Sarah Bretz, ContributorCarnival Cruise Line has announced that it has become the first cruise operator to embark over 7 million guests from New Orleans since the port began year-round cruising in 1994. When the Litteral family stepped aboard Carnival Valor on Monday, they made the milestone official.
Thomas and Julie Litteral, along with their kids Zachary and Zoey, are avid Carnival cruisers from Georgia. They were already set to celebrate a special Carnival milestone on the sailing, with 12-year-old Zachary achieving Diamond VIFP status and joining his parents at Carnival’s top loyalty level.
The Litterals were welcomed on board by Captain Antonio Modaffari, and the ship’s team led an impromptu celebration of the seven millionth embarkation.
“Sharing this landmark embarkation in New Orleans with loyal guests, a family that clearly loves the fun they find when they sail with us, makes this moment truly special,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Seven million guests cruising with us from Port NOLA signifies our unwavering commitment as the market leader in this vibrant city. Just after celebrating 30 years of year-round service here this spring, we’re proud to continue building on our important partnership with the New Orleans community.”
With two ships — Carnival Valor and Carnival Liberty — sailing from New Orleans year-round, the cruise line sails 400,000 guests from Port NOLA annually. The line marked 30 years of sailing from the port in May.
The ships offer a variety of four to seven-day roundtrip cruises from New Orleans that visit popular destinations in the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Next year, Carnival Liberty will operate several voyages visiting Carnival’s new destination on Grand Bahama, Celebration Key.
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