News & Updates
Port Canaveral Welcomes 16th Homeported Ship
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Venezia recently arrived at Port Canaveral, becoming the record-breaking 16th ship to home port at the world’s second busiest cruise port. Carnival Venezia is the fifth ship in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet at Port Canaveral joining Carnival’s Mardi Gras, Carnival Vista, Carnival Glory, and Carnival Freedom to offer a broad spectrum of ship choices, itinerary options, and cruise durations from the Central Florida region.
“Our new fiscal year is taking off in grand style with the arrival of Carnival Venezia, which represents the 16th cruise ship to home port at Port Canaveral – the most in our history,” said Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray. “We’ve had a long and successful partnership with Carnival Cruise Line for nearly 35 years. We’re very proud of our collective growth and thrilled to play a role in their continuing success with Carnival Venezia added to our incredible lineup of homeported ships.”
To commemorate the arrival of Carnival Venezia, officials from Port Canaveral, including CEO Capt. John Murray joined Carnival Venezia Staff Captain Alessandro Poderoso in a traditional maritime plaque exchange on board.
Carnival Venezia will offer 7- and 14-day sailings from Port Canaveral that visit tropical destinations throughout the Eastern and Western Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico and Central and South America.
“Our Venice-themed ship adds another truly dynamic offering, with a fresh Italian twist on our signature Carnival fun plus the same friendly service our guests love, and further enriches the variety of convenient options available to our loyal guests cruising from Orlando,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “By expanding our offerings from Port Canaveral, we continue to strengthen our successful partnership, which we look forward to celebrating as we approach 35 years of service from the port next year.”
The 4,200-passenger Carnival Venezia was built in 2019 and underwent a multi-million-dollar refurbishment in 2023 that added elements of the line’s “Carnival Fun Italian Style” concepts and experiences influenced by the ship’s Italian design and beautiful architectural features inspired by its namesake city of Venice.
In addition to signature spaces like Guy’s Burger Joint, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki, The Chef’s Table, Lido Marketplace, Seafood Shack and Pizzeria del Capitano, Piano Bar 88 and Heroes Tribute Lounge, Carnival Venezia introduces several new dining and beverage offerings into the fleet, including the new specialty restaurant, “Il Viaggio,” featuring a custom-curated menu offering the best regional dishes and drinks from regions across Italy.