Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico Get a Boost in Cruise Tourism as Carnival Venezia Sets Sail from Orlando

Published on December 19, 2024

Before the festive season kicked off, even Santa managed to sneak away for a vacation with Carnival Cruise Line, joining the inaugural arrival of the Carnival Venezia at Port Canaveral today. This marks the start of a seasonal series of cruises from the Orlando area, offering travelers a rich selection of destinations across the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mexico. Notably, Carnival becomes the exclusive cruise line to operate five ships from this port.

The Carnival Venezia, arriving after a 12-day Carnival Journeys cruise that started in New York, will spend the winter in Florida, joining many Northeasterners escaping the cold. The ship, inspired by Venice, Italy, introduces “Carnival Fun Italian Style” experiences along with novel dining and beverage choices. The cruising season at Port Canaveral commences with a four-day Bahamas excursion today, followed by a lineup of 15 week-long voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, and includes two extended 14-day Carnival Journeys.

At Port Canaveral, Carnival Venezia joins the fleet alongside Mardi Gras, Carnival Vista, Carnival Glory, and Carnival Freedom. These ships provide a variety of travel itineraries ranging from short three- and four-day Bahamas trips to longer cruises across the Caribbean lasting five to eight days, plus several extended Carnival Journeys.

“Our Venice-themed ship adds another truly dynamic offering, with a fresh Italian twist on our signature Carnival fun plus the same friendly service our guests love, and further enriches the variety of convenient options available to our loyal guests cruising from Orlando,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Our guests who sailed with Carnival Venezia from New York love the ship and its new experiences, and we know that she will add even more value to the Carnival offering in her new winter home at Port Canaveral.”

Among its signature attractions, Carnival Venezia adds new Italian-themed dining and beverage offerings such as “Il Viaggio,” a specialty restaurant highlighting the diverse culinary regions of Italy, and Frizzante, a sparkling wine and spritz bar. Carnival Venezia will operate from Port Canaveral until spring and will then embark on an 11-day repositioning cruise back to New York City on May 11, 2025. Carnival’s cruise schedule is available through the spring of 2027, with Carnival Venezia continuing to operate seasonally between New York City and Port Canaveral.