38 INTERVIEW 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.” 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 A new destiny for Carnival Rebecca Gibson asks Christine Duffy how Carnival Cruise Line is introducing entirely new concepts to cruising with its new Ace-class ships and continuous investments to evolve the guest experience “ This is an exciting time for Carnival to build on the incredible momentum we’ve created”
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