Carnival Corporation has signed a multi-billion dollar contract to build four next-generation cruise ships with the largest guest capacity in the world.
The four new ships will be the cruise industry's largest yet—but only in head count, not in size.
The new vessels are capable of accommodating 6,600 passengers alongside hundreds of crew members. The large-capacity cruise ships will set sail between 2019 and 2022.
The 180,000 gross ton cruise ships will also feature a revolutionary "green cruising" design. The ships will be the first in the cruise industry to be powered at sea by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) - the world's cleanest burning fossil fuel, representing a major environmental breakthrough.
Each of the four ships will have a total capacity of 6,600 guests, with more than 5,000 lower berths, as well as a design focused on making more efficient use of the ship's spaces, Carnival said.
The contract with Meyer Werft is part of larger previously-announced strategic memo of understanding with leading shipbuilders Meyer Werft and Fincantieri S.p.A for nine new ship orders between 2019 and 2022.
The company said two of the ships will be manufactured for AIDA Cruises at Meyer Werft's shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Additional information about the ships, including which new ships will be added to each brand, will be made available at a later date.
Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald said “We are looking forward to executing on the next step in our fleet enhancement plan. At a cost per berth in line with our existing order book, these new ships will enhance the return profile of our fleet. These are exceptionally efficient ships with incredible cabins and public spaces featuring a design inspired by Micky Arison and Michael Thamm and developed by our new build teams.” Arison is chairman of the board of directors for Carnival Corporation and Thamm is CEO of the Costa Group, which includes AIDA Cruises and Costa Cruises.
Bernard Meyer, CEO of Meyer Werft, said: “In past years, we have built seven highly successful ships for AIDA Cruises. We are honoured that Carnival Corporation has entrusted us with the implementation of this ambitious shipbuilding program, and we look forward to building these four magnificent ships.”
