Carnival, Costa, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises UK will all expand their fleets
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Four Carnival Corporation brands are to debut new ships in 2020, including Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises UK.
The newbuilds are part of Carnival Corporation's ongoing fleet enhancement strategy, which will see 16 vessels being delivered by the end of 2025.
“Each new ship is an opportunity to generate excitement and buzz among consumers around the world, whether loyal guests or new to cruising, that will continue to inspire more travellers to consider cruising as a vacation option," said Roger Frizzell, chief communications officer for Carnival Corporation. "We look forward to the delivery of four more spectacular ships, which will offer our guests the latest in onboard features and amenities – and help us continue our reputation for providing great cruise vacations that are significantly less than comparable land-based vacations.”
P&O Cruises’ Iona
Set to debut at the Port of Southampton in England in May, Iona will be P&O Cruises’ first LNG-powered ship and the greenest cruise ship to homeport in the UK. The vessel, which has been designed for the British market, will sail from Southampton to the Norwegian fjords throughout summer 2020 and then operate winter cruises to the Canaries, Spain and Portugal. Onboard highlights will include a three-deck-high, glazed atrium, a top-deck SkyDome entertainment venue, 30 different bars and restaurants, and the first-ever gin distillery at sea, which is being developed in partnership with Salcombe Distilling Co.
Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess
Designed as a sister to Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Majestic Princess and the recently launched Sky Princess, the 3,660-guest Enchanted Princess will join the Princess Cruises fleet in June. The vessel, which is the second purpose-built MedallionClass ship, will offer many of the new experiences and venues introduced onboard Sky Princess. They will include Sky Suites created by Studio DADO, a reimagined Vista Lounge with a full bar, a couple of deep-tank pools on the top deck, a Retreat Pool, one of the only jazz theatres at sea, the Phantom Bridge escape room, and more.
Enchanted Princess will be christened at the Port of Southampton in June 2020, before departing on a 10-day maiden voyage to Rome, Italy on 1 July to begin a series of Mediterranean cruises. In November, the ship will head to Fort Lauderdale In Florida, US to offer Caribbean sailings throughout the winter season.
Costa Cruises’ Costa Firenze
Inspired by the Italian city of Florence, Costa Firenze is the second Costa Cruises ship to be designed and built specifically for the Chinese market, with tailored onboard offerings such as Chinese cuisine and karaoke. Meanwhile, the interior design and elements on dining, entertainment and hospitality will reflect Italian heritage.
Following her delivery by Fincantieri on 30 September, Costa Firenze will head to China and start cruises on 20 October.
Carnival’s Mardi Gras
Named in honour of Carnival’s first cruise ship that entered service in 1972, the new Mardi Gras will begin sailing in November. She will be the first LNG-powered cruise ship in North America and offer six themed zones, as well as innovations such as the first roller coaster at sea, the Ultimate Playground, the largest WaterWorks aqua park in Carnival’s fleet, and the first at-sea restaurant by famed New Orleans chef Emeril Lagasse.
Mardi Gras will operate year-round, seven-day Caribbean cruises from a newly renovated and expanded terminal at Florida’s Port Canaveral.