Dench Serves as Carnival Legend Godmother

Dame Judi Dench, star of "The Importance of Being Earnest," "Shakespeare in Love" and the three latest James Bond 007 films, served as godmother to Carnival Cruise Lines' newest ship, Carnival Legend, at an official naming ceremony in Harwich, England, Wednesday, August 21. Oscar-winner Dench broke the traditional bottle of champagne against the ship's hull to officially name Carnival Legend. Dench was named a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1988. Built in Finland, the 88,500-ton 2,124-passenger Carnival Legend features 12 passenger decks, 16 bars and lounges, four swimming pools, a three-deck water slide, Internet cafe, 14,500-square-foot health spa, duty-free shopping mall, wedding chapel, video arcade, 1,800-square-ft. children's play area and three restaurants. Carnival Legend is the 17th "Fun Ship" in Carnival's fleet, and is the first Carnival vessel to sail a European itinerary. Following two Europe cruises, Legend will sail to New York for Canada/New England cruises through October, followed by sailings to Bermuda from Philadelphia and Baltimore, and a schedule of southern Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale beginning November 10.