TopReviews4U EXCLUSIVE: Carnival Vista cruise review

The myth that cruising is for old people has been dramatically blown apart with the advent of two new super ships heralding a new era of pleasure sailing, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian.  

- SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Everyone seems to have heard of the massive Harmony of the Seas, but almost as gargantuan and concentrating on fun and quality rather than quantity (but still massive!) is the fabulous Carnival Vista.

I had the honour of joining the fantastic team on board a short while after it first sailed last week on an epic voyage from Barcelona to Rome.

First of all the size of the Carnival Vista is staggering, then when you get on board via a stunning bar with tulip-shaped CGI-centrepiece bar you realise you are in for a treat.

The experience becomes ever more luxurious when you reach the beautiful staterooms and sample the terrific array of food at specialty restaurants like the Asian-inspired Ji-Ji or the fine-dining fayre at Fahrenheit 555.

Filet mignon and lobster, crisp pinot grigio and rich Barolo accompany the sublime dishes, transporting passengers to a bygone era of quality and refinement – but this is not a stuffy experience in the slightest.

Modern innovation like the first on-board IMAX cinema, the excellent SkyRide suspended cycle track at the top of the ship and deck-top water park hurtle this ship into the 21^st century.

Sensational bands, singers, entertainers DJs, bars and eateries guarantee and party every day and every night.

Food options include Seafood Shack, a delectable New England-inspired eatery; RedFrog Pub, including the line’s first on-board brewery and other enhanced dining, bar and entertainment options; as well as new scenic and family-friendly accommodation types.

And the European stops are terrific, with Barcelona, Marseille, Livorno and Rome among the picture book destinations and shore excursions to places like Florence and Pisa, the Colosseum and the Vatican.

A voyage on the Carnival Vista is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

Get on-board now!

For more information and bookings click here

Let There Be House @ McQueen, Shoreditch review

 
A night of upfront funky, deep and soulful house delighted revellers at one of London's coolest venues last week, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian.

Let There Be House's fantastic event at McQueen, in Shoreditch, was eagerly-anticipated and did not disappoint.

A fantastic crowd lapped up the beat-driven party vibes at this unique and very stylish venue.

DJs on the night included Groovepunk, Glen Horsborough, Fatfly, Mister H and Carl Hanaghan.

The event returns to McQueen in August and TopReviews4U can't wait.

PREVIEW: Let There Be House at McQueen, London

Uber-cool London venue McQueen, in Shoreditch, will play host to a funky and soulful explosion tomorrow night (Saturday, April 23) as Let There Be House bounces in.

 

The eight 'til late party will feature DJs including Groovepunk, Glen Horsborough, Fatfly, Mister H and Discopolis Recordings' Carl Hanaghan.

TopReviews4U will be there on the night and will review the action on social media and on this blog afterwards.

 

Check back for the full review after the night.

For more information click here

PREVIEW: J00F Editions at Koko, London

London's iconic Camden Palace (now known as Koko) will play host to banging electronic beats and soaring soundscapes once again next month as trance titan John '00' Fleming's J00F Editions sweeps into town.

Mr Fleming (pictured with TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian) will be joined by psytrance star Astrix as well as Steve Arnold for a night which promises to showcase the bleeding edge of trance and progressive music.

TopReviews4U will be there on the night and will review the action on social media and on this blog after the tumultuous tunage has subsided.

The event will take place on May 29 and the combination of the ultra-atmospheric dance music and the fantastic, historic setting makes for a mouthwatering prospect.

Check back for the full review after the night.

For more information click here

VIDEO: Armin van Buuren / ASOT at O2 Brixton Academy, London

Armin van Buuren's A State of Trance rolled into London on Saturday night - and it was the hottest ticket in town, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian.

The Dutch maestro was ably assisted by compatriot Ruben de Ronde, whose floaty and driving set provided much more than just a warm up for the man himself.
AvB's banging set was what ASOT fans have come to expect.

And the pounding trance was perfect for the cavernous O2 Brixton Academy.
The walls reverberated to the sonic onslaught and the whoops and cheers of the crowd grew louder as the night went on.
Aside from the music the venue was fantastic, with bars aplenty and there was even a warm up DJ in the entrance hall - courtesy of Elevation Audio - and a spinner playing at the cloakroom..
Brixton is quickly becoming the heart of London clubland, with sell-out gigs here and last month for ANTS at the Electric down the road.
I for one am looking forward to more shenanigans in SW9.

 

Ma Chill CBD vapouriser

In the modern world relaxation can be pretty hard to come by, but now, thanks to one e-cigarette company, it can literally be inhaled, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian.

 

The Ma concept, which used CBD derived from industrial hemp offers vapers pain relief and a chilled mellow vibe.

The first thing I noticed as I eagerly unpacked the Ma Chill starter kit was the sleek and minimal packaging with the tantalising ‘keep the secret’ strapline enticing me to do the opposite and tell the world of this gizmo.

The unit itself, when (easily) assembled, is again a sleek and modern looking contraption.

A tiny, but sufficient, plastic phial of the secret elixir - exotically titled Bali Blend - exists in a separate box and there is a USB charger, which completes the package.

Once loaded into the vapouriser it provides users with a smooth inhalation of the magical CBD concoction.

What followed, after around four minutes and three deep and held inhalations, was a feeling of relaxation and ambience which was a god send for me.

This was especially the case as I’d had a bit of a bad back and this stuff immediately alleviated the symptoms and chilled me out.

If you want to release the stresses and strains of a 24/7 world, then I’d absolutely recommend this.

It would also be a perfect post-club chillout aid.

• For more information click here

 

 

 

 

 

London Beer Week pop-up with Sharp's Brewery

Free beer is always welcome, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian.

And so it came to pass last week during the fantastic London Beer Week.

Thanks to this lovely folks at Sharp's Brewery and others who took part in the fantastic event.

Sharp's constructed an amazing pop-up bar in London's East End, with an indoor beach and a mind-boggling selection of ales, lagers and porters.

My personal favourites were the terrific coffee-like Mizzen and the delicious Jetsteam IPA, which weighed in at a potent 5.7 per cent ABV.

The atmosphere was great with nearby pop-ups, pubs and other assorted venues getting involved with a £3-a-pint beer bonanza.

And it was not just UK beer that took centre stage – Czech legends Kozel were also in evidence for those who like strong continental lager that really packs a punch.

Pop-ups have become increasingly popular as a way to show off new products and drive trade and brand recognition, but Sharp's effort was a masterstroke.

I for one will definitely be heading back next year.