Carnival Cruise Line has announced its latest venture in expanding its fleet, finalizing an agreement with the German shipbuilder Meyer Werft to construct another Excel-class ship. Set to debut in spring 2027, this fourth Excel-class vessel marks a significant milestone for Carnival Corporation, representing its first new-build order in five years.

The new addition will be a sister vessel to Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, expected to measure 180,000 gross tons and accommodate over 6,400 guests. The ship will operate on liquified natural gas (LNG), reflecting Carnival's commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology.

In a statement, Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion, highlighting the company's continued growth and dedication to delivering unparalleled experiences for guests worldwide. Carnival Cruise Line's president, Christine Duffy, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the Excel-class ships' popularity among guests and their pivotal role in the company's success.

“Our Excel-class ships have been a tremendous addition to the Carnival fleet and proven very popular with our guests. As the world's most popular cruise line, this new ship enables us to continue the growth of our incredible fleet as we welcome our loyal guests back to cruise more frequently and attract new-to-cruise guests to experience all that a Carnival cruise has to offer,” said Carnival Cruise Line’s president, Christine Duffy.