Carnival Corporation Expands Fleet with Fifth Excel-Class Ship for Carnival Cruise Line

The global leader in the cruise industry, Carnival Corporation, has announced its latest venture - the commissioning of a fifth Excel-class cruise ship for its renowned Carnival Cruise Line brand. This recent agreement with Meyer Werft shipyard solidifies Carnival's commitment to innovation and expansion within the cruising sector, with delivery scheduled for 2028.

In a notable move in mid-February, Carnival Corporation revealed plans for the addition of a fourth Excel-class vessel to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet by Spring 2027. It`ll be the first newbuild order in five years for the company.

This latest development underscores Carnival Corporation's dedication to growth. It confirms the addition of an 11th Excel-class ship across its portfolio of distinguished brands, with this vessel being the fifth to join the Carnival Cruise Line fleet.

The forthcoming ship will mirror its predecessors, boasting a 180,000-ton displacement, powered by eco-friendly liquefied natural gas (LNG), and designed to accommodate over 6,400 guests and 1,800 crew members.

CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, Josh Weinstein, highlighted the strategic balance between growth and fiscal responsibility, leveraging strong cash flow to fortify the company's financial position while enhancing shareholder value.

Weinstein outlined a measured approach to capacity expansion, with plans to add one to two ships annually from 2027 onwards, aligning capacity with market demand and enhancing operational efficiency to optimize returns on invested capital.

The realization of this order is subject to financing, anticipated to be finalized later this year, marking another significant milestone in the ongoing growth and evolution of Carnival Corporation's global fleet.