Carnival Cruise Line Christens New Ship Carnival Celebration

After the ship landed in Miami last week, Carnival Cruise Line gave its new helm the name Carnival Celebration.

The Baxters and Blue Bloods actress Cassidy Gifford christened the ship on Sunday night by slamming a champagne bottle against the hull.

Gifford was accompanied by her mother Kathie Lee Gifford, who was the godmother of the 1987-christened MS Celebration, which bears the name Carnival Celebration.

The second Excel-class ship, which can accommodate up to 5,200 guests, will depart from PortMiami all year round on Caribbean voyages.

More than 20 food establishments, pubs, and lounges are spread throughout six distinct zones at Carnival Celebration.

The Miami-themed area of the ship, 820 Biscayne, is named after the location of Carnival’s first corporate headquarters and was created “as a tribute to Miami’s cultural mood and its culinary and beverage offerings.”

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said: “This naming ceremony of our new flagship Carnival Celebration is the perfect culmination of our 50^th birthday as this spectacular ship honours our past and signifies the fun and growth ahead.

“Carnival Celebration builds on the success of our incredible Mardi Gras and the many innovations we introduced with our Excel-class, including a top-deck rollercoaster, and offers unique features all her own that give guests a truly incredible new cruise experience to have fun and make memories.”

Emeril’s Bistro 1397, located in Carnival Celebration’s The Gateway area, is the second restaurant that American chef Emeril Lagasse has opened at sea.