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Carnival Destiny Ace Class: Carnival Reveals the First Ship of Its Next Generation

Carnival Destiny Ace Class marks the beginning of a new era for Carnival Cruise Line. During a special steel-cutting ceremony held at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the cruise line officially unveiled Carnival Destiny, the first vessel in its next-generation Ace Class. Scheduled to enter service in the summer of 2029, the ship is expected to redefine Carnival's guest experience through innovative design, brand-new onboard concepts, and an unprecedented connection to the sea.

More than just the announcement of a new cruise ship, Carnival used the event to introduce the vision behind its future fleet. The company revealed the official name of the new class, showcased the ship through an immersive 3D hologram presentation, and introduced the design philosophy that will shape the Ace Class: More Sea to See™.

Built by longtime partner Fincantieri, Carnival Destiny represents the first chapter of an ambitious expansion plan that will continue with two additional Ace Class ships arriving in 2031 and 2033. Together, they will become the largest and most innovative ships ever built for Carnival Cruise Line, ushering in a new generation of cruising focused on panoramic ocean views, immersive public spaces, and entirely new guest experiences.

Carnival Destiny Officially Unveiled

Carnival Cruise Line has officially announced Carnival Destiny as the first ship in its highly anticipated Ace Class, celebrating the milestone with the traditional steel-cutting ceremony at Fincantieri's Monfalcone shipyard on July 10, 2026.

The event brought together senior executives from Carnival Corporation and Fincantieri, including Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein, Executive Chairman Micky Arison, and Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero. During the ceremony, Carnival also revealed the ship's name for the first time and presented an impressive 3D hologram offering guests and media an early glimpse of the future vessel.

While the company intentionally withheld many technical specifications, it made one thing clear: Carnival Destiny is designed to redefine the way guests experience the ocean. Rather than focusing solely on size or onboard attractions, Carnival is placing the sea itself at the center of the guest experience, introducing a ship that promises more natural light, more panoramic views, and more opportunities to feel connected with the surrounding destinations.

The unveiling also confirms Carnival's long-term fleet strategy. Following the completion of the Excel Class with its fifth ship in 2028, the Ace Class will become the cruise line's flagship platform for the next decade, with three ships already planned through 2033.

Why the Name "Destiny" Matters

The decision to revive the name Carnival Destiny carries enormous historical significance for both Carnival Cruise Line and the cruise industry as a whole.

When the original Carnival Destiny entered service in 1996, it made history as the first cruise ship in the world to exceed 100,000 gross tons, becoming the largest passenger ship ever built at the time. Constructed by Fincantieri in Monfalcone, the vessel transformed industry expectations and ushered in the modern era of mega cruise ships.

By bringing back the Destiny name more than three decades later, Carnival is making a deliberate statement. The company is positioning its new flagship not simply as another ship, but as the beginning of another transformative chapter in its history.

The symbolism extends beyond the name itself. Just like its predecessor, the new Carnival Destiny is being built in Monfalcone by Fincantieri, highlighting a partnership that has shaped Carnival's fleet for more than 30 years. From the groundbreaking Destiny of 1996 to the innovative Ace Class of 2029, the Italian shipbuilder continues to play a central role in Carnival's evolution.

For cruise enthusiasts, the return of the Destiny name is more than nostalgia—it's a signal that Carnival believes this new class has the potential to reshape its fleet just as dramatically as the original ship did nearly thirty years ago.

What Is the New Ace Class?

With the official unveiling of Carnival Destiny, Carnival Cruise Line also introduced the Ace Class, the company's first entirely new ship class since the successful Excel Class.

Previously known as Project Ace, the new platform represents Carnival's most ambitious shipbuilding program to date. The cruise line has already confirmed three vessels: Carnival Destiny in 2029, followed by two sister ships scheduled for delivery in 2031 and 2033.

Unlike previous generations, the Ace Class is not intended to be a simple evolution of existing designs. Carnival describes it as a complete reimagining of the guest experience, with more than 70% of onboard venues and attractions being entirely new concepts. This includes redesigned restaurants, next-generation bars and lounges, immersive entertainment spaces, and innovative outdoor areas that have never before appeared on a Carnival ship.

The design philosophy behind the Ace Class is summarized by the new trademarked slogan More Sea to See™. The ships will feature an unprecedented number of ocean-view balcony staterooms, a completely reimagined Lanai deck, and more than 4.5 acres of glass, including expansive multi-story glass walls that maximize natural light and panoramic ocean views throughout the vessel.

Although Carnival has yet to release the final technical specifications, previous company announcements indicate that the Ace Class ships will measure approximately 230,000 gross tons, accommodate nearly 8,000 guests at full capacity, and be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Once delivered, they will become the largest cruise ships ever built for Carnival Cruise Line, setting the stage for the brand's future well into the next decade.

"More Sea to See™": A Completely New Design Philosophy

At the heart of the Carnival Destiny Ace Class lies a bold new vision that Carnival Cruise Line has branded More Sea to See™. Rather than focusing on bigger attractions or record-breaking statistics, the company is placing the ocean itself at the center of the guest experience.

Carnival describes Carnival Destiny as "the most outward-facing megaship at sea," a statement that reflects an entirely new approach to ship design. The goal is to create a stronger visual and emotional connection between guests and the sea, ensuring that ocean views become a defining feature throughout the vessel.

To achieve this, Carnival has confirmed several key design innovations, including an unprecedented number of ocean-view balcony staterooms, a completely reimagined Lanai deck, and more than 4.5 acres (approximately 18,200 square meters) of glass incorporated into the ship's architecture. Expansive multi-story glass walls will flood public spaces with natural light while opening panoramic sightlines across multiple decks.

This design philosophy represents a noticeable shift from the industry's recent focus on inward-facing entertainment districts. Instead of creating enclosed neighborhoods that isolate guests from their surroundings, Carnival is emphasizing openness, natural light, and continuous views of the sea. Every major design decision appears intended to blur the line between the ship and the ocean beyond.

The result is expected to be a cruise experience where guests remain visually connected to the destination throughout their voyage, whether relaxing in a lounge, dining in a specialty restaurant, or simply walking through the ship's public spaces.

More Than 70% of Onboard Venues Will Be Brand New

Perhaps the most significant announcement surrounding the Carnival Destiny Ace Class is not its size or appearance, but what guests will experience once they step onboard.

Carnival has confirmed that more than 70% of the ship's venues and attractions will be entirely new conceptsdeveloped specifically for the Ace Class. This represents one of the most extensive redesigns ever undertaken by the cruise line and signals a major departure from previous generations of Carnival ships.

The new concepts will span every aspect of the onboard experience, including:

- Reimagined dining venues and specialty restaurants. - Next-generation bars and lounges. - Immersive entertainment spaces. - Vibrant outdoor gathering areas. - New social venues designed around guest interaction. - Fresh entertainment formats created exclusively for the Ace Class.

This is far more than a routine fleet evolution. While Carnival's Excel Class introduced several successful innovations, many public spaces remained familiar across sister ships. The Ace Class, by contrast, is being developed as a completely fresh platform with the majority of its guest offerings redesigned from the ground up.

From an industry perspective, this level of innovation places Carnival among the few cruise lines willing to rethink nearly every aspect of the onboard experience rather than simply refining existing concepts.

Project Ace Becomes Reality

For several years, the cruise industry referred to Carnival's next-generation ships simply as Project Ace. With the steel-cutting ceremony for Carnival Destiny, that project has officially moved from concept to construction.

Carnival confirmed that Ace Class is the official name of its new generation of cruise ships, with Carnival Destinybecoming the first vessel in a long-term expansion strategy. Two additional sister ships have already been scheduled for delivery in 2031 and 2033, demonstrating Carnival's commitment to fleet growth well into the next decade.

The project also reflects the cruise line's evolving priorities. Rather than competing solely on ship size or headline-grabbing attractions, Carnival is investing heavily in guest comfort, innovative public spaces, and a stronger connection with the sea.

Although the company has not yet released the vessel's complete technical specifications, previously announced details indicate that the Ace Class ships will become the largest ever built for Carnival Cruise Line. They are expected to measure around 230,000 gross tons, feature more than 3,000 staterooms, accommodate nearly 8,000 guests at full capacity, and operate using liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion.

With construction now officially underway, Project Ace has entered a new phase, marking one of the most significant shipbuilding programs in Carnival's history.

Built by Fincantieri in Monfalcone

The birth of Carnival Destiny is taking place where some of Carnival Cruise Line's most iconic ships have been built: Fincantieri's Monfalcone shipyard in northeastern Italy.

The relationship between Carnival and Fincantieri spans more than three decades and has played a crucial role in shaping the modern cruise industry. It was in Monfalcone that the original Carnival Destiny was built in the mid-1990s, becoming the world's first cruise ship to exceed 100,000 gross tons and setting a new benchmark for the industry.

By returning to Monfalcone for the Ace Class, Carnival reinforces its confidence in one of the world's leading cruise ship builders. The steel-cutting ceremony brought together senior executives from both companies, including Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein, Executive Chairman Micky Arison, Fincantieri Chairman Biagio Mazzotta, CEO Pierroberto Folgiero, Merchant Ships Division General Manager Luigi Matarazzo, and Monfalcone Shipyard Director Cristiano Bazzara.

Their presence underlines the strategic importance of the Ace Class not only for Carnival Cruise Line but also for Fincantieri, whose shipyards continue to lead the development of some of the most advanced cruise ships ever constructed.

For Monfalcone, the project represents another milestone in a long history of innovation and reinforces the city's position as one of the world's premier centers for cruise ship construction.

Where Carnival Destiny Will Sail

While Carnival Cruise Line has not yet announced the homeport or inaugural itineraries for Carnival Destiny, the company has confirmed that the first Ace Class ship will operate voyages featuring destinations within the Paradise Collection by Carnival.

The Paradise Collection is Carnival's growing portfolio of exclusive destinations across the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Mexico, designed to offer guests experiences that extend beyond the ship itself. These destinations include the highly successful Celebration Key on Grand Bahama, which opened in 2025, as well as other private and exclusive ports developed specifically for Carnival guests.

Given the ship's size and premium onboard offerings, Carnival Destiny is expected to become one of the flagship vessels serving the Caribbean market. Its itineraries will likely combine some of the region's most popular ports with Carnival's exclusive destinations, creating a seamless vacation experience that integrates innovative onboard entertainment with carefully curated shore experiences.

More details regarding Carnival Destiny's deployment, itineraries, and homeport are expected to be announced closer to the ship's scheduled debut in the summer of 2029.

Cruising Passion Analysis

The announcement of Carnival Destiny is far more significant than the unveiling of another new cruise ship. From our perspective, it represents Carnival Cruise Line's most ambitious strategic move since the introduction of the original Carnival Destiny in 1996.

Rather than competing directly in the race for bigger thrills or headline-grabbing attractions, Carnival appears to be redefining its priorities. The company's messaging focuses consistently on architecture, guest comfort, natural light, and a stronger connection with the ocean. The introduction of More Sea to See™ signals a clear shift toward creating a more immersive and visually open cruise experience.

Another standout element is Carnival's decision to redesign more than 70% of the onboard venues. This is an extraordinary figure for a new class of ships and suggests that Ace Class will offer an experience that feels fundamentally different from today's Excel Class vessels. Instead of simply updating restaurants or entertainment venues, Carnival is rebuilding much of the onboard experience from the ground up.

The return of the Destiny name is equally symbolic. The original Carnival Destiny changed the cruise industry by introducing a new scale for passenger ships. By reviving that iconic name for the first Ace Class vessel, Carnival is clearly signaling that it believes this new generation of ships will once again reshape the future of cruising.

Finally, the continued partnership with Fincantieri reinforces the importance of this project. With construction taking place in Monfalcone, the same shipyard where the original Carnival Destiny was built three decades ago, the Ace Class combines Carnival's history with its long-term vision for the future.

While many technical details remain under wraps, one thing is already clear: Carnival is not simply building a larger ship—it is building a new identity for the next decade of its fleet.

Final Thoughts

With the official unveiling of Carnival Destiny, Carnival Cruise Line has taken the first step toward a new generation of cruise ships that promises to transform the guest experience in ways that extend well beyond size alone.

The Ace Class introduces a fresh design philosophy centered on panoramic ocean views, innovative architecture, and an extensive collection of brand-new onboard concepts. Combined with the symbolic return of one of the most historic names in Carnival's fleet and a continued partnership with Fincantieri, the project represents one of the most exciting developments in the cruise industry today.

Although Carnival has chosen to keep many details under wraps for now, the company's vision is already becoming clear. The focus is no longer solely on adding bigger attractions or setting new records, but on creating a ship where guests feel constantly connected to the sea and where the onboard experience has been thoughtfully reimagined from bow to stern.

As construction progresses in Monfalcone over the coming years, Cruising Passion will continue to follow every major milestone—from keel laying and float-out to sea trials and the highly anticipated maiden voyage in 2029.

The countdown to Carnival's next chapter has officially begun, and if the early promises become reality, Carnival Destiny could become one of the most influential cruise ships of the next decade.

Explore More Carnival Cruise Line News on Cruising Passion

The unveiling of Carnival Destiny is only the latest chapter in Carnival Cruise Line's exciting future. Here on Cruising Passion, we've been closely following the company's evolution, from the announcement of Project Ace and the development of its next-generation fleet to the expansion of its exclusive Caribbean destinations. If you'd like to dive deeper into Carnival's long-term strategy, don't miss our in-depth analysis of Carnival Isla Tropicale, where we explore how the transformation of Mahogany Bay is reshaping the competition among private cruise destinations and strengthening Carnival's growing Paradise Collection. 

You can also browse our complete collection of Carnival Cruise Line news, fleet updates, destination guides, and industry analysis on Cruising Passion, where we regularly cover Carnival's newest ships, exclusive destinations, Fincantieri construction milestones, and the latest developments shaping one of the world's most popular cruise brands. Whether you're interested in the future Ace Class, Celebration Key, Carnival's expanding private destination portfolio, or upcoming fleet announcements, you'll find comprehensive coverage designed for cruise enthusiasts and travelers alike. 

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