Fincantieri to build two new cruise ships for Marella Cruises

First newbuilds for TUI-owned cruise brand are scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2032

By Laura Hyde | 31 March 2025

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri is to build two cruise ships for TUI Group’s cruise brand Marella Cruises, in a deal worth more than $2 billion. These will be the first newbuild ships for the line, which currently operates a fleet of five ships: Discovery, Discovery 2, Explorer, Explorer 2 and Voyager.

The new ships will be delivered in 2030 and 2032 and will be specifically designed for the UK market. Fincantieri says they will be built using high-quality materials, with a focus on environmental sustainability, and will offer guests a variety of accommodation.

“We are proud to welcome Marella Cruises as a new customer and to support its vision as it enters the newbuild segment,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri. “This agreement is a testament to Fincantieri’s ability to forge strategic partnerships with an expanding client base, reinforcing our long-term visibility and ensuring a high level of capacity saturation for our shipyards. The project will bring together our expertise in ship design, innovation, and sustainability to deliver vessels that meet the evolving expectations of modern cruise passengers.”