A Conversation With Carnival

The “Carnival Conversations” road show – a travel agent engagement program – stopped by Toronto yesterday as officials hosted a large group of agents at Archeo in the city’s Distillery District.

Agents were updated on all things Carnival with news about the line’s newest acquisition, Carnival Vista, causing the most stir. Set to debut May 1, 2016 and marking a return to Europe for Carnival, Vista will be line’s largest and most innovative ship to date. Offering eight-, 10- and 12-day Mediterranean itineraries, the ship will sail out of Athens and Barcelona.

Special features on the Vista include the first IMAX Theatre at sea and SkyRide, a pedal-powered open-air aerial attraction. The ship will also feature two new room categories: Havana Staterooms & Suites – offering an exclusive location near the Havana Bar, Pool and Club – and Family Harbor Staterooms & Suites. Harbor guests will have access to a family dedicated zone on the ship, including the Family Harbor Lounge, an exclusive 24-hour spot with breakfast, snacks and concierge service.

In other news designed to help fight Canada’s sagging dollar, Justin French, managing director, International Sales, for Carnival, revealed that a special “Canadian Residents Rate” is coming and will soon be available through all channels.

Visiting from Miami was Adolfo Perez, vice-president of trade sales and marketing for Carnival, who said the company is doing very well in 2015 and praised Canadian agents for their support.

“You are very important partners,” said Perez. “Bookings are solid, helping us raise pricing, which is good for us and good for you.”

Carnival Conversations continue tonight in Barrie, Ont., Mississauga, Ont., and Ajax, Ont.

Pictured at the Toronto event are French (l) and Perez.