Luminosa is, without a doubt, a multicultural ship with Italian roots and a history of sailing around the globe.
Officially joining the Carnival Cruise Line fleet this year after transitioning from sister brand Costa Cruises, Carnival Luminosa offers a range of unique features, including a 3-metre tall, one-tonne bronze sculpture Reclining Woman 2004; specially commissioned for Luminosa from world-renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero, a two-deck-high sliding sky dome over the ship’s large pool deck, one of the fleet’s largest spas spanning across two decks with one of the most expansive thermal areas and a three-storey theatre.
Celebrating the momentous occasion, visitors to the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal were treated to a “Here Comes The Fun” event, with live music, a magician, free ice cream, and a special visit from Dr Seuss characters, including The Cat in the Hat.
Following her arrival in the Sunshine State last week, Brisbane’s own Carnival cruise ship, Carnival Luminosa, officially departed on her first-ever Australian passenger sailing on Sunday. As part of the celebration and to welcome Carnival Luminosa into Australian waters, Neil Stephens presented Carnival with Luminosa’s Citizen-‘Ship’ certificate, the light-hearted moment marking Luminosa as the first ship to become an honorary Australian and acknowledging Carnival’s commitment to fun in Queensland.
“Bringing a Carnival ship to Queensland has been our long-term goal, so this cruise is an extraordinary occasion,” said Ken. With 28 sailings from November 2022 to April 2023, Luminosa will support Carnival Australia’s anticipated $165 million contribution to the Queensland economy this year and make it easier than ever for Queenslanders to experience the fun of a Carnival cruise. For her inaugural passenger cruise, Carnival Luminosa set sail on a seven-night Great Barrier Reef sailing, visiting four Queensland ports, including Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas, and Willis Island.
On Carnival Luminosa’s departure, Carnival Cruise Line Australia VP Kara Glamore said: “To have Luminosa sailing out of Brisbane is not only a win for us but a big win for Queensland tourism. On board Luminosa, the festivities continued with a special presentation from Carnival Cruise Line Executive Vice President and CCO Ken Tate; Carnival Cruise Line Australia VP Kara Glamore; and Port of Brisbane CEO Neil Stephens.
Our dedication to Queensland is more vital than ever, and we can’t thank our guests enough for all their love and support while waiting for our arrival.” But with her abundance of natural light and unique fun offerings, she feels at home in the Sunshine State. They had the critical role of cutting the ceremonial ribbon with the Carnival team, officially kicking off the brand’s first Brisbane program.
Written by: William Trevan
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