Carnival Corporation has announced it has signed a shipbuilding contract for a third next-generation cruise ship for its Germany-based AIDA Cruises brand. The new ship is part of the company’s ongoing fleet enhancement strategy that will see 20 new ships delivered through 2023, including three for AIDA Cruises, two for Costa Cruises, two for P&O Cruises UK and two for Carnival Cruise Line.
The latest ship is scheduled for delivery in 2023 and will be built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg. Like the rest of Carnival Corporation’s upcoming next-gen cruise ships, the new vessel will be fully powered by cleaner-burning liquefied natural gas (LNG). It will also have an estimated 2,700 staterooms and a number of other onboard features.
The newly announced ship will be the third LNG-powered ship to be delivered for AIDA Cruises. AIDAnova is set to launch in December as the first of the new generation of LNG-powered vessels, with the second to be christened in spring 2021.
The new ships, including AIDAnova, will incorporate a number of new onboard features, including more than 40 restaurants and bars, as well as entertainment offerings like an enhanced theatrium, an onboard TV studio and new event restaurants. There will be over 20 different cabin types, ranging from penthouse suites to family staterooms or single staterooms with a balcony.
When the third new ship launches in 2023, more than half of AIDA Cruises’ guests will be able to sail on a cruise ship fully or partially powered by LNG, Carnival Corp. said. The use of LNG for ship power prevents emissions of particulate matter and sulfur oxides almost entirely at sea and in port. It also significantly reduces the emission of nitrogen oxides and CO2.
Looking ahead, other Carnival Corporation brands have the following next-generation cruise ships scheduled for delivery from Meyer Werft and Meyer Turku:
- Costa Cruises: 2019 and 2021
- P&O Cruises UK: 2020 and 2022
- Carnival Cruise Line: 2020 and 2022
For more, visit www.carnivalcorp.com.
Related Stories
What's the Cruise Impact of Bermuda's Same-Sex Marriage Repeal?
This Week in Cruise: Big Revamps for Ships, Private Island