This week, New York City welcomed Carnival's Italian-themed ship, Carnival Venezia, which docked at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.
The ship, with a capacity for 4,090 passengers, was christened Wednesday night by comedian and former Tonight Show host Jay Leno.
Formerly part of the Costa Cruises fleet, the Carnival Venezia incorporates many touches from that line under the motto "Carnival Fun, Italian Style".
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said she thought the ship's theme would resonate with people in the New York area, both those of Italian descent and those who simply love Italy.
“The bar is set very high in New York,” Duffy said during the indoor christening ceremony. “Tonight we celebrate all things Italian and all things New York.”
Carnival named Jay Leno its first ship godfather. During the christening, Leno spoke about his Italian roots and his ancestors.
He also spoke briefly about the discrimination those ancestors suffered at the hands of the status quo. “They said, ‘In 50 years, people will be eating pizza for dinner,’” he said alongside Carnival brand ambassador John Heald, framing it as a cautionary tale. “Now mission accomplished!”
During the ceremony, the audience did not see the traditional champagne bottle being broken. Instead, Duffy and Leno pulled the ends of a ribbon attached to a symbolic Aperol bottle, and sparklers were lit.
Later, Jay Leno did a 40-minute comedy number focusing mainly on the weaknesses of modern life.
Carnival Venice
The Carnival Venezia's main dining room features a real gondola in the center. Images of Venice are everywhere on board, even in the cabins. The faux marble and plasterwork evoke Italy in a rather unsubtle way; there's even a life-size gondola in the main dining room and a bar themed around the Venetian Carnival.
The Carnival Venezia adopts the Havana Cabana concept (premium cabins with their own outdoor pool area and solarium, as well as other advantages) from the other Vista class ships and turns it into the Terrazza, with an Italian theme.
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