Carnival Cruise Line celebrated 20 years of sailing from Baltimore with a special event aboard the Carnival Pride, paying tribute to first responders who acted heroically during the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. President Christine Duffy welcomed distinguished guests, including Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, Baltimore Deputy Mayor J.D. Merrill, Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Jonathan Daniels, and representatives from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Duffy expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership with Baltimore and Maryland’s local leaders, emphasizing the recent return to cruising from the port as a symbol of resilience. She honored the Maryland Transportation Authority Police officers in attendance, recognizing their swift and courageous response to the Key Bridge tragedy.
Carnival’s celebration highlighted the company’s dedication to Baltimore, not only as a cruise departure point but as a community pillar, and underscored the vital role of first responders in safeguarding residents and travelers alike. Duffy’s remarks echoed a commitment to Baltimore’s future, as Carnival continues to play a part in driving tourism and economic growth in the region.
“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 recently enhanced during a 2023 dry dock and offers a variety of itineraries from Baltimore including trips to the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Greenland, Canada, and the Panama Canal. In 2025, the ship will also include visits to Carnival’s newest exclusive destination in The Bahamas, Celebration Key.
Tags: The Bahamas, Celebration Key, Carnival Pride, Baltimore, Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line