0 Likes
The atrium of the Carnival Luminosa stands as a dazzling centerpiece, a perfect fusion of elegance, art, and design. Bathed in warm, golden light, this architectural marvel evokes a sense of awe, inviting exploration and discovery. Polished staircases spiral upward, leading the eye toward gleaming glass elevators and striking light installations that reflect the ship's name—Luminosa, meaning "luminous." At the heart of it all is a bronze masterpiece: "Reclining Woman 2004" by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. This stunning figure, crafted in Botero's signature exaggerated style, embodies serenity, confidence, and timeless beauty. Its bold, voluptuous curves celebrate the joy of life and the celebration of form.
The Luminosa herself has a rich and storied past. Originally launched as the Costa Luminosa in 2009, she made the transition to the Carnival fleet in 2022. Designed as a hybrid luxury vessel, the ship perfectly balances intimacy with grandeur—a theme that resonates throughout her atrium. The fusion of Costa's sophisticated elegance and Carnival's playful energy creates a space where art, light, and joy converge, embodying the essence of modern cruising.
This experience marks another milestone in my growing collection of 360° panoramas, which also includes those of the Carnival Splendor, Carnival Spirit, and Royal Caribbean International's Voyager of the Seas. Each ship has presented its own unique photographic challenge and reward, but the Luminosa's atrium holds a special place in my heart. Its luminous beauty and artistic soul are a testament to the seamless integration of design, creativity, and the spirit of modern cruising.
...
There are no kangaroos in Austria. We're talking about Australia, the world's smallest continent. That being cleared up, let's dive right in! Australia is a sovereign state under the Commonwealth of Nations, which is in turn overseen by Queen Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen of Australia and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth. The continent was first sighted and charted by the Dutch in 1606. Captain James Cook of Britain came along in the next century to claim it for Britain and name it "New South Wales." Shortly thereafter it was declared to be a penal colony full of nothing but criminals and convicts, giving it the crap reputation you may have heard at your last cocktail party. This rumor ignores 40,000 years of pre-European human history, especially the Aboriginal concept of Dreamtime, an interesting explanation of physical and spiritual reality. The two biggest cities in Australia are Sydney and Melbourne. Sydney is more for business, Melbourne for arts. But that's painting in very broad strokes. Take a whirl around the panoramas to see for yourself! Text by Steve Smith.
