Carnival Corporation Announces Construction of Two New AIDA Cruise Ships for 2030 and 2032

Carnival Corporation Expands Fleet with Two New AIDA Ships

Carnival Corporation & plc, recognized as the largest cruise operator in the world, has taken a significant step in bolstering its fleet by finalizing an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. This agreement, announced on April 7, 2025, marks the beginning of a new chapter for AIDA Cruises, Carnival’s most popular cruise line in Germany. Two sophisticated mid-sized ships are scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2032, promising to deliver enhanced cruising experiences for guests.

With each vessel accommodating approximately 2,100 cabins, these upcoming ships bridge the gap between AIDA's existing Hyperion Class and Helios Class vessels, providing an innovative option for travelers. Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises, emphasized the importance of this new design as part of the company's continuous strive for excellence. He stated, “These remarkable new ships will give our guests a completely new class of ship, equipped with features aimed to delight and surprise.”

The new ships will be equipped with multi-fuel engines, providing operational flexibility that incorporates low- and no-carbon options, enhancing sustainability within the cruise industry. This forward-thinking design aims to future-proof the company’s fleet in alignment with modern environmental standards, showcasing Carnival’s commitment to sustainable cruising.

Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation, elaborated on the company’s growth strategy, stating, “This growth plan will maximize our returns and allow us to use our strong free cash flow to lower our debt and transfer value from debt holders back to shareholders.” He highlighted that the new order fits perfectly within Carnival’s broader strategy, as it is part of a pipeline of eight new ships slated for delivery between 2025 and 2033.

Including the Star Princess launching this year, new vessels are anticipated annually through 2033, demonstrating Carnival’s disciplined approach in directing new capacity to its high-performing brands, including AIDA and Carnival Cruise Line. The addition of the new AIDA ships will not only expand the fleet but is also expected to enhance the brand's reputation in the competitive German cruise market.

According to Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, this collaboration marks a historic moment as it is the first time Carnival Corporation has selected Fincantieri for constructing ships for AIDA Cruises. He stated, “These new ships will embody the most advanced technologies for sustainability and efficiency, further strengthening both Fincantieri's and Carnival Corporation's leadership in cruise industry innovation.”

While design and operational details about the ships are yet to be unveiled, the excitement within the industry is palpable. Carnival Corporation aims to modernize and expand its offerings further, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the cruise industry, with a strong emphasis on guest satisfaction and environmental consciousness. The forthcoming deliveries promise to reinforce AIDA’s dominant position in the German market and cater to the evolving preferences of modern travelers.

In conclusion, as Carnival Corporation commemorates this significant partnership with Fincantieri, the anticipation for the new AIDA ships builds. These vessels not only signify a growth spurt for the brand but also a commitment to embracing innovative, sustainable practices within the cruise industry. The future of cruising appears bright for the company, with a clear vision aimed at delivering unparalleled experiences.

Stay tuned for further updates on design specifications and exciting itineraries as Carnival moves forward with its ambitious plans.