The Spirit's main dining room, the Empire Room, is a two-deck affair done in the Napoleonic, or early 19th-century French style. The ceiling is decorated with domes painted with murals in the grandest empire style, with crystal chandeliers providing an elegant atmosphere. In the center of the room is a grand circular staircase decorated with a sculpture of the regal Napoleon at his coronation. Flanking the entrances are pilasters that are in the form of female statues. Large circular windows are bordered with a cast frame embossed with shapes of fruit and flowers.
The Lido restaurant, called La Playa Grille, takes postmodernism for its style. The room features a skylight that culminates two levels above and houses a spectacular chandelier. The majority of seating is adjacent to windows between which are wooden columns connected to deconstructed masonry-like arches that appear to be falling apart. Multi-colored terrazzo flooring in an arabesque design and hand-painted murals on the walls create a stunning and elegant atmosphere. The aft section of the restaurant features an outdoor bar and serving area under a large awning.
All of these diverse public rooms are connected by a two-level promenade. A waterfall and grand staircase lead from one level to the other.
The Carnival Spirit is scheduled to begin its inaugural season April 29 with a 16-day Panama Canal cruise from Miami to Los Angeles, followed by a three-night voyage from San Francisco to Vancouver departing May 20, a series of weeklong Glacier Bay and Glacier Route Alaska cruises throughout the summer, two 12-day Hawaii cruises, and a 14-day Panama Canal sailing from San Diego to Miami departing Oct. 20. From Miami, Carnival Spirit is slated to sail a unique eight-day program to "exotic" Caribbean ports of call throughout the winter, commencing Nov. 3.
For additional information and reservations, call 1-800-327-9501 (individual) or 1-800-327-5782 (groups). Information and reservations also can be obtained via Carnival's Web site at www.carnival.com.
Source: Carnival Cruise Lines, March 2001
