Celebration caps off 50 years for CCL

CARNIVAL Cruise Line (CCL) has christened its new flagship Carnival Celebration (pictured) in Miami, culminating the brand’s year-long 50th anniversary festivities.

Celebration arrived at her newly redesigned and expanded Terminal F at PortMiami, where she was christened by American model Cassidy Gifford earlier this week.

The innovative, Excel-class sister to the groundbreaking Mardi Gras, Celebration is launching year-round service from its hometown of Miami.

Attendees of the christening were treated to an impromptu performance by American television presenter and mother of Celebration’s godmother, Kathie Lee Gifford, who sang the memorable tune to the nowlegendary commercials which helped to popularise the CCL brand in the 1980s.

Guests were also treated to a preview of Celebration’s

spectacular entertainment program, including an aerialist performance.

The night was capped off by a concert by American R&B band Kool & The Gang, which included a fitting rendition of its classic, Celebrate!

The ship’s first guests to board from Miami departed a special six-day Thanksgiving cruise, with visits to Grand Turk, Amber Cove and Nassau.

On Mon, Celebration will begin a rotation of week-long Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings that depart every Sun, and visit popular destinations, such as the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, and Mexico.

”This naming ceremony of our new flagship Carnival Celebration is the perfect culmination of our 50th birthday as this spectacular ship honours our past and signifies the fun and growth ahead,” said President Christine Duffy.

“Carnival Celebration builds on the success of our incredible

Mardi Gras and the many innovations we introduced with our Excel-class, including a topdeck roller coaster, and offers unique features all her own that give guests a truly incredible new cruise experience to have fun and make memories.”