Carnival Unveils Mega Ship Expansion With Project Ace and New Excel-Class Vessels

Carnival Cruise Line has announced a sweeping fleet expansion that combines a new class of mega ships under the codename Project Ace with two additional Excel-class vessels. Aimed at redefining the Fun Ship experience, these developments reflect the company’s focus on larger capacities, innovative onboard features, and enhanced guest experiences.

Project Ace: Largest Ships in Carnival’s Fleet

The Project Ace series will comprise three ships, each measuring about 230,000 gross tons and designed to accommodate up to 8,000 guests at full occupancy. Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri is set to deliver the vessels in 2029, 2031, and 2033, marking a decade-long expansion for Carnival. More than 3,000 passenger cabins per ship are planned, alongside new dining concepts, expanded entertainment areas, and reimagined outer decks.

Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, described these upcoming vessels as the “next generation of Fun ships.” She emphasized that “our design and entertainment teams are innovating every aspect: new dining outlets, entertainment venues, and re-imagined outer deck experiences that we know our guests will love.” While detailed itineraries are still being finalized, Carnival has hinted that destinations in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, including exclusive private ports, may play a prominent role.

New Additions to the Excel-Class Lineup

In addition to Project Ace, Carnival plans to strengthen its existing Excel-class offerings with two new ships: Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale. Both vessels will pay homage to the line’s heritage while introducing next-generation features and layouts.

Carnival Festivale (2027): Scheduled to launch from Port Canaveral, Florida, Carnival Festivale will include nearly 70 percent more cabins than prior Excel-class ships. It will feature upgraded family-friendly zones and broader accommodation options, ideally suited for larger travel groups.

Carnival Tropicale (2028): Taking its name from one of Carnival’s original ships, Carnival Tropicale is slated for delivery the following year. While the homeport has not yet been announced, executives promise an array of entertainment, outdoor attractions, and unique experiences that expand on the Excel-class blueprint.

Design Innovations and Guest Experience

From larger-than-ever deck spaces to advanced entertainment systems, Carnival’s next generation of ships will integrate emerging trends in technology, family-oriented recreation, and guest-centric design. According to Carnival, the new ships will feature upgraded youth programs, multi-purpose venues that cater to varying age groups, and enhancements in passenger flow and eco-friendly propulsion, all aimed at delivering a smoother cruising experience.

Industry observers suspect that these large-scale builds could turn heads among rival cruise lines, prompting similar updates to remain competitive. Local ports such as Port Canaveral may benefit economically from increased passenger traffic, while destinations in the Bahamas may see opportunities to showcase their tourism amenities to a broader demographic of travelers.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Industry Impact

As one of the world’s leading cruise operators, Carnival’s announcement underscores the sector’s continued growth. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) views these new mega ships as a strong indicator of market demand, with more than 32 million passengers embarking on ocean cruises worldwide in 2023 alone. Local tourism boards and port authorities are expected to collaborate with Carnival to accommodate the infrastructural requirements associated with such large vessels.

Carnival’s leadership remains confident that expanding both the Excel-class lineup and introducing Project Ace is a strategic move to meet evolving guest expectations. Christine Duffy has reiterated the brand’s commitment to blending bold entertainment, high-value itineraries, and family-focused amenities to deliver a memorable Fun Ship experience.

In addition to fueling competition in ship design and itinerary offerings, Carnival’s long-term expansion may also influence future port developments. As each new vessel nears completion, collaborations with Fincantieri and regulatory bodies will continue to guide both design and operational aspects—including safety, environmental considerations, and capacity planning.

Throughout the coming years, Carnival intends to release updates on bookings, interior features, and special maiden voyage itineraries. By balancing tradition and nostalgia with modern innovation, the cruise line seeks to maintain its industry leadership and fulfill its vision of offering diverse, large-scale adventures at sea.

With multiple ships on the horizon, Carnival’s decade of planned expansions highlights the brand’s aim to capture the imagination of loyal cruisers and engage new travelers. Each new launch will reinforce the company’s emphasis on fun, creativity, and customized experiences, core attributes that have long defined Carnival Cruise Line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will Carnival’s new Project Ace ships be delivered?

The three Project Ace vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2029, 2031, and 2033. Each one will measure around 230,000 gross tons and carry up to 8,000 guests.

How do these mega ships compare to other Carnival vessels?

The Project Ace ships will surpass all existing ships in the Carnival Corporation global fleet in terms of size, each offering more than 3,000 passenger cabins and advanced entertainment features.

What are the details on the new Excel-class ships?

Carnival Festivale will debut in spring 2027 from Port Canaveral, Florida, and Carnival Tropicale will follow in 2028. Both ships will feature increased cabin counts, family-friendly amenities, and innovative onboard attractions.

What official comments have been shared about these projects?

Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, has confirmed that the new ships will showcase next-generation dining venues, entertainment concepts, and reimagined deck spaces, building on Carnival’s Fun Ship legacy.

How will this expansion affect the larger cruise industry?

With more travelers seeking larger ships and diverse onboard experiences, rival cruise lines may introduce similar innovations to keep pace. Ports can anticipate increased traffic, and destinations in regions like the Bahamas may see a boost in tourism revenue.

Carnival’s multi-year strategy, encompassing the three Project Ace ships and two new Excel-class vessels, signals a transformative chapter, with the cruise line poised to shape future trends through expanding ship sizes, immersive itineraries, and cutting-edge onboard amenities.