Carnival Cruise Line has outlined a bold five-year growth plan, anchored by its new “Innovation Itinerary” strategy, which focuses on fleet fun, immersive experiences, and guest loyalty.
Speaking aboard Carnival Celebration in PortMiami, President Christine Duffy unmveiled details of upcoming ships, enhanced destinations, and fleet upgrades.
A key highlight is the 2027 debut of Carnival Festivale, the fourth in the Excel class, to be homeported in Port Canaveral. The ship will feature Sunsation Point—a three-deck outdoor family fun zone with Carnival Waterworks Ultra, the line’s largest water park.
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Replacing the signature BOLT rollercoaster, the area includes raft slides, splash pads, and nighttime water park events. Two music-themed entertainment zones and 1,000 interconnecting rooms for families are also part of the design.
Emeril Lagasse is developing new dining concepts for Festivale, which will sail alongside Mardi Gras, the latter shifting to short cruises from the same port.
In 2028, Carnival Tropicale—another Excel class ship—will join the fleet, with features carried over from Festivale and new theming. Looking further ahead, Carnival’s next-generation “Project Ace” ships, starting in 2029, will be the largest in its fleet, each carrying nearly 8,000 guests.
Carnival is also expanding its reach with upgraded deployments. Year-round service returns to Mobile, Alabama in 2027, and a larger Conquest-class ship may be added to Baltimore. The cruise line will continue to focus on short sailings across the U.S. and Australia.
Beyond ships, Carnival is enhancing its destinations. Celebration Key, opening in July on Grand Bahama, will serve 20 ships from 10 homeports.
Half Moon Cay will be expanded by late 2026 to accommodate larger vessels, and Mahogany Bay in Roatán will be rebranded Isla Tropicale, adding a pool, beach club, and cabanas.
The cruise line is also revamping its VIFP loyalty program, with updates coming this summer and launching in 2026 to increase guest value and engagement.
With 29 ships and more on the way, Carnival Cruise Line—part of Carnival Corporation—is positioning itself to remain both America’s Cruise Line and the world’s most popular.
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