Carnival unveils first next-gen Ace Class ship, Carnival Destiny

Carnival Cruise Line officially named its next-generation flagship Carnival Destiny, marking the occasion with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

Scheduled to debut in summer 2029, Carnival Destiny will be the first of three vessels in the line's new Ace Class, with sister ships planned for 2031 and 2033.

The July 10 ceremony also offered the first glimpse of the new ship through a 3D hologram presentation, highlighting what Carnival describes as a new era of ship design focused on bringing guests closer to the ocean.

Built by longtime partner Fincantieri, Carnival Destiny continues a relationship that spans more than three decades and traces back to the original Carnival Destiny, which was the world's largest cruise ship when it entered service.

According to Carnival, the new vessel will be the company's most outward-facing megaship, featuring an unprecedented number of ocean-view balcony cabins, a redesigned lanai deck and more than 4.5 acres of glass, including expansive multi-storey glass walls designed to maximize ocean views throughout the ship.

The cruise line also says more than 70 per cent of the ship's venues and attractions will be entirely new to Carnival, including new dining concepts, next-generation bars and lounges, immersive entertainment and expanded outdoor spaces.

“Carnival Destiny builds on a legacy that changed cruising once before, reimagining what guests can experience at sea,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a statement.

“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.”

When it enters service, Carnival Destiny will sail itineraries to destinations in the cruise line's Paradise Collection, which includes exclusive destinations across the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico.

Carnival says additional details about the ship's onboard features and guest experiences will be unveiled later this year ahead of its scheduled delivery in summer 2029.

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