Carnival Cruise Line welcomes the first guests to set sail on the new Carnival Venezia from New York City. The ship's launch coincides with the summer travel season and marks a period of growth for the cruise line, as it is the first of three ships to join the fleet over the next year.
Last Wednesday, a welcoming ceremony kicked off the celebrations for the ship's arrival at its home port, which continued on Thursday morning at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal with the embarkation of the first passengers.
The inaugural ceremony of the Carnival Venezia received a special blessing from Father Enrique Salvo of St. Patrick's Cathedral, and acclaimed comedian and television host Jay Leno became the first godfather named for a Carnival ship. Leno also performed an exclusive show for guests at the event.
“By highlighting his own Italian heritage, Jay helps us celebrate the Italian theme that guests will experience when they sail on this beautiful ship,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We’ve heard great feedback from guests who sailed on the ship’s transatlantic voyage, and now I’m thrilled to welcome our first guests joining us from New York to experience what awaits them.”
The ceremony also highlighted the new entertainment programming and other concepts created for the ship's debut. It is the first to introduce "Carnival Fun Italian Style," which adds Carnival's signature fun to the ship's Italian theme. The architectural style of the Carnival Venezia is inspired by the city of Venice.
Guests cut the ribbon and embark on the inaugural sailing from New York.
On Thursday morning at the Manhattan cruise terminal, Duffy greeted guests with a special ceremony to welcome them aboard the new ship. Captain Claudio Cupisti and some of the first passengers from New York joined Duffy to cut a ceremonial ribbon and officially begin embarkation.
Thursday's departure from New York will take guests on a four-day voyage that includes a visit to Bermuda. This summer, the ship will alternate between four-, five-, six-, and eight-day cruises to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and ports in Canada and New England, such as St. John's and Halifax.
