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Carnival Venezia Sets Sail for New York

Carnival Venezia set sail on her inaugural voyage from Barcelona to New York on Monday, May 29, 2023. 

The new “Carnival Fun Italian Style” ship was first announced about a year ago and she has been highly anticipated ever since. The former Costa Cruises ship has been renovated, updated and reimagined and has finally set sail. 

Carnival Venezia will call on multiple ports on her 15-day sailing including Malaga, Gibraltar, Lisbon, and more before she arrives in New York on June 13, 2023. 

Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line president, and Emeril Lagasse, Chief Culinary Officer were on hand to welcome guests and begin the inaugural sailing. They are also hosting several special events while onboard. 

Duffy said, “We wanted to welcome the ship with ‘BAM’ by having Emeril join me on board as we interact with guests and show off this beautiful ship.”

Carnival Venezia underwent an extensive update before her departure on Monday. Some of the updates include the addition of popular Carnival restaurants and venues such as Guy’s Burger Joint, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Camp Ocean and Club O2. 

However, Carnival made sure to keep Venezia’s Italian flare.Whether it’s the full-size gondola, the addition of bocce ball and foosball to SportSquare, the specialty Italian dining, or the “Venetian Night Mask” party, guests will feel the Venitian influence. 

One new dining option includes the new II Viaggo, a specialty restaurant featuring Italian dishes that take you on an Italian journey. 

Of II Viaggo, Lagasse said, “Highlighting the various Italian regions renowned for certain specialties will invite our guests to enjoy an immersive exploration of flavors – a meal that’s truly unique, delicious and offers an enriching experience as well. Guests will find their favorite Italian staples here, and they’ll also have the chance to try authentic dishes and drinks that might just become new favorites.”

Carnival Venezia also received a new blue-and-gold hull livery. The colors are in line with the ship’s origins while still matching the new red-white-and-blue design of Carnival Cruise Line. 

Once the ship reaches her homeport of New York, she will sail 4- to 15-night itineraries that include both the Southern and Eastern Caribbean. In December 2024, Carnival Venezia will reposition to Port Canaveral and sail Southern, Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings. 

Carnival Venezia is just the first of “Carnival Fun Italian Style” though. Be on the lookout for Costa Firenze to become Carnival Firenze as well.