Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th birthday celebration is ready for the grand finale, and it involves a spectacular gift to its guests as the company took delivery of Carnival Celebration, the fleet’s newest Excel-class ship and sister to Mardi Gras, at a signing ceremony at Meyer Turku in Turku, Finland. The second ship in Carnival’s groundbreaking Excel-class, Carnival Celebration is stunning from the first step on board, from its three-deck-high atrium to the dozens of dining and beverage concepts spread out across six themed zones – which include the Miami-inspired 820 Biscayne and a homage to all-things travel in The Gateway – Plus, the award-winning BOLT roller coaster.
Debuting from the redesigned Terminal F at PortMiami, Carnival Celebration will join sister Mardi Gras as the second Carnival ship in the fleet with a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system, part of Carnival Corporation’s pioneering green cruising platform. Carnival Celebration will accommodate more than 5,200 guests, expanding Carnival’s overall capacity and adding a spectacular new option for guests sailing from Miami as it operates Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries year-round.
“We have so many reasons to celebrate now that Carnival Celebration has joined as the 24th ship in our fleet.
Carnival President Christine Duffy at the signing ceremony
“Our team of shipbuilders are delivering a world-class addition to the Carnival fleet today. “She represents the culmination of our 50th birthday while also shining a light on our bright future with so much more excitement to come!” Now, more guests will experience all that our innovative Excel-class has brought to cruising,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. A naming ceremony will be held that evening which promises a tribute to Carnival’s past and more importantly a look ahead to its exciting future.
Carnival Celebration will arrive at her homeport of PortMiami on Nov. 20 after a 14-day transatlantic Journeys Cruise from Southampton, England. Carnival President Christine Duffy and Carnival Senior Vice President of New Builds Ben Clement joined CEO of Meyer Turku Tim Meyer to welcome Carnival Celebration into the fleet.
“I am very proud of the results of this great partnership.” She is one of the most technologically advanced and environmentally-friendly ships,” said the CEO of Meyer Turku, Tim Meyer. The week-long voyages will visit destinations like San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cozumel, Mexico and Grand Turk.
To see current sailings from Miami on Carnival Celebration, click here.
Written by: William Trevan
