Carnival Celebration Begins First Set of Sea Trials

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Carnival Cruise Line officers and Captain Vincenzo Alcaras standing in front of carnival celebration

Carnival’s newest cruise ship, Carnival Celebration, has reached a new milestone with the start of sea trials earlier this week.

I have left the Finnish shipyard, Meyer Turku, and set sail to begin testing her equipment and seaworthiness. The new mega-cruise ship is not quite complete as workers continue work on the interior finishes as sea trials go on.

Carnival Celebration Sea Trials

Carnival Cruise Line officers and Captain Vincenzo Alcaras standing in front of carnival celebrationPin
Captain Captain Vincenzo Alcaras, Center (Photo Courtesy Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival Celebration departed from Finland’s Meyer Turku earlier this week to begin sea trials.

In a Facebook post by Carnival Cruise Lines brand ambassador John Heald, he shared a conversation with Captain Vincenzo Alcaraz. He explained, “During sea trials, the ship is undergoing several tests, which are meant to determine the ship’s capability and performance. We do many tests, but I only list a few, such as endurance test, steering tests, speed tests, thrusters tests, zig-zag tests, which is part of maneuvering tests, and all Class required tests.

Sea trials are an essential step in the construction of a new cruise ship. The trials ensure that the ship meets Carnival Cruise Line’s high standards and provide an opportunity for the captain, senior officers, and the crew to become accustomed to the vessel.

“During the sea trial the ship is under the responsibility of Meyer yard. I will not take command of the ship. My role together with my team is to observe the various tests, performance, and witness the commissioning of the Bridge equipment,” Captain Vincenzo Alcaras continues.

Carnival’s Second LNG-Powered Cruise Ship

Carnival Celebration under construction with a view of BOLT roller coasterPin

Construction on Carnival’s second Excel-class cruise ship began in January 2021. After 20 months of construction, Celebration is nearly ready to welcome her first passengers.

Upon successful completion of sea trials, the ship will return to the construction yard for final fittings before welcoming passengers in November 2022.

Celebration is a new addition to the excel-class and the sistership of Mardi Gras.

Like Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration is powered by liquified natural gas (LNG). LNG is one of the “cleanest-burning non-electric marine fuels, reportedly reducing sulfur emissions by as much as 99 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 85 percent, according to a 2018 paper from the University of Texas at Austin.” (source)

Carnival Celebration LEAVS the shipyard for SEA TRIALS | Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration will be 180,800 gross tons, with a capacity for 5,282 passengers and 1,282 crew members.

At 340 meters long and 19 decks high, Carnival Celebration will be 180,800 gross tons, with a capacity for 5,282 passengers and 1,282 crew members.

This new ship hosts the ultimate playground with a shipboard roller coaster and an extensive water park. 

Celebration is expected to debut on November 21, 2020, offering year-round Caribbean sailings from Port Miami’s new Terminal F.

Marcello De Lio
Marcello De Lio

Marcello's been cruising since he was 12 years old. He loves the freedom that cruising provides, meeting new people, and exploring amazing new ships. Marcello created High Seas Cruising to share his passion for cruising and travel with readers and grow a community of passionate voyagers.

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