By
Alex Smith |
For Carnival Cruise Line, the last 18 months have been as busy as any time in its history. Five new ships have joined the fleet as the cruise line has moved into a new period of growth, with further expansion on the cards for the coming years. Among the newcomers is the third ship in Carnival’s Excel-class, Carnival Jubilee, which has been sailing to the Caribbean from Galveston, Texas, since its debut in December 2023.
According to Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, the new ship has proven to be a popular addition for guests.
“Carnival Jubilee’s offerings have been very well-received in its inaugural season, offering thrilling and innovative features like Bolt: The Ultimate Sea Coaster and more than 20 unique dining options,” says Duffy. “It’s a very special ship – the first cruise ship to bring 5G capability onboard in North America, the first ship in Galveston to utilise LNG, and the first-ever new ship to be named in Galveston and homeport there. I know guests from Galveston also love seeing the Texas Star on its bow.”
(From left) Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation, singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani and Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, at Carnival Jubilee’s christening
Another of the new additions is Carnival Firenze, which has been sailing from Long Beach, California, since its christening at the port in April 2024. Originally built in 2020 for sister brand Costa Cruises, the ship was transferred to Carnival Cruise Line in February 2024 before undergoing a dry dock in Cadiz, Spain, to introduce the ‘Carnival Fun, Italian Style’ features to the vessel.
“Inspired by Florence in Italy, Carnival Firenze has been a hit among guests sailing out of Long Beach, with its immersive design and vibrant atmosphere,” says Duffy. “And, of course, the delicious food at our new speciality restaurant Il Viaggio, the special bars Frizzante and Amari, the fun ‘Italian street party’ and many other Italian influences infused into the ship’s programming make it a unique cruise vacation for all who sail on it.”
Despite the rapid growth of the last 18 months, Carnival Cruise Line is showing no signs of slowing down its expansion plans. The cruise line has ordered three new, 230,000gt vessels in a new class of ships, following orders for two more Excel-class ships from Meyer Werft earlier in 2024.
“We aren’t stopping there either!” says Duffy. “Even before the new Excel-class ships arrive, our fleet will expand further with two more additions next year. Recently, we announced that P&O Cruises Australia will become part of Carnival Cruise Line. This means we will add Encounter and Adventure to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in March 2025 – further strengthening our position as a global leader in cruising.”
With the influx of new vessels joining the fleet, Carnival Cruise Line is also working to ensure that its existing vessels continue to offer an up-to-date experience for its guests, says Duffy.
“We continuously enhance our ships during dry dock periods, adding new features and venues, modernising public spaces and staterooms and integrating advanced technologies,” she says. “For instance, Carnival Glory recently underwent a dry dock where our popular Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge was added to the ship and the children’s area, Camp Ocean, was refreshed. Earlier this year, Carnival Vista underwent a similar dry dock, also welcoming a Heroes Tribute Bar, a new Effy jewellery store, a new arcade, a refreshed casino and other enhancements.”
Carnival Cruise Line is also planning to grow its offering onshore as well as at sea. Celebration Key, the cruise line’s private destination on the island of Grand Bahama, is currently under construction ahead of its official opening in summer 2025. The destination will offer five distinct areas, including the Welcome Portal, the Family-Friendly Portal, the Adult-Friendly Portal, the Private Club Portal and the Retail Portal. Plans are also already in place for a further expansion of the destination in 2026, with two extra berths to be added in a $100 million pier extension project.
“Celebration Key will be the first destination built specifically for Carnival Cruise Line guests,” says Duffy. “It’s going to be a tremendous value add for our guests, as a significant portion of our fleet will be making regular visits there. We’re developing this new destination as a perfect place for the whole family to find their kind of fun – their key to paradise, if you will. It is designed to honour the natural beauty and culture of Grand Bahama and deliver endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation.”
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2024 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed. Subscribe for FREE to get the next issue delivered directly to your inbox.