Passengers walking on the gangway of the Carnival Firenze enter into Piazza Duomo. One immediately feels as if they have left Long Beach, California and have been transported to the iconic dome overlooking Florence, Italy.

Everywhere one looks, there are touches of Italy. A replica of Michelangelo’s statue of David is displayed, as a nod to the city of Florence, where the real David is on display at the Academia Gallery. Even the Lido deck takes on the ambiance of the Italian Riviera.

The ship's Captain Crescenzo Palomba and Chief Engineer Rosario Capilli are Italian. Captian Crescenzo is from Palomba and began working for Carnival in 1999. He brings nearly 25 years of Carnival experience to the helm of Carnival Firenze, working on 20 Carnival ships, including Carnival Venezia, Carnival Dream, Carnival Valor, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Liberty and Carnival Elation.

Guests boarding the ship after it docked in Long Beach before the naming ceremony, immediately noticed the distinctive Costa 'C' prominently displayed on the smokestack of this Vista-class ship. This is the second Carnival Fun Italian Style concept, after the sister ship Carnival Venezia, joined Carnival Corporation last summer.

Carnival Firenze was constructed in 2021, as Costa Firenze by the Italian Cruise line, Costa Cruises. Since Costa is a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc since 2000, this ship is the most recent transfer of the brand to Carnival.

During the ship's naming ceremony on April 24, 2024, Carnival Cruise Lines President Christine Duffy told a crowd of invited guests, 'We carry more guests than any other cruise line from California, and now this ship is giving us the opportunity to offer more fun to more people sailing from Long Beach.'

Now three Carnival ships will sail from Long Beach for guests to experience the small Mediterranean town of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island, Ensenada, Baja Mexico, plus longer cruises to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. 'The recipe combining this ship's beautiful Italian theme with Carnival's friendly team's hospitality is, in a word, 'perfecto!'“

The Carnival Firenze sets sail with up to 4,126 passengers along the Pacific coastline to Mexico year-round from Long Beach on short and week-long cruises for some Italian-style Carnival Fun.

The 14 deck high ship offers 12 decks with cabins, 13 different dining venues with Italian influences, 7 bars and lounges, and lots of appealing outdoor-deck spaces, including an exclusive adult-only area.

There are multiple stateroom categories on the Carnival Firenze including the cozy Terrazza Interior. This Italian flair in decor category is a good value. Amenities include access to a private deck and all-day lounge offering daily breakfast, festive drinks and bites. Relax in one of the warm whirlpools and slip into a comfy Terrazza-branded robe and towel.

The beds are dressed with soft and comfortable linens, and there is plenty of closet space and drawer space. Place your valuables inside the in-room safe.

Step into one of the Ocean Suites for 330 square feet of shipboard living. These private suites offer more interior space and extra comfortable pillow-top mattresses. Guests appreciate the walk-in closet and a bathroom featuring a whirlpool tub and comfy bathrobes. Enjoy coffee on your large balcony before venturing off the ship for an excursion at port.

Amenities exclusive to suite guests include priority check-in and boarding, priority main dining room time assignment, priority debarkation at homeport, and ports of call requiring a water shuttle. Access to a private deck featuring all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, and whirlpools for guests 12 or older. Daily continental breakfast at the nearby lounge, and a sail away event featuring live music, drinks and fun.

One of the most desirable addresses on the Carnival Firenze is a stateroom at the Terrazza Cabanas. Not only do you have a spacious stateroom, but your very own lounging patio complete with deck chairs. These guests have easy access to the exclusive private deck featuring all-day lounging with bars making festive drinks, live entertainment and music, oceanview whirlpools and Italian-theme lounges.

Wear one of the comfortable Terrazza-branded robes and use your Terazza towels while on your lounge chair or visiting the whirlpool.

DINING OPTIONS

Guests will appreciate the elegant Italian interior design of both Michelangelo and Medici Restaurants. The three-course menus provide Italian flavors with a flair in the salads, pasta and grilled proteins they prepare. Save room for their light and satisfying desserts.

Enjoy the Mexican-Italian fusion flavors at Tomodoro, and an elevated Italian menu at Il Viaggio. Carnival calls it 'Mexitalian' cuisine featuring meatballs and Sicilian chicken, as well as traditional Mexican tacos and burritos.

One of the most popular spots for casual dining is Guy's Burger Joint located on Deck 10. Passengers swear these are the best burgers at sea. Carnival teamed up with Food Network personality Guy Fieri to bring the ultimate roadside burger shack near a cool poolside spot.

Since Carnival Firenze is a Fun Italian Style ship, these hot off-the-grill burgers and hand-cut fries have a few exclusive Italian fusion menu items, such as a pepperoni pizza burger, and a 'Super Melty Mootz' with melted 'mootzarella' cheese.

There are two swimming pools on the ship. One is the festive main pool open to all ages with WaterWorks nearby. This signature Carnival water park offers the fastest Twister waterslide, where riders slide hundreds of feet along the wettest ride at sea.

This area isn't just for kids, it's for those who enjoy thrills, splashing and are young at heart.

The other pool area is the adult-only Serenity resort-like retreat. Soak in one of the two large outdoor whirlpools, or enjoy a treatment in one of the two massage huts. This is the place to relax in a cabana during a day at sea or after an excursion.

There is also an al fresco dining venue - Fresh Creations for chopped salads made-to-order and healthy menu items.

This exclusive area is ideal for sunbathing, and to join others during an evening dance party. Waiters are happy to serve spritzs, wine beers, frozen drinks and sodas to guests sitting in premium wicker chaise lounges and clamshell chairs. Those looking for a shaded seating area will enjoy the double loungers and plush wicker sofas near live trees for greenery and decoration.

BARS AND LOUNGES

For an Aperol Spritz, Amari is one of the best cocktail bars on the ship. Amari shakes and pours apertivos made with iconic Italian herbal liqueurs and bitters that are part of Italy's food and drink culture.

Order an Amari sampler for a starter to wake up your palate before a delicious Italian dinner. Come back and order a Pistachio Martini, Pineapple Rum Negroni or Bitter Giuseppe as a before-bed digestive.

Other fun spots for drinks and conversation include Frizzante, a sparkling wine bar, featuring bubbly Italian wines. They are the core of the cocktail recipes for a variety of refreshing and colorful spritz drinks, plus Campari and Negroni.

This bar and lounge also offers wine flights to taste a variety of sparkling wines from Italy's favorite vineyards. Be sure to try one of the martinis made with freshly pulled shots of espresso to elevate your evening into the late night or early morning.

Frizzante also has the espresso machine humming for a sip of fresh, hot and authentic cup with a biscotti on the side, just like in Italy.

Enjoy the flavors of Florence with an Italian flair with dining options, award-winning entertainment and refreshed decor throughout Carnival Firenze.

Reserve a four-day cruise down to Baja California from Long Beach starting at $214 per person, double occupancy. Not only will you stop in Ensenada, Mexico, but also the Mediterranean-looking city of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island.

Splurge and cruise on one of the 7-day Mexican Riviera cruises roundtrip from Long Beach to visit Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. These cruises start at $429 per person double occupancy.