Carnival Corporation’s new 180,000-tonne Excel-class ship, which will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), will be able to carry more than 6,400 guests and 1,800 crew

Carnival Corporation signed the agreement with Meyer Werft shipyard to build the ship in time for 2028, making it the 11th Excel-class ship for the company, and the fifth to be sailed by Carnival Cruise Line.

Christine Duffy, president of the line, said: “Carnival’s Excel-class fleet will soon be a quintet of these very popular ships that provide outstanding guest amenities and tremendous operating efficiencies.

“Since the introduction of Mardi Gras in 2021 and the subsequent expansion with Carnival Celebration in 2022 and Carnival Jubilee in 2023, these Excel-class ships are driving excitement, demand, and strong guest satisfaction ratings.

“With the arrival of Carnival Firenze in April, we are completing the addition of five ships to our fleet in less than 20 months, and then we will pivot to another phase of growth with these two Excel ships.”

“Carnival continues to perform at outstanding level”

Last month, Carnival Corporation announced that it will double the arrival capacity of its new private island with a $100 million pier extension which, once complete, will be able to handle the brand’s Excel class ships

“Carnival Cruise Line continues to perform at an outstanding level, and we are focused on adding capacity across the company where it aligns with demand and our position in the marketplace,” added Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation.

“This measured capacity growth strategy will result in our adding one to two ships per year beginning in 2027, and we will be identifying additional fleet plans over the coming months for our cruise lines to meet capacity demand and improve execution across all aspects of our operation.”

Carnival Cruise Line recently partnered with USAirtours in a bid to enhance its trade-only booking office, which will give agents access to a wider array of package options, including dlights, pre- and post- cruise accommodations, transfers and attraction tickets will all be available.