The arrival of Carnival Cruise Line's first new ship on the West Coast in twenty years, Carnival Panorama, was celebrated in true Carnival fashion with Wheel of Fortune's Vanna White acting as godmother and naming the ship during an official ceremony onboard.
White spoke about her love of cruising as well as the commitment she shares with Carnival Cruise Line to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the company's relationship with Wheel of Fortune, that she has co-hosted during the past 37 years.
In a nod to the role on Wheel of Fortune, White turned a series of letters spelling out "PANORAMA" that triggered the release of a Moet champagne bottle to officially christen the ship.
The festivities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the fleet-first culinary center Carnival Kitchen, that offers over 15 different interactive cooking, decorating, and baking demonstrations. Joining Carnival President Christine Duffy was the line's team of "Culinary All-Stars" including Guy Fieri, as well as Emeril Lagasse and Rudi Sodamin.
The day included a return of Carnival AirShip, a 128-foot-long blimp emblazoned with the Choose Fun tag line and concluded with a fireworks display that lit up the sky of Long Beach.
Following an inaugural 3-day cruise, Panorama will launch year-round 7-day Mexican Riviera service from Long Beach CA on December 14, departing every Saturday on 7-day cruises to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan.