Speculation is growing that Carnival Corporation & plc will soon announce a major multi-ship order worth billions with Fincantieri.
The shipbuilder’s CEO Pierroberto Folgiero teased last year that an order for several ships could be revealed in early 2024. Shipping Italy reports it could be a record-breaking order, citing unnamed industry sources.
A 4-ship, $7 billion order
It says it would include the largest ships ever built in Italy. There is potential for four ships of up to 208,000 tons worth at least $1.6 billion each.
The rumored ships would be due for delivery in late 2028 or early 2029, with one or more intended for the flagship brand Carnival Cruise Line. Shipping Italy says at least one of the later ships would likely go to the Costa Cruises fleet. Overall, the deal is reputedly worth about $7 billion.
Guest capacity of 7,000
At 175,500 tons, Sun Princess is currently the largest Italian-built ship. The new ship class would be significantly larger, with a capacity for about 7,000 guests.
The recently launched Carnival Jubilee is Carnival Cruise Line’s newest and largest ship in the fleet, with a maximum capacity of 6,500 guests. The LNG-powered Jubilee is the third Excel class ship following Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.
Rumors of a major ship order have been gaining traction after recent visits to Italy by top Carnival Corp executives, although neither Carnival nor Fincantieri has officially commented on the new ship orders yet.
Carnival Corporation & plc has two cruise ships debuting in the first half of 2024. Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess will enter service in early 2024.
A new ship, Queen Anne, will debut for Cunard Line in a couple of months. Additionally, Princess has plans to launch another vessel in 2025.
Both vessels are being constructed at Fincantieri yards.
