11 Celebration Key, Carnival’s new private island destination, opened in 2025 all-new schedule of four- and five-day sailings. This will make Mardi Gras the first ship in the class to offer shorter itineraries for guests, and make the Excel-class experiences and innovations available to more guests.” Private and exclusive destinations have also become increasingly central to the cruise experience. They allow operators to deliver consistent quality and distinctive shore excursions while controlling infrastructure, capacity and sustainability practices. According to CLIA’s State of the Cruise Industry Report 2025, investment in new and expanded private destinations is among the fastest-growing areas of cruise sector development. Cruise lines and their partners are projected to invest more than $7 billion between 2024 and 2028 to create or enhance ports and island experiences worldwide. Savino says Carnival’s upcoming developments are part of that broader transformation. “We’re thrilled that Celebration Key has already seen great early success,” he says. “The response from guests has been great. We continue to expand options to Celebration Key as we roll out our plans for 2027-2028. And next year, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, which is already a spectacular destination that’s extremely popular with our guests, will be expanded so more of our guests can enjoy its natural beauty. The beach area will be extended and we’re currently constructing a new pier to allow our largest ships to visit. We’re very excited about this enhancement, which will be another game-changer for our Caribbean itineraries.” The enduring appeal of classic cruise destinations remains undiminished, however. “Destinations across The Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico remain among our most visited and consistently top guest satisfaction scores,” says Savino. “These ports offer the quintessential experiences that most guests are looking for when they book a cruise with us – great weather, beautiful beaches, friendly locals and activities for all ages. It’s a reliable mix of fun and relaxation, which perfectly matches the spirit of a Carnival vacation.” As fleets modernise, itineraries diversify and new destinations emerge, the future of cruising appears more dynamic than ever. For Savino and itinerary planners across the industry, the challenge lies in keeping pace with travellers’ expectations while preserving the classic cruise experience that has proven so successful. KEYNOTE “ The Excel-class ships give us tremendous flexibility”
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