Royal Caribbean's updated CocoCay Private Island looks insane!

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In much the same way Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships (the largest at sea currently) changed the face of the cruise industry,  RCCL is looking to change the face of the cruise line private island.

These Islands,  generally in the Bahamas, are company-owned beach retreats that make a nice day in the sun on a Caribbean cruise.    Carnival owns Amber Cove, Half Moon Cay, and Princess Cay.   RCCL owns CocoCay and Labadee.  And NCL owns Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye, etc.   

They are all pretty similar.   Generally offering beautiful, white sand beaches with clear blue water.   Lots of chairs and umbrellas,  Sometimes a pool,  and almost always a place to eat and get some drinks.

RCCL is changing that up by making one of their private islands,  CocoCay,  into a full fledged attraction all it's own.   With a giant waterpark,  a hot air balloon ride,  and a piece of beach with it's own fresh water swimming area.   Check out the video below.   This is totally nuts.

Carnival's Super Bowl ad shows how sea travel is a magical experience

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While this may not have been technically-speaking the best ad of this year's Super Bowl,  it was certainly one of the most effective.   This is the first bit of advertising from any cruise line that actually captures the majesty and awe-inspiring nature of ocean travel.   This is about as far as you can get from the average waterslide, massage, dance club, broadway show laden cruise ad that wants to try as hard as possible to make you forget that you're at sea.  Great, great ad.

Images from yesterday's Carnival Vista event in NYC.

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Had a great time yesterday at Carnival's Vista event at the time warner center in NYC.  My wife and I won a cruise on board the Vista as well.   Can't wait to check her out!