Another ship joins the Carnival Cruise Line fleet

The Italian shipping company Costa Cruises has officially handed it over Venice coast to Carnival Cruise Line during a ceremony in Cadiz, Spain. The 5,145-guest ship will undergo a two-month dry-dock refurbishment at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz to become the first Fun Italian-style ship in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet.

From captain to captain

The long-planned transfer of Costa Cruises Venice coast Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet was completed on March 22, as the ship now docked Carnival Venicewas officially handed over to Carnival Captain Claudio Cupisti by Costa Captain Tihomir Muzic.

The ship, launched in 2019, was built by Costa Cruises for its Chinese market itineraries, but the collapse of that market in recent years has prompted Carnival Corporation, the parent company of both cruise lines, to reconsider strategy.

Carnival Venice is the second of three Costa Cruises ships to join or soon to join Carnival Cruise Line. Costa LuminosaNow Bright carnivaltransferred to Carnival in November 2022, and coast Florence scheduled to join Carnival in 2024.

Bright carnival is not intended to be part of what Carnival Cruise Line calls its “Fun Italian Style” ships. The Designation begins with Carnival Veniceand relates to the ship’s Italian-style architecture, design inspiration, and entertainment and dining options.

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said: “We are delighted to welcome Carnival Venezia to the fleet, which will debut as our first Fun Italian Style ship following a dry dock this May. A big thank you to everyone on our sister line Costa and everyone within the Carnival family who will be working to bring the Carnival touch to this ship over the next two months.”

After the conversion of the dry dock Carnival Venice will embark on her 15-day transatlantic voyage from Barcelona to New York on May 29, 2023 and will operate year-round sailings from New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal beginning June 15, 2023. The Big Apple cruise options include 22 itineraries of varying lengths, calling at 25 ports in 14 countries.

Italian inspirations for Carnival Venice

Carnival Venice Atrium was inspired by Venice’s premier public square, St. Mark’s Square, while its lido deck was modeled on aspects of the Italian Riviera. New dining options focused on the flavors of Italy include La Strada Grill, which serves classic Italian street food, and Tomororo, a Mexican fusion restaurant.

Carnival Cruise Line favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, and Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki are featured Carnival Venice as well as. In fact, some menus are changed to reflect the ship’s Italian influence; Guy’s Burger Joint, for example, will add a pepperoni burger to its menu.

Entertainment areas include the Gondola Lounge, a nod to the famous Venetian canals, as well as the Carnevale Bar & Lounge, which will have a theme linked to the Venetian masquerades during Carnival.

Activities include an Italian street party and for youngsters, Captain’s Venetian Toast offers Italian-inspired programs for children and youngsters. Also for the youth Carnival Venice will feature Camp Ocean and Club O2, and the ship’s SportSquare will be set up with Italian favorites such as bocce and table football.

New cabin category

A A new cabin class will debut on board Carnival Venice after the remodel. Terrazza cabins, similar to the line’s existing Havana cabins found on some Carnival ships, are offered in a range of categories from inside to balcony cabins.

Guests booking Terrazza Cabanas enjoy private patios with direct access to the Terrazza Carnevale, a terraced outdoor patio with two hot tubs, a bar, and lounge areas.

Terrazza Carnevale is available exclusively to guests staying in the ship’s 77 Terrazza cabins, which also come with other perks, including an exclusive sailing party with live music.