Carnival Cruise Line has announced details on its second highly anticipated Costa by Carnival ship, Carnival Venezia, joining the Carnival fleet in mid-2023. From Italian favorites to popular Fun Ship features, the reimagined ship will bring the best of the “Carnival Fun Italian Style” experience to guests.
Costa Venezia Features Revealed
In a live virtual preview, Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy and Glenn Aprile, the cruise line’s Director of New Build Product Development, teamed up to showcase the amazing fun waiting aboard Carnival Venezia.
From unique spaces and Italian architecture to classic Carnival fun, the pair showed off just how amazing the new ship will be, and highlighted how refurbishments will best serve guests for a phenomenal experience.
“Carnival Fun Italian Style is a new take on our recipe for creating memorable Carnival cruises, but certainly, fun will still be at the heart of everything we do on board,” said Duffy.
“Guests will feel right at home on Carnival Venezia, with our friendly team members and many familiar venues and experiences on board, but the addition of several creative new concepts from dining and beverage to entertainment will surely offer some new favorites and further enhance the ship’s Italian theming.”
Italian Touches Remaining
Among the Italian enhancements and unique features, guests will see are the stunning architecture, modeled after Venice’s main public square, Piazza San Marco. Furthermore, the ship’s main theater, Teatro Rosso, has stylish tufted red velvet seats and the luxe feel of a European theater.
Carnival Venezia’s outdoor spaces also feature Italian touches and some first-in-fleet features, with a Lido deck modeled after the Italian Riviera that boasts a retractable roof for comfortable use in colder months.
The beloved gondola, a highlight of the ship’s aft dining room that is “floating” on a glass canal under a cloud-studded sky, will also be remaining, and is a very popular photo spot.
Other Italian-inspired features aboard Carnival Venezia include gelato at the Java Blue Cafe, new Italian twists at Guy’s Burger Joint, such as a pepperoni pizza burger, Italian street food at La Strada Grill, craft cocktails with Italian liqueurs at the Amari bar, and authentic Italian coffees and biscotti at Frizzante.
Carnival Venezia will also feature a brand new Italian specialty restaurant, though further details on its inspiration and menu offerings have not yet been revealed.
Much of the ship’s décor will also retain its Italian and Mediterranean flair of colors, artwork, and flowing spaces that invite guests to relax and enjoy “Carnival Fun Italian Style.”
New Stateroom Concept
One of the most distinctive features of Carnival Venezia will be a completely new class of stateroom not found on any other Carnival cruise ship. The Terrazza staterooms are similar to the Havana staterooms found on select vessels, and come in a range of categories from interior to balcony staterooms.
Of special interest are the Terrazza Cabanas, which feature private patios complete with plush loungers, a hammock, and direct lanai access to Terrazza Carnevale, an outdoor terraced deck featuring two whirlpools, a bar, and tranquil lounging space with breathtaking views.
Terrazza Carnevale is for the exclusive use of guests staying in the ship’s 77 Terrazza staterooms, which also come with other perks such as branded robes and towels, special brunch events, and an exclusive sail-away party with live music.
Carnival Brand Enhancements
Because the ship, formerly Costa Venezia, is being rebranded as a Carnival Cruise Line vessel, it is only fitting that some upgrades and features familiar to Carnival guests be added onboard.
Guests will find the ever-popular Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Chef’s Table exclusive dining experience, Pizzeria del Capitano, Heroes Tribute Lounge, and other favorites onboard, as well as many great activities and production shows familiar across the fleet.
Camp Ocean and Club O2 will be available for younger guests, and the high energy SportSquare will have not only pickleball and basketball, but also Italian favorites such as bocce ball and foosball.
Both Carnival and Italian fun will blend together in other ways aboard the ship, such as in spaghetti and gelato eating contests, gondola races for young cruisers, and many other features sure to be announced in the coming months.
Of practical importance, guests should also note that because Carnival Venezia is being refit for the North American market, the ship is being outfitted with American-style power outlets as well as USB ports in guest staterooms, and mini-bars will also be in each stateroom.
Sailing Carnival Venezia
The new-to-Carnival ship is scheduled to be homeported year-round from the Manhattan Terminal in New York City, with her inaugural sailing from the Big Apple departing on June 15, 2023.
The Vista-class Carnival Venezia will offer 22 unique sailing itineraries ranging from 4-15 nights, visiting a variety of popular ports of call in The Bahamas, Canada, New England, and the Caribbean. She will be able to welcome approximately 4,200 guests, with over 1,200 international team members providing signature Fun Ship service.
