Shortly after ending her last sailing for Costa Cruises, the Venezia has made her way to the Navantia shipyard in Cádiz for conversion into a Carnival Cruise Line ship.
While she is at the facility in Spain, the vessel will be converted to showcase the new “Carnival Fun Italian Style” theme. Carnival announced the concept several months ago that will combine the company’s signature experience with the Italian theme of the ship.
The Venezia has a design similar to that of Carnival’s Vista Class and was originally intended to sail in China. One of its main features is the interior design was inspired by the city of Venice in Italy.
For example, the main theater is reminiscent of the Venetian La Fenice theater. The main atrium showcases the famous Piazza di San Marco. The main restaurants replicate the typical architecture of Venetian alleys complete with original, life-sized gondolas crafted by local artisans.
While in drydock, some of Carnival’s signature activities such as the Carnival Waterworks aqua park, the Piano Bar 88 and the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse will be added. Other familiar additions will include Bonsai Sushi, Seafood Shack, Cloud 9 Salon & Spa and the Serenity Adult Only Retreat.
Costa and Carnival colors are being mixed to create a new livery for Venezia. The highlight will be the Italian brand’s yellow funnel.
In May, the new Carnival Venezia will begin a 15-night transatlantic crossing to New York City. She will begin a schedule of year-round cruising out of New York in June. She will offer four- to 15-night cruises to destinations like the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England.
Not to be outdone, the West Coast will receive some “Carnival Fun Italian Style” when the Florence-inspired Costa Firenze joins the fleet in 2024.