Carnival Cruise Line Expands Fleet with 7 New Ships by 2033, Including Largest Vessels Ever

Carnival Cruise Line is expanding its fleet with seven new ships set to debut by 2033, including newbuilds and two vessels transferring from P&O Australia. The additions include Excel-class ships launching in 2027 and 2028, as well as a new 230,000-ton class debuting in 2029, marking the largest ships in Carnival’s fleet.

Carnival Cruise Line to Add Seven New Ships by 2033: Full Details

Carnival Cruise Line is expanding its fleet with seven new vessels set to debut between now and 2033, according to the Cruise Industry News Global Cruise Ship Index. This includes newbuilds and two ships transferred from P&O Australia. Here are the key details:

Carnival Adventure

• Debut Date: March 2025

• Capacity: 2,600 guests

• Tonnage: 109,000

• Shipyard: Fincantieri

• Status: Currently serving P&O Australia

Carnival Adventure will join Carnival Cruise Line in March 2025. Originally built for Princess Cruises in 2001, the 2,600-guest ship will be refurbished and rebranded before offering year-round cruises from Australian ports.

Carnival Encounter

• Debut Date: March 2025

• Capacity: 2,600 guests

• Tonnage: 109,000

• Shipyard: Fincantieri

• Status: Currently serving P&O Australia

The Carnival Encounter, similar to the Adventure, will transfer from P&O Australia in March 2025. Originally built in 2002, the ship will undergo rebranding and minor upgrades to operate year-round in Australia.

Excel Class IV

• Debut Date: 2027

• Capacity: 5,400 guests

• Tonnage: 183,900

• Shipyard: Meyer Werft

• Status: Ordered

Carnival’s fourth Excel-class ship will debut in 2027. Built by Meyer Werft, this LNG-powered vessel will accommodate 5,400 guests, following the success of its sister ships Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.

Excel Class V

• Debut Date: 2028

• Capacity: 5,400 guests

• Tonnage: 183,900

• Shipyard: Meyer Werft

• Status: Ordered

Another Excel-class ship, set for a 2028 debut, will also be built by Meyer Werft. With a capacity of 5,400 passengers, it will follow in the footsteps of its 2027 sister ship, offering Carnival’s renowned onboard experiences.

New Ship Class

• Debut Dates: 2029, 2031, and 2033

• Capacity: 6,200 guests each

• Tonnage: 230,000 each

• Shipyard: Fincantieri

• Status: Ordered

Carnival will introduce a new class of ships, starting in 2029. These 230,000-ton vessels will be the largest in Carnival’s fleet, accommodating over 6,200 guests each. Three ships from this class are on order, with deliveries scheduled for 2029, 2031, and 2033.

By 2033, Carnival’s fleet is expected to reach 34 ships, continuing to lead in cruise innovation and guest experiences.