Carnival and Royal Caribbean have both announced brand new cruise ships this week, further expanding their massive fleets and helping to reinforce the rival cruise lines as the biggest in the world.

Carnival went first, announcing a fourth addition to the Excel Class. Joining her sisters Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, the new ship is due to set sail for the cruise line in 2027.
She will be built by the Meyer Group, one of the leading shipbuilding companies in the world, and she will accommodate over 6,000 guests.
Our Excel class ships have been a tremendous addition to the Carnival fleet and proven very popular with our guests.
This new ship enables us to continue the growth of our incredible fleet as we welcome our loyal guests back to cruise more frequently and attract new-to-cruise guests to experience all that a Carnival cruise has to offer.
Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line President
Hot on the heels of Carnival, Royal Caribbean then confirmed that is has entered into an agreement with Chantiers de l’Atlantique to build a new Oasis-class ship, the seventh in the class for the cruise line.
It’s a surprise move, as many had assumed that Utopia of the Seas (launching later in 2024) would be the final Oasis-class ship, with the cruise line focussing more on the bigger Icon Class.
But now we know a seventh Oasis-class ship will join the fleet, expected in 2028 (although this is still to be confirmed).
While we eagerly anticipate the debut of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas this summer, we’re already dreaming up her sister ship and the next installation in the brand’s extremely popular Oasis Class.
Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO
It’s exciting to see what’s on the horizon for the next couple of years – we already know that Royal Caribbean is adding a second and third ship to its new Icon Class, while sister brands of Carnival also have new ships launching soon.
I can’t wait to see what these ships offer when they launch in 2027 and (probably) 2028 respectively!
TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!
Don’t miss these offers…
Related Posts
- 11 Exciting New Cruise Ships Launching in 2024
- Royal Caribbean Ships by Age – Newest to Oldest
- The Newest Carnival Ships (In Order)
Carnival Responds To Viral ‘Foot Fork’ Video But Questions Continue Over What Happened To The Utensil
A viral video showing a passenger using a dinner fork to scratch her foot aboard Carnival Sunrise has prompted Carnival Cruise Line to issue a public response, but conflicting accounts…
Alleged Poisoning Incident Investigated On Disney Dream In Spain
Spanish authorities have launched an investigation into an alleged poisoning incident involving two crew members aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream after the vessel arrived in Vigo, Spain, on 24th…
Virgin Voyages Launches Scandinavia And Baltic Programme With Amsterdam Debut
Virgin Voyages has revealed its first-ever Scandinavia and Baltic season for summer 2028. This marks a significant expansion into northern European waters with Valiant Lady based in Amsterdam, a new…
MSC Reportedly Considering European River Cruise Expansion Through Explora Journeys
MSC Group could become the latest major cruise company to enter Europe’s growing river cruise market, with a new report suggesting the company is evaluating a move through its luxury…





