Carnival Vista to offer new options for family cruise travel #TakeInTheVista

Yesterday Carnival Cruise Lines revealed details and images of the highly anticipated Carnival Vista. While we’ve been waiting to see what’s new, the offerings for families is more than we could imagine.

The Carnival Vista builds on the success of previous Fun Ship 2.0 offerings along with being Carnival’s most innovative ship ever. Currently being built by Fincantieri in Montfalcone, Italy, this newest Fun Ship is scheduled for an inaugural season beginning May 2016 with Mediterranean and European itineraries. The Carnival Vista will then grace the port of New York until moving on to her final home port, which has yet to be announced.

Carnival keeps many favorites on board the Vista, including Red Frog and Blue Iguana poolside bars, and Guy’s Burger Joint. I’m please to see that Alchemy Bar and The Library Bar, along with other adult fun spaces can still be found on this addition to the brand’s ships for the the 4,980 guests that can be accommodated. But what’s new for family cruise travel?

Here are some our favorite family fun spaces announced for the Carnival Vista:

Family Harbor Staterooms – The Family Harbor Suites can sleep up to five and even offer a partitioned area so that parents can still have just a little bit of privacy while on the Carnival Vista. I know, you’re saying “privacy, as a parent?” Yes. It can be found with a little out of the box thinking. Fortunately, it seems that some of the executives at Carnival have cruised with their kids and also listened to a few of us frequent family cruisers and know that when Mama is happy, everyone is happy. And that includes Mama being able to at least have the illusion of privacy.

One of the best aspects of the Family Harbor Staterooms isn’t just the family stateroom offerings. but also the Family Harbor Lounge, where parents can still keep a closer watch on their kids that are in the older age group that do not have to sign in and out of the kid’s activity centers. Personally, this would give me a little more peace of mind to know my teenage daughter is hanging out in this dedicated personal space.

The Kaleid-o-Slide – This 455 ft tall slide offers twists and turns while on Carnival’s first raft riding water tube experience. It can be found in Carnival’s WaterWorks along with classics such as the Twister Waterslide, the PowerDrencher, and SplashZone.

Skyride – Imagine racing along an 800 ft long suspended track one one of the highest points on the Carnival Vista. Located above SportsSquare, this exhilarating addition to Carnival’s fun offerings, such as the popular Ropes Course, will please the adventure loving families. Of course, for those a little scared of heights, the Carnival Vista still has family favorites for outdoor fun.

IMAX Theater – The first ever IMAX Theater will offer same day releases and even those highly anticipated midnight releases. This is a boon considering some families have to deal with kids missing that premier of a Hunger Games or Hobbit type of film. It will keep the complaining to a minimum to still have that wonderful family vacation and alleviate a previously dramatic issue for some. Yes, definitely a First World problem.

Camp Ocean – Carnival’s Camp Ocean encompasses ally he kids’ activity programs, and also the addition of Dr. Seuss Bookville, the family reading program.

No kids, or want to act like you left yours at home (like I do sometimes)? Here are some fun adult spaces on the Carnival Vista:

Cloud 9 Spa – My husband and I love to take advantage of the spa on board cruise ships just for the peace and quiet it offers. I’m happy to hear the Cloud 9 Spa is expanding its space on the Carnival Vista. Just as each cruise ship is different, so are the spa facilities. I personally can’t wait for us to check out a couples massage while the younger members of the family are making friends at Camp Ocean. We all need to recharge our batteries and relationships. That’s what a vacation is all about!

Serenity – The Carnival Vista offers a large adults-only relaxation area, Serenity. One of the newest additions to Serenity is a healthy choice salad bar at lunchtime, included in your cruise rate.

Red Frog Pub and Brewery – I’ve been a big fan of the Red Frog Pub (and the poolside rum bar) since its inception. On the Carnival Vista, the pub offerings have been expanded with Carnival now having its own brewery on board. If you are a microbrew aficionado, Carnival has you covered!

Of course, there are even more new additions to the cruise experience with Carnival Cruise Lines new Carnival Vista. But for the family cruisers, these few new amenities mentioned are just the tip of the iceberg. We’ll be telling you all about the Carnival Vista and watching her progress through the entire process. So start planning your family cruise now by visiting Carnival.com.

All images provided by Carnival Cruise Lines.