It’s been another busy week for news regarding new cruise ships.
Carnival Cruise Line released a look at the shopping experience onboard Carnival Horizon, which just set sail on its debut voyage April 2. At two levels, the new ship’s mall-style retail venue is the largest is the Carnival fleet, and it also marks the first time Carnival guests can shop for such brands as Michael Kors, Kate Spae, Breitling and Hublot onboard.
In addition to the new brands, the Carnival Horizon’s shopping area also offers a variety of “retail-tainment” experiences. These include hands-on areas like a Beauty and Fragrance Bar, a Spirits Tasting Bar and a Create Your Own Jewelry experience, as well as a rotating lineup of promotions and pop-up spaces.
In luxury news, Seabourn just announced that the upcoming Seabourn Ovation will debut a new, poolside al fresco dining venue: Earth & Ocean at The Patio. Offering dinner service in the ship’s Patio space, the venue will debut along with the Seabourn Ovation this May before expanding fleetwide by spring 2019.
During dinner Earth & Ocean at The Patio will offer a menu celebrating local flavors from around the world developed by consulting Chef Anton Egger. The space will still continue to offer its regular poolside lunch service.
Finally, this week Vard Holdings limited, a subsidiary of shipbuilder Fincantieri, reported that it has signed a letter of intent with Viking for the design and construction of two new cruise ships, with delivery scheduled for the second quarters of 2021 and 2022. The letter of intent also includes an option for two more vessels. Vard and Viking have a common intention to enter into a final contract by the middle of this year, according to Vard.
While details on the new ships are limited at this point, Vard did say that environmentally friendly and safe operations will be a key driver in the development process, with an eye to designing “among the most environmentally friendly ships.” When asked for further information by Travel Agent, a Viking representative said the cruise line would not be commenting on the details of Vard’s announcement.
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