The cruise industry, once rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic, is making waves again with the news that Carnival Corporation & plc. is reportedly in the preliminary stages of commissioning groundbreaking mega-ships from Fincantieri. With a staggering capacity of 208,000 gross tons and the ability to accommodate around 10,000 passengers and crew, these vessels are poised to redefine the notion of “mega” in the cruise world.
The first ship’s anticipated delivery by the end of 2028 marks a significant leap forward for Carnival Corporation, and if the rumors are true, these ships will be the largest ever constructed in Italy. The estimated order value, hovering around 7 billion euros, underscores the scale and ambition of this project.
A Bold Step Beyond Carnival’s Existing Fleet
This move comes at a time when Carnival Corporation’s order book is relatively thin, with only three ships from Fincantieri on the cards – Sun Princess and Star Princess for Princess Cruises, and Queen Anne for Cunard Line. The new mega-ships, rumored to be delivered in 2027 or early 2028, represent a bold step beyond Carnival’s existing fleet.
In the context of the current Carnival Cruise Line fleet, this development is significant and marks a major step in moving to bigger, bolder ships. To put things in perspective, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, set to sail on her inaugural voyage in just a few days, boasts a gross tonnage of 250,800, currently holding the title of the world’s largest cruise ship. This is followed by Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships and MSC’s new World Class cruise ships, both of which are notable for their impressive sizes. Yet, Carnival’s proposed ships, with their 208,000 gross tons, are set to overshadow many existing giants, though they will still be smaller than the Icon of the Seas.
However, these mega-ships are not just about size. The prospect of accommodating up to 7,000 guests and 2,500 crew members speaks volumes about the level of service and amenities that can be expected onboard. Each ship’s estimated price tag of $1.6 billion or more hints that Carnival may be upping their game when it comes to onboard experiences and amenities.
Comparing this potential new class of ship to the iconic Queen Mary 2, the largest ocean liner built for Cunard Line with a gross tonnage of 149,000, the difference is stark. Queen Mary 2, launched in 2003, has been celebrated for her luxurious design and state-of-the-art facilities, but the new Carnival ships promise to take this to a whole new level.
New Era of Mega-Cruising
It’s worth noting that Carnival has not yet confirmed these new orders and remains tight-lipped about the details. However, a spokesperson did hint at the possibility of new builds starting from 2027, at a rate of one to two per year. This indicates a significant ramp-up in their fleet expansion strategy, one that could dramatically alter the cruise landscape.
The rumors of these mega-ships come as a part of a larger trend within the cruise industry. Carnival Corporation’s move seems to be in line with the industry’s trajectory towards bigger, more luxurious ships. After breaking the 100,000 gross ton mark with the Carnival Destiny in 1996, Carnival is now poised to exceed the 200,000 gross ton mark, a feat achieved by only a few like Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises.
While details remain speculative, what’s clear is that Carnival Corporation is gearing up for a major expansion. These new ships, if they materialize, will not only be a testament to Carnival’s resilience post-pandemic but will also set new standards in terms of size, luxury, and passenger experience in the cruise industry.
As we wait for more concrete information, the excitement within the cruise community is palpable. These ships, symbolizing a new era of mega-cruising, could very well redefine what it means to vacation at sea. The anticipation for the first of these behemoths to set sail is high, and the impact on the cruise industry and its enthusiasts is expected to be monumental.