frizzante, which in addition to drinks offers Italian coffees; the Carnivale Lounge & Bar; the Rococo, the one that receives passengers with a very Venetian style; and the Heroes Tribute Lounge, in honor of war veterans, among others.
For the “fun”
“We want everyone to have a good time and be part of the party,” says MarQ, and ensures that the ship has fun for the whole family.
In addition, the casino area, with its slot machines, poker and blackjack tables; and the swimming pools, jacuzzis, spa and children’s areas such as the WaterWorks, a long water slide; At Carnival Venezia, activities such as the “Festa Italiana” stand out, a street party with live music and fun gelato or spaghetti eating competitions; while elegantly decorated with red velvet seats, the Teatro Rosso hosts a variety of Broadway-style shows, including Color my World and Vintage Pop.
“If you want the opportunity to escape from reality, to have fun, this is the perfect world to immerse yourself in,” invites MarQ.
For additional information, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit http://www.carnival.com.