Carnival Cruise Line celebrated a milestone last Wednesday as it officially named its newest ship, Carnival Firenze, at its new home, the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. Hollywood actor Jonathan Bennett took on the role of the ship’s godfather, joining Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy in a lively ceremony that paid homage to all things Italian.
The Carnival Firenze, boasting a capacity of 5,000 guests, sets sail year-round from the Port of Long Beach, adding significant capacity to Carnival’s offerings in California. Joining the ranks of Carnival Panorama and Carnival Radiance, the ship embodies the essence of “Carnival Fun Italian Style,” blending Italian theming with the warmth of Carnival’s renowned hospitality.
The christening ceremony was a vibrant affair, featuring a Broadway star performance, a rendition of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma,” and even a surprise blessing from a Catholic priest, who made a dramatic entrance onto the stage. Bennett was honored with the title of honorary Italian, further adding to the festive atmosphere of the evening.
In addition to its Italian-themed experiences, Carnival Firenze introduces new technology, including artificial intelligence for energy-efficient route planning. The ship’s captain and officers will be among the first to utilize this innovation, with plans for a fleetwide rollout later this year. Furthermore, Carnival Firenze joins its sister ships in utilizing shore power while docked in Long Beach, reducing environmental impact.
With the addition of Carnival Firenze, Carnival Cruise Line aims to offer more fun to more people sailing from Long Beach, reinforcing its position as the leading cruise line in California. The ship embarked on its inaugural seven-day cruise to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Carnival’s journey.
