Carnival Celebration has arrived at the Ocean Cruise Terminal in Southampton, UK, for a first-look event.
The ship’s arrival marked Carnival’s first time bringing a new ship to the UK in 20 years.
To welcome the ship, Carnival hosted local officials, travel partners, and members of the media for a day of fun with guided tours and lunch.
Southampton port officials and Celebration’s senior officers participated in a traditional plaque and key ceremony.
Carnival President Christine Duffy hosted a “Let’s Celebrate” event in the cruise terminal that included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting welcoming the first guests on board.
Earlier this week, the line took delivery of Carnival Celebration at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, before Captain Vincenzo Alcaras, Hotel Director Pierre Camilleri, Chief Engineer Fabian Gervaise and the ship’s 1,800 team members helped bring her to the UK destination.
Carnival President, Christine Duffy, said: “I can’t tell you how exciting this day has been, finally giving our UK travel partners the opportunity to see our new Excel-class ship.
“Carnival Celebration is the ultimate 50th Birthday gift and is a key part of a very unique and exciting period of growth for us.
“It’s been a wonderful 50 years, and we kicked off the next 50 with a bang today! Next up – Miami!”
Carnival Celebration will depart on her 14-day transatlantic sailing to Miami for her official naming ceremony with Godmother Cassidy Gifford.
Carnival Celebration features six unique zones, including the new Miami-themed 820 Biscayne, travel-inspired The Gateway, and stunning Celebration Central, as well as the BOLT roller coaster.
The vessel is the second ship in the Carnival fleet to be powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system.
Including Carnival Celebration, Carnival is adding five beautiful new ships to its fleet over the next two years in an “exciting period of growth unlike any other in Carnival’s 50-year history”.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line, visit www.carnival.com.
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