Dining Venues on Carnival Venezia → Browse AllOverview
Carnival Venezia is one of two Italian-heritage ships in the Carnival fleet, originally built as Costa Venezia for Costa Cruises in 2019. Following her transfer in March 2023, she now delivers Carnival's unique "Fun Italian Style" experience from Port Canaveral, Florida.
At 135,225 GT, she's among the largest ships in the Carnival fleet and retains much of her original Venetian-inspired decor and Italian dining traditions while incorporating beloved Carnival features like Guy's Burger Joint and the WaterWorks aqua park. The ship offers a distinctive cruising experience that blends European elegance with American fun.
Italian Heritage Preserved
Carnival Venezia retains her Venetian gondola-themed atrium, authentic Italian dining experiences, and cultural programming. The exclusive Famiglia Brunch — a traditional Italian family-style breakfast — is available only on Venezia and sister ship Firenze.
What Makes Carnival Venezia Special
Sailing from New York City, Carnival Venezia brings Italian elegance to the Northeast cruising market. Her Venice-inspired interior design features Murano glass accents, marble details, and distinctly Mediterranean aesthetics. As a Costa conversion, she offers a unique experience unlike any other ship in the Carnival fleet.
The Piazza Carnival serves as the social heart of the ship, hosting live music, parties, and the 50th Birthday specialty restaurant. For NYC-area cruisers, Venezia provides convenient access to Bermuda and Bahamas itineraries with European flair.
Ship Statistics
Builder: Fincantieri, Monfalcone, Italy
Original Name: Costa Venezia (2019-2023)
Registry: Bahamas (Nassau)
Call Sign: C6GI3
Homeport: Port Canaveral, Florida
Italian Heritage Sister Ships
Carnival operates two ships with Italian heritage from Costa Cruises, both offering the unique "Fun Italian Style" experience:
Features & Dining
Italian-Inspired Dining
Onboard Features
Live Ship Tracker
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Ship History & Timeline
Built by Fincantieri Monfalcone as Costa Venezia for Costa Cruises. Debuted May 18, 2019 in Shanghai, China — designed specifically for the Asian cruise market.
Operates for Costa Cruises with deployments in Asia and Europe, featuring Italian hospitality and Venetian-inspired design.
Begins transformation at Navantia shipyard in Cádiz, Spain. Officially renamed Carnival Venezia on March 22, 2023.
Debuts for Carnival Cruise Line from New York City (Manhattan Cruise Terminal), becoming the 25th ship in the Carnival fleet.
Operates seasonal cruises from New York to Bermuda, Canada/New England, and the Caribbean.
Relocates homeport to Port Canaveral, Florida for year-round Caribbean and Bahamas cruises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Carnival Venezia different from other Carnival ships?
Carnival Venezia (ex-Costa Venezia) retains authentic Italian heritage from her Costa Cruises origins. The ship features Venetian-inspired decor including a gondola-themed atrium, exclusive Italian dining experiences like the Famiglia Brunch, and cultural programming that celebrates Italian traditions. She's part of Carnival's "Fun Italian Style" concept.
Where does Carnival Venezia sail from?
Carnival Venezia is homeported at Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida as of December 2024. She originally debuted from New York City in June 2023 before relocating to Florida for year-round Caribbean and Bahamas cruises.
When did Costa Venezia become Carnival Venezia?
Costa Venezia was officially renamed Carnival Venezia on March 22, 2023, following a refit at the Navantia shipyard in Cádiz, Spain. She debuted for Carnival on June 15, 2023 from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City.
What dining options are unique to Carnival Venezia?
Carnival Venezia offers unique Italian dining including the exclusive Famiglia Brunch (Italian family-style breakfast), Cucina del Capitano (Italian specialty), authentic Italian gelato, and Italian-style pizza at Pizzeria del Capitano. The ship retains many Costa dining traditions alongside Carnival favorites like Guy's Burger Joint.
How big is Carnival Venezia?
Carnival Venezia is 135,225 gross tons, 323 meters (1,060 feet) long, and carries 4,090 guests at double occupancy (up to 5,145 maximum). She features 2,116 staterooms across 18 guest decks and has a crew of 1,424.