Diplomacy

When booking your next cruise, it’s inevitable that your mind will wander to the standard question, “where do I want my cabin to be located? Do I want an interior cabin or a balcony cabin?” 

Some cruisers tend to pick the same deck each time or the same type of room. Others like to switch it up.

Personally, I love a standard balcony cabin on the same level as Guest Services. 

Recently, a friend of mine asked my opinion of where she should book her cabin. She has always booked an inside cabin but is considering her very first balcony. 

Let’s explore some pros and cons of this often discussed topic and help her to decide. Should she upgrade to a balcony from her usual inside cabin? 

Related: The true cost difference between an inside and balcony cabin

Pros

The Views 

Arguably the main selling point for a balcony, the views will always be outstanding. There’s nothing quite like pulling up to a port while standing on your balcony. The gorgeous blue waters of Cozumel just “hit different” when cruising into the Puerta Maya Pier. 

Balcony cabins are a MUST for some cruises. It’s practically a sin to not book a balcony cabin for an Alaskan cruise.

The views are tremendous and unparalleled. Many cruisers only make this trip once in their cruising career, so a balcony is required and suggested for the best views. 

Provides Extra Space

When booking a balcony cabin, expect to have a bit more space in the main portion of the cabin. Oftentimes, the additional space isn’t a big difference but any additional room is welcome at sea. If you decide to upgrade to a specialty suite, expect even more space. 

The balcony itself will provide additional room for you and your family to spread out. Each balcony includes patio furniture for maximum relaxation. (Hello, breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee each morning!) 

There are a variety of styles and configurations available if a balcony is what you choose. Aft balcony cabins are very popular and have ample space. Cove balconies are situated on lower decks, allowing you to feel even closer to the gentle waves. 

Natural Lighting 

Choosing a cabin with a balcony allows natural lighting to flood your space. In turn, this can make your cabin feel larger and less “closed in”. 

When going to sleep in the evening, leave your curtains open a bit. This will allow for light to gently wake you each morning, before having a fun-filled vacation day.

Or, if you prefer, keep the entire set of curtains open, so that the sun’s hot beams startle you awake each day. Who needs a wakeup call? 

Cons

More Expensive 

Possibly the largest deterrent for booking a balcony cabin, the expense can definitely add up.

Unfortunately, balcony cabins can cost a good bit more than an interior cabin. For some cruisers, this additional cost may not be justified, especially when there are shore excursions and activities to purchase. 

Many people simply do not wish to pay the additional cost, since they only visit their cabin at a minimum throughout their trip. 

Size and May Feel Claustrophobic

Let’s face it– interior cabins are just smaller than their balcony siblings! Some interior cabins’ living spaces are smaller AND they do not have the additional balcony space.

That could potentially spell disaster to a cruiser who easily becomes claustrophobic. 

Let’s take a closer look at the numbers. On Carnival Cruise Line, most standard interior cabins are 185 square feet in size.

A standard balcony cabin is also 185 square feet in size, but it includes an additional 35 square feet of balcony space. Premium category balcony cabins sizes can increase. For example, the Premium Vista cabins have an additional 75 square feet of balcony space. 

Read more: What cruise lines have the most balcony cabin space?

As with many things in life, inside cabins and balcony cabins  both have their fair share of pros and cons. For many, the final choice will come down to price and for others, habit will take them to their usual. 

If my friend has the extra cash in her budget, I wholeheartedly recommend that she go with a balcony cabin. Overall, I believe this to be a better choice and money well-spent. 

If she doesn’t quite have the extra wiggle room in her budget, she should definitely grab the inside cabin. She will still be on the cruise ship and have the same experiences as other cruisers – just at a cheaper rate and with less views! 

Carnival Corporation and Grand Turk have released new guidelines for public access to the port when cruise ships are visiting. The changes were made to ensure that all cruise passengers have a safe and enjoyable experience at the port.

This new agreement between Carnival Corporation, and The Turks & Caicos Islands Government, and the Grand Turk Cruise Center (GTCC) will help provide a safe and secure environment for all guests who are visiting the port.

The new policy promotes a family-friendly atmosphere and these new guidelines will also maintain the popularity of Grand Turk with cruise guests, support local businesses and foster a welcoming and business-friendly environment for food, beverage, shore excursion, and retail partners.

This policy will be effective on Thursday, August 15, 2024 and applies to when cruise ships are in port:

• During operating hours (when a cruise ship is in port), access to GTCC by the public is only granted to individuals who obtain a one-day identification (ID) badge.
• Access will be by the main entrance and will be free of charge.

Visitors age 18 years and older can receive an ID badge at the main entrance to GTCC. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Weapons and any threatening language or behavior will not be tolerated.

Visitors who are granted access to the port agree to not promote any businesses with sales and solicitation being prohibited.

Cruise lines and approved tour operators will be the only ones who can conduct business in the port.

Juan Fernandez, vice president of Carnival Corporation’s destination operations, gave the following statement:

“We greatly appreciate the collaborative spirit of partnership from government and cruise center leaders to provide an added layer of security at the Grand Turk Cruise Center facilities, while also allowing residents all opportunities to enjoy the beach, shopping and restaurants.”

The Honourable Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands, added:

“The Government’s role is to ensure that those with access to the facilities at the Grand Turk Cruise Center – be they cruise passengers, tour operators, vendors, and visitors to the port – have an enjoyable experience. The Government is committed to working with Grand Turk Cruise Center to improve service delivery so that the destination remains competitive, whilst ensuring safety, and providing sustainable economic opportunities.”

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, the most award cruise ship ever, will receive over a $100 million dollar makeover in the spring of 2025.

Allure of the Seas will be the final Oasis class ship to be “Amplified”. The ship was originally scheduled to get these updates several years ago but the cruise shutdown postponed the renovation.

Allure of the Seas will be out of service from February 22, 2025 through April 11, 2025. While in dry dock, many new features will be added to the ship that are familiar to Royal Caribbean guests.

The ship will have over 35 dining and drink options, a new waterpark, new cabins, and a 10 story slide.  

Here is a look at some of the features that will be added to Allure of the Seas next spring.

The Pesky Parrot, Royal Caribbean’s new Tiki Bar that opened to rave reviews on their newest ship Utopia of the Seas, will be added to Allure of the Seas. The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar will also be added to Allure.

A trio of waterslides, The Perfect Storm, will be added to the pool deck. The pool area will also be redesigned into a resort-style pool deck.

The Ultimate Abyss, a 10 story dry slide, will be added to the ship’s aft in the same location as other Oasis class ships.

Other additions to Allure of the Seas include Royal Escape Room, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, and Lime and Coconut.

The escape room will be themed “Apollo 18: Lunar Landing” where you’ll have to look or clues and solve complex puzzles to land Apollo 18 on the moon before time runs out.

Two Ultimate Panoramic Suites will be located above the ship’s bridge and offer 914 square feet of living space for up to four passengers each. The floor to ceiling windows will offer 200 degree panoramic views around the ship.

Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer, Royal Caribbean International, gave the following statement:

“From the new Icon and Utopia of the Seas to now the more than $100 million transformation of Allure of the Seas, we’ve upped the ante threefold on the different ways vacationers can get away and make memories with Royal Caribbean.”

“Allure will be reimagined with the best of Royal Caribbean and what travelers love. Between new favorites, like the Pesky Parrot tiki bar, and experiences that unlock core memories time and time again, from an incredible pool deck to an unmatched combination of thrills and ways to chill, Allure will have even more of everything that makes it a standout favorite.”

The first cruise after the ship receives its renovation will be a four night cruise from Barcelona that visits Spain and France on April 11, 2025.

Allure of the Seas will spend the summer of 2025 offering week long cruises in the Mediterranean from Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome).

In the fall of 2025, Allure of the Seas will reposition to Port Everglades for six and eight night cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean.

Carnival Cruise Line has made a couple changes to cruises due to Tropical Storm Debby that is currently impacting Florida.

The Port of Tampa is currently closed so Carnival Paradise was not able to return to the port this morning. Carnival Cruise Line is now planning on departing tomorrow on a five day cruise instead of the scheduled six day cruise to the Western Caribbean.

Carnival Cruise Line sent the following message to those booked on the August 5, 2024 cruise on Carnival Paradise:

“Dear Carnival Paradise Guests,

We hope those of you in areas impacted by Debby are safe.

This advisory requires your prompt review as we work to keep you informed about your cruise. As we communicated earlier, our plan is to operate your cruise as a 5-day voyage, departing tomorrow, Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

Please check your email for all the details.

Thank you for your understanding and the crew will be standing by to make sure that you have the very very best of times and all the fun you deserve.”

You can sign up for free text alerts by texting CCL4 to 278473 (CRUISE).

Carnival Elation had its previous sailing cut short by a day and the current cruise left one day ahead of schedule.

Carnival wanted to get in and out of Jacksonville before the tropical storm impacted the port.

You can watch a short two minute video below from Meteorologist Amy Sweezey about how the tropical storm is impacting Carnival cruises.

Carnival Cruise Line is also watching for any potential impacts to Charleston. Carnival Sunshine is due to return back to Charleston on August 8.

Carnivals’ Fleet Operation’s Center in Miami is closely monitoring the storm as it moves closer to South Carolina.

Carnival is asking guests who are booked on the upcoming cruise on Carnival Sunshine to watch their emails for any announcements with changes.

Carnival Cruise Line said that their number one priority is the safety of their passengers and crew members.

Royal Caribbean is the largest cruise line in the world with 28 cruise ships in service. Royal Caribbean has another three cruise ships either under construction or on order. They are also developing a new class of ships call the Discovery Class.

A total of 39 different ships have sailed under the Royal Caribbean brand since the company was founded in 1968.

Here are 11 former Royal Caribbean cruise ships and where they are now.

Song of Norway (1970-1997)

Royal Caribbean’s very first cruise ship, Song of Norway went into service in 1970.  After spending 27 years in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, the ship later sailed under the names Sundream, Dream Princess, Dream, Clipper Pearl, Clipper Pacific, Festival, Ocean Pearl, and Formosa Queen.  The ship was scrapped in 2014 after serving several years as a gambling ship.

Nordic Prince (1971-1995)

Royal Caribbean’s second cruise ship went into service in 1971.  This 18,346 gross ton ship was one of the first modern purpose built cruise ships. After sailing under the names Carousel, Aquamarine, and Arielle, the ship was scrapped in 2015.

Sun Viking (1972-1998)

The last of three original cruise ships ordered by Royal Caribbean, Sun Viking spent 26 years sailing with Royal Caribbean. After sailing under multiple cruise lines, the ship served as a gambling ship in Hong Kong and operated under the name Oriental Dragon.

The vessel was sold for scrap in 2021.

Song of America (1982-1999)

Due to strong demand for Royal Caribbean cruises, Royal’s fourth cruise ship was built double the size (37,584 gross tons) of their first three ships.  Song of America spent 17 years with Royal Caribbean.

The cruise ship is now named Bella Fortuna and is not currently in service.

Viking Serenade (1990-2002)

Royal Caribbean purchased the ship in 1990 and renamed the vessel Viking Serenade. The ship was a former ferry that was converted to a cruise ship in early 1991.  After 12 years in service, the ship was transferred to a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Island Cruises.  The ship was scrapped in 2018 after sailing as Ocean Gala.

Sovereign of the Seas (1988-2008)

The first of three Sovereign class cruise ships (only Majesty of the Seas is still with Royal Caribbean), the ship spent 20 years sailing with Royal Caribbean. The vessel was the largest cruise ship in the world to be built since the Queen Elizabeth. The ship was transferred to Pullmantur Cruises in 2008 and eventually scrapped in 2020.

Monarch of the Seas (1991-2013)

The second of three Sovereign class ships, Monarch was the first major cruise ship to be captained by a woman, Karin Stahre-Janson.  In 2013, the ship was transferred to Pullmantur Cruises and scrapped in 2020.

Splendor of the Seas (1996-2016)

Splendor of the Seas was the second Vision class ship from Royal Caribbean and spent 20 years sailing under Royal Caribbean.  The ship currently sails under the name Marella Discovery and is operated by Marella Cruises.

Legend of the Seas (1995-2017)

The first Vision class ship from Royal Caribbean, the ship now sails with Marella Cruises under the name Marella Discovery II.   Legend of the Seas is the most traveled cruise ship in Royal Caribbean’s history.

Empress of the Seas (1990-2008, 2016-2020)

Empress of the Seas sailed for 18 years under Royal Caribbean before transferring to sister cruise line Pullmantur Cruises for eight years.  In 2016, the ship was transferred back to Royal Caribbean for four more years.

Royal Caribbean sold the ship to Cordelia Cruises in 2020.

Majesty of the Seas (1992-2020)

Majesty of the Seas sailed with Royal Caribbean for 28 years before being sold like many other older ships were during the 2020 cruise shutdown.

The ship is still in operation today and sails under the name Majesty of the Oceans with Seajets, a Greek/Cypriot ferry company.

Carnival Cruise Line is currently the second largest cruise line in the world with 27 ships in service. However, they do offer cruises from more ports in the U.S. than any other line.

Over the past six months, Carnival has placed orders for five more new cruise ships that will all be in service by 2033.

• 2027 – 4th Excel class ship
• 2028 – 5th Excel class ship
• 2029 – 1st 230,000 gross ton ship
• 2031 – 2nd 230,000 gross ton ship
• 2033 – 3rd 230,000 gross ton ship

Two More Excel Class Ships

In February, Carnival Cruise Line announced an order for a fourth Excel class ship that will be a sister ship to Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee.

The ship is currently scheduled to debut in the spring of 2027.

A month later, a fifth Excel class ship was ordered and is expected to enter service in 2028.

The ships will be in the ballpark of 180,000 gross tons in size.

They will both be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard.

Excel class ships offer something that no other cruise ships in the world have, a roller coaster on the top deck. BOLT travels up to 35 mph around the Lido Deck.

The first three ships in this class have have names from previous Carnival cruise ships. It will be interesting to see if Carnival continues that trend.

Three New 230,000 Gross Ton Ships

Carnival Cruise Line was the first cruise line to ever have a ship over 100,000 gross tons in size when Carnival Destiny (now Carnival Sunshine) debuted in 1996.

Last week, the cruise line announced their first ships that will be over 200,000 gross tons in size.

This new class will usher in the era of mega cruise ships for Carnival. At 230,000 gross tons in size, they will be the third largest class in the world and the largest outside of Royal Caribbean. They will also be in the top 10 largest cruise ships ever built.

The ships are currently scheduled to debut in 2029, 2031 and 2033.

The cruise ships will have 3,000 cabins and carry up to 8,000 passengers at maximum capacity.

The ships will be built by Fincantieri and will be the largest ever constructed in Italy.

Carnival Cruise Line has not given any other details on this new class of ships. It will be interesting to see what Carnival does with these massive ships and the new features that they will have.

This will not be the first class of ships over 200,000 gross tons that Carnival has worked on.  20 years ago, Carnival was developing a futurist ship prototype that was truly ahead of its time.  Many of the features on Project Pinnacle have been incorporated into new ships.

One thing I would love to see on this new class from Carnival are some of the features that were planned for the Pinnacle class.

Project Pinnacle had everything from a lazy river to a people mover system.

Cruise Fever will have all details about these five new ships from Carnival Cruise Line when they are announced.

All five of the ships that Carnival Cruise Line has on order through 2033 are currently unnamed.

When Disney Cruise Line’s new ship, Disney Destiny, debuts next year, it will have a Tony Stark inspired suite located in one of the ship’s funnels.

The suite will be located in the ship’s forward funnel in true Iron Man style. It will be 2,000 sq. ft. in size and will honor Iron Man’s mighty legacy with a luxurious take on the sleek, industrial designs of Tony Stark.

It will have a two-story window and the suite will hold up to eight guests. It will also have a full kitchen and private ensuite elevator.

Guests staying in the suite will receive a premium level of dedicated service that comes with all concierge-level staterooms. This includes access to the Concierge Lounge and private sun deck.

The lounge will be outfitted with art pieces that celebrate the Avengers, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, inspired by the sophisticated styling of their home base in Manhattan.

This suite won’t be the only Marvel themed experience on Disney Destiny.

The ship will feature Marvel-themed dining experiences that star the duo of Rocket and Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy. From an “awesome mix” of hit songs to trivia and activities, there will be something for the entire family.

In the ship’s Oceaneer Club, kids ages 3 to 10 will become the heroes of their own epic Disney adventures at Marvel Super Hero Academy.

This high tech Avengers headquarters will train the next generation of super heroes alongside the most beloved Avengers.

Brian Crosby, executive, Marvel Experiences Development, gave the following statement about this new ship:

“The heroes and villains theme of the Disney Destiny provides the perfect platform for us to collaborate with Disney Cruise Line on all-new, Marvel-inspired experiences guests won’t find anywhere else on land or at sea across the multiverse.”

“We’re honoring some of our classic heroes like Black Panther and Spider-Man on board, and we’re celebrating the larger-than-life personalities of the Avengers as inspiration for one-of-a-kind venues. This will be a must-do for all True Believers!”

Disney Destiny will be the third ship in the class and a sister ship to Disney Wish and Disney Treasure.

It will debut in November 2025 offering cruises from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean.

Bookings on Disney Destiny will open to the general public on September 12, 2024.

Carnival Cruise Line currently has 27 cruise ships in service. Carnival has earned the title “America’s Cruise Line” as they sail from more U.S. ports than any other cruise line. 50% of the population in the U.S. can drive to a Carnival homeport in five hours or less.

Here is a list of every Carnival cruise ship from newest to oldest that will be updated as new ships enter Carnival’s fleet.  Also listed are the ages of each ship as well as the size. The ships range from the 70,000 gross ton Fantasy class to the 180,000 Excel class LNG powered cruise ships.

The majority of Carnival’s ships offer cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas that range from three days to over a week.  A few vessels are based on the West Coast as well as a couple in Australia.

Carnival Firenze

Carnival Firenze is the second ship in the cruise line’s COSTA by Carnival series. It was transferred over from sister cruise line Costa Cruises and the ship’s homeport is Long Beach, California. It’s a Vista class ship and is themed after the Italian city of Florence. The ship can carry more than 5,000 guests at total capacity.

Carnival Jubilee

Carnival Jubilee is the third Excel-class ship with the cruise line and was entered into service in December of 2023. The ship is currently homeporting in Galveston, Texas and is the first brand-new ship to homeport at the Texas port.  Jubilee has a gross tonnage of 183,521 GT and can accommodate 5,374 passengers at double-capacity.

Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia was transferred over from sister cruise line Costa Cruises in March 2023.  The Vista class ship entered service in 2019 and sails as COSTA by CARNIVAL.  The cruise ship is themed after the city of Venice and can carry 5,145 guests.

Carnival Celebration

This Excellence-class cruise ship entered service in November of 2022.  With a gross tonnage of 181,808 and double capacity of 5,282, Carnival Celebration is the 2nd vessel of this class, along with Mardi Gras.

Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Luminosa was added the Carnival’s fleet in 2022.  The ship formerly sailed as Costa Luminosa which entered service in 2009 and was refitted for use with Carnival.  The ship has a gross tonnage of 92,600 with a double capacity of 2,260.

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is Carnival Cruise Line’s newest and largest cruise ship at 180,000 gross tons.  The ship is the first in North America to be powered by LNG and is also the world’s first cruise ship with a roller coaster. Mardi Gras homeports at Port Canaveral and entered Carnival’s fleet in 2021.  View Top Cruise Itineraries on Mardi Gras

Carnival Panorama

Carnival Panorama debuted in December 2019 and is the third and final Vista class ship from Carnival. Carnival Panorama comes in at 133,500 gross tons and carries just under 4,000 passengers. Read: Is Carnival Panorama the Most Fun Ship at Sea?

Carnival Horizon

Carnival Horizon debuted in the spring of 2018 and is the second Vista class ship from Carnival.  At 133,500 gross tons, it’s currently the largest ship in Carnival’s fleet and can carry 3,960 passengers. Take a Video Tour of Carnival Horizon

Carnival Vista

Carnival Vista was the first Vista class ship from Carnival and debuted in 2016. Also at 133,500 gross tons, the ship holds slighter fewer passengers than Carnival Horizon and currently sails cruises to the Caribbean. Read 10 Impressive Features on Carnival Vista

Carnival Breeze

The third and final Dream class ship, Carnival Breeze went into service in 2012 and was the largest ship in Carnival’s fleet until Carnival Vista debuted four years later.  The ship is 128,000 gross tons in size and can carry 3,690 passengers. Carnival Breeze Review and Video Tour

Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic debuted in 2011 and has the same dimensions and passenger capacity as Carnival Breeze.

Carnival Dream

The first Dream class ship from Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Dream was the first Carnival ship to be over 120,000 gross tons in size.  The ship debuted in 2009 at 128,000 GT and carries 3,646 passengers.

Carnival Splendor

Carnival Splendor is one of a kind when it comes to the different classes of ships from Carnival.  The vessel was originally designed for sister cruise line Costa Cruises but was transferred to Carnival Cruise Line during construction.  The cruise ship is 113,300 gross tons and carries 3,012 passengers. Carnival Splendor debuted in 2008.

Carnival Freedom

The final Conquest class ship from Carnival, Carnival Freedom debuted in 2007.  The 110,000 gross ton cruise ship carries just under 3,000 passengers.

Carnival Liberty

Another Conquest class ship from Carnival, Carnival Liberty debuted in 2005.  The 110,000 gross ton cruise ship carries just under 3,000 passengers.

Carnival Valor

The third Conquest class ship from Carnival, Carnival Valor debuted in 2004.  The 110,000 gross ton cruise ship carries just under 3,000 passengers.

Carnival Miracle

The last of four Spirit class ships from Carnival, Carnival Miracle debuted in 2004.  The 88,500 gross ton ship carries 2,124 passengers.  The Spirit class offer more space per passenger than any other vessels in Carnival’s fleet.

Carnival Glory

The second Conquest class ship from Carnival, Carnival Glory debuted in 2003.  The 110,000 gross ton cruise ship carries just under 3,000 passengers.

Carnival Conquest

The first Conquest class ship from Carnival, Carnival Conquest debuted in 2002.  The 110,000 gross ton cruise ship carries just under 3,000 passengers.

Carnival Cruise Deals

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Carnival Legend

One of four Spirit class ships from Carnival, Carnival Legend debuted in 2002.  The 88,500 gross ton ship carries 2,124 passengers.  The Spirit class offer more space per passenger than any other vessels in Carnival’s fleet.

Carnival Pride

One of four Spirit class ships from Carnival, Carnival Pride debuted in 2002.  The 88,500 gross ton ship carries 2,124 passengers.  The Spirit class offer more space per passenger than any other vessels in Carnival’s fleet.

Carnival Spirit

The first Spirit class ship from Carnival, Carnival Spirit debuted in 2001.  The 88,500 gross ton ship carries 2,124 passengers.  The Spirit class offer more space per passenger than any other vessels in Carnival’s fleet.

Carnival Radiance

The final Destiny class ship from Carnival, Carnival Victory was transformed in 2021 and the vessel renamed as Carnival Radiance.  Carnival Radiance is now a Sunshine class vessel. The cruise ship originally went into service in 2000.  The 101,509 gross ton ship can carry 2,754 passengers. Carnival Victory Review

Carnival Sunrise

Carnival Sunrise started off as Carnival Triumph. In 2019, Carnival Cruise Line gave the cruise ship a massive $200 million renovation and a name change to Carnival Sunrise. The vessel originally debuted in 1999 and was the second Destiny class ship.

Carnival Paradise

The final of eight Fantasy class ships from Carnival, Carnival Paradise first debuted in 1998.  The 71,909 gross ton cruise ship carries 2,124 passengers.

Carnival Elation

One of the Fantasy class ships from Carnival, Carnival Elation first debuted in 1998.  The 71,909 gross ton cruise ship carries 2,130 passengers.

Carnival Sunshine

Carnival Sunshine originally debuted in 1996 as Carnival Destiny. Carnival Destiny was the first passenger cruise ship ever built over 100,000 gross tons in size.  In 2013, the cruise ship was transformed in Carnival Sunshine.  The 3,002 passenger ship is currently 102,853 gross tons after the remodel.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Five Future Ships (2027-2033)

Carnival Cruise Line currently has two more Excel class cruise ship on order. The ships will be 180,000 gross tons in size, the largest that they currently have in their fleet.

These two Excel ships are scheduled to debut in 2027 and 2028 and will be powered by LNG. This will bring the number of Excel class ships in Carnival’s fleet to five.

Carnival also has three 230,000 gross ton ships on order. This brand new class of ships will be the largest in their fleet and will be powered by LNG. Carnival has yet to give any details on this class.

These three new mega ships are currently scheduled to debut in 2029, 2031, and 2033. 

Note: This article was updated in July 2024.