In a significant announcement that underscores its commitment to industry leadership, Carnival Cruise Line has revealed an extensive five-year strategic plan dubbed the “Innovation Itinerary”. The strategy, unveiled by President Christine Duffy at a media briefing aboard Carnival Celebration at PortMiami, focuses on three key pillars: sailing the most fun fleet at sea, creating compelling experiences and destinations, and building more Carnival loyalists.
Central to this expansion is the introduction of several new vessels. The cruise line announced Carnival Festivale, their fourth Excel-class ship, which will debut in spring 2027 from Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship will feature innovative entertainment zones, including two music-themed areas on Decks 6, 7, and 8, offering immersive experiences and interactive moments.
Focusing on family experiences, Carnival Festivale will boast 1,000 interconnecting rooms, representing a 70% increase compared to previous Excel ships. The vessel will also introduce a dedicated space for the Turtles program, catering to children aged six months to two years.
A highlight of the new ship will be Sunsation Point, a revolutionary family entertainment zone spanning the top three decks. This area will feature Carnival Waterworks Ultra, promoted as the most family-friendly water park at sea, complete with six slides, multiple splash pads, and the unique feature of nighttime operation.
Looking further ahead, Carnival has announced Carnival Tropicale as their fifth Excel-class ship, scheduled for spring 2028. The company is also developing Project Ace, a new ship platform that will introduce three vessels of 230,000 gross tons each, scheduled for delivery in 2029, 2031, and 2033. These ships will be the largest in Carnival Corporation’s global fleet, capable of accommodating almost 8,000 guests at full capacity.
The strategic plan also encompasses destination development, with the opening of Celebration Key this July and planned expansions at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in 2026. These developments reflect Carnival’s commitment to enhancing the overall cruise experience while maintaining its position as America’s Cruise Line and the World’s Most Popular Cruise Line.
