Carnival Cruise Line confirms plans for 8,000-passenger mega ships 

Carnival Cruise Line plans to enter the next decade with a trio of giant new ships capable of carrying almost 8,000 passengers each.

 

At 230,000 gross tons each and built by Italian ship builder Fincantieri, they will have more than 3,000 cabins and be the largest in the Carnival Corporation global fleet.

 

The three vessels are to be built using a new platform currently called Project Ace for delivery in 2029, 2031 and 2033. 

 

They will carry more passengers “than any ship in the world” when sailing at full capacity. 

 

Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said: "These ships clearly represent the next generation of Fun ships. 

 

“They will be experiences unto themselves, and, partnered with itineraries that call in part on our exclusive destinations, will provide amazing cruise vacations for guests. 

 

"This class will introduce new dining outlets, entertainment, and re-imagined outer deck amenities. Our new build team is in the midst of designing these vessels, so stay tuned for more as we get closer to delivery."

 

She also revealed that the fourth ship in Carnival’s Excel class will be named Carnival Festivale, continuing a tradition of giving these ships the names of the first Carnival ships that helped popularise cruise holidays.

 

Carnival Festivale will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, from spring 2027 with itinerary details being released this summer.

 

The line’s fifth Excel class ship will be named Carnival Tropicale, also one of the original names of early Carnival ships. The homeport and open for sale date will be unveiled ahead of the scheduled delivery of the ship in spring 2028. 

 

Many of the new features on Carnival Festivale will also be included on Carnival Tropicale, as well as some new concepts and theming, according to the company.

 

Carnival Festivale will celebrate music with new themed venues as well as featuring 1,000 interconnecting cabins, nearly 70% more than on the company’s first three Excel class ships.

 

Other features include a new outdoor family fun zone on the top three decks, named Sunsation Point (pictured), including the “most family friendly water park at sea”, replacing the Bolt rollercoaster featured on existing Excel ships.

 

Carnival Waterworks Ultra will feature six slides, four of which are new to Carnival, including two family raft slides.

 

Carnival Cruise Line claims to sail more families than any other line, accommodating one million children a year.

 

When Carnival Festivale starts sailing from Port Canaveral, sister ship Mardi Gras will move to offering short cruises from the same homeport.

 

"As new ships are introduced, this will allow us to upgrade capacity and hardware in key markets, with a particular focus on short cruises," Duffy said. "With short cruises on Mardi Gras, our guests who may not have the time to take a weeklong vacation can experience all the amazing features of our Excel class.”

 

"Since our inception in 1972, we have defined and led the modern cruise industry and our plans for the next five years and beyond are no different. 

 

"Having just integrated two ships into the Carnival fleet in Australia, we now stand at 29 ships, the largest global fleet in our history. 

 

“Looking ahead, we have the opening of Celebration Key this July, followed by our expansion at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in 2026; the delivery of our fourth and fifth Excel ships in 2027 and 2028; and then the introduction of three ships in our new platform, Project Ace, beginning in 2029, plus fleet enhancements and new investments at some of our existing destinations."

 

Meanwhile, Carnival Corporation confirmed an order for two new next generation ships for German brand Aida Cruises.

 

The agreement with Fincantieri calls for multi-fuel-capable ships, with 2,100 cabins each, to delivered in the first quarter of fiscal years 2030 and 2032, bringing there Aida fleet up to 13 vessels.