The maritime tradition to mark the first steel cut for a new ship has taken place for Carnival Celebration, as Carnival Cruise Line prepares for its next Excel-class ship’s debut next year.

A sister ship to the highly-anticipated Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration is scheduled to begin sailing from PortMiami in November 2022, part of Carnival Cruise Line’s year-long 50th birthday festivities.

Following the ceremony at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, which was attended by Carnival’s senior vice president of new builds, Ben Clement, and Meyer Turku CEO Tim Meyer, work officially began on Carnival Celebration’s offerings.

Among the ship’s features is BOLT, the first rollercoaster at sea, along with unique design qualities created and new signature venues specifically for the vessel.

Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said the steel-cutting ceremony marked the beginning of yet another exciting chapter for the cruise line.

“Not only will Carnival Celebration feature signature amenities from Mardi Gras, she’ll usher in a new era for Carnival Cruise Line with some special innovations created just for her that we’re sure our guests will enjoy,” she said.

“We’re equally excited about Carnival Celebration’s role in our 50th birthday festivities which will serve as an unforgettable way for our fans to mark this milestone in our company’s history.”

Carnival Celebration is scheduled to debut in November 2022 and will offer year-round service from PortMiami’s new Terminal F being constructed specifically for Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival’s 50th birthday festivities begin in March 2022 – the company’s founding month – with a series of commemorative sailings that will feature special entertainment and itineraries and continuing all year long, culminating with Carnival Celebration’s arrival in November.