Orders agreed for largest ships to join Princess Cruises’ fleet

Shipyard agreements have been made for Princess Cruises to receive three next-generation ships in the 2030s.

 

The new Voyager Class vessels will be the largest in the line’s fleet, each carrying around 4,700 passengers, against the line’s 4,300-capacity Sphere Class vessels.

 

They will be dual-fuel powered, primarily by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and are described by parent company Carnival Corporation as being “similar” to the line’s newest Sphere Class ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess.

 

The 183,000 gross-ton newbuilds are due to be delivered in late 2035, 2038 and 2039.

 

Full details are being kept under wraps, but the company said: “The new vessels will seamlessly blend the most desired and highest-rated experiences and venues Princess Cruises is known for, with completely reimagined outer decks, staterooms and Piazza designs that cater to the brand’s global travelers and diverse deployments. 

 

“These new ships will build upon the award-winning Sphere Class platform and continue to leverage the latest guest-facing and marine technologies.”

 

They will be constructed on a “next-generation platform designed to further enhance the line’s already world-class vacation experience for its guests”.

 

To be built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, they represent what will be Carnival Corporation’s 19th, 20th and 21st LNG-based vessels as part of the company’s ongoing fleet enhancement strategy.

 

Carnival Corporation already has seven additional new ships under contract that are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2033.

 

The company said: “The value of these agreements, subject to financing and other typical terms and conditions, are considered very important”, understood to be at a value exceeding €2 billion each.  

 

“Specification details for the design, along with anticipated features and amenities of this all-new platform design for Princess Cruises will be shared in the future.”

 

Princess Cruises president Gus Antorcha said: "The Voyager class will delight both our loyal guests and attract the next generation of Princess guests. 

 

“We have been leveraging extensive customer and agent research to strike the right balance between evolving our proven winners and introducing new concepts and partnerships grounded in what matters to our current and future guests.

 

“From exceptional dining and inviting pool environments to elevated entertainment and beautifully reimagined spaces throughout the ship, we are leaving no area untouched as we thoughtfully evolve the Princess experience.”

 

Fincantieri chief executive and managing director Pierroberto Folgiero added: “We are delighted to announce this new agreement with Princess Cruises, which confirms the strength of a long-standing and forward-looking partnership. 

 

“These new orders secure a robust workload for our shipyards through 2039 and further support the profitable development of our cruise business. 

 

“With the new Voyager-class ships, we are once again leveraging Fincantieri’s distinctive expertise in sustainable, next‑generation shipbuilding, supporting Princess Cruises in its growth trajectory and reaffirming our role as a trusted industrial partner for the evolution of the cruise industry.”

 

Rival Royal Caribbean had a series of five 137,000 gross-ton Voyager Class ships between 1999 and 2003.