Carnival Cruise Line Names Jay Leno as Godfather of Carnival Venezia

Jay Leno, the longtime host of The Tonight Show, will serve as the first-ever godfather to a Carnival Cruise Line ship.

Carnival announced this week that Leno will be the godfather to Carnival Venezia when the ship is christened and enters service on June 14, 2023. Leno, as part of the ceremonies, will perform a special comedy show exclusively for the christening’s attendees.

Leno, who currently hosts and produces Jay Leno’s Garage, which is in its seventh season on CNBC, said he was “truly honored” to be named as the ship’s godfather.

“It was an offer I couldn’t refuse,” said Leno. “Carnival’s focus on FUN combined with the Italian theming of this ship is something that is truly unique. I’m also excited to have my very own cruise ship, although I think I’ll need a bigger garage!”

Initially built for Costa to operate in China, the 4,000-passenger Carnival Venezia is the same class as Carnival’s Vista Class. It is the second of three Costa Cruises ships that have been or will be transferred to Carnival.

The ship will blend Costa and Carnival stylings, making it unlike anything else in the Carnival fleet. In particular, it will celebrate Venice, Italy, with a Venice-inspired atrium Piazza San Marco, and Italian restaurants including Marco Polo and Canal Grande Restaurants, along with the new specialty restaurant Il Viaggio.

That Italian influence includes Teatro Russo, designed to look like an Italian opera house with tufted red velvet seats and elegant chandeliers. It will be home to Playlist Productions including Color My World, Epic Rock, Vintage Pop, and Broadway Beats. It will also be the location for the line’s audience participation version of Family Feud Live.

Carnival Venezia will also feature a number of Carnival mainstays such as Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Burger Joint, the steakhouse Fahrenheit 555, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki and the Chef’s Table, the Lido Marketplace, Seafood Shack and Pizzeria del Capitano, Piano Bar 88, and more.