The largest cruise company in the world recently announced that it would acquire several new ships, expanding its global fleet by almost 10 percent from 2014 through the end of 2016. In addition to obtaining new ships, Carnival Corporation has also focused heavily on refurbishing existing ships in recent years to provide passengers with the very latest innovations in cruise vacationing.
Carnival Corporation is the parent company of a number of well-known cruise lines. Included among its holdings are popular American lines like Princess and Carnival, as well as several European-based lines. The company also owns a number of luxury cruise brands. Across all its lines’ fleets, Carnival Corporation currently sails just over 100 ships.
A handful of christenings have recently added to that number. In a high-profile naming ceremony that involved the cast of “The Love Boat” sitcom of the 1970s, Princess cruises introduced its new flagship, the Regal Princess. Likewise this month, Italian line Costa Cruises—another Carnival Corporation property—christened its newest vessel, Costa Diadema. Two more ships will join the greater Carnival family in 2015, and still more will follow in 2016, including the highly anticipated Carnival Vista.
Existing ships will also enjoy face-lifts in coming years. In 2015, the company expects to refurbish 17 vessels. The renovations will include hi-tech upgrades to ships’ systems, as well as significant style and comfort boosts on ships in select markets.
So what does all this growth mean for cruisers?
According to Carnival Corporation executives, expanding its fleets and upgrading its ships is the best way to ensure guests continue to get the most out of their precious vacation time aboard Carnival-owned vessels. The expansions will push Carnival brands’ presence into new markets, and maintain the status of cruising as an affordable vacation option that provides the most memories and relaxation for the cost.
