Transitioning from sister line Costa, Carnival Venezia officially joined the Carnival Cruise Line fleet this week in Cadiz, Spain, with Costa Captain Tihomir Muzic handing over the ship to Carnival Captain Claudio Cupisti. “We are so pleased to welcome Carnival Venezia to the fleet, which following a dry dock, will debut as our first ‘Fun Italian Style’ ship this May,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

The ship will receive finishing touches over the next two months in preparation for her 15-day transatlantic Carnival Journeys sailing from Barcelona on May 29, ahead of the start of year-round cruising from New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal on June 15.

A wide range of sailing options are available, with 10 different cruise durations and 22 unique itineraries featuring visits to 25 ports across 14 countries.

Built in 2019, Carnival Venezia accommodates up to 5,145 guests and 1,393 Carnival crew members.

When guests first board Carnival Venezia, they will be immediately surrounded by Italian architectural design both inside and out. The ship’s lavish atrium is modeled after Venice’s main public square, the Piazza San Marco, whereas the Lido deck draws inspiration from the Italian Riviera with a retractable roof to allow guests to still enjoy the pool year-round.

The ship will introduce a number of new food and beverage offerings to the Carnival fleet where guests can sample classic Italian street food at La Strada Grill, a Mexitalian fusion restaurant Tomodoro, a similar-to-Alchemy-Bar Amari, and Frizzante, serving a variety of (you guessed it – frizzy) drinks, from prosecco to spritzes and bellinis, along with Italian beer, authentic Italian coffees and biscotti.

Carnival Venezia will also feature new Italian-inspired entertainment spaces, such as the Gondola Lounge, and the Carnevale Bar & Lounge, celebrating the elegance of Venetian masquerades during Carnevale, as well as new activities like the Italian Street Party where Little Italy meets Lido, the Captain’s Venetian Toast, and Italian-inspired youth programming for kids and teens.

The ship will be home to many of the activities and familiar experiences from other Carnival ships as well, including Carnival Waterworks, Piano Bar 88, Heroes Tribute Lounge, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki, Guy’s Burger Joint, Cloud 9 Salon & Spa, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, and Dr. Seuss Bookville.