Carnival Cruise Announces Jonathan Bennett as Godfather for Its Latest Ocean Giant

Friday, April 5, 2024

Having made waves in cinema, television (on the “Hallmark Channel”), and the Broadway stage (“Spamalot”), actor Jonathan Bennett is now poised for his next significant role: as the godfather of Carnival Cruise Line’s latest 135,000 gross ton ship, embodying Carnival Fun Italian Style.

Today, Carnival Cruise Line announced Bennett as the godfather of their upcoming vessel, Carnival Firenze, which draws inspiration from the captivating city of Florence, Italy. This ship marks the second in Carnival’s fleet to embrace the theme of Carnival Fun Italian Style. Carnival President Christine Duffy delivered the surprise news to Bennett, captured in a video for all to see. Adding to the convenience for Bennett, the ship will be stationed in his hometown of Long Beach, Calif., where it will be christened on April 24th before setting sail on its maiden voyage on April 25th.

“Jonathan is a true brand ambassador for Carnival. He cruises with us, honeymooned with us and tells his friends and family to vacation with Carnival. He is friendly and welcoming to everyone and embodies the Carnival style of fun. After he sailed on the first voyage of Carnival Firenze’s sister ship Carnival Venezia last May, he told me it would be his dream to be the godfather of one of our ships, so how could I turn down such a request for such a terrific friend to Carnival,” said Duffy. “While he’s not Italian, he is proof positive that anyone can have Italian Style fun when you sail on our Italian-themed ships, and we are thrilled to have him help us welcome our newest addition to the Carnival fleet.”

After making his debut in the soap opera “All My Children,” Bennett ventured into various television series before skyrocketing to fame as Aaron Samuels in the beloved film “Mean Girls.” Since then, he has graced the screens in numerous feature films, Hallmark Channel productions, and has served as a host for programs on the Food Network. Additionally, Bennett has been the esteemed host of the New York Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, a role Carnival has sponsored the ball drop for over the past three years. Currently, he is wrapping up his Broadway debut in the successful revival of the musical “Spamalot.”

“This is an amazing honor and I’m so proud to know that I’ll always be a part of the Carnival Firenze family,” said Bennett. “When I told Christine that I’d love to be a Carnival cruise ship godfather, I never thought she’d take my request seriously. I have so much respect for the Carnival team and how they’re dedicated to taking care of their guests, the ocean and each other. When I say Carnival is a great company and a great way to vacation, I mean it! I’m so excited to not only be the ship’s godfather, but to also get to cruise on Carnival Firenze as a guest now that Carnival fun Italian style is coming to the west coast.”

Bennett will stand alongside Duffy at the Carnival Firenze naming ceremony on Wednesday, April 24th, in Long Beach. The event will be streamed live on Carnival’s Facebook page.

Infusing Italian flair with Carnival’s trademark fun, Carnival Fun Italian Style characterizes the essence of the experience. Launched in 2020, Carnival Firenze boasts a capacity to host over 5,000 guests and will embark on year-round voyages from Long Beach. Its itineraries will include three- to seven-day cruises to Baja Mexico and the Mexican Riviera.

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