Carnival Cruise Line Plans New Ships, Island Expansions & More

Carnival Cruise Line has officially opened Celebration Key, its highly anticipated private island destination on Grand Bahama. Welcoming the first guests on July 20, the $600 million project features freshwater lagoons, an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool, a massive swim-up bar, waterslides, and eight types of villas and cabanas. Carnival President Christine Duffy and Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal were on-site for the grand opening.

Spanning 379 acres, Celebration Key’s opening marks the completion of phase one. Phase two, already under construction, includes a $100 million pier extension with two additional berths, enabling the destination to host four Excel-class ships and nearly 4 million guests annually by 2028.

“This is just the beginning,” said Duffy. “Phase two will add more berths and more fun experiences for our guests.”

Carnival is also upgrading RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay—the private destination it shares with Holland America Line. Enhancements include a new north pier for Excel-class ships, refreshed welcome plazas, expanded lunch venues, island-themed bars, and a tram system. Construction begins summer 2026.

Meanwhile, Carnival is expanding its fleet. Carnival Festivale, the fourth Excel-class ship, launches in spring 2027 from Port Canaveral. Carnival Tropicale follows in 2028. Additionally, Carnival is collaborating with Fincantieri on a new ship class—Project Ace—with three 230,000-gross-ton vessels slated for 2029, 2031, and 2033.

“These ships will redefine the cruise experience with next-generation dining, entertainment, and deck spaces,” said Duffy.

Carnival is also modernizing its existing fleet, with Carnival Spirit and Carnival Valor recently receiving updates, including the addition of the Heroes Tribute Bar.

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