“I can’t tell you how exciting this day has been, finally giving our UK travel partners the opportunity to see our new Excel-class ship,” said Carnival president Christine Duffy.
“Carnival Celebration is the ultimate 50th birthday gift and is a key part of a very unique and exciting period of growth for us.”
The celebration has since departed on a 14-day transatlantic sailing to Miami where the line will host its naming ceremony with godmother, US model and actress Cassidy Gifford.
Today, the second ship in Australia will be added as Carnival Luminosa begins guest operations in Brisbane, and next year, the third Excel-class ship Carnival Jubilee will debut from Galveston.
Following the launch of Carnival Luminosa earlier this year, the brand will add five more ships to its fleet over the next two years, the next being the delivery of two Excel-class vessels, Carnival Celebration to Miami and Carnival Jubilee to Texas.
As part of the expansion plan, Carnival will also introduce a new concept – “Carnival Fun Italian Style” – with two additional ships from sister brand Costa Cruises, starting with Carnival Venezia next spring, sailing year-round from New York, and Carnival Firenze in 2024 out of from Long Beach.
“Carnival Luminosa is a testament to our ongoing commitment to Australia, and the start of a period of growth unlike any other in Carnival’s 50-year history,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
“Having a Brisbane-based ship has been a goal of ours for quite some time, so we are so happy that they are the first market globally to experience the big, bright, fun that this ship has to offer and so excited to give our guests more Carnival ships and itinerary options to sail over the next two years.”
Luminosa – which arrived at its homeport of Brisbane on Monday (31 October) – will sail on its first cruise on 6 November and operate 28 sailings through 13 April 2023, visiting 60 ports across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
The sailings will support Carnival Australia’s anticipated $165 million contribution to the Queensland economy this year.
Seven new cruise ships are set to debut in U.S. market by the end of 2022.
While some of the newbuilds are leaving the shipyard and heading straight to North America, other vessels have initially entered service in Europe before arriving in the U.S. for the winter season.
Here’s the list of new ships:
Carnival Celebration Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line Delivery Date: October 2022 Capacity: 5,200 guests Tonnage: 183,000 U.S. Arrival: November 20 U.S. Homeport: Miami
Following a transatlantic crossing, the new Carnival Celebration is launching service in the Caribbean this November. Joining the Mardi Gras, the Excel-Class ship will become Carnival’s second LNG-powered vessel while offering week-long cruises departing from PortMiami year-round.
Norwegian Prima Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line Delivery Date: July 2022 Capacity: 3,215 guests Tonnage: 142,500 U.S. Arrival: October 5 U.S. Homeports: New York City, Miami, Galveston and Port Canaveral
After debuting recently in Iceland, the Norwegian Prima is arriving in New York City on October 5. First in a new series of ships known as Prima-Class, the 3,125-guest ship will sail an “inaugural tour” during the winter season, offering itineraries from four different U.S. homeports.
Celebrity Beyond Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises Delivery Date: April 2022 Capacity: 3,260 guests Tonnage: 140,600 U.S. Arrival: October 24 U.S. Homeport: New York City and Fort Lauderdale
The Celebrity Beyond is set to debut in North America this winter. After entering service in Europe back in April, the third Edge-Class vessel will arrive in New York City on October 24, ahead of a season of Caribbean cruises departing from the Port Everglades.
MSC Seascape Cruise Line: MSC Cruises Delivery Date: November 2022 Capacity: 4,560 guests Tonnage: 169,000 U.S. Arrival: December 5 U.S. Homeport: Miami
A sister to the 2021-built MSC Seashore, the MSC Seascape is debuting in North America with a series of cruises departing from Miami. The newest MSC Cruises vessel is heading to the United States soon after leaving the shipyard and arrives in New York City – where it will be christened – on December 5.
Viking Neptune Cruise Line: Viking Delivery Date: Q4 2022 Capacity: 930 guests Tonnage: 47,000 U.S. Arrival: December 22 U.S. Homeport: Fort Lauderdale
The newest Viking ship is heading to the United States this December. After debuting in the Mediterranean in November, the Viking Neptune will cross the Atlantic on its way to Fort Lauderdale. The luxury ship is then set to kick off a 137-night world cruise – which will also visit Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and two ports in Hawaii.
Valiant Lady Cruise Line: Virgin Voyages Delivery Date: July 2021 Capacity: 2,770 guests Tonnage: 110,000 U.S. Arrival: October 30 U.S. Homeport: Miami
Silver Dawn Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises Delivery Date: November 2021 Capacity: 596 guests Tonnage: 40,700 U.S. Arrival: December 16 U.S. Homeport: Fort Lauderdale
The new Silver Dawn is debuting in North America in December. After launching service earlier this year in Europe, the 2021-built ship will be based in Fort Lauderdale for most of the winter, offering a series of Caribbean itineraries.
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