Today was a historic day for Carnival Cruise Line as its highly anticipated new Excel-class ship, Carnival Celebration, arrived at the Ocean Cruise Terminal in Southampton for a first-look event. This marks the first time in 20 years that Carnival has brought a new ship to the UK.
To welcome the ship with open arms, Carnival hosted local officials, travel partners, and members of the media for a day of festivities, including guided tours and lunch. The port officials and the Celebration’s senior officers participated in a traditional plaque and key ceremony as well.
Carnival President Christine Duffy kicked off the celebration with the “Let’s Celebrate” event in the cruise terminal, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony welcoming the first guests on board. Earlier in the week, the ship was delivered to the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland before making its way to Southampton with the help of Captain Vincenzo Alcaras, Hotel Director Pierre Camilleri, Chief Engineer Fabian Gervaise, and the ship’s 1,800 team members.
“I am thrilled to finally give our UK travel partners the opportunity to see our new Excel-class ship,” said Christine. “Carnival Celebration is the ultimate 50th birthday gift and a key part of our exciting period of growth. We kicked off the next 50 years with a bang today, and next up, Miami!”
Later in the day, Carnival Celebration will depart on its 14-day transatlantic sailing to Miami where the line will host its official naming ceremony with Godmother Cassidy Gifford, daughter of longtime Carnival friend Kathie Lee Gifford. The ship features six unique zones, including Miami-themed 820 Biscayne, travel-inspired The Gateway, stunning Celebration Central, and the BOLT roller coaster. It is also the second ship in the Carnival fleet to be powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system.
Including Carnival Celebration, Carnival is adding five new ships to its fleet over the next two years as part of its exciting period of growth. Today, Carnival Luminosa will begin guest operations in Brisbane, Australia, and next year, the third Excel-class ship Carnival Jubilee will debut from Galveston. Carnival will also introduce the “Carnival Fun Italian Style” concept with Carnival Venezia joining next spring from New York City and Carnival Firenze in 2024 from Long Beach.