Carnival Signs Contract for Four Next-generation Ships

Carnival Corporation has signed a multi-billion dollar deal to build four next-generation cruise ships with the largest passenger capacity in the world.

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The contract with Meyer Werft is part of an existing memo of understanding with Meyer Werft and Fincantieri for nine new ship orders between 2019 and 2022.

The four new ships will feature a revolutionary "green cruising" design and will be the first in the cruise industry to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas – a significant environmental decision since it's the world's cleanest burning fossil fuel.

The company revealed two of the ships will be constructed at Meyer Werft's shipyard in Papenburg, Germany for AIDA Cruises, with the information regarding the ships' owning brand to be announced at a later date.

Each of the four next-generation ships will exceed 180,000 gross tons, transport 6,600 guests, feature more than 5,000 lower berths and include a multitude of guest-friendly features by utilizing the ship's spaces more efficiently.

The ships will be the first in the industry to use LNG in dual-powered hybrid engines to power the ship, a feat that marks a new era in the use of sustainable fuels. LNG will be stored on-board and its usage will eliminate emissions of soot particles and sulphur oxides.

Meyer Werft will also build the two additional ships detailed in today's announcement in Turku, Finland.

Carnival Corporation chief executive Arnold Donald said: "The contract is in line with the company's growth strategy and plans to substitute ships with less efficient capacity with newer, larger and more fuel efficient vessels over time.

"We are eagerly awaiting this next step in our fleet enhancement plan.

"At a cost per berth that corresponds with our existing order book, these ships will increase the return profile of our fleet," added Donald.