By
Rebecca Gibson |
When the 101,000gt Carnival Destiny debuted in 1996, it marked a major milestone for both Carnival Cruise Line and the wider industry. Not only was it the first cruise ship to exceed 100,000gt, but it also introduced various onboard innovations such as an expansive atrium and multiple dining venues. Three decades later, the brand is preparing to reinvent the cruise experience for a second time with the introduction of a new Carnival Destiny.
Currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard in Italy, the 230,000gt newbuild will be more than twice the size of its namesake (now sailing as Carnival Sunshine) and will carry almost 8,000 guests at full capacity. It will be the first of three LNG-powered ships in the Ace class and begins sailing in summer 2029.
“When you carry a name like Carnival Destiny, there’s a lot to live up to,” jokes Christine Duffy, the line’s president. “The original ship changed the game and set a new standard for the industry 30 years ago, and we’re proud to carry that legacy forward by innovating for the future while building on what our guests love. Carnival Destiny represents an exciting evolution of the guest experience. Just as importantly, she’ll build on what Carnival does best – delivering fun, memorable vacations.” While Carnival is yet to share specific design details, Duffy reveals the brand has drawn on guest and crew feedback to design new and reimagined dining venues, bars, lounges, outdoor spaces and immersive entertainment. “More than 70 per cent of the ship’s venues and attractions will be entirely new concepts for Carnival,” she confirms.
Carnival Destiny will also be the “most outward-facing megaship at sea”, claims Duffy. “We know guests want the connection to the sea while sailing and the design of our ships, particularly our Excel class, with the full glass atrium is very popular,” she explains. “We’re taking that a step further with Carnival Destiny, giving guests ‘More Sea to See’. She’ll have more ocean-view balcony cabins than ever before, a reimagined lanai deck and over 4.5 acres of glass designed to open sightlines across the ship. Together, these investments will create a more open and immersive vacation experience for our guests.”
Senior executives from Fincantieri and Carnival Corporation join Christine Duffy at the steel-cutting ceremony for Carnival Destiny in Monfalcone, Italy, on 10 July 2026 (Photo: Carnival Cruise Line)
The new Ace-class ships are part of Carnival’s fleet renewal strategy. In addition, the brand is collaborating with German shipbuilder Meyer Werft to build two additional Excel-class ships – Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale, due in 2027 and 2028 respectively. It has also refurbished seven existing vessels in the first half of 2026.
“This is an exciting time for Carnival to build on the incredible momentum we’ve created,” explains Duffy. “We’re bringing in new ships, introducing fresh guest experiences and continuing to enhance our existing vessels so we can create even more unforgettable vacations for our guests.”
Carnival is upgrading its private island destinations too. In 2026, it revamped RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas by expanding the beachfront, upgrading culinary offerings and adding a new pier for Excel class ships, alongside a tram service, a walkway, and other amenities. The brand has also doubled pier capacity at Celebration Key in Grand Bahama, so it can accommodate four cruise ships simultaneously. Meanwhile, Isla Tropicale (formerly Mahogany Bay) in Roatán, Honduras, now features Mangrove Bay, which includes a children’s splash pad, a swim-up bar and a pool. Almost every Carnival cruise in the Caribbean visits one of these destinations, which are part of the ‘Paradise Collection by Carnival’ – the largest portfolio of exclusive cruise destinations in The Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico.
“Our destinations are an extension of the Carnival vacation experience, with each one offering a unique way for guests to relax, explore and have fun,” says Duffy. “We’re continually investing to create more memorable moments ashore and give guests even more ways to enjoy their time off the ship. The enhancements at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and Isla Tropicale build on the natural beauty and experiences that have made these destinations so popular, while introducing new amenities and activities. Meanwhile, Celebration Key just celebrated its one-year anniversary after welcoming more than two million guests. We see immense growth ahead while we keep evolving our destination offerings.”
Guests sailing to Isla Tropicale can now visit the new Mangrove Bay area, which features a pool, a swim-up bar and a splash pad for children (Photo: Carnival Cruise Line)
To sustain this growth, Carnival will continue working with long-term partners such as Fincantieri and Meyer Werft, which Duffy says have been instrumental to the brand’s success over the years. “Delivering great cruise vacations is a team effort, and strong partnerships have always been essential to Carnival’s success,” says Duffy. “Our shipbuilders, destination partners, suppliers, technology providers and local communities around the world all play an important role in delivering the Carnival experience guests know and love.”
Duffy also credits celebrity partners for “bringing the Carnival experience to life”, citing restaurateur and TV host Guy Fieri, chef and chief culinary officer Emeril Lagasse and former NBA basketball player and chief fun officer Shaquille O’Neal as notable examples. “These relationships bring great food, entertainment and fun while inspiring fresh ideas across our ships.”
Carnival’s investments in its partnerships, fleet and destination enhancements will help it “stay focused on delivering exceptional vacation value while continuously evolving the guest experience,” says Duffy. “These investments allow us to introduce new ships, experiences and destinations while delivering our signature Carnival fun. From our Excel- and Ace-class ships to our ‘Next Course’ culinary innovations and our ‘Paradise Collection’ destinations, it ensures there’s something for everyone across the Carnival Cruise Line fleet.”
Discover more insights on expedition cruising and the wider passenger shipping industry in the Autumn/Winter 2026 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review. To get content like this on a regular basis, subscribe to the print editions or free digital editions of our Cruise & Ferry publications.