Carnival Unveils Carnival Destiny as First Next-Generation Ace Class Ship

International

New flagship, scheduled for delivery in 2029, will introduce redesigned public spaces, expansive ocean views and a new generation of onboard experiences

Carnival Cruise Line has officially unveiled Carnival Destiny, the first ship in its next-generation Ace Class, during a traditional steel-cutting ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Scheduled to enter service in summer 2029, the vessel will be the first of three new Ace Class ships and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the cruise line’s fleet development.

New ship design puts the ocean at the center of the experience

Carnival Destiny has been designed to create a stronger visual connection between guests and the sea than any previous Carnival vessel. The ship will feature an unprecedented number of ocean-view balcony cabins, a redesigned lanai deck and more than 4.5 acres of glass, including dramatic multi-storey glass walls that will maximise natural light and panoramic views throughout the ship.

The new design aims to make the ocean a constant part of the onboard experience by opening sightlines across public areas and accommodation, creating what Carnival describes as its most outward-facing megaship to date.

More than 70 percent of onboard venues will be new

The Ace Class will also introduce a significant evolution in Carnival's onboard offering. More than 70 percent of the ship's restaurants, bars, lounges, entertainment venues and outdoor spaces will be completely new concepts developed specifically for the new class.

The redesigned public spaces are intended to offer a broader variety of dining experiences, next-generation entertainment and contemporary social venues while maintaining Carnival's focus on fun and accessible cruising.

“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. “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.”

Continuing a long-standing partnership with Fincantieri

The unveiling of Carnival Destiny also highlights Carnival Cruise Line's more than three-decade partnership with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The collaboration began with the original Carnival Destiny, which became the world's largest cruise ship when it entered service and represented a milestone in the evolution of modern cruising.

The new vessel continues that legacy while introducing an entirely new ship class designed to shape the future direction of the Carnival fleet.

Caribbean deployment planned after 2029 delivery

Following its delivery in summer 2029, Carnival Destiny will operate itineraries to destinations within the Paradise Collection by Carnival, the cruise line's portfolio of exclusive destinations across the Caribbean, The Bahamas and Mexico.

Additional details about the ship's onboard features, entertainment and accommodation will be announced later this year. Carnival also confirmed that two further Ace Class ships are planned to enter service in 2031 and 2033, further expanding the company's next generation of cruise ships.