Carnival Radiance Prepares For Inaugural Cruise

The newest addition to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet has officially been christened, as she prepares to set sail on her inaugural cruise later today. Carnival Radiance underwent an extensive $200 million makeover and will become the third ship sailing from Long Beach, California.

Dr. Lucille O’Neal was named the ship’s godmother and was involved in the naming ceremony. She was presented with a $25,000 donation to the Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund, which aims to provide financial help to students pursuing a career in nursing and education.

Carnival Radiance will leave the Port of Long Beach on her maiden four-day cruise. Future itineraries include three-day trips to Ensenada, as well as four-day sailings calling at Ensenada and Catalina Island. She joins Carnival Panorama in offering week-long Mexican Riviera cruises and Carnival Miracle sailing four- and five-day Mexican itineraries.

Dr O’Neal commented: “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.

“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.”

Features on board the new Carnival Cruises ship include Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, a family-style Italian restaurant called Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi and the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub.