Well, folks, it’s a well-known fact that late-night talk show legend and comedian Jay Leno has a soft spot for cars, but who knew he’d go this big? Turns out, Leno isn’t content with a garage full of vintage roadsters and sleek sports cars — he’s now taken on the godfather role to an entire cruise ship, the Carnival Venezia. Yep, you read that right. Apparently, his parking spot just got an upgrade from asphalt to Atlantic!
For the first time ever, Carnival Cruise Line has crowned a godfather to one of its luxury liners, and they’ve chosen none other than the car-crazed comic himself. It’s a beautiful marriage of sorts: the “King of Late Night” meets the “Queen of the Sea.” The official ceremony is set to take place on June 14, 2023, in New York City. Talk about a christening with a splash (and we’re not talking about a champagne bottle)!
The Carnival Venezia will be the first ship to incorporate the “Carnival Fun Italian Style“. It’s themed after the romantic canals and gondola-filled waterways of Venice, Italy, and just like a slice of cheesy, crispy Margherita pizza, the Venezia will give you a bite of Italy while you’re cruising in the middle of the ocean.
“But why Leno?” you might ask. Well, besides his knack for cracking jokes faster than a Lamborghini can hit 60 mph, Leno’s got Italian heritage flowing through his veins. As Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy put it, “When we thought of someone who would make a FUN godfather with Italian heritage, we knew Jay Leno would be the perfect godfather!” And we couldn’t agree more. The only thing we’re concerned about is whether Leno will attempt a sea-worthy version of his show, Jay Leno’s Garage. With the Venezia’s size, it would probably end up being Jay Leno’s Shipyard.
As part of the festivities, Leno will perform a special comedy show exclusively for the event’s guests. So, if you’re lucky enough to be there, you’ll get a double whammy of entertainment: Leno’s signature humor and Carnival’s unparalleled onboard experience. The last time Leno performed on a cruise was in the Caribbean on Carnival Vista. He even shared with me his expert travel tips when I interviewed him.
Featuring an atrium inspired by Piazza San Marco, elegant dining at the Marco Polo and Canal Grande Restaurants, and the hot new Italian specialty restaurant “Il Viaggio,” the Venezia promises to deliver a trip to remember. And don’t worry, Carnival’s favorites are still on board. You can chow down at Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Burger Joint, enjoy a prime cut at Fahrenheit 555, or grab some sushi at Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki.
After its star-studded christening, the Venezia will embark on a journey from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on June 15, 2023. With room for more than 5,000 guests, 10 different cruise durations, and 22 unique itineraries, this ship is sure to keep you entertained no matter where you’re headed.
So, if you’re ready to sail the seas in style and wouldn’t mind seeing Leno trade his denim for a captain’s hat, check out Carnival Venezia’s upcoming cruises. Just make sure you give Jay a friendly honk if you see him!
