9 Caribbean cruises remain Carnival’s most popular itineraries, combining warm weather with attractive beaches Cozumel, Mexico. Cruise lines are increasingly seeking a balance that ensures guests have the choice of familiar ports and the excitement of new discoveries. “We’re designing itineraries to provide a balance of popular ports and hidden gems,” says Savino. “The series of 14-day Carnival Journeys cruises to Hawaii, for example, provides guests with multiple sailing options that include calls in Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Hilo and Kona, plus a stop in Ensenada, Mexico.” Fleet renewal is also expanding what’s possible. As newer, larger and more efficient ships join the global fleet, cruise lines have greater flexibility in how and where they operate, allowing them to diversify itineraries and reach new markets. This evolution is visible across established and emerging cruise regions alike, where increased capacity and deployment flexibility have encouraged the development of new routes, homeports and destination experiences designed to appeal to a broader range of travellers. Carnival’s fleet currently includes three Excel-class ships, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, which will be followed by two more – Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale – in 2027 and 2028. Powered by LNG, the 180,000gt vessels are designed to carry over 6,400 guests and 1,800 crew. “The Excel-class ships give us tremendous flexibility,” says Savino. “With their larger capacity, LNG efficiency and enhanced features, we’re able to homeport them in major markets and offer both traditional and new itineraries. We just announced for 2027 that when Carnival Festivale arrives to sail from Port Canaveral, its sister ship Mardi Gras will begin an KEYNOTE “ Destinations across The Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico remain among our most visited and consistently top guest satisfaction scores”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=