Carnival Corporation has finalized an agreement with Fincantieri for two new next-generation AIDA Cruises, which will form a new class of midsize vessels. The agreement with the Italian shipyard Fincantieri covers the design, engineering, and construction of these multifuel propulsion-capable ships, which are scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of fiscal years 2030 and 2032, respectively.
“With approximately 2,100 cabins each, these new ships offer our guests a new class of vessel that fits perfectly between our Hyperion Class ships (1,600 cabins) and our Helios Class ships (more than 2,600 cabins),” said Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises. “Our next generation of ships will delight our passengers with new features and experiences that we will unveil over time. Their innovative technology with multi-fuel propulsion systems, including LNG, will ensure the sustainability of our operations for decades to come.”
Eichhorn added that, with the delivery of the second ship, AIDA will have a total fleet of 13 ships, further consolidating its leading position in the German cruise market.
“The addition of these next-generation ships, along with the AIDA Evolution modernization program, which refreshes the décor, features, and technologies of much of the existing fleet, will further boost demand for our AIDA brand, which is synonymous with cruising in Germany,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.
According to Weinstein, with the order announced today, Carnival Corporation's newbuild pipeline includes eight new ships scheduled to enter service between now and 2033, including the Star Princess this year and one per year from 2027 to 2033. “We are maintaining a disciplined focus on growth and strategically directing new capacity toward the best-performing brands in our world-class portfolio, such as AIDA Cruises and its sister brand Carnival Cruise Line, which now account for seven of the eight ships on order. This growth plan will maximize our returns and allow us to use our strong free cash flow to continue reducing our debt and transferring value from creditors to shareholders,” he said.
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