Port Canaveral now has its newest cruise ship. The Carnival Sunshine set sail for the first time Thursday.
Adding to the port's $2 billion economic impact on Central Florida.
The traditional maritime plaque ceremony took place on the Carnival Sunshine, the newest ship in the company's cruise ship fleet to call Port Canaveral home.
A $155 million makeover includes new restaurants and bars, and a 334-foot long water slide, the longest among their ships.
"We are in a period of time when we are slowing as far as new ships coming on line," said Carlos Torres de Navarra of Carnival Cruise Lines. "So from our standpoint we still want to invest in our product, is to improve what you are seeing here."
Add one more ship -- the Liberty -- coming next month, and Carnival will have three vessels that call Port Canaveral home.
It means 600,000 passengers every year passing through Port Canaveral, with 250 yearly three to eight day cruises headed to 14 tropical spots in the Caribbean.
"They have the choice of our beaches, our theme parks, and the choice of three beautiful ships and itineraries," said Port Authority CEO John Walsh. "If you ask me that's a partnership made in heaven."
Rita and Jeff Hunter of Deland are veteran cruisers among the 3,000 on board the Sunshine. It's their 13th Carnival trip and they wanted to be the first on this newly-renovated ship.
They say they only cruise out of this port.
"We always come here. It's good for the economy. We need that," the Hunters said.
Port leaders said each ship brings $500 million of economic impact to the region. The Carnival Sunshine is on its way to the Bahamas for a special two-day voyage before beginning year-round cruises.
By 2017, Port Canaveral is expected to see 6 million cruise passengers every year.