CCL-Carnival Cruise Line christened its newest liner Carnival Radiance last night (December 12) in an official naming ceremony in Los Angeles (Long Beach-San Pedro, California), with Godmother Lucille O’Neal and her son Shaquille O’Neal/Shaq (CCL's Chief Fun Officer) as featured guests.
Carnival Radiance underwent a US$200 million drydock reconstruction and is CCL’s 3rd vessel homeported year-round in Long Beach - together with Carnival Miracle and Carnival Panorama.
The christening ceremony commenced with a “We Are Family” video of the Radiance crew preparing the liner for her guests.
As part of the naming ceremony, Lucille and Shaq helped pour champagne atop the traditional ship’s bell, officially christening the ship.
Prior to the naming, the evening kicked off with the mother & son duo cutting a ribbon to open Big Chicken, the 2nd seagoing restaurant by Shaquille, which debuted on Carnival Mardi Gras earlier this year, with dishes based on family recipes.
Carnival Radiance departs today from Port Long Beach on her 4-day maiden voyage. The West Coast USA-based itineraries include 3-day roundtrips to Ensenada and 4-day to Ensenada (Baja California Mexico) and Santa Catalina Island.
Radiance joins Panorama sailing 7-day Mexican Riviera voyages, and Miracle sailing 4- and 5-day Mexico cruises.