CARNIVAL Cruise Line has unveiled its strategic plans over the next five years, which will include new ships, fleet enhancements, exclusive destinations, and more.
The cruise line’s ‘Innovation Itinerary’ will see it introduce a fourth and fifth Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale, which will debut in 2027 and 2028 respectively.
The debut of Festivale from Port Canaveral will see Mardi Gras move to offering short cruises, replaced on her week-long itineraries by the new ship.
Carnival will also introduce a new ship platform in 2029, currently called ‘Project Ace’.
The three ships making up this platform will be the largest in the Carnival fleet, at almost 8,000 guests each, and will be delivered in 2029, 2031, and 2033.
Carnival’s ‘Innovation Itinerary’ will also see the enhancement and rebranding of its private destinations, which will be marketed as the new ‘Paradise Collection by Carnival’.
This includes the upcoming destination in Mahogany Bay, Honduras, which is set to debut next year, and will be renamed Isla Tropicale.
The Paradise Collection will also include Celebration Key, set to debut in Jul (CW 21 Feb); and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
The line will also be enhancing its loyalty program, President Christine Duffy said, with details set to be announced later this year, to take effect in 2026. MS