In a groundbreaking move, Carnival Corporation, the titan of the cruise industry, has inked a pivotal agreement with Meyer Werft, a distinguished shipyard, to craft an additional Excel-class ship for its flagship Carnival Cruise Line. This ambitious endeavor will introduce the fifth Excel-class vessel into the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, marking the eleventh of its kind across the global armada of Carnival Corporation. This announcement heralds the expansion of Carnival’s already impressive fleet, with the new ship set to be delivered in 2028, underlining Carnival Corporation’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in the cruising world.
Carnival Corporation’s announcement in mid-February of a fourth Excel-class ship, slated to join the fleet in Spring 2027, was just the beginning. The latest news of a fifth ship cements the company’s strategy for growth and underscores its leadership position in the global cruise market. “Carnival’s Excel-class fleet will transform into a quintet of these highly celebrated vessels, known for their exceptional guest amenities and operational efficiencies,” commented Christine Duffy, the dynamic president of Carnival Cruise Line. Since the debut of the Mardi Gras in 2021, followed by the Carnival Celebration in 2022 and the Carnival Jubilee in 2023, these innovative Excel-class ships have fueled excitement, demand, and high guest satisfaction rates.
April’s introduction of the Carnival Firenze will cap off the addition of five ships to the fleet in under 20 months. This rapid expansion sets the stage for another growth phase with the two upcoming Excel-class vessels. The new ship will mirror the successful blueprint of its predecessors, boasting a 180,000-ton structure powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and capable of accommodating over 6,400 guests alongside 1,800 crew members.
Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, emphasizes the strategic nature of this expansion: “This new order reflects our balanced approach to growth, prioritizing responsible capital management and leveraging our strong free cash flow to fortify our balance sheet, reduce leverage, and enhance shareholder value.” He further highlighted the exceptional performance of Carnival Cruise Line and the company’s strategy to align capacity growth with market demand, ensuring a steady increase in the fleet size with one to two ships added annually from 2027.
Bernd Eikens, CEO of the MEYER Group, expressed pride in the Excel-class’s role in bolstering Carnival Corporation’s success, looking forward to continuing this prosperous partnership. This order, subject to financing expected to be finalized later this year, represents a significant milestone in the cruise industry, promising to elevate the cruising experience for guests worldwide.
As Carnival Corporation gears up to welcome its new Excel-Class ship, the cruising world eagerly anticipates the innovations and luxuries that will set this vessel apart. From environmental stewardship with LNG-powered engines to unmatched guest experiences, the addition of this ship to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet is a testament to Carnival Corporation’s dedication to leading the cruise industry into a new era of growth and excellence.
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