Carnival Announces Bold Five-Year Plan to Innovate Cruise Experience

MIAMI, April 6, 2025 — Carnival Cruise Line outlined its strategic “Innovation Itinerary” during a media briefing today, aimed at enhancing its industry-leading position over the next five years. President Christine Duffy announced initiatives focused on expanding a fun fleet, developing captivating experiences, and fostering greater loyalty among its passengers aboard Carnival Celebration at PortMiami.

“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,” Duffy stated. She highlighted the line’s recent integration of two new ships in Australia, bringing the Carnival fleet to a total of 29 vessels, the largest in its history.

Key highlights of the Innovation Itinerary include the opening of the new destination, Celebration Key, in July 2025, the expansion of RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay in 2026, and the delivery of Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale, two new Excel-class ships expected in 2027 and 2028, respectively. These developments signify a continued commitment to enhance guest experiences and innovate the cruising journey.

Duffy disclosed that Carnival Festivale will introduce several innovative designs including three new themed zones aimed at celebrating music. Notably, the ship will feature substantially more interconnecting rooms, making it family-friendly for Carnival’s core demographic, welcoming one million children each year.

Additionally, a new outdoor space named Sunsation Point will provide extensive entertainment options, including the family-friendly Carnival Waterworks Ultra water park, which boasts slides for children as small as three feet tall. According to Duffy, this initiative is part of a broader goal to enhance children’s programs across the fleet.

“Families are at the heart of what we do, and with the new features, we aim to offer something for every age group,” she explained.

Duffy also discussed restaurant innovations led by Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse, promising enticing new dining experiences while maintaining guest favorites such as Guy’s Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse.

Looking further into the future, Carnival has plans to introduce three additional ships under the “Project Ace” platform, with deliveries set for 2029, 2031, and 2033. These ships will be the largest in the fleet, designed to accommodate nearly 8,000 guests at full capacity.

To improve operational flexibility, Mardi Gras will shift to short cruises from Port Canaveral alongside the new ship launch. This strategic maneuver is intended to attract first-time cruisers and families who prefer shorter vacation options.

Duffy reiterated Carnival’s commitment to its secondary markets, announcing the resumption of year-round operations in Mobile, Alabama, starting in spring 2027, and plans to upgrade cruise offerings from Baltimore to accommodate more guests.

“Carnival will remain accessible for the 50 percent of the U.S. population within a five-hour drive of our operations,” Duffy asserted.

Additionally, the cruise line is enhancing its existing loyalty program, the Very Important Fun Person program, expected to offer new benefits starting in 2026. Duffy emphasized the importance of Carnival’s loyal customer base and the need to adapt to their changing expectations.

For further insights on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise, visit their official website or contact a travel advisor.

ABOUT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE: Carnival Cruise Line, part of Carnival Corporation & plc, has carried over 100 million guests since its founding in 1972. Operating from 15 homeports, including 13 in the U.S. and two in Australia, Carnival prides itself on being America’s Cruise Line, maintaining a commitment to offering fun and affordable cruise experiences.