21-Aug-2002

Harwich International Port welcomed Carnival Cruise Line’s newest Super Liner ‘Spirit Class’ ship, Carnival Legend, on her inaugural voyage on Sunday 18th August 2002.

The ship will be officially named in a traditional champagne-breaking ceremony at Harwich International Port today (Wednesday 21st August) by Dame Judi Dench, one of the UK’s leading stage and screen actresses. She will serve as ‘godmother’ to the vessel.

The 88,500-tonne Carnival Legend will be the first Carnival Cruise Line vessel to sail a European itinerary, and is due to commence her maiden voyage from the UK after the naming ceremony with a three-night spectacular ‘Preview Cruise’ to Amsterdam. On her return to Harwich, she will then depart on a 12-night ‘Baltic Discovery Cruise’, followed by a 15-day transatlantic crossing, arriving in New York on 20th September. She will then operate around Bermuda, the Caribbean and the USA for the next year.

Carnival Legend, billed as a ‘Floating Resort’, has 12 passenger decks, and is capable of carrying 2,124 passengers and 930 crew. On board, she is lavishly equipped; facilities include 12 bars, three restaurants, a gym, shopping malls, and four pools, including a 72ft cascading waterslide and sliding sky dome. There is also a French-themed atrium, spanning 11 decks, fitted with glass lifts, and a Chapel for onboard weddings.

Speaking at the naming ceremony, Terry Davies, Divisional Manager for Harwich International Port, commented:

“I am delighted to welcome Carnival Cruise Lines, and, in particular, the splendid Carnival Legend, to Harwich International Port. Carnival’s decision to use Harwich as its UK home port further highlights the Port’s commitment to providing the highest levels of service to its customers. Carnival Legend is a wonderful vessel, and I wish her a long and fruitful life.”