MIAMI, Sept. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Atriums have been
an important part of cruise ship design for decades but leave it to
Carnival Cruise Line to break the mold with Grand Central, a
transformational three-deck-high space that is one of six themed
zones on Mardi Gras, set to
debut in February.
A unique twist on the traditional atrium, Grand Central spans
Decks 6, 7 and 8 with massive 3,000-square-foot glass panels built
into the starboard side of the ship providing guests with
impressive views of the ocean and ports of call as they relax in
comfortable seating or stroll throughout the space.
According to Glenn Aprile,
Carnival's director of new build product development and part of
the design team that developed the groundbreaking venue, the idea
was to create a space that was as functional as it was
eye-catching, while providing guests with that "take your breath
away" moment when they first board the vessel.
"Building an atrium into the side of a cruise ship is no easy
task and it was a total team effort between our new build
management team, engineers, designers, and hotel and entertainment
teams to create a space that is as beautiful as it is functional,"
Aprile said.
During the day, Grand Central serves as a relaxing spot for
guests to enjoy a coffee, drink or light fare, people watch, listen
to live music, or partake in trivia contests and other leisurely
pursuits. At night, Grand Central transforms into an intimate
and immersive venue with a rotation of spectacular,
soon-to-be-revealed experiences created just for Mardi Gras. Talented performers will
interact with 16 individually controlled six- by 14-foot LED
screens displaying video and special effects, as well as lasers and
aerial feats to create a truly unforgettable entertainment
experience.
Aprile noted that "with a ship as innovative as Mardi Gras we wanted to create a
multi-functional dining and entertainment space that guests can
enjoy day and night, while at the same time providing an intuitive
way to get around the ship and creating a dramatic
centerpiece that is worthy of our most innovative ship.
Grand Central provides all that and more. We are extremely
pleased with the results thus far."
Overlooking Grand Central is the multi-level Grand View Bar
which like its name implies offers guests a chance to enjoy
floor-to-ceiling sea views as they sip custom-cocktails and other
libations, amidst awe-inspiring design touches like a virtual
waterfall on translucent panels. There's also the
Center Stage Bar on the main level. Both venues will feature
specialty cocktails inspired by the theme of that evening's
entertainment.
Steps away is Java Blue, which in addition to serving coffees,
cappuccinos and lattes like other Carnival ships, offers a menu of
fresh bakery items, wraps, salads and other light fare throughout
the day. The Cherry on Top sweets shop is also nearby for
those who want to enjoy a decadent treat, as are the retail shops
and casino, providing a variety of fun options for guests to
enjoy.
Connecting all of these spaces are a series of spacious and airy
promenades and bridges that serve as convenient thoroughfares to
other areas of the ship while allowing guests to see all the other
happenings on board, adding to the excitement.
Noted Aprile, "We put the engineers and designers to the test
here and our teams have taken everything we've learned about
shipbuilding and interior design to create a stunning, comfortable
and functional environment that truly sets Grand Central apart from
other shipboard venues. With its transformation from daytime
relaxation to nighttime entertainment, Grand Central is unlike
anything that's ever been done on a cruise ship before and our
guests are going to love it."
The first North American cruise ship powered by Liquefied
Natural Gas (LNG), Mardi Gras is set
to debut from Port Canaveral, Fla., Feb. 6,
2021, operating week-long itineraries from the Space
Coast.
For additional information and reservations, contact any travel
agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.
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SOURCE Carnival Cruise Line