Actor Jonathan Bennett is Carnival Firenze's godfather

Bennett will preside over festivities for Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship's naming on April 24 in Long Beach, California.

Carnival Firenze is the second ship to sail with the Carnival Fun Italian Style theme. 

Carnival brand ambassador

'Jonathan is a true brand ambassador for Carnival,' Carnival President Christine Duffy said. 'He cruises with us, honeymooned with us and tells his friends and family to vacation with Carnival. He is friendly and welcoming to everyone and embodies the Carnival style of fun.'

Dream come true

Duffy continued: 'After he sailed on the first voyage of Carnival Firenze's sister ship Carnival Venezia last May, he told me it would be his dream to be the godfather of one of our ships, so how could I turn down such a request for such a terrific friend to Carnival?'

Following his first professional acting role on the soap opera 'All My Children,' Bennett appeared in a number of television series before his breakout role as Aaron Samuels in 'Mean Girls.' He has gone on to star in feature films and Hallmark Channel movies and hosted programs for the Food Network. He's also the host for the New York Times Square New Year's Eve celebration where Carnival has sponsored the ball drop for the past three years.

Bennett is currently completing his first Broadway appearance in the hit revival of the musical 'Spamalot.'

Carnival Firenze's naming ceremony will be livestreamed on Carnival's Facebook page.