Carnival Cruise Line · Historic Fleet

TSS Carnivale

Second Ship 1975-1993

The Silver Sister That Proved the Model

"Every empire needs a second bet. Carnivale was Carnival's." — In honor of 52 years of service (1956-2008)
31,500
Gross Tons
1,100
Guests
18
Carnival Years
52
Total Years
1956
Built (as Empress)
6
Different Names

The Silver Sister

Mardi Gras proved the concept. Carnivale proved it could repeat. When this second converted ocean liner arrived in 1975, she transformed Ted Arison's gamble into a genuine cruise company.

Originally RMS Empress of Britain (1956), Carnivale was larger than Mardi Gras and carried lessons from that ship's first years. She would sail an extraordinary 52 years under six different names before finally reaching the breakers.

The silver medal position suited Carnivale. She wasn't the pioneer — she was the confirmation that Fun Ships worked as a business model.

Ship Timeline

1956Built as RMS Empress of Britain for Canadian Pacific
1975Purchased by Carnival, converted to Fun Ship, renamed Carnivale
1975-9318 years of Caribbean service as Carnival's second ship
1993Sold to Epirotiki Lines, renamed Queen Anna Maria
1998+Various names: Fiesta Marina, Olympic, The Topaz
2008Scrapped after 52 years — one of the longest-serving ships

From the Logbook

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Legacy

Carnivale's contribution to Carnival's success extends beyond her passenger revenue. She validated the business model, proved Mardi Gras wasn't a fluke, and demonstrated that conversion economics worked repeatedly.

Her 52-year lifespan — longer than most ships dream of — proved that quality construction and adaptive management can extend service far beyond original expectations.