America’s Cruise Line Lights Up Times Square

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

  • Carnival Cruise Line returns as the official sponsor of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball lighting for the fifth year
  • CEO Josh Weinstein will light the ball while the company sponsors a performance on ABC’s holiday broadcast
  • Operational highlights from 2025 include the successful opening of the Celebration Key destination and a new campaign with Nick Offerman
  • Future growth plans include the addition of five new ships to the fleet between now and 2033

Carnival Cruise Line has announced its return to Times Square in New York City to serve as the official sponsor of the New Year’s Eve Ball lighting for the fifth consecutive year. Josh Weinstein, the CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, is scheduled to lead the delegation and will personally light the iconic ball to signal the start of 2026. In conjunction with this event, the cruise line is sponsoring a musical performance for the “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026” broadcast on ABC, ensuring national visibility for the brand as the year concludes.

Reflecting on the past twelve months, the company highlighted several significant operational achievements in 2025. A major milestone was the July opening of Celebration Key, an exclusive destination located in Grand Bahama. This venue recently welcomed its one-millionth guest and has rapidly become a central component of the company’s Caribbean itineraries. Additionally, Carnival launched a new marketing campaign in November titled “Carnival Is Calling,” featuring actor and humorist Nick Offerman, which aims to encourage consumers to prioritize leisure and fun.

Looking toward the future, Carnival President Christine Duffy expressed gratitude for the momentum the company is carrying into 2026. The strategic plan involves continued fleet expansion, with five new ships scheduled for delivery through 2033. This includes two Excel-class vessels arriving in 2027 and 2028, followed by a new class of ships currently under development. The leadership team remains focused on maintaining high guest satisfaction rates and delivering memorable vacation experiences as they continue to grow their capacity and offerings in the global cruise market.