Jonathan Bennett, a well-known actor for his roles in movies such as “Mean Girls,” Hallmark Channel productions, and currently on Broadway, has been chosen to be the godfather of Carnival’s Firenze ship. This ship, the second of Carnival’s Italian-themed vessels acquired from Costa, will be christened in Long Beach, California, on April 24, with its maiden voyage taking place the following day.
Impressive Accommodations
The Carnival Firenze, with a 130,000 gross tonnage, boasts accommodations for over 5,000 guests and will navigate Mexican Rivera itineraries. Despite Bennett not being of Italian descent, unlike Jay Leno who served as the godfather for the Venice-themed Carnival Venezia ship, his admiration for cruising led Carnival to select him for this role.
Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, revealed that Bennett expressed his dream of being a godfather for one of Carnival’s ships after his experience on the Carnival Venezia last year. Duffy surprised Bennett during one of his rehearsals with the invitation, which was a heartwarming moment that was captured on video.
Jonathan Bennett’s acting career commenced on the soap opera “All My Children” before transitioning to the big screen with his role as Aaron Samuels in the cult classic “Mean Girls.” He has since appeared in various films, TV shows, and even hosted popular programs like MTV’s “Copycat” and the Food Network’s “Cake Wars.” Furthermore, he has been a host at the iconic New York Times Square New Year’s Eve event, an occasion Carnival has been part of for the last three years.
Current Endeavors
Bennett can currently be seen on Broadway in the musical revival of “Spamalot.” Additionally, he and his husband, Jaymes Vaughan, launched an LGBTQ+ cruise company in 2021, showcasing their commitment to diversity and inclusion within the cruise industry.
As Jonathan Bennett gears up to be the godfather of the Carnival Firenze, his diverse career background in television, film, and theater, along with his passion for cruising, make him a fitting choice for this honorary role. With his upcoming appearance on Broadway and involvement in LGBTQ+ initiatives, Bennett continues to engage in meaningful projects that resonate with audiences worldwide.