The inaugural voyage of Carnival Cruise Line‘s new Carnival Breeze is happening now in the Mediterranean. Launching a new ship is always a big event and this one is no exception. In addition to customary ceremonies and first-cruise hoopla, Carnival has engaged their online following with live tweets from American Idol contestant Janell Wheeler, a cruise rookie.
Online fans are invited to follow along with Carnival cruise rookie and host Janell Wheeler as she travels aboard the Carnival Breeze – the latest Carnival Cruise ship – and experiences all the fun new spaces and features, and sees what Europe really has to offer. Janell begins her trip in Venice, Italy, where she visits St. Mark’s Square and has an authentic Italian breakfast.
Wheeler is posting images and videos, tweeting and interacting with the audience every step of the way.
On Carnival Breeze, Wheeler takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of the ship’s features, with online polls deciding which of the ship’s many innovations she’ll experience next. Viewers can also come along as Wheeler propels down the ship’s 312-foot-long Twister water slide or gets a bird’s eye view of the Mediterranean as she straps on a harness and gives the ship’s suspended ropes course a try.
Each episode begins and ends with what Carnival calls an insightful “video confessional” in which Wheeler outlines her plans for the day and offers her own unique perspective on her experiences thus far.
Wheeler will also be uploading photos of her latest adventures via Pinterest and taking viewer questions live via Twitter. She’ll also host a live Twitter chat during the cruise. A YouTube playlist provides viewers with an at-a-glance view of Wheeler’s ongoing Carnival Breeze adventure.
She’s not the only celebrity on board either. Food Network star Guy Fieri is there in spirit with his Guys Burger Joint, a new dining venue featuring handcrafted burgers, fresh-cut fries and special recipes created exclusively for Carnival and included in the price of the cruise fare.
Located within steps of whirly twirly bubbly tubs and full service bars, I don’t know how they can go wrong with that one.
Also, in a unique branding effort from Carnival aimed to increase value, funnyman George Lopez joins chef Fieri along with Miami Heat‘s DJ Erie by more than simply lending/selling their well-known name and star status to the Carnival brand. Each has worked with Carnival to create experiences that fit the brand and infuse their own unique style.
In this video released today, Jannel offers her daily report:
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