The Carnival Firenze inaugural cruise set sail towards Mexico on April 25. Guests experienced of ocean views and explored various amenities on their way to two different land excursions between April 25 – May 2.
Guests were led onward toward gold trimming, Venetian-inspired paintings, and long white columns. The DJ played top hits as guests shuffled into the lobby and made their way to their cabins after boarding Carnival Firenze. By nightfall the Long Beach Port drifted completely out of sight.
Previously operated by Costa Cruises, Firenze joins Carnival Cruise Line’s new Carnival Fun “Italian Style” concept. The vessel incorporates the company’s familiar locations, service and experiences with a nod to artisan craftsmanship and a luxurious atmosphere. The 4,232-guest ship includes intricately designed public areas and bedrooms, inspired by Italian Renaissance.
The Carnival Firenze includes theatre entertainment, nightclubs, a comedy club and live music. There are immersive experiences like Family Feud and Deal and No Deal. Guests have access to the spa and the gym on board.
Carnival experience guide Shylock Edwards painted a vivid picture of the immersive fun.
“I love my experiences so far I have been with the company for about two years—this is my second inaugural trip, I had the Jubilee a couple of months ago. Honestly, I just love on stage, being able to connect with the guests and have this authentic experience where I get to make people laugh and have a great time on their vacation, it’s the best,” Edwards said.
Firenze has over 10 different restaurants, the Michelangelo Restaurant served lobster tail with filet mignon, duck spring rolls and molten chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.
The onboard dining experience included cuisine from Bonsai Teppanyaki, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and the Seafood Shack. The Lido Marketplace worked as the main buffet, stretching across the ship.
Early risers waited in line for the breakfast burrito station and by lunch Guy’s Burger Joint station had a line wrapped around the corner. There were various amounts of desserts such as the soft served chocolate and vanilla ice cream stations and frozen yogurt stations with the same flavors.
Guests sat at the Bonsai sushi bar and were served refreshing sushi rolls like the Bang Bang Bonsai Roll which includes salmon, cucumber, spicy tobiko, crab, shrimp and wasabi mustard, paired with warm sake.
People from around the world enjoyed coffee from Javeblue Café while looking out of windows to breathtaking ocean views. When the sun was out, travelers were encouraged to go to the 12th deck and take in the sun.
Carnival guest Pamela Payne felt rejuvenated with her sisters throughout the cruise.
“The crew was very nice…I really have nothing negative to say, I did have a good experience here with my sisters, it made that sisterhood even better.”
Staff were on standby, ready to assist guests with any request. There are over 152 different nationalities that make up the boarding staff under the Carnival brand.