Carnival Funship 2.0 is coming

[Mike M]

Carnival today announced some big changes coming to the Carnival Fleet:

Some of these changes are:

Punchliner Comedy Club: George Lopez will be taking a personal interest in these new comedy clubs and work at getting new talent along with the current comedians already being used.

Guy's Burger Joint: Carnival is teaming up with bestselling author, restaurateur and Food Network personality Guy Fieri to bring all the appetizing appeal of a roadside burger shack to Guy's Burger Joint, the cool poolside spot for hot burgers and hand-cut fries. There will be no additional charge for food at this venue.

Blue Iguana Tequila and Cantina: Blue Iguana Cantina features freshly-made tacos and burritos stuffed specially for your fulfillment. Throw our homemade tortillas or chips and salsa into the mix, and you have a casual day-or-night dining experience. There is no charge for the food in this venue.

Red Frog Rum Bar Poolside: Now we're introducing the RedFrog Rum Bar, where the frog hops right to the chase with a full poolside bar featuring not only a great selection of Caribbean rum-based concoctions, but yes, plenty of Carnival's signature private-label draught beer, ThirstyFrog Red.

Alchemy Bar: You don't need to be a mix-master to appreciate Alchemy – you just have to be up for trying something new. We've done the hard work to produce a tasty series of all-new cocktails served at this unique vintage-themed cocktail "pharmacy." Let our lab-coat-clad mixologists prescribe you something from the bar, upping your energy with Passion Potions or Energizing Elixers, or for a little pick-me-up, try something from Relief for What Ails, or what we like to call Cocktail Therapy.

Library Bar: For relaxing times, check out the Library Bar, where great literature doesn't stop at the wine list. This intimate cocktail lounge features not only state-of-the-art self-serve wine dispensers, but bartenders who mix a good drink, a selection of board games for a good time… and even books adorning the walls for a good read.

There are more changes to be implemented. To see all of them and get more information go to: Fun Projects Aboard Carnival Fun Ships

Most of the changes will be implemented on Carnival Liberty in its upcoming, October drydock and will be implemented fleet wide in 2012 and 2013. I will be sailing on Liberty in March and it will be fun to see the changes. I like the Blue Iguana and Guy's Burger bar idea. These will be on the Lido deck and IMO the Lido deck on Liberty could use some changes.

What are you thoughts on Funship 2.0?

Take care,
Mike

[Jamman]

As a milestone Carnival cruiser I love the Funship 2.0 concept, however all the hype and making a big production out of it in New York was a bit over the top.

[Trip]

Over the top is a saying often associated with Carnival. With their new design and decor on their newest ships, that saying will not be used anymore. In the case of letting the world know whats new, over the top is the only way to go in my opinion..When you bang the drum, bang it loudly!


Guy's Burger, Blue Iguana,and the Red Frog, get my vote as wonderful additions to the ships.

I can't wait to sail Carnival again, and, try all the new goodies.

[Fern]

Funship 2.0 sounds good to me. I especially like the no-extra-charge "upscale" Burger Joint and the Blue Iguana for Mexican food.

While I like George Lopez, I'll be interested to see what he can bring to the entertainment (comedy).

We shall see ,

[Paul Motter]

[Phil&Liz]

While I admit I will be checking out the new features, it seems to me that with the addition of more "bars" to their ships are they not detracting from being the "family friendly" line they like to claim to be.

CCL had (or probably still does) have the rep as being a "party boat". Doesn't adding bars only enhance that sense?

The addition of a "specialty" food outlet like the burger joint is appealing but I was happy with the Cucina they recently added.

They have their hands full with the Loyalty program. Now they have all this new stuff to roll out.

I guess my position at the moment on the news is...

[Snoozeman]

It all sounds pretty good except for George Lopez.

[RTALLEN]

Mike: We'll be sailing on the Liberty in May. Too bad the "Hasbro - The Game Show" won't be on there at that time. That looks like it could be a lot of fun (certainly better than some of the poolside activities, i.e. the hairy chest contest). I'm sure we'll check out Guy's Burger Joint and the Blue Iguana Cantina. I wonder if Guy's will offer thick milkshakes to go with the burgers & fries? Anyhow, now we're really looking forward to this cruise! Can't wait!

[Cruiseelady]

Originally Posted by Snoozeman

It all sounds pretty good except for George Lopez.

I agree with you Snoozeman, dont like George Lopez after he made a nasty comment abut Kirstie Alley. I would not want to his his face on the stage but if he brings some great comics that would be great.

[Trip]

I've never been big on comedians, and, George Lopez, does not thrill me, and it would have to be a better draw, from the comedian pool to get me there. We did see Second City last year on NCL, and, we were packed into a tiny venue, which made no sense.I guess I would rather see a production show, then this.

[Paul Motter]

I have watched George Lopez' show, and he is the kind of comedian that I think I am not going to like, but then I find myelf thinking he is actually pretty funny despite my predisposition. I think they made a good choice in the long run - he has wide appeal.

Hey - Carnival is going where the money is - and that is with young adults who like to drink and have a good time.

Families are great when cruise fares are higher, but in this economy its all about onboard revenue. We are living in a new world folks...

Oh, and one last thing, we aren't getting any younger. 20 years ago all those new bars and comedy clubs would have sounded pretty good to me

[flowers]

Originally Posted by Phil&Liz

CCL had (or probably still does) have the rep as being a "party boat". Doesn't adding bars only enhance that sense?..

that was my first thought .. a bunch of new bars, AND a new rap DJ with dueling live bands. If the DJ is known for rap, Im guessing the bands will be rap?

Many of the changes are geared to the younger generation .. which make me think they are wanting to go back to their party image and embrace it.

I probably will like the new food venues, but not crazy about dueling rap music or EA games in the sports lounge (and I like computer games, but not on a cruise).

Originally Posted by Paul Motter

Hey - Carnival is going where the money is - and that is with young adults who like to drink and have a good time.

exactly .. its obviously aimed toward the younger crowd. Just what I was thinking too.

[Snoozeman]

Originally Posted by Paul Motter

Oh, and one last thing, we aren't getting any younger. 20 years ago all those new bars and comedy clubs would have sounded pretty good to me

George Lopez is an older comedian and really doesn't appeal to the young audience. Most and I really believe most of the older folks don't care for him. He's been cancelled from TV twice and a lot of venues as he has lost his appeal. IMHO.

I really like most all the comedy shows I have seen in the Punchliner, I don't know what GeoLopez could offer. I just think Carnival is trying to 'brand' as many venues as possible. They made a mistake here.

[flowers]

Originally Posted by Snoozeman

George Lopez is an older comedian and really doesn't appeal to the young audience. Most and I really believe most of the older folks don't care for him. He's been cancelled from TV twice and a lot of venues as he has lost his appeal. IMHO.

I really like most all the comedy shows I have seen in the Punchliner, I don't know what GeoLopez could offer. I just think Carnival is trying to 'brand' as many venues as possible. They made a mistake here.

Just to offer a possible explanation .. I think it was more about a big name that people know and that George has connections since he will be picking out future comedians and scheduling them. I think I read he will rarely be on ships himself, but he will do a few shows this Dec, probably on Liberty, though the ship was not mentioned.

I didnt get the impression its about him doing comedy as much as him being in charge of scheduling. .. and he probably has some good connections and knows a lot of the talent in Vegas? I dont think this is about liking him personally.

[Moiraine]

I disagree. It's been a year since my last cruise but of the comedians that we saw the best was only a B, the worst was an F. I like George Lopez, and my 18 year old and her friends like him too. No mistake at all. I think he will bring in comedians that the younger crowd will enjoy.

[KayAnnie]

Regarding George Lopez, he mentioned that he would be able to attract name comedians from television and movies, so who knows what that will actually end up being. I am really glad Carnival is adding a game show.

(Did a podcast Cruize Cast and blog with pictures Cruise News Blog from CruizeCast: A Cruise Podcast - Cruize Cast about the announcement if anyone wants to check it out.)

[briguy]

George Lopez isnt at the top of his game anymore. I believe most comedians on cruise ships are either past their prime or never were "A" list to begin with. That being said, I bet George can find a lot of comedians like himself.

2.0 is ok I guess but the fanfare built up expectations that in my opinion were not warranted. Hope it works out though!

[Mike M]

I just came accross the Blue Iguana drink menu. Looks interesting and not outrageously priced for cruise drinks. They also now have Don Julio. My wife's favorite tequila.

http://www.carnival.com/cms/funship2..._TBar_Menu.pdf

Take care,
Mike

[Paul Motter]

You "say" FunShip 2.0 doesn't sound that impressive, but I keep looking at that price tag...

Half a billion dollars? - that says to me there are more announcements coming.

[Snoozeman]

I don't want to keep bashing GeoLopez so this will be my final comment on him.

He really lost credibility with a lot of people when he said Kirstie Alley looked like a 'pig' when she was doing Dancing with the Stars. Hollywood really doesn't care for him since he bashes lots of actors and not in a comedic way. He is mean. The final straw with me was when he recently made racist comments about blacks.

I don't think CCL did its homework on this choice.

[Trip]

After bashing Kirstie, it was said, George would be in the audience one night for her....that never happened...David Letterman also did the same with her,and recently Govenor Cristy,and has had no fallout;( The A list comedian gets no fall back, but the B list George got bashed,and rightly so, as I feel Dave should have.

[Paul Motter]

I must admit I am NOT a celebrity news person, I don't get People Magazine. I mean I just don't "get it". So, I did not know all these things about George. I had heard none of these things.

That is exactly the reason why I cannot stand Letterman anymore. He would call Kirstie a "pig" in a heartbeat, and probably has many times. Speaking of racist. I remember Letterman talking about Oprah losing weight and he said "I liked her better as Aunt Jemima." And there was no fallout - unbelievable.

Those are not nice things to say, certainly. That is too bad.

But I thought George's show on TBS was funny (of course, a lot of that is the writers).

[Snoozeman]

Originally Posted by Paul Motter

I must admit I am NOT a celebrity news person, I don't get People Magazine. I mean I just don't "get it". So, I did not know all these things about George. I had heard none of these things.

I guess the beards at Carnival didn't know either.

[flowers]

I happened to have FOX on that morning and heard George Lopez when he announced that he will perform and also select the comedians... gave it national exposure, much more than some announcement by a CD in NYC.

According to George Lopez he will perform in the Carnival comedy clubs and also select the comedians for CCL

Not only did he get the announcement on TV, but if I was a comedian looking for work and George was doing the hiring .. I dont think I would be thinking, ok, Im standing on high moral ground, Im not taking the job because I dont personally like George. I doubt most people are that moral. I think its a moot point if hollywood likes him or not if you want a job .. and he got it on FOX TV!!

I had not remembered that George said that about Kristi .. dont like it. I heard two friends discussing Gov Christy (sp?) who said they thought it would hurt him being overweight and having diabetes because it takes so much to run .. I didnt like that either.

[Trip]

It will be interesting to see who George is able to bring onboard. Performing on a cruise ship, in past years, has always had a stigma attached to it. On the way up, or on the way down, is what we have seen.

One of the best comedians I saw on a ship was Fred Travelina. Aside from the funny stuff,he did a dramatic piece that had us all on our feet ...just wonderful. He was past his prime,and passed away a few years later.

Don't think Jerry Seinfeld or the like, will be on any FunShip.
Stay tuned, as the old saying goes