CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE UNVEILS AN EXCITING 'INNOVATION ITINERARY' OF NEW SHIPS, FLEET ENHANCEMENTS, DEPLOYMENT PLANS AND EXCLUSIVE DESTINATIONS
Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled its 'Innovation Itinerary' strategic plan, focusing on fleet expansion and enhancement over the next five years. The company, currently operating 29 ships globally, announced two new Excel class ships - Carnival Festivale (2027) and Carnival Tropicale (2028), plus three Project Ace ships (2029-2033).
Carnival Festivale will feature new music-themed zones, 1,000 interconnecting rooms, and Sunsation Point with Carnival Waterworks Ultra. The Project Ace ships, at 230,000 gross tons each, will be the largest in Carnival's fleet, accommodating nearly 8,000 guests.
The company also announced deployment changes, with Mardi Gras shifting to short cruises from Port Canaveral, year-round operations returning to Mobile, Alabama in 2027, and potential fleet upgrades in Baltimore. Additionally, Carnival is enhancing its Paradise Collection destinations, including the new Celebration Key opening in July, expanded RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay (2026), and renovated Isla Tropicale in Roatan. A loyalty program enhancement is planned for 2026.
Carnival Cruise Line ha svelato il suo piano strategico 'Innovation Itinerary', focalizzandosi sull'espansione e il miglioramento della flotta nei prossimi cinque anni. Attualmente, l'azienda opera 29 navi a livello globale e ha annunciato due nuove navi di classe Excel - Carnival Festivale (2027) e Carnival Tropicale (2028), oltre a tre navi del Progetto Ace (2029-2033).
Carnival Festivale presenterà nuove zone a tema musicale, 1.000 camere comunicanti e Sunsation Point con Carnival Waterworks Ultra. Le navi del Progetto Ace, ciascuna di 230.000 tonnellate di stazza lorda, saranno le più grandi della flotta di Carnival, in grado di ospitare quasi 8.000 ospiti.
L'azienda ha anche annunciato cambiamenti nei percorsi, con Mardi Gras che passerà a crociere brevi da Port Canaveral, le operazioni durante tutto l'anno che torneranno a Mobile, Alabama, nel 2027, e potenziali aggiornamenti della flotta a Baltimora. Inoltre, Carnival sta migliorando le sue destinazioni della Paradise Collection, inclusa la nuova Celebration Key che aprirà a luglio, l'espansione di RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay (2026) e la ristrutturazione di Isla Tropicale a Roatan. Un miglioramento del programma di fidelizzazione è previsto per il 2026.
Carnival Cruise Line ha presentado su plan estratégico 'Innovation Itinerary', centrado en la expansión y mejora de su flota en los próximos cinco años. La compañía, que actualmente opera 29 barcos a nivel mundial, anunció dos nuevos barcos de clase Excel - Carnival Festivale (2027) y Carnival Tropicale (2028), además de tres barcos del Proyecto Ace (2029-2033).
Carnival Festivale contará con nuevas zonas temáticas de música, 1,000 habitaciones interconectadas y Sunsation Point con Carnival Waterworks Ultra. Los barcos del Proyecto Ace, con 230,000 toneladas de registro bruto cada uno, serán los más grandes de la flota de Carnival, con capacidad para casi 8,000 huéspedes.
La compañía también anunció cambios en el despliegue, con Mardi Gras cambiando a cruceros cortos desde Port Canaveral, operaciones durante todo el año regresando a Mobile, Alabama en 2027, y posibles actualizaciones de la flota en Baltimore. Además, Carnival está mejorando sus destinos de la colección Paradise, incluyendo la nueva Celebration Key que abrirá en julio, la expansión de RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay (2026) y la renovación de Isla Tropicale en Roatán. Se planea una mejora del programa de lealtad para 2026.
카니발 크루즈 라인은 향후 5년간 함대 확장 및 개선에 중점을 둔 '혁신 항로' 전략 계획을 발표했습니다. 현재 전 세계에서 29척의 선박을 운영하고 있는 회사는 두 척의 새로운 엑셀 클래스 선박 - 카니발 페스티발레(2027)와 카니발 트로피칼레(2028), 그리고 세 척의 프로젝트 에이스 선박 (2029-2033)을 발표했습니다.
카니발 페스티발레는 새로운 음악 테마 구역, 1,000개의 연결된 객실, 그리고 카니발 워터웍스 울트라와 함께하는 Sunsation Point를 특징으로 할 것입니다. 프로젝트 에이스 선박은 각각 230,000 총 톤으로 카니발의 함대에서 가장 크며, 거의 8,000명의 손님을 수용할 수 있습니다.
회사는 Mardi Gras가 포트 카나베랄에서 단기 크루즈로 전환하고, 2027년에 앨라배마주 모빌에서 연중 운영을 재개하며, 볼티모어에서 잠재적인 함대 업그레이드를 발표했습니다. 또한 카니발은 7월에 개장하는 새로운 Celebration Key를 포함하여 Paradise Collection 목적지를 개선하고 있으며, RelaxAway 확장, Half Moon Cay(2026) 및 로아탄의 Isla Tropicale 리노베이션도 진행 중입니다. 2026년에는 충성도 프로그램 개선이 계획되어 있습니다.
Carnival Cruise Line a dévoilé son plan stratégique 'Innovation Itinerary', axé sur l'expansion et l'amélioration de sa flotte au cours des cinq prochaines années. L'entreprise, qui exploite actuellement 29 navires à l'échelle mondiale, a annoncé deux nouveaux navires de classe Excel - Carnival Festivale (2027) et Carnival Tropicale (2028), ainsi que trois navires du Projet Ace (2029-2033).
Carnival Festivale proposera de nouvelles zones thématiques musicales, 1 000 chambres interconnectées et Sunsation Point avec Carnival Waterworks Ultra. Les navires du Projet Ace, chacun pesant 230 000 tonnes de jauge brute, seront les plus grands de la flotte de Carnival, pouvant accueillir près de 8 000 invités.
L'entreprise a également annoncé des changements de déploiement, avec Mardi Gras qui passera à des croisières courtes depuis Port Canaveral, un retour des opérations toute l'année à Mobile, Alabama en 2027, et des mises à niveau potentielles de la flotte à Baltimore. De plus, Carnival améliore ses destinations de la Paradise Collection, y compris la nouvelle Celebration Key qui ouvrira en juillet, l'expansion de RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay (2026) et la rénovation de l'Isla Tropicale à Roatan. Une amélioration du programme de fidélité est prévue pour 2026.
Carnival Cruise Line hat seinen strategischen Plan 'Innovation Itinerary' vorgestellt, der sich auf die Expansion und Verbesserung der Flotte in den nächsten fünf Jahren konzentriert. Das Unternehmen, das derzeit 29 Schiffe weltweit betreibt, kündigte zwei neue Excel-Klasse-Schiffe an - Carnival Festivale (2027) und Carnival Tropicale (2028), sowie drei Projekt Ace-Schiffe (2029-2033).
Carnival Festivale wird neue musikthemenbezogene Zonen, 1.000 miteinander verbundene Zimmer und Sunsation Point mit Carnival Waterworks Ultra bieten. Die Projekt Ace-Schiffe, die jeweils 230.000 Bruttotonnen wiegen, werden die größten in der Flotte von Carnival sein und fast 8.000 Gäste beherbergen können.
Das Unternehmen kündigte auch Änderungen bei den Einsätzen an, wobei Mardi Gras auf Kurzreisen von Port Canaveral umschwenkt, die ganzjährigen Operationen 2027 nach Mobile, Alabama, zurückkehren und potenzielle Flottenupgrades in Baltimore möglich sind. Darüber hinaus verbessert Carnival seine Paradise Collection-Destinationen, einschließlich des neuen Celebration Key, das im Juli eröffnet wird, der Erweiterung von RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay (2026) und der Renovierung von Isla Tropicale in Roatan. Eine Verbesserung des Treueprogramms ist für 2026 geplant.
- Significant fleet expansion with 5 new ships planned between 2027-2033
- Introduction of largest ships in fleet history (Project Ace) with 8,000 guest capacity
- Strategic expansion of exclusive destinations with Celebration Key, RelaxAway, and Isla Tropicale
- Enhanced family accommodations with 1,000 interconnecting rooms on Carnival Festivale
- Market expansion with year-round operations returning to Mobile, Alabama
- Removal of popular BOLT Ultimate Seacoaster from new Excel-class ships
- Elimination of Family Harbor staterooms on new Excel-class ships
Insights
Carnival Cruise Line's "Innovation Itinerary" represents a significant long-term capital investment strategy with positive implications for future revenue growth. The announcement details three new Excel-class ships (including Carnival Festivale in 2027 and Carnival Tropicale in 2028) followed by three larger Project Ace ships (230,000 gross tons each) arriving in 2029, 2031, and 2033.
This strategic expansion is noteworthy for three key reasons:
- The larger capacity ships (approaching 8,000 guests on Project Ace vessels) should drive economies of scale once operational, potentially improving margins
- Redeploying existing ships to shorter cruises when new vessels arrive suggests an effective fleet utilization strategy that maximizes revenue opportunities
- The investment in exclusive destinations (Celebration Key, RelaxAway, and Isla Tropicale) creates differentiated offerings that could command premium pricing
The expanded family-oriented features on new vessels (1,000 interconnecting rooms on Festivale - 70% more than current Excel ships) strategically targets the lucrative family segment where Carnival already leads with one million children sailing annually.
This expansion plan demonstrates management's confidence in continued cruise demand growth. While the significant capital expenditure will impact near-term cash flow, the staggered delivery schedule (2027-2033) should allow for proper absorption of capacity while maintaining pricing discipline.
Carnival's five-year strategic roadmap reflects a sophisticated response to evolving cruise market dynamics. With the largest global fleet now at 29 ships, Carnival is leveraging scale while simultaneously addressing product differentiation through purpose-built destinations and specialized onboard experiences.
The introduction of Sunsation Point with expanded water features and family-friendly activities on new vessels directly targets the industry's most resilient demographic segment - family travelers. By extending waterpark hours into evenings and creating multi-generational entertainment zones, Carnival is maximizing onboard revenue opportunities beyond traditional daylight operating hours.
The strategic shift to deploy Excel-class ships on shorter itineraries (moving Mardi Gras to short cruises from Port Canaveral) represents an important operational pivot. Short cruises typically attract first-time cruisers and working families with vacation time - prime candidates for conversion to longer, higher-yield itineraries in the future.
The enhanced destination strategy with Celebration Key (July 2025), expanded RelaxAway, and reimagined Isla Tropicale creates predictable, controlled shoreside revenue streams not subject to the vagaries of local port economics. These proprietary destinations effectively function as floating extensions of the ships themselves, maintaining the revenue capture within Carnival's ecosystem.
The loyalty program enhancement announcement signifies recognition that customer retention metrics are becoming increasingly crucial as industry capacity expands. By implementing changes in 2026, Carnival ensures competitive positioning as the new ships begin arriving in 2027.
Line Lays Out Strategic Plans to Further Solidify Its Position as the Cruise Industry Innovator and Leader
"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," said Duffy. "The excitement and energy continue at Carnival! Having just integrated two ships into the Carnival fleet in
New Ships:
At the event, Duffy revealed that the fourth ship in Carnival's award-winning Excel class ships will be named Carnival Festivale, continuing the tradition of giving these ships the names of the first Carnival ships that popularized cruise vacations for so many Americans.
Debuting in spring 2027, Carnival Festivale will sail from Port Canaveral,
Carnival Festivale will keep in the Carnival tradition of bringing innovation and fun with each new ship and will debut three brand new zones; two of which on Decks 6, 7, and 8 will celebrate music with new music-themed venues and immersive experiences, representing the ways in which music brings people together. One zone is inspired by the process of creating music, using cutting-edge media, interactive moments, immersive sound and transformative lighting to activate it throughout the cruise, while the other zone on deck 8 symbolizes the energetic vibes of outdoor music performances.
Carnival sails more families than any other cruise line, welcoming one million children per year; and to better serve those families, Carnival Festivale will feature 1,000 interconnecting rooms, nearly
Carnival Festivale will also feature a new outdoor zone on the top three decks, named Sunsation Point, that is a vibrant and exhilarating family fun zone that promises endless entertainment and unforgettable memories for guests of all ages. On Deck 18, a main feature of Sunsation Point is Carnival Waterworks Ultra, the most family friendly water park at sea and the ultimate destination for splashy excitement. This new area will replace BOLT, the Ultimate Seacoaster that is the top deck feature on the existing Excel ships.
The expansive water park will feature six exhilarating slides, four of which are new to Carnival, including two family raft slides and, in the spirit of catering to all ages, slides that allow guests as little as three feet tall! Two different splash pads offer endless aquatic playtime with kids' slides and spray toys, while dedicated baby splash areas that will let even the littlest cruisers get in on the fun. The treehouse inspired elevated adventure trail and toddler areas provide dry play activities with plenty of shaded seating nearby. A sports court, ropes course and jogging track along with a new miniature golf course, outdoor games and themed arcade spaces are also included in this zone. In the evening, Sunsation Point bursts with vibrant illumination and the fun continues into the night with special evening events that have extended water park hours, in addition to a DJ and other activities. This is a first for Carnival to open Waterworks at night and activate multi deck zones for guests of all ages to enjoy together in the evening.
Since this ship will be sailing from Port Canaveral alongside Mardi Gras, there will be new dining options. Carnival's Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse is working closely with the Food and Beverage team to develop new concepts, including a new dining outlet that will replace ChiBang! But guests don't have to worry as fan favorites Guy's Burger Joint, Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse and Big Chicken are a few of the staples that will continue. More details on dining options will be available in the coming months.
Duffy also revealed that the name of the line's fifth Excel class ship will be Carnival Tropicale, also one of the original names of early Carnival ships. The homeport and open for sale date will be unveiled well 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.
Looking further ahead, Carnival's exclusive new ship platform, currently called Project Ace, includes three ships at 230,000 gross tons each being built by Fincantieri that will be delivered in 2029, 2031 and 2033, respectively. With over 3,000 guest staterooms, the new ships will be the largest in the Carnival Corporation global fleet and will be able to deliver fun to more guests than any ship in the world when carrying almost 8,000 guests at full capacity.
"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," said Duffy. "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."
Deployment Updates:
When Carnival Festivale is delivered in spring 2027 and begins sailing from Port Canaveral, 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," explained Duffy. "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."
Carnival has always been a leader in offering short cruises which appeal to first-time cruisers and families with more limited vacation time. Carnival offers short cruises from all of its homeports in the
Duffy also reiterated Carnival's commitment to serving the line's secondary markets which are an important part of its portfolio as America's Cruise Line by continuing to be an accessible vacation for 50 percent of the
As part of this commitment, Carnival will return to year-round operations in
Guest Experience:
Since first introducing Fun Ship 2.0 in 2011, Carnival has continually sought to enhance the guest experience on its ships. In order to continue to innovate, Carnival will be evolving the guest experience on its existing ships by making strategic enhancements. Changes will include décor modernization, new dining, beverage and entertainment experiences that will draw from features and concepts that will be introduced on its new ships. More details will be revealed as dry dock and enhancement plans are finalized.
Destinations:
It's not just ships that are part of the Innovation Itinerary, it's also about exclusive destinations. Carnival Corporation already has the largest collection of cruise destinations across the
- The first exclusive destination that has been designed for Carnival guests, Celebration Key is a game-changer, opening in July. It offers guests the ultimate day in paradise. Twenty Carnival ships from 10 U.S. homeports on more than 1,400 sailings are already open for sale and will make visits to Celebration Key through 2027, with more to come.
- The line recently announced the expansion of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, which has been consistently rated as one of the top destinations in the Caribbean. The addition of a pier that can support Excel class and Project Ace ships will allow Carnival to bring its largest ships to this beautiful destination. The expansion is focused on unlocking more of the beach paradise Carnival guests love, making sure to preserve the pristine beach and lush, natural beauty of this island paradise. The destination's enhancements will begin to be completed by summer 2026 and continue through the end of the year.
- Coming in 2026, Mahogany Bay, Carnival's destination in Roatan,
Honduras , will be renamed Isla Tropicale and expanded to include a pool with a swim up bar and cabanas. Future enhancements will also include an expanded beach and a beach club.
Loyalty:
Duffy rounded out the event by confirming that Carnival will be enhancing its existing loyalty program, the details of which are expected to be announced this summer, with enhancements taking effect in 2026.
"Carnival has an incredibly loyal and passionate fan base who are advocates for our brand, our crew and the amazing vacations we deliver. We've had our existing VIFP loyalty recognition program in place since 2012 and as our fleet and business has grown, so has the VIFP program," she said. "As we continue to grow, we are modifying the program to unlock greater value and engagement for our loyal guests."
Duffy said updates will be announced this summer, giving guests and travel advisors plenty of time to learn about the changes.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
ABOUT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
Carnival Cruise Line, part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is the first cruise line to sail over 100 million guests and is proud to be known as America's Cruise Line, for carrying more Americans and serving more
Carnival's fleet of 29 ships reflects an exciting period of growth that continues with the addition of five ships through 2033: a fourth and fifth Excel class ship scheduled for 2027 and 2028 respectively; followed by three additional new ships from an innovative new class currently under development. Carnival's next new guest offering will be the all-new exclusive destination, Celebration Key, set to debut on Grand Bahama this summer.
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SOURCE Carnival Cruise Line
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