Carnival Cruise Line has begun construction of Carnival Destiny, its largest vessel to date and the first in the Ace class, with plans to launch the ship in 2029. Measuring 230,000 gross tons, Carnival Destiny will accommodate more than 8,000 passengers at full capacity, making it the cruise line’s first ship to surpass 200,000 gross tons.
Design Features Focused on Ocean Views and New Concepts
Carnival Destiny will emphasize outward-facing design, featuring extensive ocean-view balcony cabins and a redesigned lanai deck. The ship will incorporate 4.5 acres of glass, including multi-story glass walls to increase guests’ connection with the sea. The cruise line revealed that over 70% of the
dining venues, bars, lounges, entertainment spaces, and onboard attractions will introduce new concepts.
Heritage of the Carnival Destiny Name and Legacy
The ship honors the original Carnival Destiny, which was delivered by Fincantieri in 1996 as the world’s first cruise ship exceeding 100,000 gross tons. At the time, the original vessel was 30% larger than any other cruise ship. This flagship was refurbished and renamed Carnival Sunshine in 2013 and remains active. Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said the new Carnival Destiny “builds on a legacy that changed cruising once before,” aiming to advance guest experience further.
Fincantieri Partnership and Fleet Expansion
Construction of Carnival Destiny started with a steel-cutting ceremony held
recently in Monfalcone, Italy. Fincantieri, the shipbuilder responsible for both the original and the new Carnival Destiny, has delivered 76 ships to the broader Carnival Corporation fleet over the past 30 years. The Carnival group plans to expand its fleet to 30 ships by 2027.
Itineraries within the Paradise Collection
Carnival Destiny’s routes will include destinations in the Paradise Collection, which covers the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico. Specific stops mentioned include Celebration Key, RelaxAway, and Half Moon Cay.
Carnival’s Excel-class ship, Carnival Festival, will soon become the cruise line’s largest active vessel when it arrives at Port Canaveral ahead of 2029. However, Carnival Festival will
be surpassed in size by Carnival Destiny when the Ace-class ship launches.
