Carnival Cruise Line has debuted its latest addition to the fleet, Carnival Venezia, in New York City. As the first of three ships to join the cruise line’s fleet over the the next year, the ship’s launch marks an exciting period of growth for Carnival.
The first guests boarded to sail on the new vessel in Manhattan Cruise Terminal, following a welcome event with Godfather of the ship, Jay Leno, the previous evening.
During the dazzling welcome event, Carnival Venezia, received a special blessing by Father Enrique Salvo of St Patrick’s Cathedral. Guests were also treated to an exclusive comedy show from acclaimed comedian, television host, and Godfather of the new ship- Jay Leno.
“By highlighting his own Italian heritage, Jay is helping us celebrate the Italian theming guests will experience when they cruise on this beautiful ship. We’ve heard great reviews from guests who sailed on the ship’s transatlantic crossing, and now I am so happy to welcome our first guests joining us from New York to enjoy what’s in store for them.”
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line
The ceremony highlighted new concepts and entertainment programming for Carnival Venezia‘s debut. Styled after Italy’s sparkling city of Venice, the ship is the first to introduce “Carnival Fun Italian Style“; adding all the renowned fun of the cruise line to the vessel’s beautiful Italian theming.
As guests boarded the ship in New York the following morning, they were welcomed onboard by Carnival Cruise Line’s President herself- Christine Duffy. Some of the first guests to board were even lucky enough to join Duffy and Captain Claudio Cupisti in cutting a ceremonial ribbon to officially mark the beginning of embarkation.
Since departing from New York, Carnival Venezia will take guests on a four-day sailing that includes a visit to Bermuda. For the remainder of the summer, the ship will alternate between sailing four-, five-, six- and eight-day sailings to the Caribbean, Bermuda and ports throughout Canada and New England: including Saint John’s and Halifax.
Carnival Venezia will embark on a new series of sailings after the summer season has come to an end on 29th September 2023. These will alternate between eight- to 12-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean, Southern Caribbean and The Bahamas- including popular destinations like Saint Thomas, San Juan and Aruba.
Guests onboard these sailings will also have the exclusive opportunity to visit four of Carnival’s private destinations: Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays, Amber Cove and Grand Turk. Additionally, select cruises will feature Miami as a port of call.
