To celebrate the U.S. arrival of its newest and largest ship, Carnival Cruise Line held an overnight gala event this week in New York.
The event also included the ship’s official naming ceremony with Miss USA Deshauna Barber presiding over the ceremonies as godmother, and releasing the ceremonial bottle of champagne that smashed over the hull of the 133,500-ton ship. In addition to the concert, there was overnight accommodation, meals, and entertainment for hundreds of military families.
The festivities represent the culmination of “Honour, Family, Fun”, Carnival’s year-long celebration to support Operation Homefront and help the organisation fulfil its mission of building strong, stable, and secure military families.
“Carnival Cruise Line carries more active and retired military personnel and I couldn’t think of a better way to introduce this spectacular vessel than by honouring and celebrating the sacrifices of our Armed Forces personnel,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Deshauna is the ideal candidate to serve as Carnival Vista’s godmother, embodying the spirit of commitment and sacrifice of those who protect our freedom every day.”
“We’re thrilled Carnival Cruise Line has honoured those that do so much for the freedoms we enjoy daily – our service members and their families – with a truly memorable day onboard their newest ship,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., president and CEO of Operation Homefront.
As the line’s newest ship, Carnival Vista introduced a number of groundbreaking innovations including the first brewery on a North American-based cruise ship, the first IMAX Theatre at sea, the most elaborate water park in the fleet highlighted by the 455-foot-long Kaleid-o-slide, a groundbreaking bike-ride-in-the-sky aerial attraction called SkyRide, and the new Family Harbor with specially designed staterooms for families, a family concierge and more.
Carnival Vista will operate a pair of 11-day sailings from New York before launching year-round six- and eight-day Caribbean service from Miami beginning 27 November.
Edited by Aaron Gallagher
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