MIAMI — Carnival Cruise Line has announced an ambitious new five-year plan, its “Innovation Itinerary,” focused on fleet expansion, enhanced destinations and refreshed guest experiences.

The initiative builds on a period of significant growth, with the cruise line now operating 29 ships – the largest fleet in its history. The strategy centres around three pillars: sailing the most fun fleet at sea, creating compelling experiences and destinations and building even greater loyalty among guests.

“Since our inception in 1972, we have defined and led the modern cruise industry and our plans for the next five years and beyond are no different,” said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, at a recent media briefing aboard Carnival Celebration at PortMiami. “The excitement and energy continue at Carnival!”

The brand’s next milestones include the opening of Celebration Key this July, the expansion of RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay in 2026, and the introduction of two new Excel-class ships: Carnival Festivale in 2027 and Carnival Tropicale in 2028. A new ship platform, currently named Project Ace, will debut with three vessels between 2029 and 2033.

New Ships and Onboard Innovations

Scheduled for delivery in spring 2027, Carnival Festivale will launch from Port Canaveral, Florida. Its name nods to one of Carnival’s original vessels that helped popularize modern cruising. The ship will feature three brand-new “zones” focused on music, immersive experiences and family-friendly fun.

Highlights include two music-themed zones spread across decks 6, 7, and 8, designed to celebrate the power of music to bring people together. One zone will focus on the creative process with interactive and sensory experiences, while another captures the spirit of outdoor music performances.

Recognizing that it sails more families than any other cruise line, Carnival is also enhancing its family offering on Carnival Festivale. The ship will include 1,000 interconnecting rooms – an increase of nearly 70% compared to previous Excel-class ships – and a new dedicated space for the Turtles program for children aged six months to two years.

A major new attraction, Sunsation Point, will stretch across the ship’s top three decks. Replacing the BOLT rollercoaster found on previous Excel-class ships, the new outdoor family zone will feature Carnival Waterworks Ultra, billed as the most family-friendly waterpark at sea. The waterpark will offer six slides, two splash pads, dry-play adventure trails and illuminated evening events with extended park hours.

Dining will also see a refresh, with new culinary concepts under development in collaboration with Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse. While the ChiBang! restaurant will be replaced, favourites such as Guy’s Burger Joint, Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse and Big Chicken will remain.

The fifth Excel-class ship, Carnival Tropicale, is set for delivery in spring 2028, with additional new features inspired by those on Carnival Festivale.

Looking further ahead, the new Project Ace ships will each measure 230,000 gross tons, making them the largest ships in the Carnival Corporation fleet. Each vessel will carry nearly 8,000 guests at full capacity and introduce new dining, entertainment and outdoor experiences.

“These ships clearly represent the next generation of Fun Ships,” said Duffy. “They will be experiences unto themselves, and, partnered with itineraries that call in part on our exclusive destinations, will provide amazing cruise vacations for guests.”

Deployment and Destination Updates

The debut of Carnival Festivale will see Mardi Gras repositioned to offer short cruises from Port Canaveral. Carnival is placing a renewed focus on short cruises, particularly to appeal to first-time cruisers and families with limited vacation time. Short itineraries will be offered from most U.S. and Australian homeports, with the exceptions of Baltimore and Seattle.

Carnival also plans to return to year-round service in Mobile, Alabama, beginning in 2027. The company is exploring the deployment of a larger Conquest-class ship to Baltimore to replace the smaller Carnival Pride currently sailing from the port.

In addition to new ships, Carnival is investing in destination enhancements. Celebration Key in Grand Bahama is set to open in July 2025, welcoming guests from 20 Carnival ships across 1,400 sailings. RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay will be expanded in 2026 with a new pier capable of accommodating Excel-class and Project Ace vessels, allowing more guests to enjoy the pristine beach destination.

Meanwhile, Mahogany Bay in Roatán, Honduras, will be rebranded as Isla Tropicale, with future upgrades including an expanded beach area, a beach club, a swim-up pool bar and private cabanas.

These exclusive ports will be promoted under the new “Paradise Collection by Carnival” umbrella.

Fleet Enhancements and Guest Experience

Carnival’s Innovation Itinerary also includes plans for updates across its existing fleet. Building on its original Fun Ship 2.0 initiative launched in 2011, the line will undertake strategic ship refurbishments. Guests can expect refreshed décor, new dining and beverage concepts and updated entertainment experiences inspired by features debuting on new ships. Details will be shared as dry dock schedules are finalized.

Loyalty Program Refresh

Carnival is also set to unveil an enhanced loyalty program. Changes to the current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club will be announced this summer, with updates taking effect in 2026.

“Carnival has an incredibly loyal and passionate fan base who are advocates for our brand, our crew and the amazing vacations we deliver,” said Duffy. “As we continue to grow, we are modifying the program to unlock greater value and engagement for our loyal guests.”

More information about the updated program is expected to be released later this year, with time for guests and travel advisors to familiarize themselves with the changes.

For more information, visit carnival.com.