Carnival Cruise Line is sailing into a new era with the naming of its Ace-class Carnival Destiny, which is set to hit the water in 2029 as the first of three announced Ace-class ships.
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Last week, company leaders from Carnival and shipbuilder Fincantieri gathered in Monfalcone, Italy, for a steel-cutting ceremony, marking the start of construction on the new megaship. The 230,000-gross-ton Destiny will be the cruise line’s first to exceed 200,000 gross tons with room for more than 8,000 passengers at full capacity.
Carnival Destiny aims to become the most “outward-facing” megaship at sea with new ways to experience the ocean, from its ocean-view balcony cabins to a reimagined lanai deck and 4.5 acres of glass, including multi-story glass walls. Additionally, more than 70% of dining venues, bars, lounges, entertainment and attractions on the Destiny will be new concepts.
“Carnival Destiny builds on a legacy that changed cruising once before, reimagining what guests can experience at sea,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a news release. “With this ship, we’re elevating the guest experience again, creating a ship that feels more expansive, while helping guests feel more connected and ultimately have more fun.”
The new vessel shares a name with the original Carnival Destiny, which was built by Fincantieri, debuted as the world’s first cruise ship over 100,000 gross tons in 1996 — making it 30% larger than any other cruise ship at the time. The original ship is still in service, rebranded in 2013 as the Carnival Sunshine after a major refurbishment.
In the last 30 years, Fincantieri has delivered 76 ships across the Carnival Corporation portfolio, which includes eight cruise lines.
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While many details about the new ship are under wraps, Carnival announced that itineraries on the Destiny will include destinations in the Paradise Collection, a group of destinations in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico including Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
Meanwhile, the company is working on the Excel-class Carnival Festivale, which will arrive at Port Canaveral next to join the fleet as the cruise line’s largest ship in service yet. In 2029, it will be eclipsed as the first Ace ship hits the water.
In 2027, Carnival will also reach a milestone with a total of 30 ships across its fleet.
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