Carnival Firenze Docks in Long Beach CA Before Debut Cruise

Carnival Cruise Line's latest addition, the Carnival Firenze, has recently docked in Long Beach, California, marking the end of its month-long journey from Spain. The voyage, which commenced in 2021, included scenic routes around South America with technical stops in the Canary Islands, Argentina, and Chile.

After undergoing a transformation from a Costa vessel to a Carnival cruise ship at the Navantia shipyard, the Carnival Firenze is poised for its inaugural cruise. On April 25, 2024, the vessel will embark from Long Beach on its maiden voyage, offering a series of three- to seven-night cruises that explore the Mexican Riviera, California, and Baja Mexico.

The ship’s itinerary features stops at various ports including Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, and Catalina Island. For its first outing, the Firenze will set sail on a seven-night cruise to the Mexican Riviera, which includes three full days at sea and visits to Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas.

Originally part of the Costa Cruises fleet, the Carnival Firenze is now integrated into Carnival Cruise Line's new "Carnival Fun Italian Style" concept. This new offering blends the cruise line’s traditional services and experiences with an Italian ambiance.

Reflecting the elegance of its namesake city, Florence, the ship features 4,232 guest accommodations and themed public areas. One of the main dining rooms is dedicated to Michelangelo, celebrating the renowned Renaissance artist born in Florence.

The ship also boasts several of Carnival Cruise Line’s signature venues adapted with an Italian twist, such as an Italian-themed Guy’s Burger Joint, a European-style Limelight Lounge, and the Hero’s Tribute Bar.

Distinctively, the Carnival Firenze and its sister ship, Carnival Venezia, display a unique livery that merges Costa's traditional funnel design with Carnival’s new hull styling. In homage to its origins, the iconic red stripe on the hull has been updated to yellow.