The Carnival cruise ship Carnival Firenze has officially set sail from Long Beach, California, following a brief delay that postponed her scheduled departure. The vessel is now underway after completing final operational and technical checks.
The delay occurred as Carnival Cruise Line carried out additional readiness procedures before departure. The company said the extra time was required to ensure all systems met operational and safety standards.
Once cleared, Carnival Firenze departed Long Beach with guests on board, allowing the sailing to proceed without further disruption. Carnival teams worked closely with port authorities to finalize preparations.
Guests affected by the delay were kept informed throughout the process. Carnival Cruise Line adjusted onboard services and schedules to minimize inconvenience during the extended port stay.
Carnival Firenze is a Costa Firenze class vessel that recently transitioned from Costa Cruises to Carnival Cruise Line. The ship has been adapted for the North American market while retaining Italian inspired design elements.
The vessel measures approximately 323 metres in length and has a gross tonnage of around 135,500 GT, placing her among the larger ships in Carnival’s fleet. She is capable of carrying more than 5,000 guests at full capacity.
Built by Fincantieri in Italy, Carnival Firenze features multiple dining venues, expansive entertainment spaces and a wide range of stateroom categories. The ship also offers extensive outdoor deck areas designed for warm-weather cruising.
Now homeported in Long Beach, Carnival Firenze will operate itineraries along the Mexican Riviera. The deployment strengthens Carnival’s presence on the U.S. West Coast and adds capacity to a popular cruise market.
The ship’s transition to Carnival is part of the cruise line’s strategy to refresh its fleet with newer tonnage. Several former Costa ships have been repositioned to better align with Carnival’s brand and guest expectations.
With the delay resolved, Carnival Firenze is expected to maintain her planned schedule from Long Beach. Carnival Cruise Line said future sailings are anticipated to operate as planned.
The departure highlights the operational challenges that can arise when introducing ships into new homeports. Carnival continues to emphasize safety, reliability and guest experience as ships enter service.