Comedian Jay Leno Will Be Godfather of Carnival Venezia

Jay Leno will become Carnival Cruise Line’s first ship godfather when he blesses Carnival Venezia in an NYC ceremony.

Carnival Cruise Line has announced that during a special celebration on June 14, 2023, renowned late-night talk show presenter and comedian Jay Leno will become the brand’s first-ever godfather to one of its ships: Carnival Venezia.

“Carnival Venezia originally entered service for our Italian sister brand Costa Cruises and was christened in 2019, so she already has a godmother. With Carnival Venezia joining the fleet and sailing from New York, we wanted to ensure a proper welcome for the ship and decided having a godfather would be both fun and appropriate,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy in a press release.

“And when we thought of someone who would make a FUN godfather with Italian heritage, we knew Jay Leno would be the perfect godfather! And he’s already a member of the Carnival family—he entertained guests a few years ago as part of our Carnival LIVE entertainment series,” Duffy enthused.

Carnival Venezia’s new godfather

In addition to acting as godfather during the ceremony, Leno will deliver a unique comedy show just for event attendees.

“I am truly honored to be named the godfather of Carnival Venezia. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse,” said Leno.

Carnival Cruise Line today announced that late-night talk show host and comedian Jay Leno will serve as its first-ever godfather to one of its ships, *Carnival Venezia*, when the ship is blessed and enters service from New York City (image courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

“Carnival’s focus on FUN combined with the Italian theming of this ship is something that is truly unique. I’m also excited to have my very own cruise ship, although I think I’ll need a bigger garage!” the comedian quipped.

Leno is a native of New Rochelle, New York, and the descendant of Italian immigrants from Flumeri, Campania. He began his career in stand-up comedy before moving on to his nearly two-decade-long tenure as host of The Tonight Show until 2014.

Currently, Leno is the producer and host of the CNBC primetime series Jay Leno’s Garage, now in its seventh season.

The series, which explores the world of cars, debuted in October 2015 and delivered CNBC’s most-watched first season in network history. He remains in demand as a stand-up performer, corporate speaker, and host of the rebooted game show You Bet Your Life.

What to expect aboard Carnival Venezia

Venezia is the first to feature “Carnival Fun Italian Style,” which will enhance the Italian theming of the ship with Carnival’s legendary fun atmosphere.

*Carnival* *Venezia* is the first ship to feature “**Carnival Fun Italian Style** (image courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

When passengers board the ship, they’ll enter the atrium Piazza San Marco, inspired by Venice, Italy. Guests will be entertained by Carnival Playlist Productions shows at the Teatro Rosso theater, designed to be reminiscent of Italian opera houses.

Carnival Venezia features numerous other locations that are reminiscent of her namesake city of Venice. At dining venues like the sophisticated Marco Polo and Canal Grande, as well as the brand-new Italian specialty restaurant Il Viaggio, the Italian flavor will continue.

Guests will also find many Carnival classics they know and love on Venezia, including Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Burger Joint, the steakhouse Fahrenheit 555, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki, and Chef’s Table, along with Lido Marketplace, Seafood Shack, Pizzeria del Capitano, Piano Bar 88 and Heroes Tribute Lounge.

Carnival Venezia will arrive at her new homeport in New York City and begin sailing from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on June 15, 2023. The ship accommodates more than 5,000 guests and will offer 10 different cruise durations and 22 unique itineraries featuring visits to 25 ports across 14 countries.

How to watch Carnival Venezia’s blessing ceremony

If you’re not one of the lucky few who are invited to Carnival Venezia‘s inaugural event, you can still watch the livestream on June 14 at 5:30 PM EDT.

To register with Carnival for the livestream, click here.

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What do you think about Carnival’s choice to name Jay Leno as godfather of Carnival Venezia? Are you planning to sail on the new Carnival ship? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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Carrie Ann Karstunen

Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

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