CARNIVAL FIRENZE
September 28, 2026 | Long Beach, California
Carnival Firenze (Carnival Cruise Line) was in Long Beach on September 28, 2026, during her year-round deployment from Southern California. Originally built for Costa Cruises, the Italian-themed ship joined Carnival in 2024 as part of the line’s Carnival Fun Italian Style program.
Entering service as Costa Firenze in 2020, Carnival Firenze was originally built for Costa Cruises before transferring to Carnival Cruise Line. The ship began sailing from Long Beach in 2024 as the second vessel in Carnival’s Fun Italian Style program, combining elements of her original Italian-inspired design with Carnival’s dining, entertainment, and onboard experience.
Information List
Name: Carnival Firenze
Operator: Carnival Cruise Line
Former Name: Costa Firenze
Year Built: 2020
Entered Carnival Service: 2024
Shipyard: Fincantieri, Marghera, Italy
Class: Venice Class
Length: Approximately 1,061 feet (323 meters)
Beam: Approximately 122 feet (37 meters)
Tonnage: Approximately 135,000 GT
Passenger Capacity: Approximately 4,126 double occupancy
Crew: Approximately 1,424
Guest Decks: 14
Country of Registry: Bahamas
IMO Number: 9801691
History and Features
Construction and Costa Cruises Service:
The ship was built by Fincantieri at Marghera, Italy, for Costa Cruises.
She was delivered in December 2020 as Costa Firenze.
Her design was inspired by Florence and the Italian Renaissance, with Italian architecture, artwork, and decorative elements incorporated throughout the ship.
Costa Firenze was originally intended primarily for the Chinese cruise market.
Changes in the cruise industry following the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the ship operating in Europe before eventually transferring to Carnival Cruise Line.
Becoming Carnival Firenze:
Carnival announced that Costa Firenze would transfer from Costa Cruises as part of its Fun Italian Style program.
The ship underwent modifications before entering Carnival service in 2024.
She was renamed Carnival Firenze while retaining much of the Italian-inspired design created for her original Costa Cruises career.
Carnival Firenze began sailing from Long Beach in April 2024.
She joined former Costa sister ship Carnival Venezia, creating a two-ship Fun Italian Style fleet within Carnival.
Design and Features:
Piazza Duomo forms one of the ship’s central gathering areas and draws inspiration from Florence’s Piazza del Duomo.
Many interior spaces retain Italian names and design elements from the ship’s original Costa Cruises concept.
Carnival additions include venues and activities familiar from the rest of the fleet.
Dining options include Il Viaggio, Guy’s Burger Joint, Bonsai Teppanyaki, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, and several Italian-inspired venues.
Outdoor features include swimming pools, waterslides, sports areas, and extensive open deck space.
Service:
Long Beach became the ship’s homeport when she entered Carnival service in April 2024.
Carnival Firenze primarily operates cruises to Mexico from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal.
Shorter itineraries visit destinations such as Ensenada and Catalina Island.
Longer Mexican Riviera cruises include ports such as Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.
Her deployment expanded Carnival’s capacity from Southern California and complemented the company’s other Long Beach-based ships.
As of September 2026, Carnival Firenze remains in active service from Long Beach.
Fun Italian Style:
Carnival developed Fun Italian Style to bring former Costa Cruises ships into the Carnival fleet while retaining much of their original Italian character.
Carnival Venezia introduced the concept in 2023.
Carnival Firenze followed in 2024.
Both ships combine Italian-inspired architecture and dining with Carnival entertainment, activities, and service.
The concept allowed Carnival to expand its fleet without completely removing the ships’ original Costa Cruises identity.
Legacy:
Carnival Firenze has had an unusual career, beginning as a Costa Cruises ship designed for the Chinese market before moving to Europe and eventually transferring to Carnival.
Her conversion demonstrates the close relationship between Carnival Cruise Line and Costa Cruises within Carnival Corporation.
Since 2024, Long Beach has become closely associated with the ship as her primary year-round homeport.
Her Italian-inspired design makes Carnival Firenze distinctive within Carnival’s Southern California fleet.
