Carnival Corp. has disclosed its intentions to introduce three enormous ships starting in 2029, as part of a new ship class at Carnival Cruise Line. Each of these ships is projected to accommodate nearly 8,000 guests at maximum capacity, boasting a weight of 230,000 gross tons and housing over 3,000 guest staterooms. In comparison, the most recent new Excel-class ship, the Carnival Jubilee, measures at 183,000 gross tons. These three colossal ships are being constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, fueled by liquefied natural gas, and will be the biggest vessels ever built by Fincantieri or in Italy. The scheduled release dates for the ships are set for the summers of 2029, 2031, and 2033, pending finalization of financing by the end of this year.
Company Expansion
Emphasizing the surge in demand within the industry, Carnival Cruise Line is thrilled with the recent developments in the construction of these new ships. The company’s President, Christine Duffy, has assured that the forthcoming class of ships will focus on revolutionizing guest experiences and steering towards the future. Carnival Corp. has already placed orders for five additional ships for the cruise line this year. This includes two more Excel-class ships scheduled to join the fleet in 2027 and 2028, as well as the absorption of five ships from sister brands into the fleet between 2023 and 2025, with the latest two from P&O Cruises Australia.
Growth Strategies
CEO of Carnival Corp., Josh Weinstein, highlighted the strategic planning behind the company’s growth with new ship acquisitions. The current newbuild pipeline entails one delivery each year in 2025, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2031, and 2033, showcasing a disciplined approach to expansion. By directing new capacity to areas with the highest demand and introducing one to two new ships annually, Carnival Corp. aims to elevate its capacity incrementally, with an estimated growth rate of 1.5% per year between 2025 and 2033. This calculated and strategic approach is intended to meet the escalating demand in the cruising sector effectively.
Carnival Corp.’s unveiling of plans for these monumental new ships marks a significant milestone in the cruise industry. With a strong focus on enhancing guest experiences, innovative design, and strategic growth, Carnival Cruise Line is poised for an exciting future. Through these developments, Carnival Corp. is positioned to meet the rising demand for cruising, while maintaining a disciplined and calculated approach to company expansion.