Carnival Venezia

The 2019-built (as Costa Venezia) cruise ship Carnival Venezia was Costa Cruises' first liner constructed and designed specifically for China's market. Venezia and the sistership Costa Firenze (2020) were both produced by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri - Venezia at Monfalcone Shipyard (near Trieste), Firenze - at Marghera Shipyard (near Venice). Each vessel has GT tonnage 135,500 tons, 2116 cabins and passenger capacity 4200 (max / double-occupancy 5260 pax).

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

From the same series (Vista-Class sisterships) are also the CCL-Carnival liners Vista (2016), Horizon (2018) and Panorama (2019), as well as Adora Cruises' ships Adora Magic City (2023) and Adora TBN (2024).

Carnival Venezia became CCL's 25th ship in the fleet.

History - construction and ownership

Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) is a US shipping company, trademarked brand and subsidiary of Carnival Corporation (shipowner). CCL was founded in 1972 as an independent company by Ted Arison (1924-1999, co-founder of NCL Norwegian). Carnival Cruise Lines has the Corporation's largest fleet as both a number of vessels and GT tonnage (ship sizes and capacities). CCL has over 1/5 of the cruise industry's worldwide market.

In June 2022, CCL-Carnival Cruise Line and Costa Cruises announced the "COSTA by CARNIVAL" cruise program targeting CCL's North American source market. The program is based on two newbuild Costa ships - Venezia (starting in 2023 with homeporting in NYC New York USA) and Firenze (starting in 2024 with homeporting in Long Beach/Los Angeles California USA). Both Costa liners are CCL-managed (while operating out of the USA) and were scheduled for drydock refurbishments prior to the Carnival service.

Prior to entering service for CCL, the ship Venezia entered drydock for an extensive refurbishment and refit (March 16 thru May 28). During the drydocking (at Port Cadiz' Navantia Shipyard) were added signature for CCL venues and experiences like Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Piano Bar 88, Seafood Shack, Bonsai Sushi, Guy's Burger Joint, Cloud 9 Spa, Serenity (adults-only sundeck), Carnival Waterworks (Aquapark).

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

Decks and Cabins

Costa Venezia staterooms (2116 total, in 32 grades) all provide as standard amenities 2 twin beds (convertible to Queen-size double bed), wardrobe, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), seating/lounge area (with mirrored vanity/writing desk with chair), smart HDTV (satellite reception, infotainment system), direct-dial phone, hairdryer, refrigerator (minibar), en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, mirrored single-sink vanity).

All balcony staterooms are with sofabeds. Wifi is available in all staterooms for an additional charge as well as in public areas. Suites receive free 24-hour room service, slippers, bathrobes plus drinks package and personal valet.

The boat has 14 passenger decks, of which 12 are with cabins.

Aft on decks 5-9 are positioned Terrazza staterooms (77 total, similar to CCL's Havana staterooms) as well as the Terrazza Cabanas (cabins with patios furnished with plush loungers, a hammock) and lanai access to Terrazza Carnevale (exclusive outdoor terraced deck fitted with 2 Jacuzzies, a bar, and lounging space. Terrazza staterooms' exclusive perks include morning access to Carnevale Lounge (complimentary continental breakfast), specially-curated brunch (on select sea days, with a complimentary Spritz/Mimosa cocktail), 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 for CCL specialty dining venue introduced on Carnival Venezia. The reservations-only restaurant is open for dinner and offers traditional cuisine specialties (dishes and beverages) from various regions in Italy. Each item on Il Viaggio's menu represents a regional cuisine specialty, including appetizers, entrees, main dishes (oven-baked pizza, sauces, dressings, pan-fried veal chop) and desserts, as well as Italian wines and cocktails.

Marco Polo Restaurant and Canal Grande Restaurant are complimentary, waiter-served Main Dining Room restaurants for Breakfast, Brunch (seadays only), Lunch (seadays only) and Dinner. On portdays, Breakfast is served between 7:30-9:30 am (closed for lunch). Dining Room hours are subject to change due to itinerary/port of call arrival times or scheduled onboard activities. On seadays, one MDR serves "Punchliner Comedy Brunch" (breakfast and lunch /between 8:30 am - 1 pm) while the other MDR serves Breakfast (between 8-10 am) and Lunch (between 12-noon - 1:30 pm). Afternoon Tea service (between 3-4 pm /seadays only, complimentary) includes a selection of teas, mini sandwiches, sweets. Dinner (seadays/portdays) is with 2 fixed/pre-assigned seatings - Early (at 6 pm) and Late (at 8:15 pm), plus Anytime ("Your Time Dining" between 5:45-9:30 pm). Dr Seuss themed "Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast" (cover charge $5 pp, reservations recommended) is once per cruise (on a seaday /itinerary based) at 8:30 am and 9:30 am. The dining experience features Dr Seuss character visits, waiters in special uniforms, themed decoration, unique menu.

Lido Marketplace (complimentary, 826 seats) is the ship's self-service buffet restaurant for open-seating Breakfast (7:30 am - 12-noon /made-to-order omelet station), Lunch (12-noon - 2:30 pm), Dinner (6-9:30 pm /Good Eats buffet) and for Late Night Snacks (11 pm - 1 am). Good Eats buffet menu is a Main Dining Room dinner alternative offering steaks, prime rib, grilled chicken, pastas, salads, desserts, daily Chef's Special. Lido Marketplace consists of various take-away food stations and themed food bars. Among those are Carnival Deli (sandwiches, draught beer dispenser), Mongolian Wok (stir-fry, made-to-order Asian food /you choose the ingredients), The Captain's Pasta Bar (choice of 3 pastas, 4 sauces, 12 toppings), Salad Bar (35 items), Pizza Pirate (24-hour Pizzeria), Chef's Choice Bar (international cuisine /different menu each day), Hot and Cold Buffet (stir-fry, pastas, carving station), Grille (ham-cheese-veggie burgers, hot dogs, fries, chicken fritters/sandwiches, sauteed mushrooms/onions, sauerkraut, Chili con Carne, homemade tortillas-chips-salsa), Dessert Bar (incl sugar-free items). There are also (self-serve, complimentary, 24-hour) tea/coffee station and machines for soft ice cream and yogurt. Chocolate Extravaganza Buffet (complimentary) is on the last seaday (7-day and longer cruise itineraries) and offers chocolate smorgasborg, chocolate fountain, cakes (incl pear, orange, cheesecake, dry fruit, diet).

Seafood Shack (open for lunch and dinner /both with waiter service) is a casual restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating located near the Lido buffet (poolside). Seafood Shack's menu is a la carte priced (between $4-16 per item) and offers lobster (BLTs, rolls, steamed, fried), shrimp (salad, rolls, fried), crab cakes, clams, oysters. The menu also has buckets (fried clams, fried buffalo shrimps, and combos), platters (lobster/snow crab by the pound, crab cake - served with corn on the cob, garlic bread, hush puppies or fries), Fish & Chips, Soup of the Day (Lobster Bisque, Oyster Stew, Seafood Gumbo, New England Clam Chowder). The Seafood Shack restaurant is unique for offering fresh fish purchased from local markets along the cruise itineraries. Two-three times per sailing, one of the ship's chefs goes to the port's local fish market and purchases fresh fish and seafood. At Seafood Shack you can check out the cruise itinerary's current selection.

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse (open between 6-9:30 pm/menu) is a premium steakhouse-seafood restaurant at a surcharge (reservations recommended). Cover charge fee of $35 pp (adults/kids) includes 1 appetizer, 1 entree, 1 dessert and gratuity. Steakhouse's menu has starters (escargots, grilled mushroom, tuna tartare, shrimp cocktail, crab cake, lobster bisque, onion soup), salads (Caesar, spinach/mushrooms, iceberg lettuce, beefsteak tomato), sides (Baked Potatoes, Sauteed Mushrooms, Creamed Spinach, Steamed Broccoli), entrees (prime-aged beef steaks - 14oz NY strip loin, 18oz rib and 18oz ribeye, 9oz filet mignon, lamb chops, chicken, Maine lobster, fish fillet from the market /itinerary based), desserts (cheesecake, caramelized apples, chocolate sampler, fresh fruits, selections of cheeses, sherbets and ice creams). The Steakhouse also serves beverages (bar prices apply) - fresh coffee/tea, dessert wines and after-dinner drinks. The food is wheeled on a cart to your table for examination. A cooking demonstration offers an hour-long presentation from a team of chefs. The dress code is "Elegant" (jeans permitted). At the steakhouse can also be made reservations (bookings) for the "Chef's Table" (private dinner package).

Bonsai Teppanyaki (within Bonsai Sushi Restaurant) is a food bar for authentic Far East dishes and a live cooking show performance (by the chefs) at custom-built cooking stations positioned at the center of an 8-seat dining table. Due to the room's limited seating, reservations are required. Each meal at Bonsai Teppanyaki starts with a sampling of 5 appetizers (Miso Soup, Pork Belly Yakitori, Spicy Tuna on Rocks). Combo dinners are also offered. Each meal ends with the specialty desserts "Chocolate Bento Box" and "Green Tea Ice Cream". The restaurant is open for lunch (seadays only) and for dinner (every night of the voyage). Cover charge/price is per person and covers the entire meal.

Bonsai Sushi restaurant serves Japanese cuisine specialties and drinks (a la carte priced menu). The sushi bar is open for Dinner (between 5 pm - 12-midnight) and also for Lunch (12-noon - 2:30 pm /on seadays only). The menu has appetizers ($4 each /wagyu short ribs, salmon, tuna), soup/salads ($2 each /miso, mixed greens, noodle), sushi sashimi ($1,50 per piece /shrimp, tuna, salmon, amberjack), sushi rolls ($5 per roll /tuna, California-crab), sushi rolls ($7 per roll /fresh water eel, fried shrimp), bento box ($10 combo), sushi ship ($17 combo). The menu also offers Japanese drinks (Kirin beer, Nigori sake, Tyku Junmai Ginjo sake, Carafe sake /served hot), wine by the glass and desserts ($2 each /Yuzu Custard, Green Tea Cupcake). Complimentary sushi is offered in the evenings at the buffet restaurant.

Pizzeria del Capitano (complimentary, 24-hour, self-serve) is equipped with a wood-fired oven and offers fresh-baked pizzas (Margherita, Pepperoni, Napolitana, Capricciosa, Calzone), pan pizza, Caesar salad, also made-to-order pies.

Lanai BBQ (open between 12-noon - 2:30 pm /seadays only) is an outdoor bar serving the Lanai Promenade with cooked-to-order fast food. BBQ Bar's menu has grilled items (steak, pork, chicken), chicken quesadilla, sliders, BBQ tacos (choice of meat), topless burgers, Carnival Dog (hot dogs), salads, homemade chips/salsa, traditional BBQ condiments.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Themed party events held onboard include Captain's Venetian Toast (held in the Atrium and featuring cast members dressed in Venetian costumes and passengers wearing Venetian masks) and Italian Street Party (with rotating entertainment including Italian-themed performances and live music).

Teatro Rosso (Theater Lounge, lower level 1 of 2) is the ship's main show lounge for grand-style show productions featuring live performances (tribute acts - singing and dancing) combined with sound and lighting special effects. The evening shows last 30 min. The music is backed by high-definition graphics (photos and videos) projected on large-size LED screens. The evening entertainment program also offers popular family game shows (like "Love and Marriage") and guest performers (stand-up comedy acts, magicians, musicians). The ship's theater also hosts the "Playlist Productions" (live stage musical revues) and "Hasbro The Game Show" (interactive board games). The daily program includes seminars, expert lectures, multimedia presentations, workshops and classes, bingo sessions. Carnival Venezia ship offers an exclusive program with 3 production shows (at 7 pm, 8:45 pm, 10:30 pm) followed by after-show parties allowing guests to interact with the performers. Carnival Venezia's Playlist Productions' programming also includes three new shows - Broadway Beats (New York City-themed), Vintage Pop NYC's prohibition era-themed) and Epic Rock (concert).

The ship's theater lounge is designed as a multi-purpose venue, so instead of traditional stadium seating (bench-style), all chairs are individual allowing different configurations. The theater also hosts pre-scheduled daily events - port talks, Carnival shore excursions meetings, land tours-related media presentations, etc.

Hasbro Game Shows are based on the TV series "Family Game Night" (board games and EA Games). These family fun shows are giant versions of popular trademarked board games (like Connect 4, Yahtzee, Sorry! Sliders, Operation Sam Dunk, Simon Flash, Monopoly, 10-pin Bowling) in which guests can team up to win prizes (Hasbro board games).

Playlist Productions are music revues combining live performances (singing, dancing, acting) with LED staging and special effects. Among the offered live musical shows are 88 KEYS (Rock n' Roll Piano Show with singalong hits), 80s POP TO THE MAX (1980s), GETAWAY ISLAND (beach movies of the 1960s with 3D effects), HEART OF SOUL (R&B and soul), EPIC ROCK (hits from 1970s-1980s), STUDIO VIP (1970's), THE BRITS (UK singers tributes), MOTOR CITY (R&B /1960s-1970s), LATIN NIGHTS (Latin singers tributes), DIVAS (one-name female singers tributes).

Limelight Lounge (the place for the "Punchliner Comedy Club") offers live evening entertainment by vocalists, musicians, comedians, and karaoke.

Carnival Seaside Theatre is a complimentary outdoor cinema with a huge LED screen. The Cinema also has a stage (for live performances and games) and is used daily for showing funny videos, TV shows, concerts, live sporting events, and nightly for watching movies with complimentary provided popcorn.

Venezia Casino (plus Annex) is a Vegas-style gambling casino equipped with various slot machines ("Coinless Fun Slot Machines") and gaming tables (Craps, Roulette, Black Jack 21, Caribbean Stud Poker, dealer-free poker tables). The Casino also provides complimentary gambling lessons and hosts regularly gambling tournaments. Guests can pay in cash or with their S&S cards ("sign and sail" /backed by the credit card given at check-in). Travelers checks can be cashed at the Cashier's Window (casino cage). Table games are cash only. Slot machines are S&S cards only (coinless). The opening hours on seadays are - slots (9 am), select tables (10 am), all games (12-noon - 3 am), but may vary depending on itinerary port times. The Casino is closed when the ship is in port, and opens 30-60 min after the ship leaves port. On Carnival ships calling overnight on Nassau Bahamas, the Casino stays open. On Carnival ships in Half Moon Cay (the line's private island) the Casino opens at management's discretion. Smoking is allowed only on designated slot machines and gaming tables. Carnival chips are fleet-transferable and generic (logoed). MegaCash is the world's largest jackpot that can be won on a cruise ship - over USD 1 million.

Heroes Tribute is a bar lounge (age limit 21+ yo) via a partnership with Operation Homefront (a USA-based nonprofit organization that provides services and supports military families and veterans). Each souvenir glass purchase at Heroes Tribute Lounge donates US$ 1 to Operation Homefront. The venue offers comfortable seating (leather armchairs with low tables) and large TVs (for live sporting events).

Pixels Photo Gallery and Shop sells photo-video equipment and accessories, and displays and sells photos made by the ship's professional photographers.

Dreams Studio (photo sessions studio)

Art Gallery in the Atrium displays original works from renowned art dealers, available for purchasing at discount prices (allegedly cheaper than at land galleries). Gallery art auctions are complemented by sparkling wine and held daily (usually in the early afternoon) at the Atrium's Lobby.

The Fun Shops is named the ship's duty-free shopping arcade of stores (open between 8 am - 12 midnight) selling Carnival Cruise Lines logo merchandise (ship models, fun wear-apparel), Special Occasions (gifts, souvenirs, packages), name-brand boutique merchandise (luxury jewelry-watches, designer bags-hats-shoes-fashion-accessories-sunglasses, perfumes-cosmetics-beauty products), also liquor-tobaccos and conveniences. The ship's luxury boutiques sell brands like Bvlgari (jewelry, watches, fragrances, accessories, leather goods), Cartier (jewelry, leather goods, watches), i Caftani di Roby Zu (resort wear/underwear, beachwear, clothing), Marc Jacobs (bags), What Goes Around Comes Around/WGACA (leather handbags, fashion accessories), designer watches (Gucci, Longines, Bremont, Philip Stein).

Cherry on Top (open between 4 - 10:30 pm) is a Carnival signature shop selling bulk candies by the oz (mix and match, sugar-free, assortments), confections (lollipops, sweet apples, truffles, chocolate deep cheesecakes and pretzels, cupcakes, fudge, cookies /and sugar-free). Cherry on Top also sells ladies and kids apparel (bathrobes, hoodies, lounge pants, tank tops), balloons, flowers, Carnival Greeting Cards, shower/spa items. The shop also provides formalwear rentals available only for pre-cruise ordering (not on board).

Beauty Salon (facials, manicure/pedicure, hair styling-cutting-coloring, eyebrow shaping, makeup, waxing, grooming-barbering, teeth whitening, Medi-Spa)

SkyCourse is a suspended ropes course - another complimentary, outdoor high-adrenaline action attraction.

Mini Golf Course

Serenity is the ship's adults-only retreat for passengers 21+ yo. This is a forward-location outdoor area with 2 whirlpools, 2 massage huts, cabanas, Fresh Creations (chopped salad station / complimentary, made-to-order fresh salads), exclusive sundeck for relaxation, sunbathing and evening dance parties.

The adult deck is complimentary (free entry) and accessible at any time. Both whirlpools (large-size outdoor hot tubs) are cantilevered (infinity pool type, with glass walls). The salad bar, whirlpools and the waiter-served Serenity Bar are available between 8 am - 10 pm. Hours may vary depending on cruise itinerary, portdays/seadays, weather.

Serenity Deck is furnished with hammocks, premium wicker chaise lounges and clamshell chairs (plush seating, teal cushions), shaded seating areas with double loungers and plush wicker sofas, live trees for decoration. At regular bar prices, Serenity Bar's menu offers drinks and refreshments (cocktails, beer/buckets, wine, frozens, smoothies, shakes, soda).

Piazza San Marco is a 3-floor-high Atrium space (midship on decks 3-4-5) with an open-floor design and housing the Lobby (Carnival Adventures/Tour Desk and Guest Services/Reception Desk), the Atrium Bar and the stage (for street performers) on its lower level. From the Atrium's mid-level (deck 4) are directly accessed the Fun Shops and the Dreams Studio (photo studio) and Cherry-on-Top. Piazza San Marco's upper level (deck 5) provides direct access to the Fun Shops and the Beauty Salon.

Kids & Teens venues and programs

Camp Ocean is the ship's kids complex providing supervised by counselors age-appropriate activities and themed entertainment for 3 age groups - 2-5 yo (Penguins), 6-8 yo (Stingrays), 9-11 yo (Sharks). Each group has its own room and dedicated staff. Operational hours (may vary due to Carnival cruise itineraries) are - seadays (10 am - 1 pm, 2 - 5 pm, 7 - 10 pm) and portdays (port arrival time until 2 pm, and 2-10 pm).

• Youth staff is international, professional, CPR-certified. Staffing depends on the ship's current cruise itinerary and season. All children must constantly wear their muster station wristbands (available here or at Guest Services). In cases of emergency, parents must collect their kid's lifejacket from their cabin (when picking up their own).
• Camp Ocean provides supervised dinners for kids every evening (between 6-6:45 pm - time may vary due to itinerary) excepting the first evening. Kids-only dinners (chaperoned) take place in the Lido buffet restaurant. Among the menu choices are mac and cheese, pizza, burgers, hot dogs, fries, fish sticks, chicken nuggets, spaghetti and meatballs, vegetables, fruits, Jell-O.
• Carnival Cruise Lines Camp Ocean youth program is complimentary and offers over 200 marine-themed activities. The programming also includes family afternoons (when parents can play with their kids) and a family day with group activities, like face painting and family scavenger hunts (parents and kids receive cameras and search for things hidden in various places throughout the ship).

Camp Ocean PENGUINS (2-5 yo) arts-crafts, Penguin Palooza (costume making, parades), music/singalongs, aerobics, sculpturing, face painting, T-shirt decorating, bingo (candy prizes), storytime (reading), Dr Seuss, Mr Potato Head, Playstation gaming, dance parties, indoor ball games, movie nights, "Owl Jams" themed parties (10 pm - 12-midnight /fees apply).

Camp Ocean STINGRAYS (6-8 yo) PlayStation-Nintendo games, arts-crafts, Pirate Game Night, Memory Game, face painting, T-shirt decorating, sport contests, music time, bingo (prizes), Superheroes, "Fun Til' One" themed parties (10 pm - 1 am /fees apply).

Camp Ocean SHARKS (9-11 yo) PlayStation-Nintendo games, music trivia, arts-crafts, T-shirt decorating, design your own cruise ship, scavenger hunts, origami, bingo (prizes), dance parties, outdoor sports competitions, Fun At Sea themed parties (10 pm - 1 am /fees apply).

Camp Ocean NIGHT OWLS (babysitting of kids 6 months to 11 yo) is available each evening between 10 pm - 1 am (no in-cabin babysitting). The service is at fee $6,75 per kid per hour (plus 15% gratuity, no discounts). Fees are paid via the S&S card (ship account /no cash) and due upon pick-up. Any kid left past 1 am is charged double and forfeits babysitting privileges for the remainder of the cruise. The service offers slumber party activities (movies, toys, board games, video games, arts-crafts) and includes room-service snacks. Babysitting of infants (babies under 2 yo) on portdays begins 15 min before first shore excursion/tour until 12 noon (or from 1 to 5 pm on port arrivals after 12 noon) and on seadays from 8 to 10 am. Kids don't have to be potty-trained (parents provide diapers/toiletries).

Carnival's Camp Ocean-themed programming on select nights offers additional parties (surcharged $13 per kid plus 15% gratuity). These are "Owl Jams" (2-11 yo, 10 pm - 12-midnight /challenges, hide and seek, music), "Fun Til One" (6-8 yo, 10 pm - 1 am /video gaming, dancing, singing) and "Fun At Sea" (9-11 yo, 10 pm - 1 am /video gaming, sports events, pizza). Snacks and beverages are included.

For Carnival Camp Ocean participants only (kids under 5 and kids with special needs/allergies) are provided complimentary beepers, cell phones and phone chargers. At fee can be rented baby strollers (single and double) - 5-day+ itineraries ($30 full cruise) and 3-4-day itineraries ($8 per day).

Carnival Venezia ship's kids complex also has Party Reef (lounge area), Creative Cove (dedicated room for kids arts-crafts-workshops), Dr Seuss Bookville (kids library) and an Outdoor Playground.

Creative Cove is a dedicated room for kids arts-crafts and workshops. The Beary Cuddly Workshop is a build-your-own-stuffed-animal activity where kids can make and take home a stuffed toy (teddy, bear, dog, lion, koala). This workshop is for-fee (prices start from $20 depending on selected outfits/accouterments). A portion of these sales goes to St Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis TN). The "Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea" is a themed activity via an exclusive partnership with the toy company. Like at its stores on land, the Carnival's cruise ship workshop allows children to create and dress their own toy bears using a variety of materials, outfits and accessories, including toy shoes/sneakers, all kinds of suits, hats, sunglasses. Each bear also has its own voice (kids record the voices themselves).

Dr Seuss Bookville (themed library) is a family reading/play room featuring iconic decor (with brightly colored furniture), all Dr Seuss books (over 40 titles in several languages) available for reading, themed board games and activities.

Circle C (children club lounge for 12-14 yo; video games, movies, parties, planned activities, all complimentary), with the new Dr Seuss Bookville library.

Club O2 (teens only club lounge for movies, video games, karaoke, themed parties, booking teen-only cruise shore excursion)

COSTA Venezia review

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

The ship has dedicated club lounges for teens and kids, including for toddlers. The panoramic glass elevators also connect the outdoor areas. There is a glass-bottomed skywalk, huge wellness complex (Organic Spa and Fitness), Plaza (with numerous bars and shops), Atrium Lobby Lounge (Piazza San Marco), large-capacity Theater (main show lounge).

Another agreement (with the German shipbuilder Meyer Werft) was signed in July 2015 and included the construction of 4 new ships of the Excellence/Helios-Class. The contract was finalized in April 2016. Of these 4 vessels, 2 were for Costa Cruises (Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana) and the other 2 for AIDA Cruises (AIDAnova) and CCL-Carnival (Jubilee).

Managed by Costa Group, the Costa and AIDA combined fleet is Europe's largest. In 2014, one out of every two cruise ship tourists in Europe sailed on either AIDA or Costa ship. In 2015, Costa Group had 20 offices in 14 countries, around 27,000 shipyard employees and total passenger capacity of over 68,000 berths (across the combined fleet). Costa Group also is the leader of China's rapidly growing cruise market in Asia.

Besides the ship's staff and crew, Costa cruise passengers are also served by Peper robots - the latest cyborg technology implemented fleetwide in 2016. These humanoid robots greet and guide passengers upon embarkation. They also assist them throughout the cruise by providing information and tips on onboard dining, entertainment, enrichment program (workshops, pre-scheduled events), casino and shopping promotions, shore excursions and tours. Pepper robots are mobile and communicate in 3 languages (English, German, Italian). They can also interpret human emotions by analyzing voice tones and facial expressions.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Costa Venezia offers a total of 15 restaurants and 8 main bars/lounges. The food offerings consist of classic Italian dishes, fast food, traditional Asian and Chinese cuisine. Italian food includes the menu of 3-star Michelin chef Umberto Bombana in Casanova Restaurant. However, authentic Chinese cuisine is available in the main and specialty restaurants at any time.

Follows the complete list of Costa Venezia restaurants and food bars.

• The Main Restaurant (waiter-served) and the Lido deck buffet restaurant offer Chinese and Italian food from the early hours until night.
• The specialty Lu Hot Pot restaurant is where vacationers can cook their own choice of vegetables, seafood, and meat in a stockpot that is placed in the middle of the dining table.
• Another option is street food, with Dim Sum offering traditional Chinese food and the Japanese Yan Teppanyaki where chefs work at the passengers' tables.
• Casanova Restaurant is the ship's stand-out specialty restaurant. Its menu was created by Italian chef Umberto Bombana of 3-star Michelin restaurant Otto e Mezzo Bombana.
• Frutti di Mare is a seafood restaurant serving Venetian and oriental dishes.
• Lanai BBQ Restaurant and La Fiorentina Steak House both feature sea views.
• Napoli Pizza delivers classic Italian pizza anytime anywhere onboard.

Introduced in 2021, "Destination Dishes" are complimentary and available at the MDR's/main dining rooms fleetwide. They are based on individual recipes designed by a "celebrity chef trio" (Bruno Barbieri/Italian, Helene Darroze/French, Angel Leon/Spanish) and interpret the traditional food of the destinations to be visiting by the ship on the following day of the voyage.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Costa Venezia was specially designed to showcase Italian food, lifestyle, and culture, which is why the ship's atrium is modeled on the St Mark's Square in Venice and there are a couple of real gondolas onboard. The Gondola Lounge is where travelers can have a virtual reality trip through the port city in a gondola and the Grand Canal Restaurant features a "canal-side" walk to admire the Bridge of Sighs - Ponte dei Sospiri. The restaurant replicates the architecture of Venetian alleys and guests are served by waiters specially dressed as 17th-century Venetians. Costa Venezia voyages also offer a Venice Carnival party night with Italian entertainment and Venetian masks.

Every night there are shows in the theatre with a focus on Italian productions like Venezia Innamorata, which is based on the life of Venetian lover Giacomo Casanova. The Lounge delle Stelle is where guests can join Costa Venezia Film Festival, being entertained with songs from popular films and watching Venice Film Festival movies.

Despite the Italian ambiance of Costa Venetia, the vessel has been designed exclusively for Chinese passengers with much of the entertainment Chinese, including the Golden Party where there are gifts and surprises to be won every ten minutes.

Typical family entertainment is at the heart of the experience, including kids' clubs, mini-golf, Rope Garden, and Water Park Laguna for onboard fun. Chinese guests can also enjoy duty-free shopping with luxury brands like BVLGARI, Cartier, and Tiffany.

The ship also features some of the most popular Asian entertainment. 11 rooms are dedicated to karaoke, and the masquerade ball is a colorful take on the famous Carnevale in Venice. Half a dozen main lounges are available for pre-dinner cocktails, plus Bella Bar for bubble teas and fruit juices.

CARNIVAL Venezia itineraries

Carnival Venezia cruises were open for booking on November 15, 2022. The ship's inaugural itinerary program is based on homeporting in NYC (New York USA)/Manhattan Cruise Terminal, starting on June 15, 2023.

Carnival Venezia's inaugural season groups 22 unique itineraries (10 different voyage durations) visiting 25 ports/destinations in 14 countries.

The program starts with a 15-day Transatlantic crossing/Carnival Journeys voyage (RepositionCruises.com) from Barcelona to NYC (May 29-June 13, 2023). From Manhattan NYC, the ship's summer schedule includes roundtrips to Southern Caribbean (12-night), Eastern Caribbean (8-10-11-night), to Bahamas (8-9-night), to Bermuda (4-5-night), and New England USA and Canada (5-6-7-night, visiting St John NB, Halifax NS, Sydney NS, Portland ME).

Carnival Venezia's Caribbean itineraries visit Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, Grand Turk, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Thomas USVI, Dominicana (Amber Cove). All longer voyages visit CCL's private Bahamian island Half Moon Cay, Shorter/9-day voyages from NYC to Bahamas visit PortMiami Florida, Nassau, Freeport, Half Moon Cay.

In May 2023 CCL announced that in December 2024 Venezia will move from New York to Florida and homeport in Port Canaveral/Orlando City. The new deployment starts with a 12-day East Coast USA relocation voyage/Carnival Journeys from NYC to Port Canaveral (December 6-18th, 2024).

The ex-Florida itineraries (Port Canaveral roundtrips/7 days in length) that were first opened for booking were:

• "Exotic Eastern Caribbean" (Dec 22, 2024) visiting Grand Turk, San Juan Puerto Rico, St Thomas USVI
• "Exotic Eastern Caribbean" (Jan 5, 2025) visiting to Amber Cove Dominicana, San Juan Puerto Rico, St Thomas USVI
• "Exotic Western Caribbean" (departures Dec 29th, and in 2025 - Jan 26th and March 23rd) visiting Mahogany Bay/Roatan Island Honduras, Belize City, Cozumel Mexico.
• "Western Caribbean" (departures in 2025 Feb 9th and Mar 9th) visiting Nassau Bahamas, Montego Bay Jamaica, Grand Cayman Island.
• "Western Caribbean" (departures in 2025 Apr 6th and Apr 20th) visiting Nassau, Ocho Rios Jamaica, Grand Cayman Island.

COSTA Venezia itineraries

Costa Venezia's Maiden Voyage was scheduled for March 8, 2019.

• The eastbound relocation voyage (RepositionCruises.com) from Europe to China (53-day "world voyage" March 8-April 29/from Trieste to Yokohama via Suez Canal) included popular ports of call in Italy, Croatia, Greece, Israel, Suez Canal (transit), Jordan, Oman, UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China (Hong Kong), Taiwan and Japan.
• The Maiden Voyage was offered for booking in 3 different segments - 20-day (Trieste-Dubai), 18-day (Dubai-Singapore) and 17-day (Singapore-Yokohama). The inaugural cruise deals were also available for booking by European customers.

The Costa ship Venezia was originally planned for a year-round deployment exclusively in Asia, with homeporting in China (Shanghai). However, in September 2021, Costa announced that in 2022-2023-2024 Venezia will be redeployed from China to Europe-Eastern Mediterranean and homeported in Istanbul Turkey (docking at Galataport).

• Venezia's 2022 program (May 1 thru November 20) included 3x alternating Greece and Turkey itineraries (all roundtrips from Istanbul's Galataport) combinable into a 14-day B2B/back-to-back cruise itinerary that visits 8 seaports.
• (Itinerary 1) 2-day from Istanbul (overnight) visiting Izmir, Bodrum, Mykonos Island, Piraeus-Athens.
• (Itinerary 2) 2-day from Istanbul (overnight) visiting Kusadasi-Ephesus, Rhodes Island, Crete Island (Heraklion).
• (Itinerary 3) 12-day "Holy Land" from Istanbul (overnight) visiting Bodrum, Cyprus Island (Limassol), Israel (Haifa-Nazareth), Egypt (Alexandria/overnight), Kusadasi (overnight).

The ex-Turkey program also included optional fly-cruise packages with flights to Istanbul (via partnership with Turkish Airlines) from most European countries.

COSTA by CARNIVAL cruise program is targeting CCL's North American source market. The program is based on two newbuild Costa ships - Venezia (starting in 2023 with homeporting in NYC New York USA) and Firenze (starting in 2024 with homeporting in Long Beach/Los Angeles California USA). Both Costa liners are CCL-managed (while operating out of the USA) and were scheduled for drydock refurbishments prior to the Carnival service.

In September 2022 was canceled Costa Venezia's winter schedule (Dec 1, 2022, thru April 6, 2023/23x total departures) that included 11-day Holy Land voyages out of Istanbul.

For COSTA by CARNIVAL, Costa Venezia was scheduled to start ex-USA operations on April 7, 2023, from NYC New York. The other COSTA by CARNIVAL ship (Costa Firenze) was scheduled to start ex-USA operations in 2024 from Long Beach/LA California.

The vessel (Fincantieri Monfalcone yard/hull number 6271) has volume 135225 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight tonnage 12100 tons, max draught 8,6 m. The powerplant is based on 5x MAN marine diesel engines (4-stroke, common-rail injection/2x 14V48/60CR plus 3x 8L48/60CR) with combined output 62,4 MW (83680 hp). The propulsion is diesel-electric and based on two ABB Azipod thrusters with combined output 33 MW (44250 hp). The registered shipowner is CARNIVAL CORPORATION while the registered manager is CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE (both companies are Florida USA-based).

In January 2016, the shipowner Carnival Corporation signed a MoA agreement with Fincantieri to build 4 new vessels. Contracts were finalized in April 2016. Of these, 2 units were for Costa Asia (Venezia and Firenze), 1 for Princess (Enchanted) and 1 for P&O Australia (TBN-2022). With this shipbuilding order, Carnival Corporation had a total of 17 new ships on order scheduled for deliveries between 2016-2020. All four units are Fincantieri-built (at the shipyards Monfalcone and Marghera) with scheduled deliveries in 2019-2020.

The vessel's keel-laying/coin ceremony was held on November 1, 2017, at the Fincantieri Monfalcone Shipyard (near Trieste Italy).

The vessel (Monfalcone yard/hull number 6271) was launched/floated out from drydock on June 22, 2018.

Costa Venezia was officially delivered by Fincantieri Monfalcone on February 28, 2019. The delivery documents were signed by Arnold Donald (Carnival Corp's President and CEO) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri's CEO).

Costa Venezia's christening ceremony was on March 1st (2019), held in Port Trieste, as previously announced by Carnival Corporation on December 9, 2018. The special event featured an air show by Frecce Tricolori (aerobatic team of the Italian Italian Air Force / Aeronautica Militare) and a midnight firework show. The ceremony was attended by Massimiliano Fedriga (Friuli Venezia Giulia Region's President), Roberto Dipiazza (Trieste's Mayor) and the godmother Gan Beiye and her family (Costa Crociere fans since 2011).

After the naming ceremony, the liner was repositioned (via Suez Canal) to China for year-round deployment.

Costa Venezia was one of all 7 newbuilds ordered by Carnival Corporation for Costa Group (deliveries 2019-2023) and part of the company's ~EUR 6 billion investment plan. Venezia and Firenze became Costa's largest vessels homeported in China.

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

Following the scheduled drydocking, Carnival Venezia officially joined the CCL-Carnival Cruise Line's 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 unique event was attended by executives from Costa and Carnival, including Christine Duffy (CCL's President).

Besides the ship's Master Claudio Cupisti (with CCL since 1989), Carnival Venezia's other senior officers are Cesare Boldrini (Chief Engineer/with CCL since 2011) and Karl Hallberg (Hotel Director/with CCL since 2017). In April were also appointed Milena Krivokapic (as Entertainment Director/with CCL since 2018) and Marques Matthias (as Cruise Director/with CCL since 2015).

In June 2023 CCL announced that Carnival Venezia will be christened by Godfather James Douglas Muir Leno/Jay Leno (1950-born TV host and stand-up comedian). Jay Leno is best known for being the host of NBC's "The Tonight Show" in the periods 1992-2009 and 2010-2014. For 8 years (2014-2022) he hosted CNBC's TV series "Jay Leno's Garage", and since 2021 - the comedy quiz series "You Bet Your Life". The ship's naming ceremony was held on June 14th in NYC. Jay Leno entertained the guests with a special stand-up comedy show in collaboration with Carnival World Mastercard (CCL's partnership with the London-based Barclays Bank). The special event (held at the ship's Theater/Teatro Rosso) was attended by John Heald (CCL's Brand Ambassador), Christine Duffy (CCL's President), Fr. Enrique Salvo (Rector of St Patrick's Cathedral) and Captain Claudio Cupisti.

Carnival Venezia refurbishment 2023 review

Carnival Venezia was drydock refurbished at Navantia Shipyard (Cadiz) in the period between March 16th and May 28th. The refit and refurbishment project included the renovation of all staterooms and public spaces, as well as adding CCL's signature facilities, like Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Piano Bar 88, Seafood Shack, Bonsai Sushi, Guy's Burger Joint, Cloud 9 Spa, Serenity (adults-only sundeck), Carnival Waterworks (Aquapark).

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

Curiously, unlike the other CCL fleetmates, Carnival Venezia has a hull on which the traditional red stripe is in yellow, paying homage to the ship's Costa heritage, and also to match the yellow-painted funnel.

Inaugural itineraries 2023 (Carnival Venezia)

Carnival Venezia's Maiden Voyage was scheduled for May 29, 2023 (15-day Transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to NYC New York USA). The inaugural cruise was priced from US$590 per person with 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