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CARNIVAL VICTORY
A Canadian entrance
February 2, 2000 - On the new Carnival Victory, guests may immerse themselves in the mystique of Neptune's realm
through an interior design that celebrates the world's most famous bodies of
water.
Says Joe Farcus, Carnival's interior architect: "The colors of water, how they change from one ocean to another, from moment to moment, gave me an opportunity to create rooms where there is a sense of movement and mystery. On the Victory it won't be just a vacation, but a voyage to the great oceans of the world."
Ocean Hall atrium
The voyage begins in Oceanic Hall, the nine-deck atrium located in
the center of the ship. The watery theme is captured in shades of
turquoise, green, gold and blue, which are repeated in the public rooms and
Neptune's Way promenade. The walls are adorned with rich prima vera and
Australian walnut wood veneer interspersed with strips of weathered copper,
and hand-painted panels swirled in turquoise. Handmade glass-tile mosaics of
mermaids, the sea god Neptune and other mythological creatures also are
displayed on the atrium walls on different decks.
Capping the Oceanic Hall is an illuminated dome decorated in
Tiffany-style glass which carries on the sea theme in underwater colors
accented with sparkling chandeliers.
The atrium's carpet is a subtle design of dolphins playing in waves,
and uncarpeted areas feature shell stone, which is a black terrazzo with
imbedded sea shells producing a mother of pearl effect in indigo, dark blue,
green and gold.
An element that is carried throughout the atrium, promenade and
other public areas is the recurring image of the seahorse. It is found on
the ends of the main stairways in the atrium, supporting shell-stone
tabletops and leather barstools on the promenade, and as door handles to the
restaurants.
Neptune's Way promenade
Statues of Neptune stand at either end of the ship's promenade and
a third sculpture is a central feature of the Trident Bar, located along the
promenade.
Large, colorful panels created by Italian artist Luciano Vistosi
adorn the interior walls of Neptune's Way. These custom-made glass panels
depict highly stylized, brightly colored sea life. In the ceiling, colorful
glass dome replicas of the large atrium dome extend the length of the
promenade.
Ocean and seas-themed public rooms
The ocean and seas theme is also carried out in the names and dcor
of various public rooms on the Carnival Victory, perhaps most artfully
demonstrated in the Coral Sea Caf and the Virtual Sea game center.
Halfway down the promenade, the Coral Sea Caf features museum-like
displays of coral in vertical glass cases, some of which are stand-up tables
that separate the seating area from the promenade. Beige shell stone is
featured on the floor, walls and counter top of the caf, which serves
specialty coffees, liqueurs and sweets. The ceiling is a latticework of
teak beams with cast panels that look like palm fronds, creating the
atmosphere of a sophisticated beach cabana.
Entering the Virtual Sea game center will be like diving into a
giant aquarium. The stainless steel walls have been heat-treated to achieve
an iridescent bluish-purple color. On the walls are giant undersea creatures
- an angler fish, angel fish, squid and sea anemone - painted in wild
fluorescent colors. Ultraviolet light brings these creatures vibrantly to
life, and a myriad of small pyramids painted in fluorescent hues look like
shimmering schools of fish. The curved ceiling is done in a special glittery
paint to resemble the surface of the water as seen from below.
Among other rooms named for bodies of water are the Adriatic Lounge,
Irish Sea Bar, Arctic Dance Club and Atlantic and Pacific restaurants.
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