Supplement to Travel Trade
January 2001

The Imagination

Mythology and Modernism

The Imagination, Carnival Cruise Line's newest SuperLiner, is an eclectic mix of mythology and modernism in a resort setting that stretches the imagination, yet manages to maintain the fun ambience on which the company bases its success.

While there is a familiar feeling on board - passengers who have sailed any Carnival ship feel at home - The Imagination is not a carbon copy of her slightly older sisters. Software has been fine-tuned and hardware has taken on a softer touch.

The vessel is a bright combination of past, present and future figments of imagination. The past is represented by classical details and materials, the present by the designer's creative and imaginative process and the future as seen in the imagination of passengers on board.

Fifth in CCL's Fantasy series of vessels, the Imagination has less glitter than her sister ships, is more sophisticated in some respects, and is more contemporary in others.

The 2,040-passenger vessel's decor encourages passengers to use their own imaginations when they enter the ancient world of mythological images such as sphinxes, Medusas and winged Mercury figures that reflect civilizations long past in a blend of classical architectural design and new-age technology.

Nowhere is this Golden Age of elegance and sophistication more evident than in the six-deck Grand Atrium. Crowned by an immense skylight, the area reflects classical Greek and Roman civilizations. Embossed lacquered panels, incorporating a lion's head, fruit basket, wreath and floral drape design form the atrium ceiling panels.

Figured mahogany with black-stained oak stripes and light bronze anodized moldings cover bulkheads and stairs. Large brightly-colored, glass-tiled mosaics depicting the goddess Venus are positioned between elevators.

Set in polished stone, the mosaics, hand-wrought in Venice, appear frequently throughout the vessel. They are accented with brilliant 24-carat leaf cones.

Tapered pink-and-gray marbleized pilasters flank the elevators. Each simulated stone column, individually lit for dramatic effect, frames a gilded, sculpted goddess' face.

As on sister ships, strands of neon lights stretch for miles and miles along decks overlooking the atrium.

On the Imagination, neon tubes are actually visible, but the effect is more subtle as only two closely matched color tones are used. Glossy spheres filled with fiber optic bundles rotate through a range of soft hues and provide a diffused, moody glow.

The vessel's focal point is a futuristic three-deck high sculpture by American kinetic artist Leonard Janklow.

Modern mythology is brought into play, and like most artwork, doesn't appeal to everyone. Janklow carries his imagination through in 41 multi-color abstract murals decorating forward walls of the atrium.

The past is reflected throughout public areas in large glass-tiled mosaics depicting the Medusa of classical mythology, which would be right in place in a palazzo in Florence. Winged deities and cherubs are etched on glass-and-steel elevator doors.

Fan-shaped shells, cast in bronze, emerge from garlands to serve as elegant door handles.

The Promenade is where indoor fun peaks. More than a pathway to major public rooms, the promenade on all of Carnival's Fantasy-class ships has become an entertainment center in itself with bars and lounges, meeting places and quiet corners.

On the Imagination, the Promenade is lined with marble-finished columns set between large picture windows, gilded empire-style sphinxes - mythical creatures with the wings of a bird, torso of a lion and a human head - gaze serenely overhead.

Arranged around the Promenade are upholstered leather banquettes with ebony tables and scrolled accents reminiscent of ancient Roman couches.

The deck is anchored forward by the multi-level Dynasty Lounge which ascends from Atlantic Deck to Promenade Deck in five levels. A raised sixth level is in the aft section and the balcony is sloped along the sides.

Glass balustrades throughout the room allow optimum viewing. An elegant central staircase with handrails of pear wood supported by gilded cast iron balusters containing a Medusa head add a classical mythological element to the room's design.

Neon tubes, computer-controlled lighting and handmade multi-colored Venetian-glass mosaic tiles decorate table tops. Rich colors and patterns in shades of garnet, sapphire, teal and gold cover the banquette seating. Custom-designed carpeting is of stylized patterns picking up the same colors.

The 69-foot-wide stage also serves as a ballroom dance floor. In addition, a 33-foot diameter turntable on the stage, smoke ejectors, top-of-the-line audio and lighting and side stages for scenery wagons, form a working facility capable of handling the most sophisticated productions.

Homage is paid to Mercury, the god of travel, in the Xanadu Lounge, aft of the Promenade. Positioned on pedestals between the windows, sculpted winged busts of Mercury surround the lounge.

Their broad wings span arches over the windows. The sophisticated lounge is designed with predominant use of marble, brass, brocaded fabrics, rich woods and tile. A comfortable room with a beautiful bar, it is the site for pre- and post-dinner dancing, a variety of daytime activities, "adult only" late-night shows and special performances.

Between the two major showrooms, there's the hard to miss El Dorado Casino with the usual games of chance, a lot of pizzazz and razzle-dazzle, but little mythology, except perhaps for players. The room was designed to pay homage to classic gaming paraphernalia and several unique features have been incorporated into the design.

Among all the modern slot machines, for example, is a series of authentic antique slots from the 1930s and '40s, completely reconditioned and in perfect working order.

Mythology also is featured in Illusions, the disco which blares the beat from dusk to daylight on some voyages. The room has metallic walls of three-dimensional crystalline shapes, like prisms, outlined in neon pastels.

In fact, crystals are everywhere, jutting from walls, ceilings, tables and unexpected places - the irregular surfaces of the disco's walls, banquettes, the bar. Tables all have distinctive, eccentric shapes, each scarcely resembling any other.

Tiny lights twinkle on the dance floors, which have a spider-web design, while two levels of glossy, aluminum clouds tinged by neon lights hang overhead and change with the beat.

Imagination takes over in the Shangri-La Lounge. Taking its name from the 1930s movie classic "Lost Horizon," about a group of people whose plane crashes and then deposits them in an idyllic paradise, the lounge is a representation of "that feeling given architectural form," said Joe Farcus, Carnival's interior architect.

The gold-painted surfaces flow with wave designs and horizontal veins of sparkling metallic jewels. The two-toned wood pattern is duplicated on the polished dance floor, resin-coated bar top and on the tops of tables.

Dramatically contemporary, yet complementing the mythological themes, the lounge is an entertaining night spot where live bands play a wide variety of popular music and guests gather to dance, relax or talk.

Aft of the casino is the Dream Bar with a massive classical sculpture on a gold-tiled podium rising behind it. This area became the place to see and be seen from its introduction on the Fantasy and its magnetic appeal continues on all CCL ships.

There's music and hor d'ourves. And, I have seen passengers turn it into an impromptu dance floor.

New on CCL's Fantasy-class ships is the fine marbled wine bar which metamorphoses into a serving area for the mini-buffet in the wee hours. Wine bottles, racks and glasses are featured decor at this stand-up bar.

Up one deck encircling the atrium are two of my favorite rooms --Curiosity Library and Mirage Piano Bar.

As the name implies, the library is reminiscent of a Victorian-era parlor in an English manor house. Quaint artifacts are set in a relaxed and elegant environment.

It's a tranquil room where one has a drink, reads a book or writes a letter. It is a good re-creation of the nostalgic ambience of an old curiosity shop from the days of Charles Dickens. Antique furniture is unmatched and gives the room a quaintly authentic touch.

Mirage Piano Bar is Farcus-contemporary. The phrase "have a ball" is given new meaning in this room that is destined for popularity.

Farcus explained that the design came from the "follow-the-bouncing-ball image" common in shows of decades past.

Dozens of globes enameled in hues of yellow and cool deep purple seem to flow from all sides.

The floor leading from the entrance to the circular area which surrounds a revolving piano platform, is inset with two types of polished stone and the bar is ringed by leather-cushioned stools that carry through the spherical theme.

Located on Lido Deck and functioning as an informal eatery, the Horizon Bar & Grill offers full breakfasts and a wide variety of lunch dishes, ranging from hamburgers and hot dogs to a different hot entree and a well-stocked salad bar.

The repertoire has been further expanded to include the first pizzeria on a Carnival ship and the first ship offering 24-hour pizza and Caesar salad.

On my cruise, when the disco closed at 4 a.m., revelers headed for the pizzeria and they were still up there when the sun came up.

Carnival's Lido area is a carpeted self-service restaurant with made-to-order pasta stations, help-yourself frozen yogurt machines, and an easy informal atmosphere.

The adjacent pool area also serves breakfast, lunch and snacks reducing Lido lines to a minimum and providing sun bathers with an opportunity to stay in swimsuits.

There's entertainment poolside and a jogging track encircles the area one deck up.

Fitness centers on all of Carnival's Fantasy-class ships are the most spacious at sea and probably the best equipped.

There are jacuzzis under glass and the Nautica Spa offers aerobic classes and facilities for the addicted and novice passengers. The facility offers just about every kind of treatment available in the best shoreside spas.

The decor has been virtually duplicated in both restaurants, the Pride and Spirit. Color as well as shape differences give each its own personality.

The Pride Restaurant, just off the Grand Atrium, features gold tones and triangular shapes. The Spirit Restaurant, entered by descending the elegantly curved marble staircase from the Pinnacle Club, is decorated in silver and circular shapes.

While each accommodates about 650 guests in two sittings, tables are not crowded together and seating is arranged in clusters of tables and banquettes.

The middle of each room features a raised floor which creates more intimate dining areas as well as affording sea views to those not seated next to the windows.

Extensive use of brocade fabric, marble panels and festooned draperies add an elegant touch but Farcus did not eliminate the Tivoli lights which can be dimmed for special effects.

Food and service are important ingredients in cruise experiences and there are some noticeable changes in Carnival's style.

In the Lido, staffing has been doubled and while initial food selection is still buffet style, waiters take drink orders, refill drink and food requests. Table settings have been given a more formal touch with silver, and folded cloth napkins, floral arrangements and condiments are already in place when the guest sits down.

In the main dining rooms, Carnival is responding to contemporary trends and has enhanced menu selections and food preparation accordingly, using more fresh herbs and spices in cooking.

Dinner menus now offer fresh caught seafood, spa cuisine, vegetarian choices.

Carnival's entertainment is varied and caters to all preferences. Production shows on the Imagination had the audience tapping and clapping from opening numbers.

Two high-tech productions blend music and choreography with elaborate sets, costumes and spectacular special effects.

From rock 'n roll to country, and just about everything in between, the shows provide unforgettable evenings on board.

At an average of about 185-square feet, Carnival rightly boasts the largest cabins at sea. They are comfortable with built-in furniture, plenty of storage space and twin beds that convert to king-size (except in demi-suites.)

The decor is pleasant in soft colors and light fabrics. Cabin lighting is excellent and original artwork by British artist Cathi Whiting adds a bright touch.

The 28 Veranda Suites are luxurious. With large private verandahs, each has a separate sitting and bedroom area. Beautifully decorated, amenities include a bar, refrigerator, marble bathroom with tub and shower as well as a real walk-in closet.

I could sail in one of these suites for months.

Mini-suites on Veranda deck have queen-size beds, small balconies and although they are compact, are my second choice for accommodations at sea.

Up on Veranda deck, the mini-suites are distanced from the rest of the vessel.

The Imagination inaugurated service in early July and sails every Saturday on Western Caribbean itineraries.

She will be joined by three more sister ships, the Inspiration in February 1996 and two as-yet-unnamed vessels in 1998.

Also under contract are two 2,600-passenger, 100,000-ton vessels. The first, Carnival Destiny, debuts in the latter part of 1996. The second vessel will enter service in 1998.

All told, Carnival's current new ship order book consists of six vessels - eventually bringing the fleet total to 15.