Carnival Panorama – Carnival’s first new ship on the West Coast of America in 20 years – has been christened by game show host Vanna White at a glitzy celebration in Long Beach, California.
In a nod to her role on Wheel of Fortune, which she has co-hosted for 37 years, White turned a series of letters spelling out PANORAMA, top of page, that triggered the release of a bottle of Moet champagne to officially name the ship.
Carnival Panorama arrives in Long Beach for her christening
White spoke of her love of cruising and the commitment she shares with Carnival to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“I’m incredibly flattered and honoured to be the godmother of this ship,” she said. “Naming Carnival Panorama was truly a special moment and one I will never forget. I look forward to sailing on her in the future.”
The festivities also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Carnival Kitchen, a first-in-fleet culinary centre that offers more than 15 different interactive cooking, baking and decorating demonstrations.
Captain Carlo Queirolo gives Carnival Panorama the thumbs-up with the ship’s godmother, Vanna White
The grand opening of the first Sky Zone trampoline park at sea was celebrated with Carnival President Christine Duffy and Sky Zone CEO Jeff Platt cutting the ribbon followed by the first participants checking out the high-flying action within the two-level, 3,000-sq-ft facility.
The day included a return of the Carnival AirShip, a 128ft-long blimp emblazoned with the line’s Choose Fun tag line, and concluded with a massive fireworks display that lit up the Long Beach sky.
Following an inaugural three-day cruise, Carnival Panorama is launching a year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera service from Long Beach on Saturday (14 December), departing every Saturday on week-long voyages to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.
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