Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras has been sailing out of Florida's Port Canaveral since July 31st, on seven-day excursions, alternating between the eastern and western Caribbean. But the ship did not get its designated name until Saturday, when a special ceremony was held between cruises at Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 3, presided over by the ship's godmother, Miss Dominican Republic Kimberly Jimenez (Him-en-ez). Most of Saturday's hourlong ceremony was a high-tech multimedia extravaganza. But, in an homage to tradition, Jimenez (Him-en-ez) wished the ship and its crew "smooth seas and following winds," as she officially named the ship the Mardi Gras. Carnival now has 13 ships sailing from six ports. It will have 17 on the seas by the end of December and 19 by the end of February.

https://www.floridatoday.com/story/money/business/2021/10/23/carnivals-mardi-gras-has-naming-ceremony-months-after-ship-begins-sailing/6136858001/

https://www.floridatoday.com/story/money/business/2021/10/23/carnivals-mardi-gras-has-naming-ceremony-months-after-ship-begins-sailing/6136858001/