Carnival
Cruise Line has announced that actor Jonathan Bennett has been named godfather
of the cruise line’s next ship, Carnival Firenze.
Inspired by the city of Florence, Italy, Firenze is the
second Carnival
ship to sail with the Carnival Fun Italian Style theme and will be
homeported in Bennett’s backyard of Long Beach, California. Carnival Firenze, which opened bookings a year ago, will be christened on April 24, 2024, and embark on its first sailing on April
25.
"Jonathan is a true brand ambassador for Carnival. He
cruises with us, honeymooned with us and tells his friends and family to
vacation with Carnival. He is friendly and welcoming to everyone and embodies
the Carnival style of fun. After he sailed on the first voyage of Carnival
Firenze's sister ship Carnival Venezia last May, he told me it would be his
dream to be the godfather of one of our ships, so how could I turn down such a
request for such a terrific friend to Carnival," said Carnival President
Christine Duffy.
Actor Jonathan Bennett, Godfather of Carnival Firenze. (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
She added, "While he's not Italian, he is proof
positive that anyone can have Italian Style fun when you sail on our
Italian-themed ships, and we are thrilled to have him help us welcome our
newest addition to the Carnival fleet."
Following his first professional acting role on the soap
opera "All My Children," Bennett appeared in a number of television
series before his breakout role as Aaron Samuels in the hit movie "Mean
Girls." He has gone on to star in multiple feature films, Hallmark Channel
movies and hosted programs for the Food Network. He's also the host for the New
York Times Square New Year's Eve celebration where Carnival has sponsored the
ball drop for the past three years. He is currently completing his first
Broadway appearance in the hit revival of the musical, "Spamalot."
"This is an amazing honor and I'm so proud to know that
I'll always be a part of the Carnival Firenze family," said Bennett.
"When I told Christine that I'd love to be a Carnival cruise ship
godfather, I never thought she'd take my request seriously. I have so much
respect for the Carnival team and how they're dedicated to taking care of their
guests, the ocean and each other."
Bennett added, “When I say Carnival is a great company and a
great way to vacation, I mean it! I'm so excited to not only be the ship's
godfather but to also get to cruise on Carnival Firenze as a guest now that
Carnival fun Italian style is coming to the West Coast."
Bennett will join Duffy at the Carnival Firenze naming
celebration on Wednesday, April 24 in Long Beach. The ceremony will also be live-streamed on Carnival's
Facebook page.
Carnival Fun Italian Style combines Italian theming with
Carnival's signature fun. Built in 2020, Carnival Firenze can accommodate more
than 5,000 guests and will sail year-round from Long Beach, offering three- to
seven-day Baja Mexico and Mexican Riviera cruises.
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