Carnival Cruise Line’s Aussie superliner Carnival Spirit is all set for a big summer of cruising with a ship load of exciting new features including a bespoke cocktail prescribed especially for Australian cruising.
With a spritz of lemon myrtle and a dash of strawberry gum tree essence, The Red Centre is the cruise line’s first dedicated Australian cocktail and has been designed to appeal to local palettes while also offering international guests a unique taste of Australia. The cocktail is a special addition to the menu at the apothecary-themed Alchemy Bar, one of seven bars and restaurants added to Carnival Spirit during a recent dry dock.
The Australian cocktail was specially crafted by Carnival Cruise Line VP Beverage Operations Eddie Allen, who has overseen the rollout of the new Alchemy bars across the fleet.
“Creating The Red Centre was a fun challenge as it introduced a whole new world of possible ingredients. Lemon myrtle is a great flavour to work with and I’ve certainly never used a gum tree essence before. It was a real thrill to experiment with native Australian ingredients to create something exclusively for our Aussie guests. The end result is a uniquely refreshing and zesty cocktail,” Mr Allen said.
With master mixologists handcrafting cocktails to suit individual tastes using premium, fresh ingredients, in addition to its offering of barrel-aged cocktails, Alchemy Bar is already proving a hit onboard Carnival Spirit.
Following a multi-million dollar refit, the superliner, which sails from Sydney year-round, now offers 25 bars, lounges and dining options including Californian celebrity chef Guy Fieri’s new onboard burger joint, the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Rum Bar and an authentic Mexican-style beach cantina experience at the BlueIguana Cantina and Tequila Bar.
Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said Carnival Spirit also had some exciting new entertainment offerings, with Dive-In Movies added to the top deck as well as a fresh roster of Playlist Productions shows including 88 Keys Rock’ n’ Roll Piano Show; a high tech recreation of classic beach flicks in Getaway Island; Epic Rock, a celebration of 70s and 80s rockers; and a lycra extravaganza, 80s Pop to the Max.
“The new shows will blow our guests away with their dazzling, high tech visuals and high energy performances. In the case of Getaway Island, it’s a real feast for the senses with new “snifferific” technology bringing tropical scents like hibiscus and Pina Colada into the theatre as well as a fun continuation into the RedFrog Pub,” Ms Vandekreeke said.
Carnival Spirit has also received some of sister ship Carnival Legend’s tried and tested favourite features including RedFrog Pub, Bonsai Sushi, the Cherry on Top lolly shop and Hasbro the Game Show.
For more information and bookings call 13 31 94, see a travel agent or visit www.carnival.com.au
SOURCE Carnival Cruise Line