Carnival Cruise Line today announced an order for three new ships, each set to be the biggest and most fun-packed vessels they’ve ever launched. These new ships, built by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and are scheduled to set sail in the summers of 2029, 2031, and 2033.
This latest order is part of a big push in 2024 to expand Carnival’s fleet, and more than likely retire some of their older vessels. Earlier this year, Carnival Corporation, the parent company, announced plans for two more Excel-class ships, which will join the lineup in 2027 and 2028. On top of that, Carnival is making some strategic moves to boost its global brand by transferring five ships from sister brands to Carnival between 2023 and March 2025, increasing their capacity to host even more guests.
Why all the investment in Carnival Cruise Line? It turns out that Carnival is the top-performing brand in the Carnival Corporation family. With new ships lined up for delivery in 2025, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2031, and 2033, Carnival is taking a smart approach to growth. They’re adding new ships at a steady pace of one to two per year, making sure they meet the high demand for cruise vacations.
With a yearly growth rate of about 1.5% in capacity from 2025 to 2033, Carnival Corporation is setting itself up to handle the rising demand for cruises. This strategy also helps the company improve its finances, reduce debt (they have a ton!), and increase value for shareholders through responsible spending and strong cash flow.
The new ships will be massive, with over 3,000 guest staterooms each and the capacity to carry almost 8,000 guests at full capacity. This means more fun and more guests than any other ship in the world! By 2033, Carnival will have 16 LNG-powered ships, including eight for Carnival Cruise Line, which will make up nearly 30% of the company’s global capacity. This is a huge step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and being more environmentally friendly.
These ships will also feature advanced tech for energy efficiency, waste management, and emission reduction, making them some of the greenest ships around. The collaboration with Fincantieri to build these giants marks a significant achievement, as they will be the largest cruise ships ever constructed by the shipbuilder and the biggest ever built in Italy.
While we’re still waiting on the details about the ship designs and where they’ll be sailing, the buzz is already building. Carnival Cruise Line fans can expect even more innovative and thrilling experiences as the company continues to redefine what it means to have fun at sea.