To commemorate 20 years of sailing from Baltimore, Carnival Cruise Line honored first responders who assisted with the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. During a celebratory event aboard Carnival Pride on Sunday, Carnival President Christine Duffy welcomed aboard dignitaries and public officials that included Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, Baltimore Deputy Mayor J.D. Merrill, and Executive Director of the Maryland Port Administration Jonathan Daniels along with representatives from the U.S. Naval Academy.

Duffy thanked leaders for their longstanding partnership and noted the recent return to cruising from Baltimore following the bridge’s collapse. She recognized several Maryland Transportation Authority Police first responders who were in attendance for their heroic response to the tragedy.

“As America’s cruise line, Carnival launched the first year-round cruise program from Baltimore with Carnival Pride so it’s fitting that we are here today aboard Carnival Pride showing the immense pride we have in providing great cruise vacations from this great American city,” said Duffy. “We are proud to sail 100,000 people from Baltimore annually, generate millions in economic impact for the city and state with each departure and honor the courageous individuals who assisting in saving lives during the tragic bridge collapse.”

Carnival also marked the 20-year milestone by donating $25,000 to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation to support its Energy Security and Infrastructure Resilience program.

Carnival Pride was renovated during a dry dock in 2023 and offers a variety of itineraries from Baltimore including voyages to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Greenland, Canada, and the Panama Canal. In 2025, the vessel will also offer visits to Carnival’s newest upcoming destination in The Bahamas, Celebration Key.

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