Carnival Cruise Line Announces Brand-New Ship Class

Carnival Cruise Line has announced a major expansion to its fleet, as it reveals its next generation of ships: the Ace Class. The line held a traditional steel-cutting ceremony for the first vessel in the class, Carnival Destiny, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

The line’s partnership with Fincantieri dates back over 30 years to the original Carnival Destiny, which ushered in a new era as the world’s largest cruise ship at the time. Today, that legacy continues with a new class that will introduce a whole new experience for Carnival’s passengers.

Carnival says that Carnival Destiny will become the “most outward-facing megaship at sea.” It will include an “unprecedented” number of oceanview balcony cabins, a reimagined lanai deck, and over 4.5 acres of glass — including expansive, multi-story glass walls — that will open up sightlines across the vessel. These elements will create ocean views from more places on board, bringing it into almost constant view.

As far as new venues, Carnival Destiny will have a lot! Over 70 percent of the venues and attractions on board will be entirely new concepts for the line, reimagining dining, next-gen bars and lounges, immersive entertainment, and relaxing and fun outdoor spaces.

“Carnival Destiny builds on a legacy that changed cruising once before, reimagining what guests can experience at sea,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “With this ship, we’re elevating the guest experience again creating a ship that feels more expansive, while helping guests feel more connected and ultimately have more fun.”

While a homeport has not been announced yet, we do know that Carnival Destiny will sail to destinations in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico. Additional details on the ship’s features and experiences will be revealed later this year, and it’s scheduled for a summer 2029 delivery.

Two additional Ace Class ships are planned for delivery in 2031 and 2033.