Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Celebration, is a step closer to its launch after successfully completing sea trials.

The ship set sail on its first round of trials on 5 September, from the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the same yard where sister ship, Mardi Gras, was built.

Carnival Celebration had a full contingent of officers, technicians and engineers on board to test the ship’s technical, mechanical and navigational systems.

The ship is scheduled to launch in November. Following an inaugural six-day Caribbean voyage, Carnival Celebration will operate seven-day cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean from PortMiami, beginning 21 November.

Carnival Celebration to feature ‘unique zones’

On board, Carnival Celebration will feature “several unique zones”, according to the cruise line. These include 820 Biscayne – described as a tribute to Miami.

It will also include many of the activities and on-board areas found on Mardi Gras, including Bolt, the first rollercoaster at sea, an atrium spanning three decks, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, as well as Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken restaurant.

Captain Vincenzo Alcaras said: “During her sea trials, Carnival Celebration underwent several tests, which are meant to determine the ship’s capability and her performance.

“We’ve done many manoeuvring tests, such as endurance tests, steering tests, speed tests and thrusters tests. The ship performed wonderfully, and shortly, we will get her out and start cruising.”

In August, Carnival Cruise Line updated its Covid testing protocols, with the line no longer requiring fully vaccinated guests to test on sailings of fewer than 16 nights.

Also, earlier in September it welcomed Carnival Luminosa to its fleet, following the ship’s transition from sister line Costa Cruises.