Carnival Cruise Line has welcomed its first guests to experience “Carnival Fun Italian Style” aboard the cruise line’s latest addition to the fleet, Carnival Venezia, as the ship began sailing in Europe on its way to New York City. The ship departed Barcelona, Spain on a two-week transatlantic Carnival Journeys sailing on May 29 and will arrive to its new homeport at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on June 13.

Carnival President Christine Duffy greeted the first guests embarking from Barcelona’s cruise terminal onto the ship Monday. Duffy is joining the guests and Carnival’s friendly crew for the first part of the sailing.

“Following an extensive enhancement, Carnival Venezia really looks and feels like part of the Carnival family – with Italian theming and unique flair that I know our guests will appreciate,” said Duffy. “I’m looking forward to experiencing some of the ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style’ elements with our first guests and I can’t wait to welcome the ship for her debut in New York.”

Carnival Venezia is the first ship to debut “Carnival Fun Italian Style.” Distinct entertainment programming, such as a special Captain’s Venetian Toast and an Italian street party on Lido were created to enhance guests’ experience with the ship’s immersive Italian theming. Carnival Venezia also introduces several new dining and beverage offerings, including the specialty restaurant, “Il Viaggio,” which promises a culinary voyage of the best regional dishes and drinks from several regions of Italy.

Along with the new concepts, the ship also features several Carnival mainstays that guests know and love, including Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Burger Joint, the steakhouse Fahrenheit 555, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki and the Chef’s Table, along with Piano Bar 88 and Heroes Tribute Lounge. Much of the ship’s original interior design serves as an architectural homage to the city of Venice, Italy, which inspired the new concepts and programming.

The ship’s first cruise from New York, a four-day cruise to Bermuda, is set for June 15, 2023. From its New York homeport, the ship will operate 10 different cruise durations and 22 unique itineraries featuring visits to 25 ports across 14 countries. In the winter of 2024, Carnival Venezia will reposition from New York with a 12-Day Southern Caribbean Carnival Journeys Cruise arrive to Port Canaveral on Dec. 18, 2024 to begin a season deployment in Florida. After a series of departures from Port Canaveral, visiting popular destinations across the Caribbean and the Bahamas, the ship will return to New York in the spring of 2025. To see all sailings currently open for sale on Carnival Venezia, click here.