Carnival Cruise Line has introduced a new ship in Long Beach, Calif., with the christening of its latest ship, Carnival Radiance. Following a major $200 million redesign, the former Carnival Victory was renamed by godmother Dr. Lucille O’Neal — mother of Shaquille O’Neal (former U.S. professional basketball player and Carnival’s chief fun officer) — on Dec. 12, 2021.
“Carnival Radiance features all of Carnival’s fan favorites and more, so we are beyond excited to finally welcome her to the West Coast and to our fleet,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “And having Shaq’s mom, Lucille, an accomplished speaker who donates her time and talent to a wide range of charitable organizations, as the ship’s Godmother has made it even more special.”
Carnival Radiance features all of Carnival’s fan favorites and more, so we are beyond excited to finally welcome her to the West Coast and to our fleet.
Duffy presented Lucille with a $25,000 donation to the Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund in honor of her accomplishments in the medical field. The fund seeks to financially contribute to students looking to enter a career in nursing and education.
The City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir from Gardena, Calif. was also on hand to perform a gospel rendition of “We Are Family” as attendees waved light sticks during the grand finale of the christening.
“What a special evening it was to celebrate the debut of Carnival Radiance with my son by my side in what truly felt like a ‘We Are Family’ event,” Lucille said. “It has been such a pleasure to be included in these exciting festivities, so I can only imagine how incredible it will be for guests to sail aboard this spectacular ship — they’re going to love it.”
In addition to Lucille and Shaquille pouring Champagne over a ship’s traditional bell to officially name Radiance, they both also cut the ribbon to inaugurate the opening of the vessel’s Big Chicken, a complimentary eatery that marks the second seagoing restaurant from Shaq featuring his family’s recipes. The first restaurant debuted previously on the line’s new Mardi Gras.
Other onboard features include the newly added Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, Heroes Tribute Bar, Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi and RedFrog Pub. The ship’s waterpark, youth facilities, retail shops, Cloud 9 Spa and Liquid Lounge have been transformed, as well.
Now sporting the brand’s latest red, white and blue hull livery, Radiance joins Carnival Panorama and Carnival Miracle as the third ship sailing year-round from Long Beach. It embarks on three-day cruises to Ensenada, Mexico, and four-day sailings to Ensenada, Mexico, and Catalina Island in California.
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