This news explains why I saw the Carnival Cruise Line President on my Costa Venezia sailing last month in the Mediterranean.

Costa Venezia coming to the US market in 2023

Today, Carnival Cruise Line has announced they are teaming up with “Italy’s favorite cruise line” with the debut of COSTA by CARNIVAL. The Costa Venezia will kick off this collaboration with its sailing from New York in 2023. Following the Venezia will be the Costa Firenze the following Spring of 2024 when it sails from Long Beach.

Read also: 5 Things English Speakers Should Know Before Cruising with Costa Cruises

Carnival will operate the ships while in the US, with the same great service, food, and entertainment that loyal Carnival cruisers look for, with the flair of Costa’s gorgeous Italian design features. This will be a great opportunity for travelers to experience a piece of Italy while at sea.

“Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze will bring Carnival’s guests the ambiance and beauty of Italy. We’re going to invite our guests to Choose Fun with Carnival, Italian Style!”

– Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line

Costa Venezia main bar

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to operate two additional beautiful Vista class ships in the U.S. and bring a unique experience to those who love the culture, food and vibe of Italy,” said Duffy. “There are lots of ways we plan to create an immersive fun experience for our guests who choose to sail on these ships, which have beautiful Italian-design elements, dining and retail that will deliver Carnival fun leveraging the spirit of Italy from our sister line Costa Cruises.”

Mario Zanetti, president of Costa Cruises, said, “We are excited to see these iconic ships make their debut in the U.S. under the leadership and operation of our sister brand. Costa providing the beautiful ship with its’ Italian design and Carnival delivering FUN, Italian Style!” Zanetti said that Costa will be informing clients impacted by this news.

Costa Venezia main dining
View of the gondola in the main dining aboard Costa Venezia
Costa Venezia main dining
Main dining aboard the Costa Venezia

Don’t worry about those booked on the Costa Venezia in the Mediterranean. All Costa itineraries will operate as planned until they are assigned to Carnival for dry dock work and deployment. You can expect to hear finalized itinerary plans and more soon for those interested in the Spring 2023 launch. Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze are sister ships to Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama, weighing 135,500 gross tons and accommodating up to 5,260 guests.

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