Carnival Cruise Line’s new flagship has kicked off its first-ever sailing to the Caribbean. 

The new 6,000-guest cruise ship made its first stop in Grand Turk on a Thanksgiving-week cruise. 

That was followed by stops at the Dominican Republic’s Amber Cove cruise port and the Port of Nassau. 

“It is an honor to bring our new flagship to Grand Turk as its first Caribbean port of call and welcome our guests to experience the beauty of the island,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Grand Turk is a popular destination with our guests and I’m looking forward to Carnival Celebration making many memorable visits going forward.”

The cruise ship, which has more than 2,600 state rooms and 20 dining venues, will be sailing alternating itineraries across the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

The debut of Celebration helps mark the 50th anniversary of the cruise brand. 

That will include stops in destinations like Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Amber Cove and Nassau in the Eastern Caribbean and Cozumel, Costa Maya and Mahogany Bay in the Western Caribbean. 

The ship held a major celebration in Miami before setting off, a ceremony that included a large-scale delegation from the Caribbean Tourism Organization. 

“It [was] an honor to be among the people given a first look at this amazing ship. With so many amenities, and leisure spaces for its clients, there is no doubt that Carnival is committed to offering the very best for its customers and partners,” said Cayman Islands Tourism Minister and CTO Chairman Kenneth Bryan, who was joined by Cayman Tourism Director Mrs. Rosa Harris. “The CTO is pleased to continue strengthening its relationships within its cruise membership as we continue to regrow the tourism industry in the Caribbean