Last week Carnival Corporation announced it has signed a memorandum of agreement to build two new ships for Holland America Line and Princess Cruises.
The agreement, made with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri S.p.A., will be finalized with contracts to be executed early this year. With these additions, Carnival Corporation now has 19 new vessels scheduled for delivery between 2017 and 2022.
“We are extremely pleased to formally announce these two new ships and build on the success and popularity of their sister ships already sailing guests around the globe,” said Arnold Donald, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation. “Our goal is to exceed the expectations of the 11.5 million guests who sail with us each year. These new ships will offer more opportunities for guests to create lifelong vacation memories while responding to the growing global demand for cruise vacations.”
The Holland America Line vessel will be built in Marghera, Italy, and is scheduled for delivery in 2021. It will be the third ship in the Pinnacle class and is expected to accommodate approximately 2,660 guests. Design plans will blend long-standing Holland America Line traditions with innovations introduced on recent and upcoming ships.
Princess Cruises’ new ship will be constructed in Monfalcone, Italy, with delivery set for 2022. As the sixth Royal-class vessel for the fleet, it is expected to carry about 3,660 passengers. The ship will include the Ocean Medallion Class experience, which uses a wearable device to enable personalized service throughout the cruise. That system helps the crew anticipate guests’ needs and tailor onboard services to create a more seamless, customized vacation.
Both ships reflect Carnival Corporation’s continued investment in modern, larger vessels that combine brand-defining features with new technology and amenities. Building with Fincantieri allows the cruise line to leverage experienced European shipyards to meet delivery timelines and production standards.
These new additions are part of a broader expansion across Carnival Corporation’s portfolio of brands, aimed at delivering diverse vacation options and improved guest experiences. By expanding capacity and updating ship offerings, the company seeks to strengthen its position in the competitive global cruise market and provide travelers with a wider range of itineraries, onboard activities, and accommodations.
As the contracts move toward final execution, more detailed information about the ships’ specific design elements, onboard venues, and guest offerings is expected to be released by the individual brands. In the meantime, the announced timelines—2021 for the Holland America Line Pinnacle-class ship and 2022 for the Princess Cruises Royal-class vessel—outline the next steps in the cruise line’s fleet modernization and growth plan.