Carnival Cruise Line has christened revamped Carnival Radiance following the ship’s $200 million bow-to-stern overhaul project.
Godmother Dr Lucille O’Neal and her son Shaquille O’Neal, who is Carnival’s chief fun officer and an ex-professional basketball player, joined other guests at the event in Long Beach, California.
The pair poured champagne over a traditional ship’s bell to officially name the ship – which was previously called Carnival Victory – and the City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir sang a rendition of ‘We Are Family’ at the ceremony.
Prior to the naming ceremony, the O’Neals cut the ribbon to officially open Big Chicken restaurant, which debuted on Mardi Gras earlier this year.
New features including Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse restaurant, the Heroes Tribute Bar, Italian restaurant Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi and Caribbean restaurant RedFrog Pub were added to the vessel during its revamp in Cadiz, Spain.
President Christine Duffy said: “Carnival Radiance features all of Carnival’s fan favourites and more, so we are beyond excited to finally welcome her to the west coast and to our fleet.
“And having Shaq’s mum, Lucille, an accomplished speaker who donates her time and talent to a wide range of charitable organisations as the ship’s godmother has made it even more special.”
Lucille said: “It has been such a pleasure to be included in these exciting festivities, so I can only imagine how incredible it will be for guests to sail aboard this spectacular ship. They’re going to love it.”
Carnival Radiance began its maiden four-day voyage out of Long Beach on Monday. It will offer three and four-day voyages along the US west coast, operating year-round itineraries alongside Carnival Panorama and Carnival Miracle.