CCL-Carnival Cruise Line’s newest flagship Carnival Celebration arrived at her PortMiami Florida homeport and was officially christened by actress Cassidy Gifford Sunday evening, November 20.
The festivities were befitting of the liner’s name and underscored the company’s year-long celebration of 50 years of fun.
The innovative Excel-class sistership to the groundbreaking Mardi Gras, Celebration is launching year-round service from PortMiami.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line said the naming ceremony of their new flagship Carnival Celebration was the perfect culmination of their 50th birthday as that spectacular ship honored their past and signified the fun and growth ahead.
“Carnival Celebration builds on the success of our incredible Mardi Gras and the many innovations we introduced with our Excel-class, including a top-deck roller coaster, and offers unique features all her own that give guests a truly incredible new cruise experience to have fun and make memories.”
Carnival Celebration Godmother Cassidy Gifford named the ship, with a traditional breaking of a champagne bottle, alongside Captain Vincenzo Alcaras. Gifford was joined by her mother, Kathie Lee Gifford, who served as godmother of Celebration’s namesake, MS Celebration, similarly christened back in 1987.
Kathie Lee sang the memorable tune to the legendary commercials that helped to popularize Carnival as a brand in the 1980s. Attendees were treated to a preview of Celebration’s entertainment programming, featuring an aerialist performance. The night was capped off by a concert by Kool & The Gang, which included their classic, “Celebrate!”
The event was broadcast online so fans could share in the festivities.
Carnival Celebration’s first passengers to board from PortMiami depart today on a special 6-day Thanksgiving voyage, with visits to Amber Cove, Grand Turk, and Nassau. On November 27, the ship is scheduled to begin a rotation of week-long Eastern & Western Caribbean cruises that depart every Sunday.