All photos and videos courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Cruise Line's new Carnival Vista, now in wet dock and receiving its cabins as seen in the slideshow below, is fast approaching its May 2016 launch, and the company has been releasing several videos along the way (hosted at my Popular Cruising YouTube channel) giving all gear heads such as myself a sneak peak into the fascinating construction process.
Cabins
Shipyard
The first showcases the initial raw phase as the ship's steel plates are cut and arranged into modular blocks that are then welded together one by one. It's a delicate dance of cranes as each piece is laid down into the dry-dock to form the superstructure at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Just like a giant LEGO or Erector set, right?
Propulsion
Delving further into the specifications of this incredible ship is a look at the future ship's generator and propulsion systems below the waterline. In fact, the ship is so technically advanced that 85 percent of its equipment has never before been installed on any previous Carnival ship. Such jaw-dropping equipment includes six forms of electrical generation such as twin V-14 diesel generators powering two 360-degree rotating azipod propellers plus everything else onboard. I think I hear Tim Allen grunting, "more power!"
RedFrog Pub
The RedFrog Pub has been a Carnival Cruise Line favorite since its introduction on the Carnival Magic in 2011. You've got to love the house Thirsty Frog Red Ale, on tap no less. But Carnival Vista's brewery at sea is a first, as is the challenge of making sure everything is installed on time for beer to be ready for guests on the first sailing. This includes loading glass brew kettles onboard, procuring "Key West meets The East Indies" props and sourcing ingredients. Stay thirsty, my friends.
Dining
In the latest video, the ship has been transferred to wet-dock, and Carnival President Christine Duffy gets in on the action as a dozen dining venues are literally explored inside and out as many offer genuine al fresco experiences at sea. Bonsai Sushi is her favorite. What's yours?
Next up will soon be another video tour of Carnival Vista's staterooms and suites and a first look at the new designs.
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