Carnival Cruise Line held a steel-cutting ceremony on July 10, 2026, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, to start construction of Carnival Destiny, the company’s first vessel in the new next-generation Ace class.
Construction plans include two additional Ace class sister ships scheduled for release in 2031 and 2033, expanding Carnival’s fleet with next-generation cruise ships.
Distinctive Design Features of Carnival Destiny
The upcoming Carnival Destiny will boast an unparalleled number of ocean-facing balcony cabins, aiming to deliver expansive sea views. The ship will also feature a reimagined lanai deck and incorporate more than 4.5 acres of glass, including large multi-story glass walls designed to
maximize ocean visibility throughout the vessel.
New Venues and Guest Experience Innovations
Over 70% of Carnival Destiny’s onboard venues and attractions will introduce entirely new concepts not previously seen on Carnival ships. These will include next-generation options for dining, bars, and entertainment to enhance guest experiences significantly.
Legacy and Operational Plans
The name Carnival Destiny honors the original Carnival Destiny, launched over 30 years ago in 1996, which was the world’s largest cruise ship at the time and was later refurbished as Carnival Sunshine in 2013. Carnival Cruise Line described the new ship as aiming to be the most “outward-facing megaship at sea,” redefining the cruise experience once again.
Christine
Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, stated, “Carnival Destiny builds on a legacy that changed cruising once before, reimagining what guests can experience at sea. 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.”
After completion, Carnival Destiny will sail to exclusive destinations across the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico, offered under the Paradise Collection by Carnival, which Carnival promotes as the largest portfolio of exclusive cruise destinations in that region.
