TSS Carnivale is a Fun Ship cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line. She entered service in 1975, measures 27,250 gross tons, and carries approximately 950 guests at double occupancy.
Looking for TSS Carnivale info? This memorial page covers the history, timeline, and legacy of TSS Carnivale, Carnival's second ship (1975-1993).
TSS Carnivale was originally built as RMS Empress of Britain in 1956 by Fairfield Shipbuilding in Scotland for Canadian Pacific's transatlantic service. Purchased by Carnival in 1975, she became the line's second ship and proved that the Fun Ship model wasn't a one-ship wonder. At approximately 31,500 gross tons, Carnivale served 18 years with Carnival before sailing under four more names — Queen Anna Maria, Fiesta Marina, Olympic, and The Topaz — accumulating 52 total years of service before being scrapped in 2008.
A First Look at TSS Carnivale
Carnivale was the confirmation that Mardi Gras wasn't a fluke. When this second converted ocean liner joined the fleet in 1975, she transformed Ted Arison's gamble into a genuine cruise company with a proven, repeatable formula.
Originally the elegant RMS Empress of Britain, Carnivale brought transatlantic pedigree to the Caribbean party trade. Her 52-year lifespan under six different names made her one of the longest-serving ships in modern cruise history.
Dining on TSS Carnivale
TSS Carnivale featured classic ocean liner dining with a main dining room offering traditional assigned seating. Originally built as the elegant RMS Empress of Britain, her dining spaces retained British ocean liner charm while adapting to the casual, fun-forward atmosphere that defined Carnival's early fleet.
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
From the Logbook
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TSS Carnivale Videos
Archival footage and documentaries about Carnival's second ship.
TSS Carnivale Deck Plans
Historical deck plans for TSS Carnivale are preserved in maritime archives.
Ship Status
TSS Carnivale was scrapped in 2008. Live tracking is not available for this historic vessel.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About TSS Carnivale
Is TSS Carnivale still in service?
No. TSS Carnivale was scrapped in 2008 after 52 years of service under six different names. She is no longer sailing.
What was TSS Carnivale originally called?
Carnivale was originally built as RMS Empress of Britain in 1956 for Canadian Pacific's transatlantic service between Liverpool and Montreal.
How long did Carnivale serve Carnival?
Carnivale served Carnival Cruise Line for 18 years, from 1975 to 1993. She was the line's second ship after Mardi Gras.
What names did this ship sail under?
Over 52 years, she sailed as: RMS Empress of Britain (1956-1975), TSS Carnivale (1975-1993), Queen Anna Maria (1993-1998), Fiesta Marina, Olympic, and The Topaz before scrapping in 2008.
Why was Carnivale important to Carnival's history?
Carnivale proved that the Fun Ship concept could scale beyond a single vessel. As Carnival's second ship, she validated the business model that Mardi Gras had pioneered, laying the foundation for what would become the world's largest cruise company.
Sources & Attribution
Historical ship data from maritime records, industry archives, and Carnival Cruise Line corporate history. Photos credited where shown.
Explore Carnival's Historic Fleet
Learn about the other ships that built the Fun Ship empire: