New Carnival Ships, Destinations, and More: What You Need to Know!

Carnival Cruise Line is charting a course for the future with its “Innovation Itinerary,” a five-year plan focused on fun, compelling experiences, and building a loyal fan base.

The company has announced expansion plans for the near future: By 2033, Carnival plans to add five new ships (including the existing fleet of 29), and the new exclusive destination, Celebration Key, set to debut on Grand Bahama this summer.

Carnival President Christine Duffy shared details on new ships, revamped destinations, and loyalty program enhancements. She said, “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”.

Carnival’s Innovation Itinerary Highlights

• New Ships:
  • Carnival Festivale (Spring 2027): A fourth Excel-class ship sailing from Port Canaveral, featuring a new family fun zone called “Sunsation Point” and the most interconnected rooms to better serve the family. Reservation and itinerary details will be released this summer. In the meantime, those who want to be the first know can be notified by signing up here.
  • Carnival Tropicale (Spring 2028): A fifth Excel-class ship, details to be revealed later.
  • Project Ace ships (2029, 2031, 2033): A completely new class of ships at 230,000 gross tons each, the largest in the Carnival Corporation fleet. They can carry nearly 8,000 guests at full capacity.
• Deployment Updates:
  • Carnival intends to meet its 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 U.S population that is within a five-hour drive of a Carnival Cruise.
• Guest Experiences: To better serve their guest, strategic enhancements will be made. 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.
• Revamped Destinations: “The new Paradise Collection by Carnival”:
  • Celebration Key (Opening July 2024): The ultimate day in paradise.
  • RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay (Summer 2026): Expansion of the beach paradise with the addition of a pier can support Excel class and Project Ace ships.
  • Mahogany Bay to Isla Tropicale (2026): Expansion to include a pool with a swim up bar and cabanas. Future Plans include an expanded beach club.
• Loyalty Program: A fully enhanced loyalty program in place since 2012, expected to be announced this summer and will take effect in 2026 to unlock greater value and engagement for Carnival’s loyal guests.

Many exciting expansion and enhancement programs should be coming to Carnival over the next year.

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. 

If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Learn more. 
All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Privacy Policy.