Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/875351
B M & T ••• January/February 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 31 filled this time-honored role," said Barber. "In addition to serving as godmother, today was extra special as I had the opportunity to meet several Operation Homefront families and hear their stories. It is a day I'll never forget." "We're thrilled Carnival Cruise Line has honored those that do so much for the freedoms we enjoy daily – our service members and their families – with a truly memorable day onboard their newest ship," said Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., president and CEO of Operation Homefront. "Like-minded partners, like Carnival and Carrie Underwood, clearly demonstrate, through their actions, their steadfast commitment to our men and women in uniform." As the line's newest ship, Carnival Vista introduced a number of groundbreaking innovations including the first brewery on a North American-based cruise ship, the first IMAX Theatre at sea, the most elaborate water park in the fleet highlighted by the 455-foot-long Kaleid-o-slide, a groundbreaking bike-ride-in-the-sky aerial attrac- tion called SkyRide, and the new Family Harbor with specially designed staterooms for families, a family concierge and more. Carnival Vista operated a pair of 11-day sailings from New York before launching year-round six- and eight-day Caribbean service from Miami this past November. For additional information and reservations on Carnival Cruise Line, contact any travel agent, call (800) CARNIVAL or visit www.carnival.com . ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S HARMONY OF THE SEAS MAKES SPECTACULAR U.S. DEBUT World's Largest Cruise Ship Sets Sail from Fort Lauderdale for First Time W ith a sail away celebration befitting the world's largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International's brand new ship, Harmony of the Seas, departed on her maiden voyage from her new permanent homeport of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The world's most adventure-packed ship was fêted with an adventurous take on the traditional flotilla send-off, com- plete with a team of 16 jetboard and jetpack riders from the world- renowned Aquafly Hydroflight Sports Performance Team leading Harmony out to sea and performing a show of extraordinary stunts. Joining sister ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas on the east coast of Florida – which are homeported in Port Canaveral and Port Everglades respectively – Harmony offers seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, providing new adven- tures from the islands of the Caribbean to the shores of Mexico. Harmony of the Seas features a bold and unexpected lineup of thrilling experiences, giving adventure-seeking travelers the vaca- tion of a lifetime. Nowhere else on land or sea can travelers find such imaginative dining, unparalleled entertainment and the latest technology, including VOOM, the fastest internet at sea. Harmony combines the iconic seven neighborhood concept that sister ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are known for, with some of the most modern and groundbreaking amenities and offerings that will appeal to guests of all ages. From The Ultimate Abyss, a dramatic 10-story tall slide, to jaw- dropping high diving performances in the ship's trademark AquaTheater, sophisticated dining in venues ranging from Jamie's Italian Cuisine by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to Royal Caribbean's whimsical restaurant Wonderland, which is a unique culinary adventure for the senses, and robot bartenders, there is an adven- ture for everyone onboard Harmony of the Seas. Harmony of the Seas spans 16 guest decks, encompasses 226,963 gross registered tons, carries 5,497 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,747 staterooms. For more information about Harmony of the Seas, please visit RoyalCaribbean.com/HarmonyoftheSeas.