Fincantieri has started construction of Carnival Destiny, the next-generation cruise ship that will become the largest vessel in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet. The Italian shipbuilder cut the first steel for the ship at its Monfalcone yard.
Scheduled for delivery in summer 2029, Carnival Destiny will have a gross tonnage of about 230,000 GT. It will become the largest cruise ship ever built by Fincantieri and the largest passenger vessel constructed in Italy. The ship will be the first vessel in Carnival’s new Ace Class, followed by two sister ships planned for delivery in 2031 and 2033.
The ship will feature more than 3,000 cabins and will accommodate nearly 8,000 passengers. Including crew, total capacity will reach around 10,000 people. At 344.9 metres long and 47.5 metres wide, the vessel will be significantly larger than Carnival’s current fleet.
Carnival said the new ship will focus on open spaces and ocean views. The design will include more than 4.5 acres of glass, while more than 70% of onboard venues and attractions will feature new concepts.
The new ship will run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and will use technologies designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and manage waste more effectively.
The vessel’s name continues a long connection between Carnival and Fincantieri. The original Carnival Destiny, delivered in 1996, became the world’s first cruise ship above 100,000 GT. The vessel was later renamed Carnival Sunshine and remains in service.
With Carnival Destiny, Carnival Cruise Line will become the fourth major cruise operator to introduce a ship above 200,000 GT, following Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises and Disney Cruise Line. The move reflects the industry’s continued shift toward larger cruise ships with higher capacity and more onboard facilities.
