Cruise News – Carnival Cruise Line

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Carnival Jubilee Joins Carnival Fleet As America’s Cruise Line Continues Capacity Expansion (4th December, 2023)

Carnival Cruise Line today welcomed Carnival Jubilee, the third ship in its award-winning Excel-class, during a delivery event with ship builder Meyer Werft in Bremerhaven, Germany.

As the 26th Fun Ship in the Carnival fleet, Carnival Jubilee begins its journey to Galveston, Tex. where it will bring added capacity and offer an exciting mix of new entertainment, dining and fun to one of the cruise line’s most popular homeports.

Carnival Jubilee officially joins the Carnival Cruise Line fleet
Carnival Jubilee officially joins the Carnival Cruise Line fleet

Carnival President Christine Duffy, alongside Ben Clement, Carnival’s SVP of New Builds, Refurbishments & Product Innovation, and the ship’s senior officers, joined Meyer Werft Managing Director Jan Meyer, to welcome Carnival Jubilee, the first Carnival ship to be built in Papenburg, Germany.

Once in Texas, Carnival Jubilee and her team will welcome guests for the first time on Dec. 23. The ship will sail from Galveston year-round on week-long Western Caribbean voyages.

“Carnival Jubilee is the fifth additional ship we’ve welcomed into our fleet since 2021 and an integral part of our growth strategy. This ship will bring our most dynamic offering of fun to one of our most popular homeports and will be a great addition to our plans to remain the number one cruise line in Galveston,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“From the thrill of the roller coaster, BOLT, to a piece of paradise at the Serenity retreat, and so much more, we’re delivering a new level of fun for our guests sailing from Galveston that will complement our current and upcoming operations there.”

Captain Andrea Catalani, Christine Duffy, Jan Meyer and Bernard Meyer toast the delivery of Carnival Jubilee
Captain Andrea Catalani, Christine Duffy, Jan Meyer and Bernard Meyer toast the delivery of Carnival Jubilee

In addition to Carnival Jubilee, additions to the Carnival fleet since 2021 include Mardi Gras (2021), Carnival Luminosa (2022), Carnival Celebration (2022), and Carnival Venezia (2023). Carnival Firenze will join the fleet in April 2024.

Carnival Jubilee ushers in a significant expansion of capacity from Galveston, one of Carnival’s top homeports.

Carnival was the first cruise line to sail year-round from Galveston in 2001, and the new ship with a Texas star on its bow is a Texas-sized symbol of the cruise line’s loyal and intense following by guests and travel advisors in the region.

Carnival Jubilee will join Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream at the port as part of a four-ship deployment plan that will be complete when Carnival Miracle repositions to Galveston in October 2024.

Over the past month, Carnival Jubilee’s captain and senior officers have led the final trials to test the ship’s seaworthiness, completing many technical and nautical operations ahead of its transatlantic voyage and arrival to Galveston on Dec. 20.

The 183,000 gross-ton ship can accommodate approximately 6,400 guests at full capacity, plus 1,750 crew.

The ship is Carnival’s third to be powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system, the first cruise ship to run on LNG from Galveston and will operate out of Terminal 25 at the Port of Galveston which underwent a recent $53 million investment to accommodate the ship and provide an enhanced guest experience.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Source: Carnival Newsroom

Images: © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Carnival Cruise Line – My Cruise Blog

By Andy Parrett, ago

Carnival Cruise Line to Salute Hometown Heroes With ‘Veterans Week’ Tributes Aboard Ships in Six Homeports (31st October, 2023)

Carnival Cruise Line, In partnership with local offices of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), will honor hundreds of military heroes with a series of tributes on board six ships in six homeports during the week leading up to Veterans Day.

The week-long series of events kicks off with dual tributes in Miami and Tampa on Nov. 5 and continues in Galveston on Nov. 6, Long Beach on Nov. 7, New Orleans on Nov 9, and Port Canaveral on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy visits a Veterans Meet and Greet at Heroes Tribute Bar Lounge
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy visits a Veterans Meet and Greet at Heroes Tribute Bar Lounge

“We’re so proud to carry more active and retired military service members than any other cruise line, so we wanted to honor our hometown heroes in some of our port communities for Veterans Day this year,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “These tribute events serve as our thanks for the sacrifices made by local veterans, active military personnel and their families.”

In each homeport, local veterans have been invited on board for a special military tribute and a luncheon. A full schedule of events is planned as follows:

In addition to the tributes honoring military service, Carnival will also present a passenger van to each local VA office to assist with transportation for VA programs and services such as health care.

Carnival has a long-standing relationship with Operation Homefront to support military families and has held a Military Appreciation Gathering on every cruise since 2016.

In 2023, the fleet will host more than 1,500 military gatherings attended by tens of thousands of guests.

Recently, Carnival expanded the popular gathering into a full Military Appreciation Day on all sailings in North America to incorporate the Military Appreciation Gatherings, a flag raising in the atrium and other signage and recognition moments during the course of the day.

Many ships in the fleet also now feature the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge – a popular bar that serves as ongoing recognition of sacrifices made by Armed Services personnel and their families.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Source: Carnival Newsroom

Image: © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Carnival Cruise Line – My Cruise Blog

By Andy Parrett, ago

Carnival Freedom Returns To Service With New Look – And New Funnel (23rd October, 2023)

Once again sporting an iconic winged funnel, Carnival Freedom marked its return to service by welcoming guests on board in Barcelona, Spain for a 14-day transatlantic voyage to its homeport of Port Canaveral, Fla.

The ship underwent an extensive refurbishment that included the installation of the new funnel, the addition of the signature Carnival red, white and blue hull livery and other enhancements.

Carnival Freedom at Barcelona, once again sporting the iconic winged funnel
Carnival Freedom at Barcelona, once again sporting the iconic winged funnel

Earlier this month, the 2,980 guest ship entered its 16 day dry dock at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain. The ship’s vibrant transformation is a significant milestone for the shipyard.

While the yard’s team members have worked on other projects across the fleet, this is the first time they have designed and manufactured a Carnival funnel.

Carnival Freedom at Navantia Shipyard
Carnival Freedom at Navantia Shipyard

Among the other enhancements is a newly installed Heroes Tribute Bar, which is an expanding venue across the Carnival fleet and honors military veterans and active-duty service members.

Carnival Freedom now also features a Dreams Studio, where guests can capture memories that become keepsakes from their cruise with the help of Carnival’s photography staff.

Some of the other work includes an expansion to the ship’s casino, and renovations and upgrades across the ship’s staterooms and public areas.

Carnival Freedom - Heroes Tribute Bar
Carnival Freedom – Heroes Tribute Bar

Carnival Freedom’s two-week-long transatlantic Carnival Journeys cruise from Spain is offering guests an unforgettable journey that includes visits to Valencia, Malaga and Las Palmas, Spain as well as Bermuda.

From Port Canaveral, the ship offers four and five day sailings to destinations in The Bahamas, such as Nassau and Princess Cays, as well as other Caribbean destinations, including Grand Turk.

Many new itineraries were recently opened for the ship, and among them are sailings that feature Carnival’s upcoming exclusive destination, Celebration Key, as a port of call beginning in 2025.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Source: Carnival Newsroom

Images: © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Carnival Cruise Line – My Cruise Blog

By Andy Parrett, ago

Carnival Cruise Line Honors the Bahamas’ 50th Anniversary of Independence With Commemorative Event on Carnival Celebration (2nd October, 2023)

Carnival Cruise Line hosted a special event aboard Carnival Celebration in Miami honored The Bahamas’ 50th Anniversary of Independence and recognized the strong partnership between Bahamian communities and Carnival Cruise Line.

The Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis and U.S. Rep. Federica Wilson, the founder of the Florida Ports Caucus, and honorary co-host for the event, joined Carnival Corporation President, CEO and Chief Climate Officer Josh Weinstein.

The Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis and U.S. Rep. Federica Wilson joined Carnival Corp. CEO Josh Weinstein - Carnival Cruise Line
The Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis and U.S. Rep. Federica Wilson joined Carnival Corp. CEO Josh Weinstein

Carnival Celebration served as a backdrop for the special event as it not only visits The Bahamas frequently, but it also serves as a stunning example of how far both Carnival and The Bahamas have come since the cruise line’s maiden voyage, which brought guests to The Bahamas 51 years ago.

Carnival Celebration
Carnival Celebration

“We are so grateful for our partnership with this remarkable nation, which goes back to the very beginning of our company and has only strengthened over the last 50 years,” said Josh Weinstein, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation.

“The Bahamas has always been one of the most popular destinations among our guests, thanks to the hospitality of the Bahamian people, the natural beauty of the islands, and the nation’s rich culture.”

Other special guests included The Bahamas Consul General in Miami Curt Hollingsworth and local leaders from South Florida, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and County School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas.

In addition to commemorating the nation’s anniversary, the event also celebrated the launch of the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence Project in The Bahamas. The mentoring program founded by Representative Wilson has positively impacted the lives of thousands of young men in South Florida and will now extend its reach to Bahamian youth.

“South Florida has always cherished its unique and special relationship with the Bahamas. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Carnival Cruise Lines for their unwavering support and exceptional partnership with the Bahamas. Their commitment to commemorating the Bahamas’ 50th Independence Anniversary has been nothing short of extraordinary. It was an honor to stand alongside them as we celebrated this historic occasion and announced the launch of the first international chapter of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project in the Bahamas—this is truly a dream come true,” said Wilson. “This milestone would not have been possible without the dedication of Prime Minister Philip Davis, whose collaboration has been instrumental in making this new Role Models chapter a reality. Together, we celebrate the spirit of excellence and unity that defines our communities and look forward to a brighter future ahead.”

Carnival Cruise Line sails to five ports of call across the Bahamas, including Nassau, Freeport, Bimini, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cay.

Carnival also recently announced its upcoming exclusive destination, which is under construction on the island of Grand Bahama, will be named Celebration Key. The new destination is expected to open in July 2025.

Through the years, Carnival and The Bahamas have worked together to increase the number of its Bahamian-registered ships, expand partnerships with local tourism companies that employ Bahamian citizens, and develop what will once again be the largest cruise ship repair facility in the world.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Source: Carnival Newsroom

Photographs: © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Carnival Cruise Line – My Cruise Blog

By Andy Parrett, ago

Carnival Cruise Line Opens Itineraries Featuring Celebration Key™, Grand Bahama (28th September, 2023)

Artist Rendering of Carnival Cruise Line's new Celebration Key at Grand Bahama
Artist Rendering of Carnival Cruise Line’s new Celebration Key at Grand Bahama – © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Carnival Cruise Line opened for sale approximately 400 cruises that will bring guests to Celebration Key™, its new exclusive cruise port destination in The Bahamas, beginning with the first calls in July 2025.  Starting today, guests can book cruises on the first 12 Carnival ships, sailing regularly from eight homeports, visiting Celebration Key in 2025 and 2026.

“As the first port destination exclusively designed for Carnival Cruise Line guests, Celebration Key will provide the ultimate Carnival fun in the sun, immersed in the natural beauty of Grand Bahama. Our guests have a wide range of ships, homeports and itineraries that visit our new exclusive destination to choose from,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy.  “And we’ve seen that there is a lot of interest in Celebration Key as thousands of Carnival guests signed up over the last week to be the first to know about the itineraries and features.  The July 2025 opening will be here before we know it, and we are working closely with the Bahamian Government and the local Grand Bahama community to make this the premier exclusive cruise port destination in the Caribbean.  We plan to announce further details on what guests can expect to experience while there in the near future.”

Located on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, Celebration Key will offer a variety of fun, relaxation and adventure options for everyone. Promising guests a key to paradise no matter how they define it, there will be endless ways to enjoy the destination, whether the pristine white sands of the mile-long beach, authentic Bahamian shopping and dining, or excursions to explore the beautiful island of Grand Bahama. The destination’s features and offerings will be anchored around the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean that will offer numerous recreational and leisure activities for both families and adults.  Carnival ships will dock at an adjacent cruise pier that can accommodate up to two of Carnival’s Excel-class vessels simultaneously and will allow guests direct access to Celebration Key.

“This is so exciting for the people of Grand Bahama as we watch Celebration Key come to life.  We have a bold vision of how Grand Bahama can become the premier destination for entertainment and events in the region and we look forward to showing Carnival’s guests a warm and memorable vacation when they start visiting our beautiful island in 2025,” added the Hon. Ginger Moxie, Minister for Grand Bahama.

The 12 Carnival ships, sailing regularly from eight homeports, that will visit Celebration Key are:

  • From PortMiami: Carnival Celebration and Carnival Conquest
    • Carnival Celebration will sail seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from July 20, 2025.
    • Carnival Conquest will sail three- and four-day Bahamas sailings beginning July 18, 2025.
  • From Port Canaveral: Mardi Gras, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Glory
    • Mardi Gras will sail seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from July 19, 2025; as well as one nine-day Eastern Caribbean sailing on October 30, 2025.  In addition, Mardi Gras will sail two 14-day Transatlantic voyages: the first from Port Canaveral to Barcelona on Sept. 13, 2025 and the second from Barcelona to Port Canaveral on Oct. 16, 2025.
    • Carnival Freedom will sail four- and five- day Bahamas sailings beginning July 19, 2025.
    • Carnival Glory will sail three- and four-day Bahamas sailings from July 21, 2025.
  • From Galveston: Carnival Dream and Carnival Legend
    • Carnival Dream will offer eight-day Eastern Caribbean sailings from July 26, 2025.
    • Carnival Legend will feature Celebration Key on several 10-day Exotic Eastern Caribbean cruises.
  • From New Orleans: Carnival Liberty
    • Carnival Liberty will sail seven- and eight-day Eastern Caribbean voyages from July 20, 2025.
  • From Baltimore: Carnival Pride
    • Carnival Pride will set sail on seven-day Bahamas sailings from July 20, 2025, along with a 14-day Carnival Journeys Panama Canal cruise on Jan. 11, 2026.
  • From Jacksonville: Carnival Elation
    • From July 21, 2025, Carnival Elation will offer four- and five-day Bahamas cruises.
  • From Norfolk, Va.: Carnival Sunshine
    • Carnival Sunshine will sail six- and eight-day Bahamas cruises from October 18, 2025.
  • From Mobile, Ala.: Carnival Spirit
    • Carnival Spirit will offer six- and eight-day Bahamas cruises beginning Nov. 2, 2025.

To view any of the 2025-26 itineraries that feature Celebration Key, click here.  Over the coming months, Carnival plans to open more than 100 additional Celebration Key itineraries on six additional ships.

Carnival also continues to work closely with the Government of The Bahamas, local Grand Bahama officials and community leaders as vendors, excursion operators, business partners, construction workers and local residents are selected for the many business and job opportunities that the development of Celebration Key will generate and sustain.

Carnival plans to release more specifics on the phase one features and development timeline for Celebration Key in the near future.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Source: Carnival Newsroom

Carnival Cruise Line – My Cruise Blog

By Andy Parrett, ago

Carnival Legend to Sail from San Francisco in 2025 (7th September, 2023)

Carnival Legend - © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Carnival Legend – © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Carnival Cruise Line will deploy the 2,124 passenger Carnival Legend to continue its seasonal offerings from San Francisco in 2025, offering alternating 10-day Alaska cruises and four-day Baja Mexico sailings.  In addition, Carnival Legend will sail two Carnival Journeys cruises – a 14-day Panama Canal transit taking guests from Tampa, Fla. to San Francisco and a 15-day voyage that offers a spectacular Hawaiian getaway. These sailings open for sale today.

“Carnival Miracle has been sailing from San Francisco since 2022, so we wanted to offer our guests a new option for the 2025 season – Carnival Legend is a sister ship to Carnival Miracle. She’s similar in size and layout, but offers some variety in terms of features and amenities,” said Fred Stein, vice president of revenue planning and deployment. “Carnival Legend will be a perfect addition to the port as we continue to expand our West Coast service offerings and strengthen our position as the cruise line embarking more guests than any other operator from California.”

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco - © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco – © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

The following is an overview of the new offerings on Carnival Legend from San Francisco beginning in April 2025:

Alaska Sailings

Carnival Legend will begin 10-day cruises to Alaska on May 12, 2025. Guests will visit picturesque destinations, including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and a memorable scenic cruising of Tracy Arm Fjord in Alaska, as well as Prince Rupert, B.C. in Canada.

Mexico Sailings

Carnival Legend’s first cruise from San Francisco on May 8, 2025, will bring guests on a four-day Baja Mexico cruise with a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, before the ship’s Alaska series begins. Throughout the summer, Carnival Legend will offer an additional eight of these four-day weekend getaways.

Carnival Journeys

Ahead of its move to San Francisco, Carnival Legend will offer a 14-day Carnival Journeys Panama Canal cruise that departs Tampa, Fla. on April 24, 2025. The ship will visit Cartagena, Colombia before transiting the Panama Canal, followed by visits to Puntarenas, Costa Rica and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, arriving in San Francisco on May 8, 2025.

Following its series of Alaska and Baja Mexico cruises, Carnival Legend will sail a unique 15-day roundtrip Carnival Journeys cruise to Hawaii from San Francisco. Departing Sept. 21, 2025, the ship will visit Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai; and Hilo, Hawaii; as well as Ensenada, Mexico.

Carnival Legend features many of the signature venues guests know and love on board – from Guy’s Burger Joint to the BlueIguana Cantina, the RedFrog and Alchemy bars, as well as WaterWorks Aqua Park and The Punchliner Comedy Club – and offers several accommodation options, including 50 suites and more than 630 balcony staterooms.

Carnival recently announced deployment plans for 2025 Alaska cruises departing Seattle. Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa will each offer week-long sailings that visit the region’s most popular destinations. To see all Alaska cruises currently open for sale, click here. Additional 2025-26 deployment details will be announced soon, with more itineraries becoming available in the coming weeks.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Source: Carnival Newsroom

Carnival Cruise Line – My Cruise Blog

By Andy Parrett, ago
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Carnival Cruise Line, Bacardi and ecoSPIRITS Partner to Reduce Single-Use Glass at Sea (29th August, 2023)

A new pilot program is introducing closed-loop packaging to the cruise industry aboard Carnival Cruise Line ships through a collaboration that includes leading family-owned spirits company Bacardi and innovative circular economy technology company ecoSPIRITS.

Carnival is introducing closed loop packaging to the cruise industry through a collaboration with Bacardi and ecoSPIRITS - © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Carnival is introducing closed loop packaging to the cruise industry through a collaboration with Bacardi and ecoSPIRITS – © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

The pilot will determine if re-usable containers developed by ecoSPIRITS can be used to serve BACARDĺ® rum on Carnival ships, in turn reducing single-use packaging by 95 percent. The concept is being tested for three months on three ships operating from Miami: Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Sunrise.

“As we continue to work towards our sustainability goals, the collaborative work of our beverage team, ecoSPIRITS and Bacardi is a great example of thinking in ways that are truly out-of-the-box, or in this case – out-of-the-bottle, to develop new partnerships and practices that further our ongoing efforts,” said Zachary Sulkes, senior director of beverage operations at Carnival Cruise Line.

To support the new collaboration with Bacardi and Carnival, ecoSPIRITS created a specialized version of its patent-pending closed loop glass packaging format, the ecoTOTE™ 3.0SC Cruise Edition, specifically for the maritime environment. Each ecoTOTE replaces approximately four bottles of BACARDĺ Superior rum and each one is used, cleaned and refilled approximately 100 times, thereby creating a closed loop system.

The award-winning rum was selected for the pilot because it is among the most-ordered spirits across the fleet and a staple of some of the craft cocktails most popular with Carnival guests. The rum will be transferred from ecoTOTE to serving format using ecoSPIRITS’ SmartPour™ technology. New silver and red BACARDĺ-branded SmartPours will be placed in select bars on the three ships for beverage team members to serve cocktails featuring BACARDĺ Superior rum.

“As we strive to become the most environmentally responsible global spirits company, we are continuously looking for opportunities to deliver our beautiful drinks in more sustainable packaging and formats, helping us build to a greener future,” said Rodolfo Nervi, Vice President, Global Safety, Quality & Sustainability for Bacardi. “Innovating in closed loop packaging has been a top priority for us for a number of years, so launching our very first ecoTOTE for BACARDĺ rum on a Carnival cruise ship and seeing the doors this trial will open, is an incredibly exciting step forwards in that journey.”

An innovator in circular economy technology, ecoSPIRITS first developed its patent-pending closed loop system – the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine – in 2018.

“We are extremely proud to be working with both Bacardi and Carnival on this industry first for the cruise sector. Working with forward-thinking partners like this strengthens our collective focus on sustainable practices and our shared goal to eventually eliminate packaging waste across the industry,” said Zdenek Kastanek, Managing Director, ecoSPIRITS USA. “We could not be more delighted to be welcoming Bacardi to our portfolio of Climate Partners and, by launching in ecoTOTE format for the first-time onboard Carnival’s ships, it will send a clear message that circular packaging is the most sustainable solution for the cruise industry.”

The new collaboration will also support the ecoSPIRITS Oceans Program. For each ecoTOTE delivered as part of the pilot, a donation will fund the removal of more than two pounds of single-use plastic, glass and other man-made wastes removed from endangered marine environments.

Currently, Carnival recycles single-use glass items. Each ship in the fleet is outfitted with a recycling center, where crew members sort paper, plastic and glass recyclables. Last year, Carnival processed more than 11 million pounds of recyclables.

For more details about Carnival’s sustainability goals and initiatives, visit carnivalsustainability.com. To find out more about Bacardi and its ESG – Environmental, Social & Governance – commitments, including its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, visit bacardilimited.com. For more details on the ecoSPIRITS Oceans Program, visit ecospirits.global.

Source: Carnival Newsroom

Carnival Cruise Line – My Cruise Blog

By Andy Parrett, ago
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Carnival Cruise Line Announces Duo Who Will Lead Texas-Sized Fun Aboard All-New Carnival Jubilee (23rd August, 2023)

Carnival Cruise Line Names Kyndall “Fire” Magyar New Ship’s Cruise Director and Matthew Boyd to Serve as Entertainment Director

Carnival Cruise Line names Chief 'Fun-Makers' on Carnival Jubilee - © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Carnival Cruise Line names Chief ‘Fun-Makers’ on Carnival Jubilee – © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

As excitement builds around the arrival of Carnival Cruise Line’s next new ship, Carnival Jubilee, the cruise line today announced Matthew Boyd will serve as Entertainment Director and Kyndall “Fire” Magyar as Cruise Director for the ship’s inaugural season. Together, the two will lead the teams that deliver all the fun guests will find aboard the new ship when it begins sailing on Dec. 23, 2023 from its homeport of Galveston, Tex.

Kyndall "Fire" Magyar - © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Kyndall “Fire” Magyar – © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

“Watching their dedication come to life on board Carnival Jubilee’s sister ships, I know Kyndall and Matthew are perfectly suited to deliver Texas-sized fun that maximizes the capabilities of this spectacular new ship and upholds our high standards for entertainment,” said Chris Nelson, vice president of entertainment.

Both Magyar and Boyd are accomplished leaders who bring a combined 20 years of Carnival experience to the teams they will lead.

Matthew Boyd - © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Matthew Boyd – © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Magyar is a Texas native who has been working on Carnival ships since 2016. She most recently served as cruise director aboard Mardi Gras. She was also part of the inaugural team for Carnival Horizon and served as the cruise director of Carnival Vista when the ship returned to service in 2021. She is elated to be part of the inaugural Carnival Jubilee family and bring her home to Texas.

Boyd was recently named Carnival’s 2023 Entertainment Director of the year. He has been part of the Carnival family since 2010 and has served as an entertainment director aboard several ships since 2018. He most recently led the entertainment team aboard Carnival Celebration. He is honored to be the inaugural Entertainment Director of Carnival Jubilee and excited to present guests with all the new entertainment offerings being developed for the new ship.

Carnival Jubilee joins her sisters Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras as the third ship in the fleet powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system. Carnival Jubilee will debut unique and immersive ocean-themed experiences in two new zones, Currents and The Shores. Carnival Jubilee will be home to other features already popular on board her sister ships, like BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster and a transformational three-deck atrium that offers expansive views during the day and doubles as an entertainment venue at night with movable LED screens and theatrical lighting.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Source: Carnival Newsroom

Carnival Cruise Line – My Cruise Blog

By Andy Parrett, ago
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Carnival Cruise Line Jubilee Floats Out and Reveals Texas Star on Bow

July 22, 2023

Carnival Brings ‘Texas Tailgate’ to German Shipyard to Usher Ship’s Next Phase in Construction

Carnival Cruise Line Jubilee Float Out - © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Carnival Jubilee Float Out – © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Carnival Cruise Line’s next new ship, Carnival Jubilee, marked a key construction milestone as it floated out of the covered building dock at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany and revealed an important feature of its design: a Texas star proudly displayed on the bow.

“The Texas star on Carnival Jubilee’s bow is a symbol of our commitment to the Port of Galveston. As the first cruise line to sail year-round from Galveston, we have a long history with the community, and our next new ship is our latest investment in support of the local economy’s impressive growth while delivering innovative experiences for our guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “I’m looking forward to Carnival Jubilee showing off her Texas pride starting later this year.”

Hundreds of spectators gathered at the shipyard to get the world’s first look at the newest Carnival ship, and they also got a taste of Texas. A fun tailgate-style party, complete with snacks and drinks from Carnival partner PepsiCo, accompanied the ship’s float out.

Now, Carnival Jubilee moves into its next phase of construction alongside the shipyard’s outfitting pier. Over the weekend, Carnival Jubilee will briefly cast off from the pier to conduct various tests on the bow thrusters and stabilisers. Sea trials are scheduled for November.

Carnival Cruise Line Jubilee - © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Carnival Jubilee – © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Carnival’s newest ship is part of its groundbreaking Excel-class and will offer stunning features already wowing guests aboard her sisters Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, including the next iteration of the first roller coaster at sea, BOLT: The Ultimate Seacoaster. Six fun-filled zones, two of which are completely unique to the ship and imaginatively themed to celebrate the ocean, offer extensive dining, beverage and entertainment options.

The ship will sail year-round on Western Caribbean itineraries beginning in late December – though she will not be the first Carnival Jubilee to sail from Galveston. Like her sisters, the ship shares a name with a classic Carnival ship, and the first Carnival Jubilee sailed from Galveston in 2002. The new Carnival Jubilee is four times larger than her predecessor and will bring four times the fun for Carnival guests to enjoy.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Source: Carnival Cruise Line Press

Carnival Cruise Line – My Cruise Blog

By Andy Parrett, ago

Carnival Venezia Debuts In New York City (15th June, 2023)

Carnival Venezia, © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Carnival Venezia, © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Latest Addition to Carnival Fleet to Set Sail with First Guests From New York Following Welcome Event with Godfather Jay Leno.

Carnival Cruise Line welcomed the first guests to sail on Carnival Venezia™ from New York City today. The ship’s launch in New York coincides with the busy summer travel season and builds on an exciting period of growth for Carnival, as the first of three ships to join the fleet over the next year.

A welcome event kicked off the celebration Wednesday evening for the ship’s arrival to its homeport and the festivities continued Thursday morning in the Manhattan Cruise Terminal as the ship’s first guests boarded to sail.

Inaugural Event Features Special Blessing and Visit by Carnival’s First-Ever Godfather

Carnival Venezia received a special blessing by Father Enrique Salvo of St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the special welcome event, and acclaimed comedian and television host Jay Leno became the first godfather named to a Carnival ship. Leno also performed a special comedy show exclusively for Carnival’s event guests.

“By highlighting his own Italian heritage, Jay is helping us celebrate the Italian theming guests will experience when they cruise on this beautiful ship,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “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.”

The ceremony on Wednesday night also highlighted new entertainment programming and other concepts created for Carnival Venezia’s debut. The ship is the first to introduce “Carnival Fun Italian Style” that adds Carnival’s signature fun to the vessel’s beautiful Italian theming. Carnival Venezia is architecturally styled after its namesake, the city of Venice, Italy.

Guests Cut Ribbon and Embark on First Sailing from New York

Inside the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on Thursday morning, Duffy greeted guests with a special event to welcome them on board the new ship. Captain Claudio Cupisti and some of the first guests to board 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 sailing that includes a visit to Bermuda. This summer, the ship will alternate between sailing four-, five- six- and eight-day sailings to the Caribbean, Bermuda and ports in Canada and New England, including Saint John’s and Halifax.

Carnival Venezia’s positioning from New York builds on the popularity of Carnival’s past summer sailing deployments from the port by offering a longer deployment plan that features a more varied itinerary portfolio. Beyond the summer season, the ship will begin a new series on Sept. 29, 2023, that alternates between eight- to 12-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean, Southern Caribbean and The Bahamas, visiting popular destinations like Saint Thomas, San Juan and Aruba, along with four of Carnival’s private destinations: Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays, Amber Cove and Grand Turk. In addition, select cruises will feature Miami as a port of call.

To see sailings currently open for sale on Carnival Venezia, click here. For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Source: Carnival Newsroom

Carnival Cruise Line – My Cruise Blog

By Andy Parrett, ago

Acclaimed Late Night Talk Show Host and Comedian Jay Leno Named as ‘Godfather’ to Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia - © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Carnival Venezia – © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

June 2, 2023

For the First Time, Carnival Cruise Line Names a Godfather

Carnival Cruise Line today announced that acclaimed late night talk show host and comedian Jay Leno will serve as its first ever godfather to one of its ships, Carnival Venezia™, at a celebratory event on June 14, 2023 when the ship is blessed and enters service from New York City. The ship is the first to incorporate “Carnival Fun Italian Style” that adds Carnival’s signature fun to the beautiful Italian theming of the vessel. In addition to serving as the Godfather, Leno will perform a special comedy show exclusively for Carnival’s event guests, in partnership with Carnival® World Mastercard®.

“Carnival Venezia originally entered service for our Italian sister brand Costa Cruises and was christened in 2019, so she already has a godmother. With Carnival Venezia joining the fleet and sailing from New York, we wanted to ensure a proper welcome for the ship and decided having a godfather would be both fun and appropriate,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. “And when we thought of someone who would make a FUN godfather with Italian heritage, we knew Jay Leno would be the perfect godfather! And he’s already a member of the Carnival family – he entertained guests a few years ago as part of our Carnival LIVE entertainment series.”

“I am truly honored to be named the godfather of Carnival Venezia. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse,” said Leno. “Carnival’s focus on FUN combined with the Italian theming of this ship is something that is truly unique. I’m also excited to have my very own cruise ship, although I think I’ll need a bigger garage!”

A native of New Rochelle, NY, Leno is the grandson of immigrants from Flumeri, Campania, Italy. He began his entertainment career in stand-up comedy, which led to the nearly two-decades-long role he is best known for as host of The Tonight Show, from which he retired in 2014.  During most of his tenure, Leno’s The Tonight Show was the top-ranked talk show on late night, and he earned the reputation as being “the hardest working man in show business.”

Jay Leno – © 2023 Carnival Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Leno currently produces and is host of the CNBC primetime series Jay Leno’s Garage that is now in its seventh season and explores the world of cars, never forgetting that it’s the people behind the wheel who provide the real stories.  The series debuted in October 2015 and delivered CNBC’s most-watched first season in network history.  He remains in demand as a stand-up performer, corporate speaker and the host of the game show reboot, You Bet Your Life.

Carnival Venezia celebrates Venice, Italy, and has many spaces on board that are reminiscent of her namesake. When guests enter the ship, they arrive in the Venice-inspired atrium Piazza San Marco, the onboard flavor and flair continues at restaurants like the elegant Marco Polo and Canal Grande Restaurants, along with the new Italian specialty restaurant, “Il Viaggio.” Carnival Playlist Productions shows entertain guests at the Teatro Rosso theater that is reminiscent of Italian opera houses.

Guests will also find many Carnival mainstays they know and love on board, including Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Burger Joint, the steakhouse Fahrenheit 555, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki and the Chef’s Table, along with Lido Marketplace, Seafood Shack and Pizzeria del Capitano, Piano Bar 88 and Heroes Tribute Lounge.

Carnival Venezia is set to arrive to her new home in New York City and begin sailing from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on June 15, 2023. The ship accommodates more than 5,000 guests and will offer 10 different cruise durations and 22 unique itineraries featuring visits to 25 ports across 14 countries.

Carnival Venezia’s celebratory event will be livestreamed. To register for the livestream, click here.

To see sailings currently open for sale on Carnival Venezia, click here. For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Source: Carnival Cruise Line Public Relations Department

By admin, ago

Carnival Cruise Line and Turks and Caicos Islands Celebrate Arrival of Donated Fire Truck

Carnival Mardi Gras at the Grand Turk Cruise Center
Carnival Mardi Gras at the Grand Turk Cruise Center

Carnival Cruise Line and Turks and Caicos Islands officials today welcomed the arrival of a donated fire truck for the Grand Turk Domestic Fire Services during a special ceremony at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, with Carnival’s Mardi Gras docked in the background. Carnival partnered with The City of Miami Fire-Rescue Department to secure the donation and coordinated shipping of the truck, which will now be used to serve the residents of and visitors to Grand Turk.

“Grand Turk has been an important destination for Carnival for the last 17 years, so when we learned the island was in need of a fire truck, we wanted to help,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We are so grateful for the assistance of the Miami Fire-Rescue Department in making this donation and hope it will enhance the safety services on the island while strengthening the partnership between Carnival and Grand Turk.”

Turks and Caicos Islands Fire-Rescue established the first Grand Turk Domestic Fire Services three (3) years ago and today has six (6) personnel trained to provide fire-rescue services and is currently progressing the initiative to increase its personnel by training persons to become volunteer fire officers. Currently, the Grand Turk Domestic Fire Services has one (1) fire truck assigned to them. The newly donated truck will also be solely assigned to the Domestic Fire Services and will be used to serve the community.

In commenting on the donated fire truck, Hon. Minister Otis Morris, Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation, Broadcasting, Energy and Utilities and Telecommunications for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government said, “The addition of this truck is a critical step towards protecting lives and safeguarding property in Grand Turk and advances the top priority of this ministry to ensure an effective response to emergencies and fire suppression across the Turks and Caicos Islands. We are deeply grateful to Carnival for securing this welcomed donation and for the efforts of the City of Miami Fire-Rescue Department with this incredible gift to our community. This donation enhances the positive impact of Carnival in Grand Turk far beyond its operations by contributing to the well-being of our residents.”

Weighing 15 tons, the fire truck was built by Pierce Manufacturing and can hold 500 gallons of water. At Carnival’s request, the City of Miami Fire-Rescue Department graciously donated the truck with support from the City of Miami Commission. The Department has also offered to train Grand Turk firefighters on how to operate it.
“Our mission to serve and protect the greater community goes beyond our city limits, so when we were approached by Carnival to help our neighboring island of Grand Turk augment their fire service capabilities, we identified and refurbished a fire truck to donate,” said Miami Fire-Rescue Chief Joseph Zahralban. “We thank our city government for supporting this initiative and hope this truck will serve the people of Grand Turk for many years to come.”

Present at the special ceremony to celebrate the arrival of the fire truck were Acting Governor H.E. Anya Williams; The Honorable C. Washington Misick, Premier; the Honorable Ejay Saunders, Deputy Premier; Minister Morris; the Honorable Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Gaming and Disaster Management; Carnival Corporation Senior Vice President of Government and Destination Affairs Marie McKenzie; Carnival Cruise Line Sr. Director of Public and Executive Communication Kelly Penton Chacon; Mardi Gras Captain Alessandro Lemmi; Mardi Gras Hotel Director Carlos Santos De Melo; and members of the Grand Turk and JAGS International Airport Fire Services.

Carnival Cruise Line ships will visit Grand Turk 190 times and bring about 675,000 guests to the island in 2023.

Source: Carnival Newsroom

Carnival Cruise Line – My Cruise Blog

By admin, ago
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