Carnival Cruise Line has announced plans for a new Excel class ship, solidifying its commitment to innovation and sustainability in ocean cruising.
- The new vessel, expected in spring 2027, will be the tenth Excel class ship in their fleet.
- This marks the first new ship order from Carnival Corporation in half a decade.
- The ship, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), will host over 6,400 guests.
- Carnival Cruise Line aims to enhance guest experiences and expand its reach with this new addition.
Carnival Corporation has disclosed an agreement with German shipbuilder Meyer Werft for the construction of a new Excel class ship for Carnival Cruise Line, emphasising its ongoing pursuit of fleet expansion and modernisation. The new ship is anticipated to join the fleet in spring 2027, marking a return to shipbuilding activity for Carnival after a five-year hiatus.
This forthcoming addition will be the tenth Excel class cruise ship within the corporation’s extensive fleet, reinforcing its commitment to innovation. The new vessel is designed to accommodate more than 6,400 guests, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.
The ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), highlighting Carnival’s dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility in its operations. LNG is recognised for its potential to significantly reduce emissions, aligning with industry trends towards greener practices.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, remarked on the success of the Excel class ships, noting their popularity among customers: ‘Our Excel class ships have been a tremendous addition to the Carnival fleet and proven very popular with our guests.’ This announcement underscores Carnival’s strategy to grow its fleet and attract both returning and new-to-cruise customers.
Josh Weinstein, chief executive of Carnival Corporation, stressed the strategic intent behind this move, stating, ‘Building on our strong performance and growing momentum around the world, we are excited to resume our newbuild program and further enhance our global fleet with yet another state-of-the-art ship.’ This expansion is part of Carnival’s larger strategy to increase capacity by introducing one to two ships annually starting in 2027 to meet increased demand.
This announcement marks a significant step in Carnival Cruise Line’s strategy to expand and modernize its fleet while enhancing sustainability.
