By
Alex Smith |
Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Venezia, has set sail on her maiden voyage from New York City after a welcome event at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.
The ship received a blessing by Father Enrique Salvo of St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the event, before comedian and television host Jay Leno became the first godfather named to a Carnival ship. Leno also performed a comedy show for guests at the event.
"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 also highlighted new entertainment programming created for Carnival Venezia’s debut. The ship is the first of the two vessels that have been transferred from sister brand Costa Cruises, with signature Carnival design elements added to the ship’s Italian theming.
The following morning, Duffy welcomed the first guests with an event inside the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Captain Claudio Cupisti and several guests joined Duffy to cut a ceremonial ribbon and officially begin embarkation.
Carnival Venezia’s voyage from New York will be four days in length and include a visit to Bermuda. The ship will then alternate between sailing four-, five-, six- and eight-day sailings during the summer season to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and ports in Canada and New England, including Saint John’s and Halifax.
Beyond the summer season, the ship will sail eight- to 12-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean, Southern Caribbean and The Bahamas, visiting Saint Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Aruba. Select cruises will also feature Miami as a port of call.