AROUND 5,000 passengers set sail to Miami from Hampshire this weekend on board a new cruise liner that even boasts its own rollercoaster.
The 19-deck ship called Carnival Celebration left Southampton on Sunday bound for America on her maiden voyage.
Ahead of her departure, the Hampshire Chronicle was invited to have a glimpse inside the nautical behemoth.
The ship boasts six zones: Celebration Central, The Gateway, Summer Landing, 820 Biscayne, Lido and the Ultimate Playground (with Bolt, the rollercoaster).
Passengers can enjoy a plethora of restaurants, including one open until 4am.
The new Excel-class ship, Carnival Celebration, arrived to the Ocean Cruise Terminal in Southampton, marked Carnival’s first time bringing a new ship to the UK in 20 years.
To welcome the ship, Carnival hosted local officials, travel partners, and members of the media for a day of fun with guided tours and lunch.
Southampton port officials and Celebration’s senior officers participated in a traditional plaque and key ceremony, as well.
It was fun, South Hampton! Carnival Celebration is now on the move to her next stop... MIAMI! #ChooseFun #CarnivalCelebration pic.twitter.com/RqQOTqgHa7
— Carnival Cruise Line (@CarnivalCruise) November 7, 2022
To commemorate the special day, Carnival president Christine Duffy hosted a “Let’s Celebrate” event in the cruise terminal that included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting welcoming the first guests on board.
Earlier this week, the line took delivery of Carnival Celebration at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, before Captain Vincenzo Alcaras, Hotel Director Pierre Camilleri, Chief Engineer Fabian Gervaise and the ship’s 1,800 team members helped bring her to the UK destination.
“I can’t tell you how exciting this day has been, finally giving our UK travel partners the opportunity to see our new Excel-class ship,” said Christine.
“Carnival Celebration is the ultimate 50th Birthday gift and is a key part of a very unique and exciting period of growth for us. It’s been a wonderful 50 years, and we kicked off the next 50 with a bang today! Next up – Miami!”
Carnival Celebration departed on her 14-day transatlantic sailing to Miami where the line will soon host her official naming ceremony with Godmother Cassidy Gifford, daughter of longtime Carnival friend Kathie Lee Gifford, who was the Godmother of the original M/S Celebration.
Carnival Celebration features six unique zones, including the new Miami-themed 820 Biscayne, travel-inspired The Gateway, and stunning Celebration Central, as well as the BOLT roller coaster. Carnival Celebration is the second ship in the Carnival fleet to be powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system.
Including Carnival Celebration, Carnival is adding five new ships to its fleet over the next two years in a period of growth unlike any other in Carnival’s 50-year history.
A second ship in Australia was added on Sunday as Carnival Luminosa begins guest operations in Brisbane, and next year, the third Excel-class ship Carnival Jubilee will debut from Galveston.
Carnival will also introduce a new concept, “Carnival Fun Italian Style,” with Carnival Venezia joining next spring from New York City and Carnival Firenze in 2024 from Long Beach.
To see the gallery click the top picture.
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