Stepping aboard the Carnival Horizon in New York City was a moment of profound excitement, marking the culmination of a journey that began two years prior. I vividly recall witnessing a segment of this magnificent vessel being launched into the waters near Naples, Italy, a memory I extensively documented in my Carnival Horizon Keel Laying Ceremony post. To transition from that initial, awe-inspiring glimpse of the ship’s genesis to seeing it fully realized, glistening in New York Harbor, felt truly like a dream come true. This past week wasn’t just an event; it was an experience, celebrating the official Naming Ceremony and Inaugural festivities of one of Carnival Cruise Line’s most innovative ships, a monumental occasion filled with anticipation, celebration, and heartwarming moments.
Celebrating the Carnival Horizon: A Day of Inspiration and Festivity in NYC
The day commenced with an insightful press briefing, offering a deeper understanding of the Carnival Horizon’s remarkable features and, more significantly, shining a spotlight on Carnival’s profound and impactful partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This collaboration is a cornerstone of Carnival’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, consistently demonstrating a dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of children and their families by supporting groundbreaking research and compassionate care.
During this moving press event, Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, had the distinct honor of presenting a monumental check for $100,000 to Richard Shadyac Jr., president and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude. This generous donation underscored the depth of Carnival’s support for the hospital’s life-saving mission, funding critical research and treatment programs that offer hope to countless families. Witnessing this act of profound generosity, I found myself overcome with emotion, tears of happiness streaming down my cheeks as I struggled to capture the moment through my camera lens. It was a powerful reminder of the incredible good that can be achieved through dedicated partnerships and collective efforts.
The emotional impact of the morning was further amplified by the presence of Victoria, a courageous young patient from St. Jude. Her inspiring story and unwavering spirit captivated everyone in the room. Victoria eloquently shared how much St. Jude had meant to her throughout her challenging journey, expressing her heartfelt gratitude for the care she received and her ambition to become a doctor herself to help other children bravely fight cancer. To see such strength, resilience, and determination in a young individual, articulating her experiences and hopes so beautifully before a room full of press, was truly awe-inspiring. Her testimony was a vivid illustration of the hope, healing, and future possibilities that St. Jude provides to its patients.
One of the most touching aspects of Victoria’s involvement was seeing her personal artwork displayed prominently on the Carnival Horizon’s magnificent “Dreamscape” in the ship’s vibrant atrium. A collection of 31 pieces of art from St. Jude patients adorns this stunning digital display, creating an emotional and colorful welcome for all guests stepping into the heart of the ship. This unique integration of patient artwork serves as a powerful testament to the resilience, creativity, and inspiring spirit of these children, while also continuously reminding passengers of Carnival’s meaningful and ongoing commitment to St. Jude’s life-saving mission.
Exploring the Marvels of Carnival Horizon: A Sneak Peek at the Ship’s Features
Amidst the official ceremonies and press engagements, we seized the incredible opportunity to explore the Carnival Horizon firsthand. From the moment we stepped onboard, it was clear that this ship is a true masterpiece of modern cruise design, blending sophisticated aesthetics with a vibrant, fun-filled atmosphere. We dedicated a full two hours to navigating its expansive decks, cameras in hand, eager to capture every detail of its grandeur, innovative features, and captivating spaces. The ship’s vibrant energy and stunning aesthetics were palpable, making every turn a new discovery.
The Carnival Horizon truly lives up to its reputation as a “Fun Ship,” boasting a myriad of amenities designed to cater to every passenger’s desire. From the thrilling WaterWorks aqua park and the adrenaline-pumping SkyRide, which offers exhilarating aerial bicycle rides with panoramic ocean views, to serene adults-only retreats like Serenity, there’s an endless array of activities for all ages. The ship’s design seamlessly blends exciting entertainment with comfortable relaxation, creating an environment where lasting memories are effortlessly made. Every space, from the grand, multi-deck atrium to the cozy and well-appointed staterooms, reflects Carnival’s commitment to delivering unparalleled cruise experiences. While our exhaustive exploration left us pleasantly exhausted and a little sweaty, the joy of experiencing this magnificent vessel firsthand was immeasurable. We celebrated our successful photographic expedition with a well-deserved, delicious slice of authentic Cucina Del Capitano Pizza, savored on the lively Lido Deck, reflecting on the ship’s incredible offerings and envisioning future voyages.
Unveiling New Flavors: Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewery
One of the most anticipated additions to the Carnival Horizon’s impressive culinary lineup is the brand new Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewery, a delectable partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri. This exciting new dining option promises an authentic barbecue experience complemented by craft beers brewed right onboard, creating a unique “brew-BQ” concept at sea. The official opening ceremony in New York City was a memorable spectacle, with Guy Fieri himself performing the ribbon-cutting honors. True to his flamboyant style and passion for all things culinary, Guy opted for a rather large, sharp knife instead of traditional scissors, perfectly setting the tone for this bold new venture in Flavortown at sea. This venue isn’t just about delicious food; it’s an immersive experience, offering savory smoked meats, hearty sides, a range of handcrafted beers, and a lively, rustic atmosphere perfect for casual dining, live music, and social gatherings. It’s a testament to Carnival’s continuous innovation in providing diverse, high-quality, and unforgettable dining options for its guests.
The Grand Tradition: Carnival Horizon Naming Ceremony
The naming of a ship is a time-honored maritime tradition, steeped in centuries of customs, blessings, and even superstitions designed to bring good fortune, safe voyages, and prosperity to the vessel and all who sail upon her. This inaugural ceremony for the Carnival Horizon was my first opportunity to witness such an event, and it was nothing short of magnificent. The ship’s grand atrium buzzed with anticipation as guests, dignitaries, and media gathered to officially christen the vessel and welcome her into the esteemed Carnival Cruise Line fleet. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and reverence, a perfect blend of solemn tradition and festive celebration.
The ceremony commenced with a heartfelt prayer delivered by a maritime minister, invoking blessings for the ship, her crew, and all future passengers, ensuring fair winds and following seas. Following this, John Heald, the beloved Carnival Ambassador and a familiar face to many cruise enthusiasts, took the stage to extend profound gratitude to the many business partners whose dedication and craftsmanship brought the Horizon to life. He also paid a special tribute to the exceptional crew members who embody the spirit of Carnival, work tirelessly to ensure guest satisfaction, and make every voyage memorable. His words underscored the collective effort and passion behind every successful cruise experience. The speeches culminated in the most anticipated moment: the official naming of the ship.
The iconic Queen Latifah, serving as the ship’s esteemed godmother, graced the stage with her commanding presence and genuine warmth. She spoke eloquently about the immense honor she felt in taking on this significant role, pausing to truly absorb the profoundness of the moment and acknowledging the beautiful St. Jude artwork adorning the atrium. Her heartfelt speech emphasized the joy of travel, the critical importance of fostering connections through shared experiences, and the power of dreams. With profound grace, Queen Latifah and Captain Luigi De Angelis then performed the symbolic act of pouring a magnificent, oversized bottle of Moët Champagne over the Carnival Horizon’s bell, a timeless tradition meant to bestow good luck and protection upon the vessel. Rest assured, Captain De Angelis thoughtfully abstained from sipping directly from the bottle, maintaining the ceremonial integrity and dignity of the moment!
An Epic Showdown: Lip Sync Battle with Queen Latifah and Jake Elliott
Following the elegant Naming Ceremony, the energy levels soared as everyone moved to the ship’s vibrant show lounge for an unforgettable, star-studded Lip Sync Battle! This special edition of the popular entertainment feature pitted two remarkable personalities against each other: Jake Elliott, the acclaimed kicker for the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles, and Queen Latifah, the multi-talented Grammy-award winning musical artist, celebrated actress, and newly appointed godmother of the Carnival Horizon. The atmosphere was electric, charged with excitement and competitive spirit, promising an evening of pure entertainment and laughter.
This thrilling showdown in NYC wasn’t just for bragging rights; it served a higher purpose, benefiting one of Carnival’s most cherished charitable partners, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The hospital holds a special place, particularly as it’s based in Jake Elliott’s adopted hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, making his participation even more meaningful. It was truly heartwarming to witness entertainment being leveraged for such a noble cause, reinforcing Carnival’s deep commitment to St. Jude’s mission of finding cures and saving children. For those interested in contributing, there are numerous ways to support St. Jude during your Carnival Cruise, an initiative I highly encourage everyone to explore.
The Lip Sync Battle truly kicked off with a delightful surprise performance by none other than Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, and Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. Their spirited and fun-filled lip sync routine set a playful tone for the event, demonstrating that Carnival’s “Fun Ship” philosophy genuinely starts at the very top. Having had the privilege of meeting and conversing with both Christine Duffy and Arnold Donald on several occasions, I’ve always been profoundly impressed by their unwavering dedication, genuine enthusiasm, and deep affection for the Carnival brand. Their willingness to participate so enthusiastically in events like this truly exemplifies the company’s vibrant, accessible, and guest-focused culture.
While Jake Elliott gave it his absolute best, donning a spectacular giant rocker wig and belting out Whitesnake’s iconic arena anthem “Here I Go Again” with admirable gusto, it was evident from the moment Queen Latifah commanded the stage that she would be the undisputed champion. Her performance of “It’s Raining Men” was an absolute showstopper, a masterclass in stage presence and entertainment, complete with energetic dancers and vibrant red umbrellas that truly brought the song to life. Her charisma, flawless lip-syncing, and perfectly executed routine left no doubt about who reigned supreme in this epic Lip Sync Battle, securing her victory with an unforgettable spectacle. It was a truly memorable and highly entertaining conclusion to an already incredible day, filled with laughter and applause.
A Dazzling Conclusion: Fireworks Over New York Harbor
One might assume that after a day filled with inspiring charitable donations, a prestigious Naming Ceremony, and an electrifying Lip Sync Battle, the festivities would draw to a close. However, Carnival Cruise Line had one more spectacular surprise in store, ensuring the inaugural event of the Carnival Horizon concluded with an unforgettable bang. As dusk settled over the iconic New York City skyline, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, a colossal fireworks display erupted over New York Harbor, directly behind the magnificent ship. The night sky became a vibrant canvas of dazzling lights and breathtaking colors, each burst more spectacular than the last, reflecting beautifully on the water’s surface.
Just when I thought the grand finale had arrived, with a crescendo of light and sound, another series of brilliant fireworks would unexpectedly illuminate the sky, extending the magical moment and keeping the audience in delighted awe. It was truly a pinch-me moment, a scene right out of a dream, to witness such a grand spectacle against the unforgettable backdrop of one of the world’s most famous cities and a brand-new cruise ship. This dazzling pyrotechnic show served as a perfect, magnificent crescendo to an extraordinary day of celebration, marking the Carnival Horizon’s grand entrance into the world of cruising with unparalleled pomp and splendor. It was a moment of pure wonder, etching itself into memory as a highlight of the entire experience and a fitting welcome for this remarkable vessel.
Plan Your Unforgettable Carnival Horizon Adventure!
The Carnival Horizon offers an exceptional blend of dining, entertainment, and relaxation, making it a perfect choice for your next cruise vacation. Whether you’re seeking exhilarating family fun, romantic escapes, or adventurous excursions, this ship provides an unparalleled experience that caters to every taste and preference. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore its many features, from the innovative culinary options like the Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewery to the thrilling onboard activities and inspiring charitable initiatives that make a real difference. For an unforgettable journey filled with joy and discovery, consider booking your next trip on the Carnival Horizon and discover firsthand why it’s truly a “Fun Ship” for all ages.
To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, explore available itineraries, or make a reservation for your dream vacation, please visit the official website at Carnival.com. You can also call 1-800-CARNIVAL for personalized assistance from their expert team or contact your preferred travel agent. Stay connected with Carnival Cruise Line and discover their latest news, exciting promotions, and captivating cruise inspiration by following them on their official social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Further Reading: Enhance Your Cruise Planning
For more insights into the exciting world of Carnival Cruises and to help plan your perfect vacation, explore these related articles and guides:
- Mastering the Carnival Fun Ship Cocktail at Home: A Recipe Guide
- A Deep Dive into Playlist Production Shows on the Carnival Vista: Entertainment Unpacked
- Your Essential Guide to Visiting Catalina Island by Cruise Ship: Tips and Attractions
- Exploring the Thrills of the Sports Deck on the Carnival Breeze: Fun for All Ages
- The Genesis Story: A Look Back at the Carnival Horizon Keel Laying Ceremony in Italy
Discover a wealth of information, expert tips, and inspiring itineraries by exploring all of our comprehensive Carnival Travel Guides, designed to make your next cruise unforgettable.
If your travel plans include a visit to New York City, don’t miss the chance to experience the iconic Empire State Building for unparalleled panoramic views of the city skyline – an experience that perfectly complements the grandeur and excitement of the Carnival Horizon’s inaugural visit.
Special thanks to Carnival Cruise Line for the incredible invitation and hospitality, allowing me to experience and share the unforgettable Carnival Horizon Naming Ceremony Event in New York!