Carnival Cruise Line has just pulled back the curtain, well, just a little, on Project Ace, a brand-new class of ships set to be the biggest in the company’s history. We’re talking bigger than Mardi Gras, bigger than Celebration, and designed to redefine the whole “Fun Ship” experience.
Here’s what we know so far about these future mega-ships.
What Is Project Ace?
Project Ace is the codename for Carnival’s upcoming trio of next-generation cruise ships, scheduled to launch in 2029, 2031, and 2033. They’ll be built by Fincantieri in Italy, and when complete, they’ll hold the title of the largest cruise ships ever constructed in the country.
Carnival says the focus isn’t on breaking “biggest ship in the world” records, but rather on delivering an experience unlike anything else at sea.
How Big Will These Ships Be?
Each Project Ace ship will come in at around 230,000 gross tons, making them roughly 25% larger than Carnival’s current largest Excel-class ships. They’ll have over 3,000 staterooms and carry almost 8,000 guests at full capacity, meaning these ships could top Royal Caribbean’s Icon class in terms of passenger numbers.
This leap in size means more space for dining, entertainment, and outdoor fun, all on a scale Carnival has never attempted before.
Project Ace vs Excel Class vs Icon Class
| Feature | Project Ace (Carnival) | Excel Class (Carnival) | Icon Class (Royal Caribbean) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage (GT) | ~230,000 | ~183,900 | ~250,800 |
| Passenger Capacity (Max) | ~8,000 | ~6,630 | ~7,600 |
| Number of Staterooms | 3,000+ | 2,641 | 2,805 |
| First Ship Launch Year | 2029 | 2020 (Mardi Gras) | 2024 (Icon of the Seas) |
| Builder | Fincantieri (Italy) | Meyer Turku (Finland) | Meyer Turku (Finland) |
| Notable Features | New dining, reimagined outer decks, next-gen entertainment | Bolt roller coaster, themed zones, expanded dining | Category 6 waterpark, AquaDome, Surfside neighbourhood |
| Homeport (Likely) | Florida (TBC) | Florida | Florida |
New Features and Onboard Experiences
While specific details are still under wraps, Carnival has confirmed a few exciting elements:
- Brand-new dining venues (not just tweaks, but entirely new concepts).
- Fresh entertainment options, possibly debuting here before rolling out fleetwide.
- Re-imagined outer deck amenities – think expanded pool areas, new slides, or even attractions we haven’t seen before.
Carnival President Christine Duffy calls them “the next generation of Fun Ships” – ships designed to be destinations in themselves.
Where Will Project Ace Ships Sail From?
Carnival hasn’t officially named a homeport yet, but many in the industry expect the first Project Ace ship to sail from Florida. PortMiami’s Terminal F is already being expanded and upgraded to handle ships of this size.
These mega-ships will also be able to dock at Celebration Key, Carnival’s brand-new private destination in the Bahamas, opening in 2025, as well as other exclusive ports.
Sustainability and Technology
Fincantieri has confirmed that the Project Ace ships will be built with the latest energy-saving and emission-reduction technologies. Expect advanced waste management systems, fuel-efficient propulsion, and other eco-friendly innovations as Carnival works toward its environmental targets.
When Will We Know More?
These ships are still deep in the design phase, so don’t expect full renderings or deck plans just yet. More details will likely surface in the next couple of years as construction milestones are reached.
Until then, we’ll keep our eyes (and our binoculars) on every Project Ace update.
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