Carnival Venezia

The 2019-built (as Costa Venezia) cruise ship Carnival Venezia was Costa Cruises' first vessel constructed and designed specifically for the Chinese market. Venezia and her sistership, Costa Firenze (2020), were both built by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri—Venezia at the Monfalcone Shipyard (near Trieste) and Firenze at the Marghera Shipyard (near Venice). Each vessel has a gross tonnage of 135,500 tons, 2,116 cabins, and a passenger capacity of 4,200 (maximum capacity 5,260 passengers).

Under the "COSTA by CARNIVAL" brand, the vessel (IMO number 9801689) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311001253) and registered in Nassau. Previously, Costa Venezia was Portugal/Madeira-flagged (MMSI 255963000) and registered in Funchal.

Other ships in the same Vista-Class series include the Carnival Cruise Line vessels Vista (2016), Horizon (2018), and Panorama (2019), as well as Adora Cruises' ships Adora Magic City (2023) and Adora TBN (2024).

Carnival Venezia became the 25th ship in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet.

History - construction and ownership

Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) is a U.S.-based shipping company, trademarked brand, and subsidiary of Carnival Corporation (the shipowner). CCL was founded in 1972 as an independent company by Ted Arison (1924–1999), co-founder of NCL Norwegian.

CCL operates the Corporation's largest fleet in terms of number of vessels and gross tonnage (ship size/volume and passenger capacity). In 2023, CCL held ~9% of the cruise industry's global revenue and ~19% of total passengers. In 2024, Carnival Corporation had ~51% market share in the US$64+ billion cruise industry.

In June 2022, Carnival Cruise Line and Costa Cruises launched the "COSTA by CARNIVAL" program, targeting Carnival’s North American source market. The program features two Costa-built ships—Venezia (debuting in 2023, homeporting in New York City) and Firenze (starting in 2024, homeporting in Long Beach/Los Angeles). While sailing from U.S. ports, both vessels are managed by CCL and underwent drydock refurbishments before entering Carnival service.

Before joining CCL’s fleet, Carnival Venezia underwent an extensive refurbishment and refit (March 16–May 28) at Navantia Shipyard in Port Cadiz. Enhancements included signature Carnival venues and experiences such as Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Piano Bar 88, Seafood Shack, Bonsai Sushi, Guy's Burger Joint, Cloud 9 Spa, Serenity (adults-only sundeck), and Carnival WaterWorks (Aquapark).

New venues debuting on Carnival Venezia include Carnevale Lounge (exclusive to Terrazza stateroom guests, similar to CCL's Havana staterooms), La Strada Grill (Italian street food and mini sandwiches), Tomodoro (Italian/Sicilian and traditional Mexican cuisine for breakfast and lunch), Amari Bar (similar to the Alchemy Bar), Frizzante Bar (serving bubbly drinks, Italian beers, coffee, and gourmet snacks), Carnevale Bar Lounge (featuring LED screens, Italian wines, cocktails, and live music), Gondola Lounge (with a large stage and dance floor for live entertainment), and Rococo Bar (specializing in frozen drinks).

Decks and Cabins

Costa Venezia staterooms (2,116 total, across 32 categories) feature standard amenities including two twin beds (convertible to a queen-size bed), wardrobe, electronic safe, lifejackets (in the closet), seating area (with a mirrored vanity/writing desk and chair), smart HDTV (with satellite reception and infotainment system), direct-dial phone, hairdryer, refrigerator (minibar), and en-suite bathroom (toilet, shower, and single-sink vanity with mirror).

All balcony cabins include sofabeds. Wi-Fi is available in all staterooms and public areas for an additional fee. Suite guests enjoy complimentary 24-hour room service, slippers, bathrobes, a drinks package, and personal valet service.

The ship has 14 passenger decks, with accommodations on 12 of them.

Aft on decks 5–9 are 77 Terrazza staterooms (similar to CCL's Havana staterooms) including Terrazza Cabanas—cabins with patios furnished with plush loungers and a hammock, plus direct lanai access to Terrazza Carnevale. This exclusive outdoor terrace features two Jacuzzis, a bar, and lounging space. Terrazza stateroom perks include morning access to Carnevale Lounge (with complimentary continental breakfast), a curated brunch on select sea days (with a complimentary Spritz or Mimosa), Terrazza-branded robes and towels, and a Terrazza Carnevale sail-away party with live music.

CARNIVAL Venezia review

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Il Viaggio Restaurant (“The Voyage” in Italian) is a new specialty dining venue introduced on Carnival Venezia. This reservations-only restaurant serves dinner and features traditional cuisine and beverages from various Italian regions. Menu items include regional appetizers, entrees, main courses (oven-baked pizza, sauces, dressings, pan-fried veal chops), desserts, and a selection of Italian wines and cocktails.

Marco Polo Restaurant and Canal Grande Restaurant are complimentary, waiter-served main dining rooms offering breakfast, brunch (sea days only), lunch (sea days only), and dinner. On port days, breakfast is served from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. (lunch not available). Dining hours may vary depending on the itinerary or onboard activities. On sea days, one MDR hosts the “Punchliner Comedy Brunch” (8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.) while the other serves breakfast (8–10 a.m.) and lunch (12–1:30 p.m.). Afternoon tea (3–4 p.m., sea days only) includes tea, mini sandwiches, and desserts. Dinner is served with two assigned seatings—Early (6 p.m.) and Late (8:15 p.m.)—plus Anytime Dining (“Your Time Dining”) between 5:45 and 9:30 p.m. The Dr. Seuss-themed “Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast” (US$5 cover charge, reservations recommended) is offered once per cruise (on a sea day) at 8:30 and 9:30 a.m., with costumed staff, themed decor, and a unique menu.

Lido Marketplace (complimentary, 826 seats) is the ship’s self-service buffet open for breakfast (7:30 a.m. – 12 noon), lunch (12 – 2:30 p.m.), dinner (6 – 9:30 p.m.), and late-night snacks (11 p.m. – 1 a.m.). Its “Good Eats” dinner buffet serves as an MDR alternative, offering items like steak, prime rib, grilled chicken, pastas, salads, and desserts. Food stations include Carnival Deli (sandwiches, beer), Mongolian Wok (stir-fry, made-to-order), The Captain’s Pasta Bar (three pastas, four sauces, 12 toppings), Salad Bar (35 items), Pizza Pirate (24-hour pizzeria), Chef’s Choice Bar (rotating international cuisine), Hot and Cold Buffet, Grille (burgers, hot dogs, fries, etc.), and Dessert Bar (including sugar-free options). Also available are 24-hour self-serve tea/coffee stations and machines for soft-serve ice cream and yogurt. The complimentary Chocolate Extravaganza Buffet (offered on the final sea day of 7+ day cruises) features chocolate fountains, cakes, and desserts.

Seafood Shack (open for lunch and dinner) is a casual, a la carte restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating located poolside near the Lido buffet. The menu (priced $4–16 per item) includes lobster (BLTs, rolls, steamed, fried), shrimp (salads, rolls, fried), crab cakes, clams, oysters, buckets (e.g., fried clams, buffalo shrimp), and platters (lobster/snow crab by the pound, crab cake with sides). Soups include Lobster Bisque, Oyster Stew, Seafood Gumbo, and New England Clam Chowder. Unique to this venue, the chefs source fresh seafood from local markets at ports of call several times during each cruise, offering guests a chance to sample regionally caught fish and seafood.

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse (open 6–9:30 p.m.) is a premium steakhouse and seafood restaurant available at an additional charge (reservations recommended). The cover charge of $35 per person (adults and children) includes one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert, and gratuity. The menu features starters such as escargots, grilled mushrooms, tuna tartare, shrimp cocktail, crab cake, lobster bisque, and onion soup; salads including Caesar, spinach and mushroom, iceberg lettuce, and beefsteak tomato; sides like baked potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, creamed spinach, and steamed broccoli. Entrées include prime-aged beef steaks (14 oz New York strip loin, 18 oz rib and ribeye, 9 oz filet mignon), lamb chops, chicken, Maine lobster, and fish fillet sourced based on itinerary. Desserts include cheesecake, caramelized apples, a chocolate sampler, fresh fruit, assorted cheeses, sherbets, and ice creams. Beverages (bar prices apply) include fresh coffee/tea, dessert wines, and after-dinner drinks. Guests can view food presented on a cart at their table, and a cooking demonstration is offered as a one-hour chef presentation. The dress code is "Elegant" (jeans permitted). Guests may also book the exclusive "Chef's Table" private dining experience at the steakhouse.

Bonsai Teppanyaki (located within Bonsai Sushi Restaurant) offers authentic Far East cuisine and a live cooking performance at custom-built cooking stations centered in an 8-seat dining table. Due to limited seating, reservations are required. Meals begin with a tasting of five appetizers (Miso Soup, Pork Belly Yakitori, Spicy Tuna on the Rocks), followed by combo dinner options. Each meal ends with signature desserts like the "Chocolate Bento Box" and "Green Tea Ice Cream." The restaurant is open for lunch (sea days only) and dinner (every night). The cover charge is per person and includes the entire meal.

Bonsai Sushi serves Japanese specialties and drinks (à la carte pricing). Open for dinner (5 p.m. – midnight) and for lunch on sea days (12 noon – 2:30 p.m.), the menu includes appetizers ($4 each – Wagyu short ribs, salmon, tuna), soups/salads ($2 each – miso, mixed greens, noodle), sushi and sashimi ($1.50 per piece – shrimp, tuna, salmon, amberjack), sushi rolls ($5 – tuna, California crab; $7 – freshwater eel, fried shrimp), bento box combos ($10), and sushi ships ($17). The drink menu features Kirin beer, Nigori sake, Tyku Junmai Ginjo sake, hot sake carafes, wine by the glass, and desserts ($2 – Yuzu Custard, Green Tea Cupcake). Complimentary sushi is available at the buffet in the evenings.

Pizzeria del Capitano is a complimentary, 24-hour self-serve pizzeria with a wood-fired oven offering freshly baked pizzas (Margherita, Pepperoni, Napoletana, Capricciosa, Calzone), pan pizza, Caesar salad, and made-to-order pies.

Lanai BBQ (open 12 noon – 2:30 p.m. on sea days only) is an outdoor bar serving the Lanai Promenade with made-to-order fast food. The BBQ menu includes grilled steak, pork, chicken, chicken quesadillas, sliders, BBQ tacos (choice of meat), topless burgers, Carnival Dog (hot dogs), salads, homemade chips with salsa, and classic BBQ condiments.

Guy's Burger Joint (menu) is Carnival's signature burger bar created by U.S. celebrity chef Guy Fieri (Food Network). Complimentary and open for lunch and dinner (12 noon – 6 p.m.), the menu features specialty burgers (Plain Jane, Straight Up, Pig Patty, Chilius Maximus, The Ringer), custom-made burgers, and hand-cut fries. Toppings include 80/20 beef patties, buttered buns, melted cheese, mushrooms, lettuce, onions, pickles, tomatoes, Donkey Sauce (mayo), crispy bacon, spicy onion rings, chili, and BBQ sauce.

Rococo serves refreshing frozen drinks, featuring colorful layered creations with Italian flavors like Bellini and Limoncello, alongside classic frozen cocktails such as margaritas, daiquiris, and piña coladas. The venue is styled as "Baroque Goes Pop."

JavaBlue Café (open 7–10 a.m. and 4 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.) is a patisserie and specialty coffee bar with an à la carte menu. Offerings include coffee drinks ($3 – cappuccino, latte, mochaccino), espresso ($2), JavaBlue Drip ($1), chai tea latte ($3), hot chocolate ($2), spiked coffees ($6 – Caribbean, Mexican, Irish, Chocolate Lovers), iced coffees ($3.50), milkshakes ($4), specialty teas, bottled water, Perrier, and San Pellegrino (1L). Desserts include Blue Velvet Cake ($2), cheesecakes ($2), cookies ($1), chocolate-covered strawberries ($0.75), flavored syrups ($0.50), and scoops of ice cream.

Tomodoro serves Mexitalian fusion dishes for breakfast and lunch, featuring ingredients like Italian meatballs and Sicilian chicken paired with traditional Mexican tacos and burritos.

Il Viaggio (specialty restaurant)

Amari Bar

Frizzante Bar (patisserie)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Onboard themed parties include the Captain's Venetian Toast (held in the Atrium with cast members in Venetian costumes and passengers wearing masks) and the Italian Street Party, featuring rotating entertainment, live music, and Italian-themed performances.

Teatro Rosso (Theater Lounge, lower level 1 of 2) is the main show lounge, hosting grand-style productions that combine live music and dance with sound and lighting effects. Evening shows (30 minutes each) include tribute performances enhanced by high-definition visuals on LED screens. The theater also presents family game shows (such as "Love and Marriage"), guest performers (comedians, magicians, musicians), "Playlist Productions" musical revues, and interactive "Hasbro The Game Show." Daily activities include seminars, lectures, multimedia presentations, workshops, and bingo. Three nightly productions (7 p.m., 8:45 p.m., 10:30 p.m.) are followed by after-show parties where guests can meet the performers. Playlist Productions includes original shows like Broadway Beats (NYC-themed), Vintage Pop (Prohibition-era), and Epic Rock (concert-style).

The theater is a flexible multi-use space with individual chairs (no stadium-style seating) allowing for varied configurations. It also hosts scheduled events such as port talks, Carnival shore excursion briefings, and land tour presentations.

Hasbro Game Shows are inspired by the TV series "Family Game Night" and feature life-size versions of board games like Connect 4, Yahtzee, Sorry! Sliders, Operation Sam Dunk, Simon Flash, Monopoly, and 10-pin Bowling. Guests compete for prizes, including Hasbro board games.

Playlist Productions are musical revues combining singing, dancing, and acting with LED backdrops and special effects. Show themes include 88 KEYS (rock ‘n’ roll piano), 80s POP TO THE MAX, GETAWAY ISLAND (1960s beach movies with 3D effects), HEART OF SOUL (R&B), EPIC ROCK (1970s–80s hits), STUDIO VIP (1970s), THE BRITS (UK music), MOTOR CITY (R&B from the 1960s–70s), LATIN NIGHTS (Latin music tributes), and DIVAS (female solo artist tributes).

The Limelight Lounge, home to the "Punchliner Comedy Club," features evening entertainment with live music, karaoke, comedians, and vocal performances.

Carnival Seaside Theatre is a complimentary outdoor cinema featuring a large LED screen. It hosts live events and games during the day and screens movies at night with free popcorn provided.

Venezia Casino (plus Annex) is a Vegas-style casino with slot machines ("Coinless Fun Slot Machines") and gaming tables (Craps, Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, dealer-free poker). The casino offers complimentary gaming lessons and hosts regular tournaments. Guests can pay using cash or S&S cards (linked to a credit card). Travelers checks can be cashed at the cashier window. Slot machines accept S&S cards only; table games are cash-only. Operating hours on sea days: slots from 9 a.m., select tables at 10 a.m., all games from 12 noon to 3 a.m., depending on port times. The casino is closed in port and reopens 30–60 minutes after departure. In Nassau (overnight stays), the casino remains open. In Half Moon Cay, opening is at the discretion of management. Smoking is allowed at designated slot machines and gaming tables. Carnival chips are transferable fleetwide. MegaCash offers the world’s largest cruise ship jackpot—over $1 million.

Heroes Tribute Lounge (21+) is operated in partnership with Operation Homefront (a U.S.-based nonprofit supporting military families). A portion ($1) of each souvenir glass sale is donated to the organization. The lounge features leather armchairs, low tables, and large TVs for sports broadcasts.

Pixels Photo Gallery and Shop sells photography and video gear and displays photos taken by the ship’s professional photographers.

Dreams Studio offers professional photo sessions.

The Art Gallery in the Atrium displays original artwork from renowned dealers, available for purchase at discounted prices. Daily auctions (typically early afternoons) include complimentary sparkling wine and are held in the Atrium Lobby.

The Fun Shops is the duty-free shopping arcade (open 8 a.m. – midnight), selling Carnival-branded merchandise (apparel, ship models), gifts, name-brand luxury items (jewelry, watches, fashion accessories, perfumes, cosmetics), liquor, tobacco, and essentials. Brands available include Bvlgari, Cartier, i Caftani di Roby Zu, Marc Jacobs, What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA), Gucci, Longines, Bremont, and Philip Stein.

Cherry on Top (open 4–10:30 p.m.) is Carnival’s candy and sweets shop, selling bulk candies (including sugar-free), confections (lollipops, truffles, fudge, chocolate-covered treats), and Carnival-branded apparel for women and kids. It also offers balloons, flowers, greeting cards, and bath/spa items. Formalwear rentals are available only through pre-cruise orders.

The Beauty Salon offers services including facials, manicures/pedicures, haircuts and styling, coloring, eyebrow shaping, waxing, grooming, barbering, teeth whitening, and Medi-Spa treatments.

SkyCourse is a complimentary, outdoor high-adrenaline ropes course suspended above the deck.

Mini Golf Course (9-hole), The Warehouse (video arcade)

Serenity is the ship's adults-only retreat for guests 21 and older. Located forward, this outdoor area features two whirlpools, two massage huts, cabanas, and Fresh Creations—a complimentary made-to-order salad station—as well as an exclusive sundeck for sunbathing, relaxation, and evening dance parties.

This deck is complimentary and accessible at any time. Both whirlpools (large outdoor hot tubs) are cantilevered (infinity-style with glass walls). The salad bar, whirlpools, and waiter-served Serenity Bar operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., though hours may vary based on itinerary, port or sea days, and weather conditions.

Serenity Deck is furnished with hammocks, premium wicker chaise lounges, clamshell chairs with plush teal cushions, shaded double loungers, plush wicker sofas, and live trees for added ambiance. The Serenity Bar offers a full menu of drinks and refreshments (cocktails, beer/buckets, wine, frozen drinks, smoothies, shakes, and soda) at regular bar prices.

Piazza San Marco is a three-deck-high Atrium (midship on decks 3-4-5) with an open-floor design. The lower level houses the Lobby with Carnival Adventures (Tour Desk), Guest Services/Reception Desk, the Atrium Bar, and a stage for street performances. The mid-level (deck 4) provides access to the Fun Shops, Dreams Studio (photo studio), and Cherry on Top. The upper level (deck 5) connects to more Fun Shops and the Beauty Salon.

Kids & Teens venues and programs

Camp Ocean is the ship's kids' complex, offering supervised, age-appropriate activities and themed entertainment for three age groups: 2–5 years (Penguins), 6–8 years (Stingrays), and 9–11 years (Sharks). Each group has its own room and dedicated staff. Operating hours (may vary by itinerary) are sea days (10 a.m.–1 p.m., 2–5 p.m., 7–10 p.m.) and port days (from arrival until 2 p.m., and 2–10 p.m.).

• Youth staff are international, professional, and CPR-certified. Staffing levels vary by itinerary and season. All children must wear muster station wristbands (available here or at Guest Services). In an emergency, parents must retrieve their child’s lifejacket from their cabin.
• Camp Ocean provides supervised kids-only dinners each evening (6–6:45 p.m., except the first night) in the Lido buffet. Menu items include mac and cheese, pizza, burgers, hot dogs, fries, fish sticks, chicken nuggets, spaghetti and meatballs, vegetables, fruits, and Jell-O.
• The program includes over 200 complimentary marine-themed activities, plus family afternoons and family day events such as face painting and scavenger hunts with cameras.

Camp Ocean PENGUINS (2–5 years) activities include arts and crafts, Penguin Palooza (costume-making and parades), singalongs, aerobics, sculpting, face painting, T-shirt decorating, candy bingo, storytime, Dr. Seuss and Mr. Potato Head games, PlayStation gaming, dance parties, ball games, movie nights, and "Owl Jams" parties (10 p.m.–midnight; surcharge applies).

Camp Ocean STINGRAYS (6–8 years) activities include video gaming, arts and crafts, Pirate Game Night, Memory Game, face painting, T-shirt decorating, sports contests, bingo, superhero games, and "Fun Til' One" parties (10 p.m.–1 a.m.; surcharge applies).

Camp Ocean SHARKS (9–11 years) offers music trivia, arts and crafts, T-shirt decorating, cruise ship design, scavenger hunts, origami, bingo, dance parties, sports competitions, and "Fun At Sea" parties (10 p.m.–1 a.m.; surcharge applies).

Camp Ocean NIGHT OWLS provides babysitting for children aged 6 months to 11 years, available nightly from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. (no in-cabin babysitting). The service costs $6.75 per child per hour plus 15% gratuity (no discounts). Fees are charged to the onboard account and paid upon pickup. Children left past 1 a.m. incur double charges and may be ineligible for further babysitting. Night Owls offers slumber party-style entertainment (movies, toys, games, arts and crafts) with room service snacks. Infant care (under 2 years) on port days starts 15 minutes before the first excursion and ends at noon (or 1–5 p.m. for later arrivals). On sea days, care runs 8–10 a.m. Diapers and supplies must be provided by parents.

Special themed parties are also available ($13 per child plus 15% gratuity): “Owl Jams” (ages 2–11, 10 p.m.–midnight), “Fun Til One” (ages 6–8, 10 p.m.–1 a.m.), and “Fun At Sea” (ages 9–11, 10 p.m.–1 a.m.), featuring games, music, sports, and snacks.

Camp Ocean participants under 5 or with special needs/allergies may receive complimentary beepers, phones, and chargers. Baby strollers are available for rent: $30 for 5+ day cruises or $8 per day for shorter itineraries.

The ship’s kids’ complex also includes Party Reef (lounge), Creative Cove (arts and crafts room), Dr. Seuss Bookville (kids' library), and an outdoor playground.

Creative Cove hosts the Beary Cuddly Workshop, a for-fee build-your-own stuffed animal activity (starting at $20 depending on accessories). A portion of sales benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Through a partnership with Build-A-Bear, kids can create customized toy animals with voices, outfits, and accessories.

Dr. Seuss Bookville is a themed library and playroom with colorful decor, over 40 Dr. Seuss titles in multiple languages, and board games and activities.

Circle C is the pre-teen lounge (ages 12–14), offering complimentary video games, movies, parties, and organized activities. Club O2 is the teens-only lounge for ages 15–17, featuring movies, karaoke, video games, themed parties, and exclusive shore excursion bookings.

COSTA Venezia review

The ship's design incorporates more efficient use of both indoor and open-deck spaces, featuring several multi-functional areas. The activity (Lido) deck includes an aqua park with a water slide, a high-ropes course, and a mini-golf course. The pool deck is covered with a retractable glass roof. Beneath it is the Beach Club—an adults-only complex with a swimming pool, waterslides, a rock climbing wall, and a sports deck. This area also features a giant LED screen for movies and outdoor video entertainment.

The ship offers dedicated lounges for teens and kids, including toddlers. Panoramic glass elevators connect outdoor decks. Other highlights include a glass-bottomed skywalk, a spacious wellness complex (Organic Spa and Fitness), the Plaza (featuring numerous bars and shops), the Atrium Lobby Lounge (Piazza San Marco), and a large-capacity Theater (main show lounge).

An agreement with German shipbuilder Meyer Werft, signed in July 2015 and finalized in April 2016, covered the construction of four Excellence/Helios-Class ships. Two were for Costa Cruises (Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana) and the other two for AIDA Cruises (AIDAnova) and Carnival Jubilee.

Managed by Costa Group, the combined Costa and AIDA fleet is Europe's largest. In 2014, one out of every two European cruise passengers sailed with either Costa or AIDA. By 2015, Costa Group operated 20 offices in 14 countries, employed around 27,000 shipyard staff, and had a combined passenger capacity exceeding 68,000 berths. Costa Group also leads the rapidly growing cruise market in Asia.

In addition to crew and staff, Costa cruise passengers are assisted by Pepper robots—a humanoid cyborg technology introduced fleetwide in 2016. These robots greet and guide passengers upon embarkation and assist throughout the voyage with information on dining, entertainment, enrichment programs, casino and shopping promotions, and shore excursions. Pepper robots are mobile, multilingual (English, German, Italian), and capable of interpreting human emotions through voice tone and facial expression analysis.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Costa Venezia features 15 restaurants and 8 main bars/lounges, offering a variety of cuisine including classic Italian dishes, fast food, and traditional Asian and Chinese specialties. Italian fine dining includes a menu by 3-star Michelin chef Umberto Bombana at Casanova Restaurant. Authentic Chinese cuisine is available in both main and specialty restaurants throughout the day.

Below is a list of Costa Venezia’s restaurants and food venues:

• The Main Restaurant (waiter-served) and the Lido buffet restaurant serve Chinese and Italian cuisine from early morning until late at night.
• Lu Hot Pot (specialty) allows guests to cook vegetables, seafood, and meats in stockpots at their tables.
• Street food-style venues include Dim Sum (traditional Chinese cuisine) and Yan Teppanyaki (Japanese teppanyaki prepared tableside).
• Casanova Restaurant, the signature specialty venue, serves a menu created by chef Umberto Bombana of Otto e Mezzo Bombana (3-star Michelin).
• Frutti di Mare is a seafood restaurant blending Venetian and Asian culinary influences.
• Lanai BBQ Restaurant and La Fiorentina Steak House both feature sea views.
• Napoli Pizza offers classic Italian pizzas delivered anywhere onboard, at any time.

Launched fleetwide in 2021, “Destination Dishes” are complimentary MDR items curated by a celebrity chef trio—Bruno Barbieri (Italian), Hélène Darroze (French), and Ángel León (Spanish). These dishes reflect culinary traditions from destinations visited on the following day of the cruise.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Costa Venezia was designed to highlight Italian culture, food, and lifestyle. Its atrium resembles St. Mark’s Square in Venice, and there are two real gondolas onboard. At the Gondola Lounge, guests can enjoy a virtual reality gondola ride through Venice. The Grand Canal Restaurant offers a canal-side walk past a replica of the Bridge of Sighs, with waiters dressed as 17th-century Venetians. The ship hosts a Venice Carnival-themed night with traditional Italian entertainment and Venetian masks.

Each evening, the theater presents shows centered on Italian themes such as “Venezia Innamorata,” inspired by the life of Giacomo Casanova. Lounge delle Stelle hosts the Costa Venezia Film Festival, featuring musical performances and screenings of movies from the Venice Film Festival.

Although rich in Italian ambiance, Costa Venezia was originally tailored for Chinese guests. Much of the entertainment onboard is in Chinese, including the Golden Party—a game night with prizes and giveaways every ten minutes.

The ship emphasizes family entertainment with kids' clubs, a mini-golf course, Rope Garden, and the Water Park Laguna. Chinese guests also benefit from duty-free shopping at boutiques carrying brands such as BVLGARI, Cartier, and Tiffany.

The ship features popular Asian entertainment offerings as well, including 11 karaoke rooms. The masquerade ball is a colorful interpretation of Venice’s Carnevale. Several lounges offer pre-dinner cocktails, while Bella Bar specializes in bubble teas and fruit juices.

CARNIVAL Venezia itineraries

Carnival Venezia cruises opened for booking on November 15, 2022. Her inaugural program is based on homeporting from New York City (Manhattan Cruise Terminal), beginning June 15, 2023.

The inaugural season features 22 unique itineraries (with 10 different durations), visiting 25 ports across 14 countries.

The program began with a 15-day Transatlantic Carnival Journeys cruise (RepositionCruises.com) from Barcelona to NYC (May 29–June 13, 2023). From Manhattan, summer sailings include roundtrips to the Southern Caribbean (12-night), Eastern Caribbean (8–11-night), Bahamas (8–9-night), Bermuda (4–5-night), and Canada/New England (5–7-night) visiting St. John (NB), Halifax (NS), Sydney (NS), and Portland (ME).

Caribbean destinations include Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, Grand Turk, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Thomas (USVI), and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). Longer cruises visit Half Moon Cay, while 9-day Bahamas cruises call at Miami, Nassau, Freeport, and Half Moon Cay.

In May 2023, CCL announced Venezia’s relocation from New York to Florida in December 2024, with homeporting at Port Canaveral (Orlando). The move begins with a 12-day East Coast USA Carnival Journeys cruise (Dec 6–18, 2024).

The initial Florida-based itineraries (7-day roundtrips from Port Canaveral) include:

• "Exotic Eastern Caribbean" (Dec 22, 2024): Grand Turk, San Juan (Puerto Rico), St. Thomas (USVI)
• "Exotic Eastern Caribbean" (Jan 5, 2025): Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), San Juan, St. Thomas
• "Exotic Western Caribbean" (Dec 29, 2024; Jan 26 and Mar 23, 2025): Mahogany Bay (Roatan), Belize City, Cozumel
• "Western Caribbean" (Feb 9 and Mar 9, 2025): Nassau, Montego Bay, Grand Cayman
• "Western Caribbean" (Apr 6 and Apr 20, 2025): Nassau, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman

COSTA Venezia itineraries

Costa Venezia's maiden voyage was on March 8, 2019.

• The eastbound repositioning cruise to Asia (53-day "World Voyage") ran March 8–April 29, from Trieste to Yokohama via the Suez Canal. Ports included Italy, Croatia, Greece, Israel, Jordan, Oman, UAE, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan.
• The cruise was bookable in three segments: 20 days (Trieste–Dubai), 18 days (Dubai–Singapore), and 17 days (Singapore–Yokohama). Offers were available to European guests.

Initially planned for year-round operations in Asia (homeporting in Shanghai), Costa Venezia was reassigned in September 2021 to Europe for the 2022–2024 seasons, homeporting in Istanbul, Turkey (Galataport).

• The 2022 program (May 1–Nov 20) featured three alternating Greece and Turkey itineraries (roundtrips from Istanbul), combinable into a 14-day back-to-back cruise visiting eight ports.
• Itinerary 1: Istanbul (overnight), Izmir, Bodrum, Mykonos, Piraeus
• Itinerary 2: Istanbul (overnight), Kusadasi, Rhodes, Heraklion
• Itinerary 3: 12-day “Holy Land” cruise—Bodrum, Limassol, Haifa, Alexandria (overnight), Kusadasi (overnight)

The ex-Turkey cruises included optional fly-cruise packages (via Turkish Airlines) from most European countries.

The COSTA by CARNIVAL program, designed for Carnival's North American market, features Costa Venezia (from 2023, homeporting in New York) and Costa Firenze (from 2024, homeporting in Long Beach/Los Angeles). Both ships are managed by CCL while sailing from U.S. ports and were refurbished before entering service.

In September 2022, Costa Venezia's winter schedule (Dec 1, 2022–Apr 6, 2023; 23 departures) was canceled. It included 11-day Holy Land cruises from Istanbul.

Under the COSTA by CARNIVAL program, Costa Venezia began U.S. operations on April 7, 2023, from New York. Costa Firenze will follow in 2024 from Long Beach, California.

The vessel (Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard, hull number 6271) has a volume of 135,225 GT, a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 12,100 tons, and a maximum draught of 8.6 meters. Her powerplant consists of five MAN marine diesel engines (4-stroke, common-rail injection: 2x 14V48/60CR and 3x 8L48/60CR), generating a total output of 62.4 MW (83,680 hp). Propulsion is diesel-electric via two ABB Azipod thrusters with a combined output of 33 MW (44,250 hp). The registered shipowner is CARNIVAL CORPORATION, while the registered manager is CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE—both headquartered in Florida, USA.

In January 2016, shipowner Carnival Corporation signed a memorandum of agreement with Fincantieri to construct four new vessels. Contracts were finalized in April 2016. Two units were designated for Costa Asia (Venezia and Firenze), one for Princess Cruises (Enchanted Princess), and one for P&O Australia (TBN-2022). This order brought Carnival Corporation’s total to 17 new ships on order for delivery between 2016 and 2020. All four ships were built by Fincantieri at the Monfalcone and Marghera shipyards with scheduled deliveries in 2019–2020.

The vessel’s keel-laying and coin ceremony took place on November 1, 2017, at the Fincantieri Monfalcone Shipyard near Trieste, Italy.

The ship (Monfalcone hull 6271) was launched from drydock on June 22, 2018.

Costa Venezia was officially delivered by Fincantieri Monfalcone on February 28, 2019. Delivery documents were signed by Arnold Donald (President and CEO of Carnival Corporation) and Giuseppe Bono (CEO of Fincantieri).

The christening ceremony took place on March 1, 2019, in Port Trieste, as announced by Carnival Corporation on December 9, 2018. The event included an air show by Frecce Tricolori (the Italian Air Force’s aerobatic team) and a midnight fireworks display. Dignitaries included Massimiliano Fedriga (President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region), Roberto Dipiazza (Mayor of Trieste), and the godmother Gan Beiye and her family (Costa Crociere fans since 2011).

Following the naming ceremony, the ship was repositioned via the Suez Canal to China for year-round deployment.

Costa Venezia was one of seven newbuilds ordered by Carnival Corporation for the Costa Group as part of a ~EUR 6 billion investment plan (deliveries between 2019 and 2023). Venezia and Firenze became Costa’s largest ships homeported in China.

The ship’s namesake is the Uniworld-owned riverboat SS La Venezia (launched in 2003 as "River Countess", reconstructed and renamed in 2020).

After a scheduled drydock, Carnival Venezia officially joined the CCL-Carnival Cruise Line fleet on March 22, 2023, when Costa’s Captain Tihomir Muzic handed over the vessel to Carnival’s Captain Claudio Cupisti in Port Cadiz, Spain. The handover was attended by executives from both Costa and Carnival, including Christine Duffy (President of CCL).

In addition to Master Claudio Cupisti (with CCL since 1989), senior officers on Carnival Venezia include Cesare Boldrini (Chief Engineer, with CCL since 2011) and Karl Hallberg (Hotel Director, with CCL since 2017). In April, Milena Krivokapic was appointed Entertainment Director (with CCL since 2018), and Marques Matthias as Cruise Director (with CCL since 2015).

In June 2023, CCL announced that Carnival Venezia would be christened by Godfather James Douglas Muir "Jay" Leno (born 1950), a well-known TV host and comedian. Jay Leno is best known for hosting NBC’s "The Tonight Show" (1992–2009 and 2010–2014). He also hosted CNBC’s "Jay Leno’s Garage" (2014–2022) and the comedy quiz show "You Bet Your Life" (since 2021). The naming ceremony took place on June 14 in New York City. Jay Leno entertained guests with a special stand-up show, sponsored by Carnival World Mastercard (in partnership with Barclays Bank). The event was held in the ship’s Theater (Teatro Rosso) and attended by John Heald (CCL Brand Ambassador), Christine Duffy (CCL President), Fr. Enrique Salvo (Rector of St. Patrick’s Cathedral), and Captain Claudio Cupisti.

Carnival Venezia Refurbishment 2023 Review

Carnival Venezia underwent a drydock refurbishment at Navantia Shipyard (Cadiz) between March 16 and May 28, 2023. The refit included renovation of all staterooms and public spaces and the addition of CCL’s signature venues such as Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Piano Bar 88, Seafood Shack, Bonsai Sushi, Guy’s Burger Joint, Cloud 9 Spa, Serenity (adults-only sundeck), and Carnival WaterWorks (Aquapark).

New venues debuting on Carnival Venezia include Carnevale Lounge (exclusive to Terrazza staterooms), La Strada Grill, Tomodoro Restaurant, Carnevale Lounge & Bar (with live music), Gondola Lounge & Nightclub (with live entertainment), Amari Bar, Rococo Bar, and Frizzante Bar (patisserie).

Interestingly, unlike other CCL fleetmates, Carnival Venezia features a yellow hull stripe instead of the traditional red, paying homage to her Costa heritage and matching the ship’s yellow funnel.

Inaugural Itineraries 2023 (Carnival Venezia)

Carnival Venezia’s Maiden Voyage was scheduled for May 29, 2023—a 15-day Transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to New York City, USA. Fares for the inaugural cruise started at USD 590 per person based on double occupancy.

Followed a year-round deployment with homeporting at NYC's Manhattan Cruise Terminal (first departure June 15th).

Carnival Venezia's inaugural itinerary program was based on roundtrips out of NYC to destinations in Bermuda, the Caribbean/Bahamas and Canada and New England USA.

Next tables show the inaugural voyages by destination.

inaugural Bermuda (4-day itinerary) from US$625 pp

inaugural Eastern Caribbean (8-day itinerary) from US$1090 pp

Inaugural Canada and New England (5-day itinerary) from US$495 pp

inaugural Southern Caribbean (15-day itinerary) from US$980 pp

inaugural Bahamas (9-day itinerary) from US$510 pp

Godspeed!

Inaugural Mediterranean itineraries 2022-2023-2024 (Costa Venezia)

Next table shows the ship's first Mediterranean voyage (part of the 2022-23-24 program) following the redeployment from Asia to Europe.

This was a 14-day B2B/back-to-back itinerary leaving roundtrip from Istanbul/Galataport.

Prices started from USD 500-700 per person (double occupancy) for a 7-day itinerary and $1030-1520 for a 14-day B2B.

Inaugural itineraries 2019 (Costa Venezia)

Costa Venezia's maiden voyage was scheduled for March 3 (2019) - a 5-day Adriatic Sea itinerary leaving out of Trieste Italy.

Initially, for booking was opened (on March 2, 2018) only the Trieste-Yokohama voyage. Tickets for the Maiden Voyage were available for booking by both European and Asian customers. Prices started from USD 5000 pp (inside cabin rates based on double occupancy).

This eastbound repositioning cruise was offered for booking in 5 different itinerary segments:

• (March 8-27) 19-day (Trieste-Dubai) - prices from USD 2000 pp
• (March 27 - April 13) 17-day (Dubai-Singapore) - prices from USD 1700 pp
• (April 13-29) 16-day (Singapore-Yokohama) - prices from USD 1600 pp
• 33-day (Dubay-Yokohama) - prices from USD 3600 pp
• 36-day (Trieste-Singapore) - prices from USD 4000 pp

Homeport operations from Shanghai were scheduled to start on May 18, 2019.

Next tables show the revised (slightly changed) repositioning cruise itinerary segments as destinations and port times.

19-day from Trieste to Dubai

17-day from Dubai to Singapore

16-day from Singapore to Tokyo