CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled its "Innovation Itinerary," a strategic 5-year plan emphasizing 3 core objectives: operating the most entertaining fleet at sea, crafting engaging experiences and destinations, and fostering a growing base of loyal passengers.
During a media briefing aboard the Carnival Celebration at PortMiami, President Christine Duffy elaborated on forthcoming developments, including new ships, deployment strategies, fleet enhancements, and exclusive destinations. She noted that, following the integration of two ships into the Australian fleet, Carnival now operates 29 vessels—the largest in its history. Duffy highlighted the upcoming opening of Celebration Key in July, the expansion at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in 2026, the delivery of the fourth and fifth Excel-class ships in 2027 and 2028 respectively, and the introduction of three ships under the new platform, Project Ace, beginning in 2029. Additionally, she mentioned ongoing fleet enhancements and new investments at existing destinations.
The fourth ship in the Excel-class series will be named Carnival Festivale, continuing the tradition of reviving names from the line's early vessels that popularized cruise vacations among Americans. Scheduled to debut in spring 2027, Carnival Festivale will homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida, with reservation and itinerary details to be released this summer. The ship will feature three new zones; two on Decks 6, 7, and 8 celebrating music through innovative venues and immersive experiences. One zone will draw inspiration from the music creation process, utilizing advanced media, interactive elements, immersive sound, and dynamic lighting throughout the cruise, while the other on Deck 8 will capture the vibrant energy of outdoor music performances.
Carnival Festivale will also introduce a dedicated space for the Turtles program, catering to children aged six months to two years, and offer additional experiences for young passengers on the open decks. Furthermore, the ship will debut Sunsation Point, an outdoor zone spanning the top three decks, designed as a lively family fun area promising continuous entertainment and memorable experiences for guests of all ages.
Duffy also disclosed that the fifth Excel-class ship will be named Carnival Tropicale, another nod to the line's original vessels. Details regarding its homeport and availability for reservations will be announced well ahead of its anticipated delivery in spring 2028. Many of the new features introduced on Carnival Festivale will be incorporated into Carnival Tropicale, along with additional concepts and themes.
Looking further ahead, Carnival's exclusive new ship platform, Project Ace, comprises three vessels of 230,000 gross tons each, being constructed by Fincantieri and scheduled for delivery in 2029, 2031, and 2033 respectively. With over 3,000 guest staterooms, these ships will be the largest in Carnival Corporation's global fleet, capable of accommodating nearly 8,000 guests at full capacity.
Carnival's first exclusive destination designed specifically for its guests, Celebration Key, is set to open in July. This destination aims to offer guests the ultimate day in paradise. Twenty Carnival ships from ten U.S. homeports on more than 1,400 sailings are already scheduled to visit Celebration Key through 2027, with additional visits planned.
The line has also announced the expansion of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, consistently rated among the top Caribbean destinations. The addition of a pier capable of accommodating Excel-class and Project Ace ships will enable Carnival to bring its largest vessels to this picturesque location. The expansion focuses on enhancing the beach paradise that guests cherish, while preserving the island's pristine beaches and lush natural beauty. Enhancements are expected to be completed by summer 2026 and will continue through the end of the year.
In 2026, Mahogany Bay, Carnival's destination in Roatan, Honduras, will be renamed Isla Tropicale and expanded to include a pool with a swim-up bar and cabanas. Future enhancements will feature an expanded beach and a beach club.