80 REVITALISATION Photos: Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Cruise Line’s Glen Aprile tells Alice Chambers how the interiors of Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze will transport guests to Italy after they have been renovated as part of the new ‘Costa by Carnival’ programme When fun meets Italian architecture Carnival Cruise Line is renowned for delivering fun and memorable vacation offerings whilst sister brand Costa Cruises is known for primarily catering to the Italian cruise market. In June 2022, the brands revealed they would collaborate on a new ‘Costa by Carnival’ experience and transfer Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze to the Carnival fleet. The interiors of both ships will be upgraded before they restart service. “Both ships bring many beautiful and unique spaces into the Carnival fleet, and the refurbishments aim to enhance the Carnival fun Italian-style theming,” says Glenn Aprile, director of newbuilds and product development for Carnival Cruise Line. “We’re making updates across the ships to combine both of the cruise lines’ offerings.” Carnival will merge Costa’s Italian interior style with its own service, food and entertainment, beginning with the debut of Carnival Venezia in June 2023. To accommodate this, Costa Venezia was first to undergo a refurbishment at Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain. “We’re introducing a new accommodation concept called Terrazza staterooms, which will be similar to the Havana staterooms on other Carnival ships,” says Aprile. “Located across decks five to nine at the rear of the ship, the Terrazza staterooms include interior, balcony and special Terrazza Cabana cabins, which have private patios with plush loungers and a hammock. The patios also offer direct access to Terrazza Carnevale, an outdoor terraced deck featuring two whirlpools, a bar and lounging space to take in the ocean views.” The interior design of Carnival Venezia is fully inspired by the Italian city of Venice, whilst Carnival Firenze will evoke the North Italian city of Florence. “Many of Carnival Venezia’s public spaces incorporate elements that bring Venice’s world-famous architecture to life onboard, such as a real gondola in the dining room that is modelled after those found on the city’s famous Grand Canal,” says Aprile. “Our ships all welcome guests with beautiful atriums, but the atriums on Carnival Venezia will invoke a different kind of awe. It captures the vibe of Venice’s Carnival Venezia’s Lido deck will evoke the Italian Riveria
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