Vallarta Online / PUERTO VALLARTA, JALISCO – The double arrival of cruise ships to Puerto Vallarta is an event that always attracts the attention of locals and tourists alike. Today, the city’s port welcomes two titans of the seas: the modern and luxurious Carnival Firenze and the iconic Navigator of the Seas. These cruise ships bring with them thousands of passengers and a unique experience of luxury and entertainment that highlights the attractiveness of Puerto Vallarta as a world-class tourist destination.
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Carnival Firenze: The Elegance of Italian Style on the High Seas
The Carnival Firenze, built in 2021, is one of Costa Cruises’ newest Vista-class cruise ships. Designed with an Italian style that evokes the elegance and sophistication of Florence, this cruise ship is equipped with 2,116 cabins distributed over 14 decks, of which 12 are dedicated to accommodations. It has the capacity to carry between 4,232 and 5,078 passengers, served by a crew of 1,278 members. The Carnival Firenze stands out for its efficient use of interior and exterior spaces, maximizing comfort and entertainment on board.
Exclusive Features and Attractions
With a construction cost of $780 million, the Carnival Firenze offers a wide range of luxury facilities. Among its exclusive features are:
- Fine dining: 13 restaurants, including haute cuisine options such as Fiorentina Steak House and Ristorante dei Medici, plus a bar specializing in fresh seafood, Frutti di Mare. For dessert lovers, the Dolce Vita ice cream parlor is a must.
- Varied Entertainment: It has 7 bars and lounges, including the Teatro Rosso, where first class shows are presented.
- Water Activities: On the activity platform (Lido), passengers can enjoy a water park with water slides, a high ropes garden, and a miniature golf course. The swimming pool is covered by a retractable glass roof, providing the possibility to enjoy it in any weather.
- Wellness and Fitness: A wellness complex that includes a spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center for those who wish to stay active during their trip.
- Family and Relaxation Areas: Exclusive lounges for teenagers and children, as well as areas such as the Beach Club for adults only, with swimming pools, slides and climbing walls.
In addition, panoramic glass elevators connect the outdoor areas, and a central piazza filled with bars and stores allows passengers to enjoy a stroll similar to that of an Italian city. Guests can also make use of self-service laundry facilities on all stateroom decks, a convenience that only a few ships in this category offer.
Navigator of the Seas: Innovation and Fun in Navigation
Built in 2002 and with a final refit in 2024, the Navigator of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s most emblematic cruise ships, belonging to the Voyager class. This colossus, with a construction cost of $650 million, has 15 decks and 1,674 cabins that can accommodate between 3,348 and 4,018 passengers, with a crew of 1,215. Although older than the Carnival Firenze, the Navigator of the Seas stands out for the multiple renovations it has received to stay on the cutting edge of entertainment experiences.
2019 Renovation and Innovations
One of the most significant renovations took place in 2019, with an investment of $115 million, taking Navigator of the Seas to a whole new level in fun and technology. Among the innovations are:
Water Attractions: The installation of the Perfect Storm water park’s “Cyclone” and “Typhoon” slides on Deck 13, along with the FlowRider surf simulator.
Also added was the longest offshore water roller coaster, “The Blaster,” at 244 meters in length, along with the “Riptide” racing slide with a transparent tube.
Children’s Water Park: Slashaway Bay, a space for the little ones that includes water cannons and interactive games.
New Restaurants and Bars: Including Lime and Coconut (two-level bar with live music), Johnny Rockets Express, Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade with VIP lounge, and several themed restaurants such as Jamie’s Italian and Hooked Seafood.
Entertainment and Beauty Spaces: “To Dry For,” an innovative beauty bar specializing in blow-drying hair that also serves champagne and wine by the glass.
In addition, the miniature golf course was redesigned and “The Observatorium,” an escape room experience, was added.
The refurbishment also included enhancing Royal Caribbean’s youth programs, expanding the outdoor play space and modernizing the teen lounge.
The Double Arrival Experience in Puerto Vallarta
The double arrival of cruise ships in Puerto Vallarta is not only a visual spectacle due to the magnitude of these ships, but it also means an injection of life to the city. The arrival of thousands of passengers brings with it an opportunity to showcase the cultural, gastronomic and natural richness that the port has to offer. As tourists explore the cobblestone streets, enjoy the water tours and savor the local cuisine, the community benefits from the economic boost these visits generate.
Conclusion
The simultaneous double arrival of the Carnival Firenze and the Navigator of the Seas reaffirms Puerto Vallarta as a favorite destination on the international cruise route. These two titans of the sea offer unique experiences on board, from the Italian style and elegance of the Carnival Firenze to the innovation and fun of the Navigator of the Seas. These types of visits ignite the city’s tourist spark and provide visitors with an unforgettable experience in the heart of Banderas Bay.
Links
External Link: For more details about the routes and characteristics of the Carnival Firenze, visit Carnival Cruise Line‘s official website.
Internal Link: If you wish to know more about the activities you can do during your visit to Puerto Vallarta, please visit our section of Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta.
