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Carnival Cruise Line names Jay Leno as godfather of Carnival Venezia

Carnival Cruise Line has named Jay Leno as godfather to Carnival Venezia.

The appointment of the late night talk show host marks the first time the line has named a godfather for a vessel.

Leno will be officially appointed during a ceremony on June 14 when the ship is blessed and enters service from New York.


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The vessel debuted as Costa Venezia for sister brand Costa Cruises in 2019 but was transferred to Carnival Cruise Line earlier this year.

The ship is the first of the line’s ‘Fun Italian Style’ vessels and is themed on the country.

Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said: “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.

“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.”

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

“Carnival’s focus on fun combined with the Italian theming of this ship is something that it truly unique.”

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