Carnival Firenze, previously of sister line Costa Cruises, has officially joined the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, bringing the total number of ships to 27. When they arrived in Cadiz, Spain, crew members from both cruise companies gathered on the ship’s bridge to finalise the transfer.

Over the next two months, Carnival’s team will oversee a renovation process that will bring many of the popular elements Carnival passengers know and love on board, with a touch of Italy.

“The beauty of Florence, Italy, is about to meet the fun of Carnival Cruise Line! “We are elated to welcome Carnival Firenze to the Carnival fleet, joining her sister Carnival Venezia to showcase ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style,’” said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival Firenze will begin its year-round sailing from Long Beach, California, on April 25, 2024. Carnival Firenze offers an assortment of sailing choices, including three- and four-day sailings to Mexico and Catalina Island, as well as five-, six-, and seven-day cruises to the Mexican Rivera, which include Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.

When guests board the Carnival Firenze, they will be immersed in both indoor and outdoor Italian architecture. The ship’s atrium is modelled on Florence’s stunning main public square, Piazza del Duomo, while the Italian Riviera inspires the Lido deck.

The ship will feature many of the popular food and beverage venues on Carnival Venezia, such as La Strada Grill, which serves classic Italian street food; Tomodoro, a Mexican fusion restaurant; and Il Viaggio, Carnival’s newest speciality Italian restaurant that showcases distinct culinary regions of Italy.

Bars Amari and Frizzante will provide a range of Italian specialities, with Amari serving creative cocktails, authentic  Italian coffee, and biscotti, and Frizzante serving bubbly beverages. Guests will also enjoy Festa Italiana, a deck celebration where Little Italy meets Lido, the Captain’s Venetian Toast, and Italian-themed youth programmes for children and teenagers.

Guests will also discover many of the same activities and experiences as on previous Carnival ships, including the Heroes Tribute Lounge, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Java Blue Café, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, and Carnival WaterWorks.

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