Carnival Cruise Line christened Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, Fla. on 23OCT, at a “Universe of Fun” celebration, the first ship naming ceremony held in the U.S. since the cruise industry’s restart in summer 2021.
Miss Universe, Dominican Republic, Kimberly Jimenez served as the ship’s Godmother and officially named the ship and was joined by Miss Universe, Andrea Meza and Miss USA, Asya Branch who sang the national anthem. The event featured a “World of Nations” flag procession to highlight the diversity of Carnival crew members, as well as a Mardi Gras parade with a Second Line Band.
Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal attended the festivities and cut the ribbon of his first Big Chicken restaurant at sea that debuted on Mardi Gras when the ship began cruise operations on 31JUL.
“Today’s naming ceremony of our flagship Mardi Gras, the first in the industry since our restart of operations, signifies excitement and optimism as we look to bring our entire fleet back into guest service by spring 2022,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “This ship has been amazing guests during her pre-inaugural season and the celebration today with our Chief Fun Officer Shaq, our Godmother Kimberly, and so many special guests, was extremely gratifying and emotional.”
Following remarks by Duffy and Carnival Corporation President and CEO Arnold Donald, Carnival friends and partners Romero Britto, Emeril Lagasse, Kathie Lee Gifford, Vanna White and Guy Fieri provided their congratulations on the ship’s naming and helped bring the champagne bottle to the ship.
Godmother Jimenez blessed the ship in both English and Spanish then activated the traditional champagne bottle break to officially name the ship. In a celebration, a special Mardi Gras parade with Duffy, Donald and O’Neal leading it, capped off the festivities.
Mardi Gras is powered by eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The 180,000-ton ship features six distinct themed zones with a variety of food, beverage and entertainment options, including dining venues from Lagasse, Fieri, O’Neal and Rudi Sodamin.
Mardi Gras sails weekly from Port Canaveral on alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.
For more information on Carnival Cruises, visit its web site.
