Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

CARNIVAL FREEDOM RETURNS TO SERVICE WITH NEW LOOK – AND NEW FUNNEL

Heroes Military Tribute Bar Among Enhancements Added to Ship During Dry Dock in Cadiz, Spain

 MIAMI, Oct. 23, 2023 – Once again sporting an iconic winged funnel, Carnival Freedom marked its return to service by welcoming guests on board in Barcelona, Spain for a 14-day transatlantic voyage to its homeport of Port Canaveral, Fla. The ship underwent an extensive refurbishment that included the installation of the new funnel, the addition of the signature Carnival red, white and blue hull livery and other enhancements.

Earlier this month, the 2,980-guest ship entered its 16-day dry dock at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain. The ship’s vibrant transformation is a significant milestone for the shipyard. While the yard’s team members have worked on other projects across the fleet, this is the first time they have designed and manufactured a Carnival funnel.

Among the other enhancements is a newly installed Heroes Tribute Bar, which is an expanding venue across the Carnival fleet and honors military veterans and active-duty service members. Carnival Freedom now also features a Dreams Studio, where guests can capture memories that become keepsakes from their cruise with the help of Carnival’s photography staff. Some of the other work includes an expansion to the ship’s casino, and renovations and upgrades across the ship’s staterooms and public areas.

Carnival Freedom’s two-week-long transatlantic Carnival Journeys cruise from Spain is offering guests an unforgettable journey that includes visits to Valencia, Malaga and Las Palmas, Spain as well as Bermuda. From Port Canaveral, the ship offers four- and five-day sailings to destinations in The Bahamas, such as Nassau and Princess Cays, as well as other Caribbean destinations, including Grand Turk. Many new itineraries were recently opened for the ship, and among them are sailings that feature Carnival’s upcoming exclusive destination, Celebration Key, as a port of call beginning in 2025.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

CARNIVAL LEGEND TO HOMEPORT IN GALVESTON IN 2025 AND OFFER VARIETY OF WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISES

Carnival Legend to Build on Expanded Deployment Plan and Add More Options from Texas

MIAMI, Sept. 21, 2023 – As Carnival Cruise Line continues to roll out its 2025-26 deployment, the line announced that in the fall of 2025 Carnival Legend will join Carnival Dream, Carnival Breeze and Carnival Jubilee at the Port of Galveston and offer a variety of four- through 10-day Western Caribbean sailings.­­ Additionally, Carnival Legend will offer two Panama Canal cruises. Carnival Legend’s Galveston cruises open for sale today and can be found here.

“Carnival Legend’s deployment in Galveston strengthens our already robust portfolio of sailings from Texas, adding more variety to the offered itineraries, as well as another ship choice, and more opportunities for cruises to Mexico and other Western Caribbean that fit any vacation length,” said Fred Stein, Carnival’s vice president of revenue planning and deployment.

The following is a look at the newly scheduled Carnival Legend cruises beginning in Oct. 2025:

Western Caribbean

From the fall of 2025 into early 2026, Carnival Legend will alternate between shorter and longer cruises. Among the available itineraries is a five-day sailing that visits Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. Cozumel is one of Carnival’s most popular destinations, and it’s also the feature of eight four-day weekend getaways also opening for sale on various departure dates. Seven newly available 10-day itineraries visit exotic destinations; among the various ports of call are Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Mahogany Bay, Roatan; Belize and Cozumel, Mexico. Additionally, an eight-day Christmas sailing set for Dec. 18, 2025, will visit Mahogany Bay, Roatan; Belize and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

Carnival Journeys/Panama Canal

Ahead of its move to Galveston, Carnival Legend will sail a 16-day Carnival Journeys cruise that departs San Francisco on Oct. 6, 2025. The ship will visit Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Puntarenas, Costa Rica before transiting the Panama Canal, and then visiting Cartagena, Colombia before arriving in Galveston. A second 14-day Carnival Journeys cruise, roundtrip from Galveston, departs on Feb. 2, 2026 and visits Montego Bay, Jamaica; Aruba; Curacao; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon (Panama Canal), Panama; Limon, Costa Rica and Cozumel, Mexico. Additionally, three 10-day Panama Canal departing on Oct. 27 and Dec. 8, 2025 and March 16, 2026.

The 2,124-guest Carnival Legend is home to many of the signature venues guests know and love on board – from Guy’s Burger Joint to the BlueIguana Cantina, the RedFrog and Alchemy bars, as well as WaterWorks Aqua Park and The Punchliner Comedy Club – and offers several accommodation options, including 50 suites and more than 630 balcony staterooms.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE INVITES GUESTS TO BE THE ‘FIRST TO KNOW’ ABOUT CELEBRATION KEY™ DETAILS AND UPDATES

First Cruises to Call on New Exclusive Destination at Grand Bahama in July 2025

MIAMI, Sept. 20, 2023 – As Carnival Cruise Line prepares to unveil details about Celebration Key™, its exclusive destination that’s currently in development in The Bahamas, Carnival guests can register to be the “first-to-know” about on-sale dates and special promotions, including an exclusive offer for guests who sign up, as well as itineraries and other announcements about Celebration Key. To sign up, click here.

            “As the first cruise port destination being designed specifically for Carnival guests, we feel it’s important to invite them along for this special journey as we continue to work our way toward the opening of Celebration Key in July 2025,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

            Celebration Key will offer a uniquely Bahamian experience with an abundance of features and amenities, including a one-mile stretch of white-sand beach, shore excursions, numerous recreational and leisure facilities for both families and adults, as well as Bahamian-operated retail, food and beverage options for Carnival guests to enjoy. For the ultimate convenience and maximum enjoyment time, the adjacent cruise pier will be able to accommodate up to two of Carnival’s Excel-class ships simultaneously to allow guests to walk off the ship and arrive at Celebration Key.

Soon, Carnival plans to announce the initial ships in the fleet that will be among the first to visit Celebration Key and open for sale the first itineraries with scheduled visits to the exclusive destination. 

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE INTRODUCES NEW VEGAN DINING ROOM MENU

Chefs Create More New Food Options for Guests as Fleetwide Menu Additions Continue

MIAMI, Sept. 18, 2023 – Building on a fleetwide initiative to add even more options for guests in its dining rooms, Carnival Cruise Line is introducing new vegan menus, that have just been added on board Carnival Freedom in Port Canaveral, Fla. and Carnival Horizon at PortMiami. Going forward, the new vegan menus will be implemented fleetwide in a phased approach through the end of year.

            At each meal in the ships’ dining rooms, the new vegan menus will offer a selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts that are entirely vegan. Carnival chefs created recipes for each menu item to be prepared without the use of animal products, and the proteins included are made from meat substitutes.

            “Plant-based food options are a rising preference on our ships just as they are on land, and so the new dishes we’re introducing are a direct response to that shift,” said Richard Morse, senior vice president of food and beverage at Carnival Cruise Line. “Our skilled chefs work to accommodate all dietary needs and preferences but building on our vegan offerings and emphasizing them with specific menus will help to make ordering easier in the dining room and preparation more efficient in the galley.”

            Options guests will find featured on the new vegan menus include:

Appetizers

Hawaiian Salmon Poke

• Hawaiian Salmon Poke – a refreshing starter that combines plant-based salmon, edamame, mango and cucumber.

• Stuffed Mushrooms – four fried mushrooms, stuffed with delicious plant-based cheeses and spinach.

• Spaghetti Carbonara – a flavorful pasta with vegan bacon, onion and garlic, this dish can be ordered as a starter or entrée.

Entrees

Eggplant Cutlet

• Grilled Tofu Steak – a savory tofu steak covered in honey barbecue sauce, accompanied by a Hasselback potato and mixed vegetables.

• Baked Vegetable Au Gratin – a medley of mixed vegetables, combined with vol-au-vent and sprinkled with melted plant-based cheeses.

• Eggplant Cutlet a la Parmigiana – a tasty entrée, covered in savory vegan mozzarella, topped with pesto and basil leaves.

Desserts

Cappuccino Pot de Créme

• Key Lime Velvet Cake – a fruity spin on the classic key lime pie, this cake combines flavors of citrus with raspberry and strawberry.

• Dutch Double Chocolate Pave – with alternating layers of cake and buttercream frosting, this dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream.

• Cappuccino Pot de Créme – a treat with coffee flavors, surrounding cinnamon crème chantilly.

The new vegan-specific menus will be introduced throughout the fall. The new offerings were already piloted on Carnival Magic. Carnival Dream will be the next ship to implement the menus and by the end of this month, guests will be able to order from the menus on Carnival Valor, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Panorama and Mardi Gras. Next, the new vegan menus will become available on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Glory, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Vista, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Elation by the end of October. Carnival Paradise and Carnival Spirit will introduce the menus by the end of November and Carnival Legend, Carnival Venezia and the new Carnival Jubilee follow before the end of December.

Carnival also continues to add dozens of other new dishes to its regular dining room menus fleetwide. Altogether, the new dishes are part of Carnival’s ongoing effort to bring more variety to its dining room offerings, which includes dishes curated by Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse in conjunction with Carnival chefs.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE OPENS MORE SAILINGS IN 2025 WITH ITINERARIES

New Options Now Available Aboard Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa,

As Carnival Journeys Program Continues to Expand

SEATTLE, Aug. 24, 2023 – It’s never too early to plan for an incredible Alaskan adventure, and today, Carnival Cruise Line is unveiling more of its 2025-26 deployment by opening sailings to Alaska from Seattle on two ships: Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa. Several Carnival Journeys cruises aboard the two ships are also opening for sale, including a transatlantic sailing from Barcelona, Spain to Miami and a 29-day transpacific voyage from Brisbane, Australia to Seattle that features several stops in Japan.

“The wildlife, well-preserved natural wonder, the incredible experiences on shore and the welcoming locals are just some of the reasons why Alaska cruises are so popular with guests, and also why they tend to book quickly,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “These two ships will also build on our popular Carnival Journeys program, making more truly bucket-list destinations available on opposite sides of the world – with Carnival Luminosa’s amazing 29-day transpacific voyage visiting Japan and Carnival Spirit’s two cruises ahead of Alaska season, which will take the ship from Barcelona to Miami and then from Miami to San Francisco.”

The following is a sampling of the new offerings available beginning in April 2025:

Carnival Luminosa

• Alaska Sailings

Seven-day Alaska sailings departing every Thursday on Carnival Luminosa begin on May 1, 2025 and continue through Sept. 11, 2025. After departing Seattle, the ship cruises Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia.

• Carnival Journeys

Ahead of its Alaska season, Carnival Luminosa will depart Brisbane, Australia on April 3, 2025 on a 29-day transpacific sailing to Seattle, with several unique visits in between. The spectacular destinations guests will visit include Okinawa, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Hakodate and Kushiro in Japan, as well as Anchorage, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska. To see all sailings available aboard Carnival Luminosa, click here.

Carnival Spirit

• Alaska Sailings

The Alaska season on board Carnival Spirit offers 21 week-long sailings that depart Seattle and cruise Tracy Arm Fjord and stop in ports Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. The sailings begin April 14, 2025 and continue through the summer, with the final departure on Sept. 9, 2025. The ship will also sail an eight-day cruise departing May 5, 2025 that adds Icy Strait Point as a port of call.

• Carnival Journeys

Ahead of its Alaska season, Carnival Spirit will offer two Carnival Journeys cruises. The first is a 14-day transatlantic cruise that departs March 16, 2025 from Barcelona and arrives in Miami, with visits in Malaga and Cadiz, Spain, as well Ponta Delgada, Azores and Bermuda. The second is a 15-day Journeys cruise from Miami to Seattle, departing March 30, 2025, transiting the Panama Canal and visiting Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Carnival Spirit will conclude the Alaska season with a 10-day roundtrip Carnival Journeys Alaska cruise that departs Seattle on Sept. 16, 2025 and visits seven destinations, including Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia.

Following her Alaska season, Carnival Spirit will set sail on a unique 15-day roundtrip Carnival Journeys cruise to Hawaii from Seattle. Departing Sept. 26, 2025 and visiting Honolulu, Oahu; Kahului, Maui; Nawiliwili, Kauai; and Hilo in Hawaii, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. The ship will also sail from Seattle to New Orleans, on a 16-day Panama Canal cruise that departs Oct. 11, 2025. The itinerary includes visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Puntarenas, Costa Rica, then transits the Panama Canal and stops in Cartagena, Colombia as well. To see all sailings available aboard Carnival Spirit, click here.

The new Carnival Journeys cruises build on an already expanding program, in response to travelers’ increased interest in longer vacations and more adventurous experiences. The Carnival Journeys program of longer cruise itineraries offers guests more opportunities to see the world, from ocean crossings and Panama Canal transits, to special sailings that feature spectacular destinations in the Caribbean, Greenland, Hawaii, New Zealand, Japan, Tahiti, Southeast Asia and Alaska. Since the program launched in 2015, more than 330,000 Carnival guests have sailed on a Carnival Journeys cruise. That number is growing significantly as the program now offers more variety than ever before – with more than 85 upcoming and available cruises sailing more than 230,000 guests from now through 2025.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES DUO WHO WILL LEAD TEXAS-SIZED FUN ABOARD ALL-NEW CARNIVAL JUBILEE

Carnival Names Kyndall “Fire” Magyar New Ship’s Cruise Director

and Matthew Boyd to Serve as Entertainment Director

MIAMI, Aug. 23, 2023 – As excitement builds around the arrival of Carnival Cruise Line’s next new ship, Carnival Jubilee, the cruise line today announced Matthew Boyd will serve as Entertainment Director and Kyndall “Fire” Magyar as Cruise Director for the ship’s inaugural season. Together, the two will lead the teams that deliver all the fun guests will find aboard the new ship when it begins sailing on Dec. 23, 2023 from its homeport of Galveston, Tex.

            “Watching their dedication come to life on board Carnival Jubilee’s sister ships, I know Kyndall and Matthew are perfectly suited to deliver Texas-sized fun that maximizes the capabilities of this spectacular new ship and upholds our high standards for entertainment,” said Chris Nelson, vice president of entertainment.

            Both Magyar and Boyd are accomplished leaders who bring a combined 20 years of Carnival experience to the teams they will lead.

Magyar is a Texas native who has been working on Carnival ships since 2016. She most recently served as cruise director aboard Mardi Gras. She was also part of the inaugural team for Carnival Horizon and served as the cruise director of Carnival Vista when the ship returned to service in 2021. She is elated to be part of the inaugural Carnival Jubilee family and bring her home to Texas.

Boyd was recently named Carnival’s 2023 Entertainment Director of the year. He has been part of the Carnival family since 2010 and has served as an entertainment director aboard several ships since 2018. He most recently led the entertainment team aboard Carnival Celebration. He is honored to be the inaugural Entertainment Director of Carnival Jubilee and excited to present guests with all the new entertainment offerings being developed for the new ship.

Carnival Jubilee joins her sisters Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras as the third ship in the fleet powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system. Carnival Jubilee will debut unique and immersive ocean-themed experiences in two new zones, Currents and The Shores. Carnival Jubilee will be home to other features already popular on board her sister ships, like BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster and a transformational three-deck atrium that offers expansive views during the day and doubles as an entertainment venue at night with movable LED screens and theatrical lighting.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE BEGINS OPENING 2025-26 DEPLOYMENT WITH NEW SAILINGS FROM GALVESTON

New Options Now Available into 2026 Aboard Carnival Dream, Carnival Breeze and All-New Carnival Jubilee

GALVESTON, Tex., Aug. 17, 2023 – In the spirit of planning ahead, Carnival Cruise Line begins opening its 2025-26 deployment with new sailings from Galveston available for booking today. Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, and the newest ship in the fleet, which is set to debut later this year, Carnival Jubilee are now available for sale with sailings through April 2026.

            “Galveston is one of our most popular homeports, and the addition of Carnival Jubilee brings not only an all-new cruise experience and increased capacity – it also gives us the opportunity to freshen our offerings for the other popular ships homeported there, Carnival Dream and Carnival Breeze,” said Fred Stein, Carnival’s vice president of revenue planning and deployment. “Building on our strong portfolio of options out of Texas will give our guests in that region great new options as they look ahead and plan for their future vacations.”

            The new sailings feature a wide range of itineraries of four-, five-, six-, seven- and eight-day sailings. The following is a sampling of what each ship will offer beginning in May 2025:

Carnival Jubilee

            Week-long sailings aboard Carnival’s next new ship, Carnival Jubilee, are now open and feature itineraries that visit the three popular Western Caribbean of Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. These destinations offer guests the opportunity to experience sun-drenched beaches and turquoise blue water surrounded by lush vegetation and exotic wildlife. Shore excursions in this region, from touring the ancient city of Tulum near Cozumel to snorkeling in Costa Maya, offer something for everyone.

To see all sailings available aboard Carnival Jubilee, click here. 

Carnival Dream

New sailings open for Carnival Dream include six- and eight-day itineraries, Six-day cruises visit Western Caribbean destinations, including Belize; Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. Eight-day cruises bring guests to Eastern Caribbean destinations and include a visit to Key West and three stops in The Bahamas: Nassau, Freeport and Half Moon Cay.

To see all sailings available aboard Carnival Dream, click here.

Carnival Breeze

An array of four- and five-day cruise options are now available aboard Carnival Breeze, which will bring guests from Galveston to Mexico. On all its sailings, the ship will visit Cozumel, which is one of Carnival’s most popular destinations. Five-day itineraries add Progreso as a second port of call.

To see all sailings available aboard Carnival Breeze, click here.

Additional 2025-26 itineraries from other Carnival homeports will be announced in the coming weeks.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

GETTING READY TO THRILL: CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE’S NEXT ROLLER COASTER AT SEA

More Than 150,000 Carnival Guests Have Experienced BOLT

MIAMI, Aug. 16, 2023 – In celebration of National Roller Coaster Day, Carnival Cruise Line is preparing to welcome its third BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster as it takes shape atop its next new ship Carnival Jubilee. This week, at Meyer Werft in Germany where the ship is under construction, the roller coaster’s 800-foot track is being installed on Deck 19. The installation is expected to be complete next month and test runs are scheduled for October. Once complete, the track will carry two all-electric, two-person cars. The riders control the speed of the car, up to 40 miles per hour, through drops, twists and turns 187 feet above the water line.

BOLT is the centerpiece of the fun-filled Ultimate Playground on Carnival’s three Excel-class ships, and its already proven extremely popular on the first two. More than 150,000 guests have experienced the exhilaration of riding the only roller coasters at sea on Carnival Jubilee’s  sister ships Mardi Grasand Carnival Celebration.

BOLT is manufactured by Maurer Rides in Munich, Germany and its initial iteration became the first roller coaster at sea in 2021 with the debut of Mardi Gras. It has received rave reviews and several accolades, including an engineering award from Popular Science magazine.

Beginning Dec. 23, 2023, Carnival Jubilee will operate year-round from Galveston, Tex., sailing week-long Western Caribbean voyages and visiting popular destinations such as Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE INVITES TRAVEL ADVISORS TO ‘YOUR WINNING PLAN’ GRAND FINALE EVENT IN HOUSTON

Carnival Welcoming Daymond John as Featured Speaker for Sept. 27 Event

MIAMI, AUGUST 14, 2023 – Registration is now open for Carnival Cruise Line’s Your Winning Plan series finale, where several outstanding travel advisors are competing to be named the grand prize winner when celebrated entrepreneur Daymond John, star of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” helps to conclude the series in Houston, Tex. on Sept. 27. Registration for both in-person attendance and the online livestream are available by clicking here. 

            The grand finale event will culminate a competition between semi-finalists chosen from six in-person events across six different cities – San Jose, Calif., Detroit, Mich., Las Vegas, Nev., Nashville, Tenn., Denver, Colo., Richmond, Va., and one virtual event. The summer series gave hundreds of travel advisors across the country opportunities for learning, development and business growth. Carnival invited the advisors to submit business plans and compete for cash to use toward implementing them, with semi-finalists receiving $2,500. More than 1,000 plans were submitted during the series and a semi-finalist from each event will now compete for a $5,000 grand prize.

            Carnival expects to host thousands of travel advisors in Houston at the grand finale event. Christine Duffy, Carnival’s president, will join John during the event to discuss tips for entrepreneurial success and John will also name the grand prize winner.
            The virtual event, which took place on Aug. 5, is available for replay online, so that advisors who could not attend an event may still access the helpful business information shared during the series. To watch the virtual event, visit GoCCL.com. 

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE FURTHER SALUTES MILITARY GUESTS WITH NEW MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY

Members of the Military to be Honored with Special Pin, Cruise Giveaway Each Month

MIAMI, July 20, 2023 – Building on its standing as the cruise line that carries the most military service members, Carnival Cruise Line has expanded its Military Appreciation Gathering into a full Military Appreciation Day, on all sailings in North America.

            Beginning the week of July 24, Carnival’s Military Appreciation Day will be held on each ship. Guests will see special messaging presented on the Carnival Seaside Theater screen and will also hear announcements from the Cruise Director and Captain. On sailings of four days and more, a large United States Flag will be displayed in the ship’s atrium throughout Military Appreciation Day.

            “At Carnival, where we’re proudly known as America’s Cruise Line, we’re intent on honoring our military heroes and expanding our Military Appreciation Gathering into a full day is a wonderful tribute to the sacrifices our Armed Services personnel and their families have made,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Carnival already carries more active and retired military service members than any other cruise line, and we are proud that our new Military Appreciation Day will serve as an incredible salute to military service members and their families.”

            Every Carnival cruise currently features a Military Appreciation Gathering and those tribute events will remain an integral part of Military Appreciation Day with several enhancements. Now, guests can learn more about Carnival partner Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building strong, stable and secure military families. Carnival will soon make it easier for guests to donate to Operation Homefront, with a quick swipe of their Sail & Sign card. Guests may also purchase group photos from the gathering at a discounted rate, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Operation Homefront. All members of the military attending the gathering will receive a special pin, and the longest-serving veteran will receive a special hero coin.      

            Each month, Carnival will give away a free cruise to one member of the military and a guest of their choice. Guests can enter the raffle by simply swiping their Sail & Sign card at the Military Appreciation Gathering.

            On all Carnival sailings, guests in the military also have the opportunity to attend a Veterans Meet and Greet. On Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance and Carnival Pride, the event will be held in the Heroes Tribute Lounge – a venue on several Carnival ships that salutes members of the military. These sailings will also include the Veteran’s Table – a reserved table in the dining room for veterans during Tea Time.

            Carnival is also introducing a new beer, the Heroes American Pale Ale. The pale ale is created from Veterans Blend Hops, which combines citrus and tropical flavors. The Heroes American Pale Ale will be made exclusively on board Carnival ships with breweries, which include Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Vista. For each pale ale purchased, Carnival will donate a dollar to Operation Homefront. Carnival will continue its current practice of donating one dollar to the nonprofit when guests purchase a Heroes Tribute Lounge pint glass.

            Carnival is proud to recognize military service, holding a Military Appreciation Gathering on every cruise since 2016, and honoring veterans in unique ways throughout the year, including exclusive savings and special discounts for members of the military. In 2023, Carnival will hold a total of 1,510 military gatherings on ships across the fleet (excluding Australia and ships sailing in Europe).

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE BEGINS FLEETWIDE ROLLOUT OF NEW DINING ROOM OFFERINGS

Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse Curates Dozens of New Dinner Menu Items Created by Carnival Chefs

MIAMI – July 17, 2023 – Following a successful pilot on Carnival Dream, Carnival Cruise Line is rolling out new dinner menus for its dining rooms in a phased approach across the fleet beginning with Carnival Conquest today. The new menus bring more variety to its dining room offerings with dozens of new dishes curated by Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse in conjunction with Carnival chefs. Among the many new menu items are Emeril Selects, which are personally recommended by the renowned chef and restauranteur.
“Food is an ever-evolving art, so our approach to the dining room offerings is to infuse a selection of new dishes, feature more international flavors and complement the Carnival classics our guests love,” said Lagasse. “Working with our skilled team of Carnival chefs, we recently tested and selected more than 60 new dishes to mix into the dining room rotation. I’m pleased that these dishes were very well received by our guests on Carnival Dream, so we are very excited to roll them out to the Carnival fleet.”
Guests embarking Carnival Conquest in Miami today will be the next to experience the enhanced offerings, followed by Carnival Horizon and, next month, four more ships, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Vista, Carnival Radiance and Mardi Gras, will implement the changes as well. Each month, the new menu items will be introduced aboard several ships based in Carnival's U.S. homeports into early 2024. Carnival's Australia-based ships will implement the new menu items later next year.
            A sampling of items guests will find on the newly enhanced menus is summarized below. In addition, dining room menus will include a periodic rotation of offerings from Carnival’s well regarded specialty restaurants.

Palate-Pleasing Additions Bring New Flavors Aboard

• Hawaiian Shrimp Poke – a flavorful starter that combines avocado, edamame, rice, creamy spicy sauce, togarashi chili and wakame.

• Roasted Duck Rolls – a delicious appetizer made with rice paper and scallions and served with sweet garlic sauce.

• Pappardelle with Braised Lamb – an Italian-inspired first course featuring tomato cream sauce, garlic and parsley.

• Grilled Swordfish – a tasty seafood entrée that’s served with smashed fingerling potatoes, fava beans and cherry tomato salad in a citrus saffron sauce.

• Cornish Game Hen – an elegant entrée served with roasted root vegetable and pan gravy.

• Salad Entrees –the Ultimate Cobb Salad, the Asian Chopped Salad with Chicken, and the Beefsteak Salad.

• Desserts – the Dutch Double Chocolate Pave, a rich chocolate cake, along with a refreshing Banana Cream Pie.

‘Emeril Selects’ Elevates Dining Experience

• Crab and Shrimp Cake – this seafood appetizer is served over charred corn and apple slaw and remoulade sauce.

• Beef Carpaccio – mascarpone-truffle cream flavors this Italian-inspired appetizer.

• Coffee Glazed Roast Duck – Creole potato wedges accompany this delectable duck entrée.

• BBQ Salmon – house-made Worcestershire sauce flavors this entrée that’s served with an Andouille potato hash and topped with fried onion rings.

Carnival Classics Continue to Flavor the Fun

• Escargots Bourguignonne – this popular appetizer features shallots, garlic and parsley Pernod butter.

• Stuffed Mushrooms – spinach, Romano cheese and truffle herb velouté complete this tasty appetizer.

• 12-Hour Braised Short Ribs – this mainstay entrée is served with green beans, chive mashed potato and a truffle au jus.

• Classic Beef Wellington – A delicious beef fillet is wrapped in puff pastry and served with sweet and sour Brussels mushroom Madeira sauce.

• Chocolate Melting Cake – This rich and warm chocolate dessert is one of Carnival’s most popular dishes of all-time and the perfect complement to a scoop of ice cream.

• Bitter & Blanc – another guest-favorite, this bread pudding dessert is made all the tastier and more flavorful with a cinnamon dulce sauce.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

Ciao Bella! Carnival Venezia Offers 'Fun Italian Style' Shopping Experience and Fleet's First Luxury Boutiques

Carnival Cruise Line Partners with Starboard Cruise Services to Deliver Italian-Inspired Retail Offerings and Exclusive Carnival Venezia Collections

MIAMI, June 8, 2023 – Carnival Cruise Line has once again partnered with Starboard Cruise Services to create and launch all-new retail offerings on Carnival Venezia, the newest addition to its fleet, which include an expanded offering of luxury brands and original collections, many making their first appearance to Carnival guests.

Carnival and Starboard, an LVMH Moët Hennessy company and retail curator at sea, worked together to create an elevated shopping experience that enhances the new “Carnival Fun Italian Style” concept for guests sailing on the ship, which begins cruising from its New York City homeport on June 15.

Find New Level of Luxury Aboard Carnival Venezia

• Luxury Boutiques and Brands: Taking inspiration from Italy’s timeless elegance, world-famous shopping and high fashion brands, Carnival Venezia boutiques will feature iconic brands, including:

• Bvlgari, renowned for its sophisticated watches, exquisite fragrances and refined accessories will be among the featured brands.

• The Cartier boutique showcases its signature fragrances, and timeless watch collection and Swiss watchmaker TAG HEUER has a dedicated shop of its high-quality legacy timepieces.

• Guests can embrace “Carnival Fun Italian Style” by discovering the vibrant prints designed by ICaftani and shopping handmade jewelry that combines the centenary tradition of Murano glass and modern design from Lionve.

• Signature vacation scents from Versace, Tom Ford, Love Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana are available, along with classic sunglass designs from Gucci and Fendi.

• Leather Shop: Carnival Venezia’s upscale offerings continue with a dedicated luxury leather shop with unique items from Marc Jacobs’ fashion forward designed accessories and handbags, along with and Emporio Armani’s handbags that embody precise Italian craftsmanship.

• Front Street Watches: At this shop, guests can indulge in classic timepieces from Bremont, Gucci, Longines, Michele and Philip Stein.

• What Goes Around Comes Around: Celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship with a curated selection of the world’s most sought-after pre-loved designer leather handbags and accessories.

Shop Three Distinct and Exclusive ‘Fun Italian Style’ Collections

• Venezia Masquerade Accessories: Capturing the magic of Italy’s Masquerade balls and designed for onboard activations, the collection includes feather boas, fans, hats, t-shirts and home decor.

• Carnival Venezia Racing Stripes Collection: Inspired by the country’s symbolic mode of transport, the Italian scooter, guests can shop apparel, hats, drinkware and luggage tags donning the iconic symbol. 

• Carnival Venezia Inaugural Collection: Infusing bold colors from the Italian flag throughout the collection, the unisex windbreakers, polos, t-shirts, drinkware, totes, and hats are designed to make guests feel stylish at sea.

“We are thrilled to bring the essence of Italy to life with fresh offerings under the newly unveiled ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style’ banner,” said Lisa Bauer, Starboard’s president and CEO. “The vibrant brand assortment aligns perfectly with the Carnival Venezia experience and reflects the fun atmosphere guests expect.”

The new retail offerings compliment the new ‘Fun Italian Style’ experiences across the ship, which celebrates Venice, Italy. It accommodates more than 5,000 guests and will offer 10 different cruise durations and 22 unique itineraries featuring visits to 25 ports across 14 countries.

To see sailings currently open for sale on Carnival Venezia, click here.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

ACCLAIMED LATE NIGHT TALK SHOW HOST AND COMEDIAN JAY LENO NAMED AS ‘GODFATHER’ TO CARNIVAL VENEZIA

For the First Time, Carnival Cruise Line Names a Godfather

MIAMI – June 2, 2023 – Carnival Cruise Line today announced that acclaimed late night talk show host and comedian Jay Leno will serve as its first ever godfather to one of its ships, Carnival Venezia™, at a celebratory event on June 14, 2023 when the ship is blessed and enters service from New York City. The ship is the first to incorporate “Carnival Fun Italian Style” that adds Carnival’s signature fun to the beautiful Italian theming of the vessel. In addition to serving as the Godfather, Leno will perform a special comedy show exclusively for Carnival’s event guests, in partnership with Carnival® World Mastercard®.

            “Carnival Venezia originally entered service for our Italian sister brand Costa Cruises and was christened in 2019, so she already has a godmother. With Carnival Venezia joining the fleet and sailing from New York, we wanted to ensure a proper welcome for the ship and decided having a godfather would be both fun and appropriate,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. “And when we thought of someone who would make a FUN godfather with Italian heritage, we knew Jay Leno would be the perfect godfather! And he’s already a member of the Carnival family – he entertained guests a few years ago as part of our Carnival LIVE entertainment series.”

            “I am truly honored to be named the godfather of Carnival Venezia. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse,” said Leno. “Carnival’s focus on FUN combined with the Italian theming of this ship is something that is truly unique. I’m also excited to have my very own cruise ship, although I think I’ll need a bigger garage!”

A native of New Rochelle, NY, Leno is the grandson of immigrants from Flumeri, Campania, Italy. He began his entertainment career in stand-up comedy, which led to the nearly two-decades-long role he is best known for as host of The Tonight Show, from which he retired in 2014.  During most of his tenure, Leno’s The Tonight Show was the top-ranked talk show on late night, and he earned the reputation as being “the hardest working man in show business.”  

Leno currently produces and is host of the CNBC primetime series Jay Leno’s Garage that is now in its seventh season and explores the world of cars, never forgetting that it’s the people behind the wheel who provide the real stories.  The series debuted in October 2015 and delivered CNBC’s most-watched first season in network history.  He remains in demand as a stand-up performer, corporate speaker and the host of the game show reboot, You Bet Your Life.

          Carnival Venezia celebrates Venice, Italy, and has many spaces on board that are reminiscent of her namesake. When guests enter the ship, they arrive in the Venice-inspired atrium Piazza San Marco, the onboard flavor and flair continues at restaurants like the elegant Marco Polo and Canal Grande Restaurants, along with the new Italian specialty restaurant, “Il Viaggio.” Carnival Playlist Productions shows entertain guests at the Teatro Rosso theater that is reminiscent of Italian opera houses.

Guests will also find many Carnival mainstays they know and love on board, including Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Burger Joint, the steakhouse Fahrenheit 555, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki and the Chef’s Table, along with Lido Marketplace, Seafood Shack and Pizzeria del Capitano, Piano Bar 88 and Heroes Tribute Lounge.

          Carnival Venezia is set to arrive to her new home in New York City and begin sailing from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on June 15, 2023. The ship accommodates more than 5,000 guests and will offer 10 different cruise durations and 22 unique itineraries featuring visits to 25 ports across 14 countries.

            Carnival Venezia’s celebratory event will be livestreamed. To register for the livestream, click here.

To see sailings currently open for sale on Carnival Venezia, click here.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

CARNIVAL PRIDE BEGINS EUROPE SEASON FROM BARCELONA AS GUESTS GET FIRST LOOK AT EXTENSIVE ENHANCEMENTS INSIDE AND OUT

Ship Visited by Carnival President Christine Duffy and Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse

BARCELONA, May 28, 2023 – Carnival Pride is embarking today on her first sailing of the Europe summer season, sporting the signature Carnival red, white and blue hull design for the first time, after undergoing extensive enhancements that include bow-to-stern upgrades to enhance accessibility on the ship for guests with disabilities.

            Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy and Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse visited the ship in Barcelona, before she set sail.

“I’m so proud of our team. They have done amazing work refreshing and enhancing Carnival Pride just in time for her Europe sailings,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We welcome everyone on Carnival ships, so we are happy we’ve completed the work to make the ship accessible to those with disabilities. I’m also delighted to see the addition of the Heroes Tribute bar since it has been popular with our guests and has resonated well with military service members and their families.”

The 2,680-guest Carnival Pride has been undergoing enhancements since April 28 and returned to service with several additional Carnival offerings and other improvements, including: a new Heroes Tribute Bar, Chef’s Table, Dreams Studio, and Carnival Adventures Shop. In addition, the ship’s steakhouse has been refreshed and re-named Fahrenheit 555, the casino expanded and the spa rebranded to the Cloud 9 Spa and Fitness Center.

            The first guests sailing Carnival Pride from Barcelona are embarking on an incredible 12-day sailing, with ports of call including Lisbon, Portugal; Le Havre (Paris), France; and Zeebrugge (Brussels), Belgium.

Carnival Pride will sail a series of European cruises through Oct. 28, 2023, which include various itineraries with departures from Dover, UK; Barcelona, Spain; and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. The ship concludes its European season with a 15-day transatlantic voyage back to the U.S. that departs Oct. 28, 2023, and ends Nov. 12, 2023 in Tampa, Fla. For a list of all European sailings on board Carnival Pride, click here. Next year, the European season will be expanded, with 17 cruises operated by Carnival Legend. The ship will sail of eight-, nine-, 10- and 12-day sailings in 2024. To see all of next year’s European sailings, click here.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

FOR INTERNATIONAL BURGER DAY, CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE SERVES UP GUEST FAVORITES AT GUY’S BURGER JOINT BY-THE-NUMBERS

Carnival to Serve Estimated 10.5 Million Burgers This Year

Carnival Cruise Line ships will serve up nearly 30,000 tasty burgers – which is about the daily average fleetwide at Guy’s Burger Joint – this International Burger Day on May 28. In celebration of burgers beloved worldwide, the cruise line is revealing which of its menu items guests order most.
Guy’s Burger Joint, a Carnival mainstay created by longtime partner, celebrity chef and restaurateur Guy Fieri, will serve an estimated 10.5 million burgers this year. Here’s how the popular options stack up:

5.) Pig Patty: 577,000 orders – This burger has many traditional toppings, including lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle, but it also features Super Melty Cheese and a patty made out of crispy bacon.

4.) Chilius Maximus: 640,000 orders – A tasty beef burger patty is made even tastier by topping it with a heaping helping of delicious chili.

3.) The Ringer: 2.3 million orders – The Ringer is topped with Super Melty Cheese plus Guy’s Bourbon and Brown Sugar BBQ sauce, and a crispy and spicy onion ring.

2.) Straight Up: 3.2 million orders – This burger is a classic and the choice of about 30 percent of the orders at Guy’s Burger Joint. It’s topped off with Super Melty Cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and a liberal slathering of Donkey Sauce.

1.)  Plain Jane: 3.7 million orders – It’s clear, most guests want to choose how to top off their burgers themselves. This 80/20 ground chuck is seasoned, smashed on the grill, and served up to be finished however guests like it at the toppings station, which is featured at every Guy’s Burger Joint fleetwide. The Plain Jane makes up more than a third of all burger orders.

Guy’s Burger Joint launched in 2011 and is featured on all of Carnival’s 25 ships serving up the best burgers at sea. Select Carnival ships also feature Guy’s Pig & Anchor offering smoked-on-board barbecue favorites and sides, as well as Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse serving craft beer brewed on board. Earlier this year, Fieri – along with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar – expanded his offerings aboard Carnival ships by introducing Guy and Sammy’s premium Santo Tequilas.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE RENOVATES ST. ANN’S BAY REGIONAL HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC LEARNING CENTRE

Carnival Crew Members Volunteer and Donate Needed Items in Honor of Jamaica’s Labour Day

ST. ANN, JAMAICA, May 23, 2023 – Carnival Cruise Line renovated the Pediatric Ward Learning Centre of St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital in St. Ann, Jamaica, dedicating volunteer time and donating needed items as part of the hospital’s Labour Day Volunteer Project. A group of 20 Carnival Horizon crew members spent the day cleaning up, painting and making repairs in the Learning Centre. They also read to children being treated in the Pediatric Ward, helping brighten the day for those young patients.

“We are proud to have been bringing visitors to Jamaica for more than 50 years, and care deeply about the health and well-being of the community,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “It was our pleasure to make enhancements to St. Ann’s Learning Centre and we hope it will make a lasting difference for all the children treated there.”

Built in 1929, St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital serves a population of approximately 360,000 in the parishes of Portland, St. Mary and St. Ann. The Learning Centre offers children staying in the pediatric ward the opportunity to read and participate in other educational activities, providing respite from their treatment and continuing their learning while they’re away from school.

 “We are so grateful for Carnival’s participation in our Labour Day Volunteer Project,” said Dennis Morgan, CEO of St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital. “Carnival’s improvements will ensure that we can continue to provide critical educational and psychological support for our young patients while they recover at a newly-renovated Learning Centre.”

To amplify its involvement in the Learning Centre Volunteer Project, Carnival partnered with American Friends of Jamaica, the cruise line’s foundation partner for charitable initiatives in Jamaica. Longtime nature adventure tour operator Chukka Caribbean Adventures also assisted, donating supplies and providing on-the-ground support for the project.

“It was our pleasure to partner with Carnival Cruise Line and American Friends of Jamaica to give back to the communities that we work within,” said Marc Melville, CEO of Chukka Adventures. “We thoroughly enjoyed working with the team at St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital on their pediatric ward. The children are our future, and any initiative that contributes to the enhancement of their quality of life is undoubtedly worth it.”

“When businesses unite to help communities, it is a win-win for everyone,” said Wendy Hart, president of American Friends of Jamaica. “We thank Carnival and Chukka for their participation in this Labour Day Volunteer Project, investing their time and resources to help improve the lives of Jamaicans.”

Carnival visits three ports in Jamaica: Falmouth, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios. The cruise line will make about 100 calls to Jamaica and will bring more than 300,000 guests to the island in 2023

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

Galveston Cruise Terminal Getting $53 Million Makeover for Carnival Jubilee Arrival

Galveston, TX (May 19, 2023) – The Galveston Wharves is investing $53 million in a major expansion at Cruise Terminal 25 to accommodate Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Jubilee, a new cruise ship arriving in December.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the beautiful new Carnival Jubilee to our improved cruise terminal,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO. “We’re proud to have Carnival Cruise Line, our long-time cruise partner, choose Galveston as the home port for its newest ship.”

With a capacity of 6,500 guests, Carnival Jubilee is larger than the Carnival ships currently sailing from the terminal. Construction plans include improvements to accommodate the ship, move guests efficiently during debarkation and embarkation, and update the two-decades-old terminal, Rees said.

Carnival Jubilee features six unique activity zones and specialty restaurants featuring chefs Emeril Lagasse, Shaquille O’Neil, Guy Fieri, and Rudy Sodamin. Beginning in December, Carnival Jubilee will sail from Galveston with seven-day itineraries to Western Caribbean destinations. (Renderings courtesy Carnival Cruise Line)

Construction plans include gangway modifications, a ramp, two elevators and an escalator, as well as a new roof. The new gangways are being built in Spain. Rees added that cruise operations will continue during the project. 

The port also will make mandated improvements to facilities used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which provides essential safety and security services at the terminal.   

Investing in the Future

Rees said that these improvements are a long-term investment in the port’s future growth, more jobs and a stronger regional economy. As the fourth most popular cruise port in the U.S. and the only home port in Texas, the port generates two-thirds of its revenues from its cruise business. Rees added that the port reinvests net operational revenues in capital projects to grow its business.

In 2022, the port’s cruise activity generated 3,500 jobs, $568 million in local business revenue and $73.5 million in local purchases by passengers and crew. The port is on track to set new records in 2023 as the result of more people cruising, new and larger ships sailing from Galveston, and the opening of a third cruise terminal in late 2022.

The port will fund the cruise terminal expansion with cash reserves, a proposed bond issue and an agreement with Carnival

“Carnival was the first major cruise line to homeport in Galveston more than 20 years ago. They believed in us then and believe in Galveston’s growing prominence as a top cruise port today,” Rees said.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

CARNIVAL DREAM ASSISTS IN OCEAN RESCUE OF 17 PEOPLE NEAR BELIZE

Carnival Ship Helps Group After Boat Capsizes

Carnival Dream’s crew helped rescue 17 people stranded in the Belize Channel Wednesday, after the group’s boat capsized. Carnival Dream was heading for Cozumel, Mexico, when the ship’s officers spotted the capsized boat and the group in distress.

Carnival Dream Captain Francesco Fiorentino’s officers and crew immediately alerted the Belize Coast Guard, lowered one of its shipboard tenders into the water in conjunction with local Belize tenders, and helped to safely recovered all 17 people.

Each member of the group rescued was in good condition before a transfer with the Belize Coast Guard was coordinated.

Carnival Dream resumed its voyage, continuing on to Cozumel as scheduled. The ship departed Galveston, Tex. May 14 for a six-day sailing, and will return May 20.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ADDS SEASON OF ‘FUN ITALIAN STYLE’ IN PORT CANAVERAL
WITH NEW CARNIVAL VENEZIA SAILINGS OPEN FOR LATE 2024

Carnival Venezia to Reposition from New York to Florida for “Snowbird” Winter Series

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla., May 16, 2023 – As Carnival Cruise Line prepares to debut its new ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style’ experiences on its latest addition to the fleet, Carnival Venezia, the cruise line is opening future sailings for the ship that include a series of departures from Port Canaveral, Fla. as the ship heads south for winter of 2024-25 like millions of other Northeasterners, before returning to New York in the spring of 2025.

            “The sailings we’re opening today will allow us to share this new signature fun with more guests and bring another truly dynamic offering to one of our most popular homeports,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Carnival Venezia’s seasonal operation in Port Canaveral will bring our deployment there to five vessels and give our valued Carnival guests another great option when sailing from Central Florida.”

Carnival Venezia will reposition from New York with a 12-Day Southern Caribbean Carnival Journeys Cruise that departs on Dec. 6, 2024 and visits St. Thomas; St. Croix; Aruba; Curacao and Grand Turk and arrives to Port Canaveral on Dec. 18, 2024. The ship will embark its first guests from Port Canaveral on the same day and depart for a four-day Bahamas cruise, visiting Nassau and Freeport, to kick off its winter series. It will then operate 15 seven-day cruises, rotating itineraries and visiting a variety of popular destinations, as well as sailing two special 14-day Carnival Journeys cruises. After its seasonal deployment in Florida, the ship will return to New York in the spring of 2025.

To see Carnival’s wide range of sailing options offered from Port Canaveral, click here.

The following itineraries are examples of the sailings now open for sale on Carnival Venezia from Port Canaveral:

• Week-Long Sailings from Port Canaveral Seven-Day Exotic Eastern Caribbean Cruise departs Dec. 22, 2024 and visits Grand Turk; San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas. Similar cruise itineraries are also available on five additional departure dates between February and April in 2025.

• Seven-Day Exotic Eastern Caribbean Cruise departs Jan. 5, 2025 and April 27, 2025 and visits Amber Cove; San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas.

• Seven-Day Exotic Western Caribbean Cruise departs Dec. 29, 2024 as well as Jan. 26, 2025 and March 23, 2025 and visits Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; Belize and Cozumel, Mexico.

• Seven-Day Western Caribbean Cruise departs Feb. 9, 2025 and March 9, 2025 and visits Nassau, Bahamas; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. 

• Seven-Day Western Caribbean Cruise departs April 6, 2025 and April 20, 2025 and visits Nassau, Bahamas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. 

Special Carnival Journeys Cruises from Port Canaveral

• 14-Day Southern Caribbean Cruise departs Jan. 12, 2025 and visits St. Thomas; Antigua; Dominica; Grenada; Barbados; St. Maarten; St. Kitts and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

• 14-Day Southern Caribbean Cruise departs Feb. 23, 2025 and visits Grand Turk; Aruba; Curacao; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Limon, Costa Rica and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

The 5,000-guest Carnival Venezia will soon embark its first guests on a 15-day Carnival Journeys transatlantic sailing May 29, 2023 from Barcelona and arrive to her new home at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City. The ship’s first cruise from New York, a four-day cruise to Bermuda, is set for June 15, 2023. From its New York homeport through December 2024, the ship will operate 10 different cruise durations and 22 unique itineraries featuring visits to 25 ports across 14 countries.

Carnival Venezia is currently undergoing an enhancement project in Spain and will be the first ship to showcase ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style.’ It will debut a slate of fun concepts and experiences influenced by the ship’s Italian design, since it was originally built under Carnival’s sister brand, Costa Cruises, and boasts beautiful architectural features inspired by Venice, Italy that make the ship a unique addition to the Carnival fleet. Guests will find the same warm hospitality on Carnival Venezia that Carnival is known for fleetwide.

Guests will also find many Carnival mainstays they know and love on board, including Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Burger Joint, the steakhouse Fahrenheit 555, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki and the Chef’s Table, along with Lido Marketplace, Seafood Shack and Pizzeria del Capitano, Piano Bar 88 and Heroes Tribute Lounge. In addition, the ship will bring several new dining and beverage offerings into the fleet, including the new specialty restaurant, “Il Viaggio,” which promises a culinary journey with a menu curated to offer guests the best regional dishes and drinks from several regions of Italy. Guests can also expect the high-energy entertainment they know and love fleetwide on board Carnival Venezia, with several Playlist Production shows set to take the stage and special programming developed for children and families.

To see all sailings currently open for sale on Carnival Venezia, click here.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE BEGINS NORFOLK’S BIGGEST-EVER CRUISE SEASON

Carnival Magic to Embark 100,000 Guests Through October

Carnival Cruise Line is beginning its longest deployment yet in Norfolk, Va. today, with Carnival Magic sailing its first cruise of an extended season that is expected to bring the highest volume of cruise guests to the city in its history.

Carnival Magic is set to welcome 100,000 guests embarking through Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise Center this season. The ship will operate a series of 26 cruises, ranging in length from four- to 10-days, through Oct. 27, 2023. 

"It's wonderful to be back in Norfolk, our home for this extended season over the next five months," said Carnival Magic Captain Bruno Palomba." All of our Carnival Magic team members are looking forward to welcoming guests on board and ensuring they have a great vacation.”

Throughout the season, Carnival Magic will visit popular ports in The Bahamas, such as Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Freeport and Bimini, as well as Bermuda and Caribbean destinations, such as San Juan; Amber Cove; and Grand Turk. Today’s cruise is a seven-day itinerary visiting Nassau, Bimini and Freeport in The Bahamas.

The ship accommodates up to 4,724 guests and features a wide variety of stateroom accommodations, a multitude of dining options, Carnival’s signature entertainment, the Cloud 9 spa, water slides and the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. To see current sailings available on Carnival Magic from Norfolk through the fall, click here.

To see all available sailings from Norfolk through 2025, click here.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---