In a time-honored maritime tradition, a ceremony was held aboard Carnival Magic at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, during which a commemorative coin was welded to the ship's mast to mark a significant construction milestone.
The ceremony - which dates back to the ancient Romans who believed that attaching coins to a ship provided divine protection - signifies the successful completion of Carnival Magic's exterior outfitting. With just eight months until the ship's maiden voyage on May 1st, work continues on Carnival Magic's interiors and on-board innovations.
"With the completion of the coin ceremony, Carnival Magic is right on schedule and we can't wait for our guests to experience this fantastic ship," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival's president and CEO. "Carnival Magic captures the essence of a 'Fun Ship' vacation with innovative on-board spaces, delicious new dining options and fun and engaging activities to provide guests a lifetime of magical memories."
Carnival Magic's eventual year-round homeport will be Galveston, Texas, so the ceremony had a strong Texas presence with Carnival represented by Texas-based Business Development Director Shannon McElroy, Mike Julius, the company's managing director of U.S. sales, and Roberto Fazi, project manager for Carnival's corporate shipbuilding division. Fincantieri was represented by Shipyard Director Carlo de Marco while Laura Buttignon, a 35-year Fincantieri veteran whose father also was employed by the shipbuilder, served as madrina, or godmother, at the ceremony.
Carnival Magic is slated to debut in Europe with a series of 7 to 12 day Mediterranean cruises operating May 1 - Oct. 16, 2011. Following a 16 day trans-Atlantic crossing, Carnival Magic will launch 7 day Caribbean service from Galveston, Texas, Nov. 14, 2011, becoming the port's largest year-round cruise ship.
