Carnival Corporation has taken delivery of its 100th ship - the Carnival Magic - in a ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, where the vessel was built.       

Following the traditional maritime handover ceremony, Carnival Magic will debut on May 1st with a nine-day Mediterranean cruise from Venice to Barcelona.

The vessel will be operated by Carnival Cruise Lines, a brand of global cruise operator Carnival Corporation.

Prior to the departure of its inaugural voyage, the 130,000-ton vessel will be named by its godmother, Lindsey Wilkerson, a former patient of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital who now serves as an employee and ambassador of the organisation.

“With a combination of exciting new features such as the RedFrog Pub, SportSquare and Cucina del Capitano and other popular ‘Fun Ship’ amenities, Carnival Magic epitomises our continued commitment to providing our guests with fun, memorable vacations at an incredible value,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines’ president.

Following the May 1st inaugural voyage from Venice, Carnival Magic will sail a series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean departures from Barcelona through October 16th, then reposition to Galveston, Texas.

Added Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation chairman: “The delivery of a new cruise ship to one of our brands is always a proud and exciting moment.