Cruise & Cruise Line

Carnival Venezia Debuts in New York City

Image: President Christine Duffy and Jay Leno welcome the Carnival Venezia. (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Image: President Christine Duffy and Jay Leno welcome the Carnival Venezia. (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Lacey Pfalz
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 3:10 PM ET, Thu June 15, 2023

Carnival Cruise Line’s first-ever “Carnival Fun Italian Style” concept ship, the Carnival Venezia, debuted in New York City on June 15, setting sail on its first itinerary.

On Wednesday, June 14, the Carnival Venezia sailed into New York City and was greeted with a special welcome event. Father Enrique Salvo of St. Patrick’s Cathedral blessed the ship. Jay Leno, the ship’s godfather, performed a comedy show for Carnival’s event guests.

Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Venezia

The atrium inside the Carnival Venezia. (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)

"By highlighting his own Italian heritage, Jay is helping us celebrate the Italian theming guests will experience when they cruise on this beautiful ship," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "We've heard great reviews from guests who sailed on the ship’s transatlantic crossing, and now I am so happy to welcome our first guests joining us from New York to enjoy what’s in store for them.”

Christine Duffy, Captain Claudio Cupisti and some of the first guests onboard the ship cut a ceremonial ribbon on Thursday morning in front of the ship prior to embarkation.  

Carnival Venezia’s first itinerary will travel on a 4-day sailing to Bermuda. During the summer, the ship will sail 4- to 8-night itineraries across the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England. On September 29, it will begin 8- to 12-day cruises to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, as well as The Bahamas. 

The Carnival Venezia offers several key differences to other Carnival-branded ships. Its “Carnival Fun Italian Style” offerings include new dining concepts, luxury boutiques and Italian-style decor in public spaces.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Associate Editor

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at [email protected].

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...