By
Rebecca Gibson |
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Vista was officially named in front of invited guests and Operation Homefront military families during a ceremony in New York, US on 4 November.
Carnival hosted an overnight gala to welcome Carnival Vista, inviting hundreds of military families to enjoy overnight accommodations, meals, activities and entertainment. The festivities represent the culmination of Honor.Family.Fun., Carnival’s year-long celebration to support Operation Homefront.
“Carnival Cruise Line carries more active and retired military personnel and I couldn’t think of a better way to introduce this spectacular vessel than by honouring and celebrating the sacrifices of our Armed Forces personnel,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Deshauna is the ideal candidate to serve as Carnival Vista's godmother, embodying the spirit of commitment and sacrifice of those who protect our freedoms each and every day.”
Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year and seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer and musician Carrie Underwood also joined the festivities to perform a free, hour-long concert. The performance was part of Carnival’s partnership with Operation Homefront, an organisation which provides support for military families.
“It was truly an honour to perform aboard Carnival Vista today and celebrate the incredible sacrifices of the brave men and women of the Armed Forces,” said Underwood. “Throughout my partnership with Carnival Cruise Line we have recognised the efforts of our dedicated military personnel while raising funds for Operation Homefront. It is something I am very proud to be a part of.”
Carnival Vista was named by Deshauna Barber, currently the first woman serving in the US military to hold the title of Miss USA. Acting as godmother, Barber smashed the ceremonial bottle of champagne over the 133,500gt ship’s hull. Barber currently serves as logistics commander for the 988th Quartermaster Detachment Unit in Rockville, Maryland.
“I’m honoured to serve as godmother of the brand new Carnival Vista and join a long line of strong, successful women who have fulfilled this time-honoured role,” said Barber. “In addition to serving as godmother, today was extra special as I had the opportunity to meet several Operation Homefront families and hear their stories. It is a day I’ll never forget.”
Carnival Vista is the line’s newest ship and features the first brewery on a North America-based cruise ship, the first IMAX Theatre at sea, a 455-foot-long Kaleid-o-slide waterslide, a bike-ride-in-the-sky aerial attraction called SkyRide, and the new Family Harbor with specially designed staterooms for families, a family concierge and more.
The vessel will operate a pair of 11-day sailings from New York before launching year-round six- and eight-day Caribbean service from Miami beginning 27 November.