Carnival Cruise Line is set to bolster its fleet with the addition of a new Excel-class ship.
- The new vessel, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), is scheduled for delivery in 2028.
- It will accommodate over 6,400 passengers and a crew of 1,800, representing a significant expansion.
- This ship will be the fifth Excel-class vessel for Carnival and the eleventh across its parent corporation.
- The expansion aligns with Carnival’s strategy to add one to two ships annually starting from 2027.
Carnival Cruise Line has cemented its commitment to expanding its fleet with the formal agreement for a new Excel-class ship to be built by Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. This advanced vessel, employing liquefied natural gas (LNG) for power, marks a forward leap in eco-friendly seafaring technology. Slated for delivery in 2028, the ship will have the capacity to carry more than 6,400 passengers and 1,800 crew, promising an enhanced cruising experience for all onboard.
This particular vessel contributes to Carnival Corporation’s already extensive range of Excel-class ships, being the eleventh in a catalogue that spans across four brands under its corporate umbrella. Specifically, it will be the fifth ship under the Carnival Cruise Line name, further augmenting their offering of modern and luxurious cruise vacations.
Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, notes the fleet’s success, stating, “Carnival’s Excel-class fleet will soon be a quintet of these very popular ships that provide outstanding guest amenities and tremendous operating efficiencies.” Her statement underlines the popular demand and customer satisfaction associated with these newer class ships, sparked initially by the introduction of the Mardi Gras in 2021.
The strategic decision for expansion is backed by Carnival Corporation CEO, Josh Weinstein, who highlights the company’s focus on measured growth. He envisions the consistent addition of one to two ships per year beginning in 2027 to meet market demand while optimizing operations. The intent is to identify additional fleet plans that will not only fulfil capacity demands but also enhance operational execution and profitability.
While the acquisition of this latest ship is still contingent on securing financing, which is expected to be finalised within the current year, it signifies a calculated and strategically sound step forward for Carnival Cruise Line and its parent corporation in the highly competitive cruise industry.
This strategic fleet expansion underscores Carnival’s ongoing commitment to innovation and market leadership in the cruise industry.
