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A new cruise ship is in the works. What that means for vacation travelers and Miami

The cruise industry, which employs thousands of people in South Florida and brings millions of tourists to the region, has a new ship in the works.

Doral-based Carnival Corp. has ordered a new Excel-class ship, the 10th in that class in the company’s global fleet, the company said on Tuesday. Carnival signed an agreement with German shipbuilder Meyer Werft to have the 180,000-ton vessel ready for passengers by spring 2027. Excel is Carnival’s largest and newest category of cruise ship.

The development is yet another sign that the cruise industry is back from COVID.

What Carnival executive says

“Coming out of the pandemic, demand is great,” Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said Tuesday at an Axios event at The Hanger in Coconut Grove. “You see a lot more capacity moving into particularly the U.S. market.”

That has been evident at Florida’s major seaports: PortMiami, Port Canaveral and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, which have built new terminals or welcomed new cruise companies.

During the 12-month fiscal year 2023 —which for the cruise industry began Oct. 1, 2022, and ended Sept. 30, 2023 — PortMiami, Florida’s largest port, set a record for annual passengers. During that time, 7.3 million passengers traveled in and out, nearly twice the four million passengers the prior fiscal year.

Travel through PortMiami exceeded by 7% its previous record of 6.8 million passengers set in fiscal year 2019, before the pandemic disrupted the popular vacation industry.

Carnival’s new ship

Carnival’s new ship, its first new order in five years, can carry over 6,400 guests and will be powered on a liquefied natural gas technology platform.

It will be the fourth Excel-class ship in the company’s namesake Carnival Cruise Line brand and a sister to Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.

The company, which carries 13 million passengers per year, said that Excel-class ships have proven popular with passengers and will allow it to offer more cruises.

This would be the company’s second new ship to be completed between now and 2027. The other is expected to be delivered in 2025.

Starting in 2027, the company sees itself adding one or two ships a year.

The Miami-Dade company is also seeking to improve its financial performance, including reducing its approximately $36 billion in debt, Duffy said.

“We are very committed to focusing on the balance sheet,” the executive said in a 16-minute Q&A with Dan Primack, a business editor at Axios.

Carnival currently has 93 ships and 120,000 employees.

Duffy, who as a teenager sought to work as a flight attendant but was rejected by Pan American Airways for being too short, got her start in the travel industry as a receptionist.

At her Coconut Grove appearance, she also addressed several other issues related to the company:

▪ On whether the company felt pressure to outdo competitor Royal Caribbean’s recently launched Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship: “Years ago, Carnival Cruise Line delivered and built the biggest ship — Carnival Destiny. I think at this point, size does not really matter so much.”

▪ On the case of two Americans who last week alleged they were attacked and raped while onshore in the Bahamas during a Carnival cruise: “That specific incident is under investigation. And until that’s concluded we are advising our guests not to go to that beach or resort. ... We met with Bahamian government officials on Friday and we are working closely with them.”

She did not address an incident involving a Carnival ship hitting a pier last week in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The chartered rock and roll cruise was forced to abandon the first pier it docked at due to high winds after many passengers were already on shore.

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Carnival passengers recount ‘nightmare’ cruise as storm floods ship

Videos showed the carnival sunshine cabins and hallways flooding and ceilings leaking.

Matthew Branham and his fiancée, Madison Davis, were lying by a Carnival Sunshine pool on Friday aboard a cruise returning to Charleston, S.C., from the Bahamas when an announcement came over the loudspeaker. The captain was expecting rougher weather that evening, but there was nothing to worry about. So Branham and Davis didn’t worry.

As the day went on, “We noticed it started getting cooler in the afternoon — much, much cooler,” said Branham, 25, of Castlewood, Va. “And then it was like a switch was flipped, and it literally turned into a nightmare.”

En route back to Charleston Friday night into Saturday, the Carnival Sunshine navigated into a strong storm system that battered the southeast over the holiday weekend. Videos emerged on social media showing cabins and hallways flooding, shop floors littered with destroyed merchandise and leaking ceilings . Passenger Brad Morrell snapped a photo of an automated instrument map reporting a 69 knot, or 79 mph, wind.

#CarnivalSunshine : Due to return to Charleston, South Carolina this Saturday, May 27, 2023, has been delayed due to severe weather. The ship is currently off the South Carolina coast and holding position, unable to return to the port because of high winds & rough seas. #cruise 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/2B6HlAn2yD — ∼Marietta (@MariettaDaviz) May 28, 2023

Carnival said in a statement that the weather was unexpectedly strong, causing conditions that were rougher than forecast, but that its fleet operations center team, which relies on outside meteorology resources for itinerary planning, “coordinated to keep the ship in its safest location.”

“Attempting to sail out of the large front could have been dangerous,” the statement continued. “The ship proceeded to the port as soon as the weather began to clear.”

Strong Southeast storm slams Carolinas

Carnival said the captain made “several announcements about the weather and the delay it caused in returning to Charleston, asking guests to use extra precaution while walking around the ship.” Additionally, “some of the worst weather occurred in the overnight hours when announcements are not typically made, but guests and crew were safe.”

The ship’s medical staff did help a “small number” of guests and crew members who needed minor assistance following the storm. Despite the significant damage and a delay in schedule, Carnival Sunshine embarked on its next five-day Bahama sailing on Saturday.

From their sea-view room, Branham and Davis watched as waves surged over their window and braced themselves as the 892-foot-long ship lurched in the storm.

“Waves were hitting the boat so hard that it was like an earthquake experience, jarring you like a really rough roller coaster — even in the middle floor,” Branham said.

They were told to stay in their cabins. Meanwhile, Branham said, TVs were falling off walls, and glassware was sliding off shelves and shattering on the floor. “You could not stand up in your room,” he said. “You could be thrown from the bed.”

They packed up their belongings when their floor started to flood and took shelter in a main lobby area.

“All of the employees were sprinting downstairs with life vests,” Branham said. “There were little kids besides us screaming and crying and throwing fits.”

Throughout the storm, Branham wondered why there weren’t more announcements from Carnival staff. Besides the warning of rougher seas earlier Friday and one Saturday morning after they’d weathered the storm, Branham said they weren’t given any official updates on their situation. When he asked workers what was going on, they told him not to worry.

⁦⁦ @CarnivalCruise ⁩ #carnivalsunshine still 75mph winds at 9:25am. Sitting and spinning in the Atlantic. pic.twitter.com/NITCO2l9Ss — FlyersCaptain™®© (@flyerscaptain) May 29, 2023

“But you see rooms flooded, and you can pick up a handful of sand and you’re kind of like, ‘What in the world? Why is nobody telling us anything?’” Branham said.

Jim Walker, a maritime lawyer and cruise industry legal expert, says his firm has been contacted by some Carnival Sunshine passengers who were injured during the storm, including a man who says he was struck by a door and broke his foot. Others have asked him about the potential for a class-action lawsuit.

While Walker said passengers should make their complaints known to Carnival, he doesn’t believe filing a lawsuit would be an efficient next step. Instead, impacted passengers can ask Carnival for a refund or a credit for another cruise, although there’s no guarantee the cruise line will grant such requests.

Pete Peterson, owner of Storybook Cruises , which is affiliated with Cruise Planners, said cruise ships keep a close eye on weather developments and will adjust their itinerary depending on the severity of the storm.

“Cruise lines monitor the weather all the time. They’re not going to put their passengers in harm’s way,” said Peterson, who has been a cruise adviser for more than 20 years and has sailed on nearly 60 cruises. “Obviously, some cruise lines are better at doing this than others.”

In 2016, Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas returned to port after cruising into a “bomb cyclone,” which damaged the ship amid winds gusting to 100 mph. The ship sailed into the remnants of Hurricane Hermine seven months later, causing additional problems.

To ensure the safety and comfort of its passengers, a cruise ship can alter its course and circumvent the rough weather system. In stormy conditions, the crew can deploy the stabilizers, which will prevent the ship from rolling and bucking.

“You don’t experience the up and down,” Peterson said. “It’s not as rough a ride.”

Both approaches can add to a cruise line’s expenditures, Peterson said. Stabilizers slow the vessel, thereby consuming more fuel. Sailing around the storm can take longer than the original route and disrupt the company’s cruise schedule, leading to delays or cancellations. The cruise line may have to reimburse passengers or provide them with future credits because of the inconvenience.

“When they do something like that, it’s going to cost them money,” Peterson said.

Craig Setzer , a meteorologist and hurricane preparedness specialist, said that even with the hurricane-like conditions and flooding, “I would never be in doubt of the vessel’s integrity,” he said. “Cruise ships are structurally very, very sound and can survive a lot. They’re really rugged.”

Matthew Cappucci contributed to this report.

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Watch CBS News

Carnival cruise ship battered by waves in storm off Charleston

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: May 29, 2023 / 4:16 PM EDT / CBS News

A storm off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, battered a Carnival cruise ship for hours late Friday night before it docked, leaving passengers terrified.

Passengers aboard the Carnival Sunshine described shattered glass, water pouring into rooms and hallways, the ship pitching about and a lack of communication from cruise staff. Some passengers and crew members needed "minor assistance" from medical staff, a Carnival cruise spokesman told CBS News. "Guests on board the ship were safe," the spokesman added. 

Carnival Sunshine, which was headed from the Bahamas to South Carolina, arrived in Charleston behind schedule, according to the spokesman. Some crew cabins needed to be temporarily taken out of service because of water damage. The ship's next voyage, on which it has since embarked, was also delayed.

The National Hurricane Center on Friday warned of a non-tropical area of low pressure off Florida that was set to move northward and inland over the Carolinas during the weekend. Forecasters said there would be gusty winds, dangerous surf and rip current conditions along portions of the U.S.'s southeastern coast through Sunday.

The Carnival Sunshine cruise ship seen during stormy weather and rough seas on a trip from the Bahamas to Charleston.

Passenger Sharon Tutrone, a professor at Coastal Carolina University, tweeted Friday that the ship was rocking. She said that the only time passengers heard from the captain was in the afternoon, when he told them he had an experienced crew and would do everything he could to minimize discomfort as the ship encountered the storm. 

"They said it will get worse as we get closer to the storm," she tweeted. "@CarnivalCruise  is doing an EXCELLENT job!"

She tweeted again on Saturday afternoon, describing " 14 hours of high winds, rain and massive waves ." 

"We were surrounded by lightning and the ship took a huge hit by a wave and sounded like it split in two," Tutrone tweeted.

Several passengers, including Brenda Goodwin Sherbert, posted on social media about broken glass on the ship . They also wrote about water coming in through balcony doors.

"We had a 40 foot wave hit our side of the ship,.. we almost fell out the bed.. things were crashing all around us and the carpet on my side of the bed was soaked bc water came in thru our balcony door," Goodwin Sherbert wrote.

Passenger Reid Overcash, who was on the cruise with his wife, said televisions on the ship displayed a message during the storm: "Public address announcement please standby." 

He said it was when winds had reached between 70-90 mph and the ship was tilting left that he truly feared for his life.

"Myself being in emergency services and retired, I knew nobody was going to come and rescue us with winds over 40 knots," Overcash said.

The trip marked Overcash's seventh cruise. He said he's not going to let the frightening experience stop him from going on more cruises in the future. 

"It's just one of them unlucky experiences that occurs once in a while," he said.

  • South Carolina
  • Cruise Ship

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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A roller coaster in the ocean: What Carnival Cruise Line's BOLT ride is like

news carnival cruise ship

As I hurtled toward the Caribbean Sea , I felt a pang of regret: maybe riding a roller coaster on a cruise ship wasn’t the best idea for someone with a fear of heights.

I clutched the handles on my motorcycle-like car tight, questioning why I had committed to not just one but two laps around the course on Carnival Cruise Line’s BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster. But a few seconds in, something changed.

Surrounded by open blue water at the top of the line’s newest ship, Carnival Jubilee , I was taken with the view – so much so that the knot in my stomach I developed while waiting in line all but dissolved. The ride was fast but mostly smooth (though on one uphill section of the track, I felt myself lift off the seat a bit, but my seat belt did its job). BOLT reaches up to 40 mph, but guests can control their speed.

Zipping around the ship’s funnel, I forced myself to keep my eyes open the whole time (the opposite of my usual roller coaster coping strategy). Even the best theme parks I’ve visited haven’t had settings quite like that, and I didn’t want to miss it.

Story continues below.

Who can ride BOLT?

Passengers must meet height and weight requirements (they have to be between 4 feet 4 inches and 6 feet 5 inches tall, for instance). Children under 12 have to ride with someone 15 or older. Cars can accommodate two riders.

Guests with “structural body damage” cannot ride, according to a sign posted at BOLT’s entrance. "The sign pertains to physical impairments impeding guests' safety," a Carnival spokesperson said in an email. "For instance, a guest who cannot hold on to the handlebars would not be able to ride BOLT."

The roller coaster is also not recommended for guests with other medical conditions or limitations, including high blood pressure; neck, back, or joint problems; or those who are pregnant.

How much does BOLT cost?

The roller coaster costs $15 per person. Carnival also offers a family pack, offering three rides for the price of two. Each ride includes two laps around the track.

What other activities does Carnival Jubilee have?

BOLT debuted Carnival’s Mardi Gras ship, in 2021 and was billed as the first roller coaster at sea, but the ride is only one of many activities onboard Jubilee:

◾ Lone Star Tailgate: Jubilee, which sails out of Galveston, leans into its Texas roots (there’s even a Texas star on its bow). So, it’s only fitting that the ship hosts a Lone Star Tailgate on every voyage.The deck party is divided into four quarters (a la football), with a cattle roping competition – using steer horns attached to hay bales – a race on stick horses, live music highlighting Texas artists and more.

◾ Carnival Kitchen: Food is a major draw for many cruise passengers, and Carnival Kitchen allows them to try on a chef’s apron – literally.The venue features a range of culinary arts classes taught by the line’s staff, from pasta making to sushi 101. While the classes are available on other ships, the line debuted a new option featuring recipes from the line’s Chief Culinary Officer, Emeril Lagasse, on Jubilee.During my sailing, we made dishes like Shrimp and Okra Gumbo with Filé and New Orleans Pasta. Even for me, whose greatest culinary achievement is making scrambled eggs for breakfast, the steps were easy to follow. Plus, we got to enjoy the fruits of our labor at the end.Prices range from $45-$65 per person, depending on the class.

◾ Kids programming: Jubilee, like many other Carnival ships, also has plenty of kid-centric programming and amenities, from the Dr. Seuss-themed library, Dr. Seuss Bookville to Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea and The Ultimate Playground where BOLT is located (think mini-golf, a ropes course and more).Jubilee’s new Currents zone features Seaquest: A Fun Sub Adventure. The video display utilizes the space’s wave-like LED ceiling and LED portals to show viewers to places like the underwater Carnival Seacation resort and the kingdom of The Golden Mermaid (also the name of a new lounge on board). At other times, passengers can change the scenes displayed via a touch screen – such as arctic waters with orcas and penguins and a shark cave – and create their own fish, which will swim into view on the portals.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected] .

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Carnival to Sell Three More Ships, Two From Costa

  • December 21, 2022

Costa Magica

As part of its fourth quarter business update, Carnival Corporation confirmed it would sell off three more ships, including two from its Costa fleet.

Carnival did not say which ships it was offloading.

“The company expects to remove three additional smaller-less efficient ships from its fleet,” Carnival said in a statement issued on Wednesday morning. “Two of these three ships are from Costa Cruises’ fleet as part of the company’s strategy to right-size the brand in light of the continued closure of cruise operations in China, and Costa’s significant presence there prior to the pause in the company’s guest cruise operations. Once completed in spring 2024, the company’s fleet optimization strategy will have reduced Costa’s capacity so that it approximates the 2019 capacity Costa dedicated outside of Asia to its core markets in Continental Europe.”

With the sale of the ships, Carnival said it now expects total capacity growth of 3 percent for 2023 compared to 2019, at the lower end of the previous guidance range of 3 to 5 percent.

The prudent capacity growth rate includes the benefit that newly delivered ships will represent nearly a quarter of the company’s capacity.

With three more ships set to leave, Carnival has divested of approximately 26 cruise ships since the start of the pandemic.

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Carnival Panorama

A member of Carnival Cruise Line's Vista class, the Carnival Panorama debuted in December 2019 as the first new Carnival ship homeported on the West Coast in 20 years. With a capacity of 4,008 guests and 1,450 crew, Panorama is one of Carnival's largest ships.

Among the ship's standout amenities is the Sky Zone – a trampoline park that offers dodgeball and basketball games, toddler bounce sessions and more. Other unique Carnival amenities found on the ship include a suspended bicycle in the air called SkyRide, a sprawling water park, the Cloud 9 Spa and an open-air recreation area and ropes course.

Dining options on board are just as diverse. In fact, there are more than a dozen dining venues aboard Carnival Panorama, including multiple Guy Fieri eateries, a sushi restaurant, a steakhouse, a seafood eatery and more.

Carnival Panorama offers the line's typical range of accommodation classes (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite) along with Family Harbor and Havana staterooms and suites. Havana Cabana Suites feature rain showers and patios equipped with hammock chairs, along with exclusive access to the Havana Bar & Pool. Meanwhile, Family Harbor accommodations are located next to the ship's Family Harbor Lounge and afford guests special perks, such as a free evening of babysitting and complimentary kids meals in the onboard specialty restaurants.

Sailing from Los Angeles , the ship cruises to destinations in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas . It also departs from Singapore for transpacific voyages. 

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Carnival Radiance

Carnival Radiance (previously Carnival Victory) set sail in December 2021 after a full transformation. The ship, which holds 2,984 guests and 1,108 crew members, boasts plenty of fun indoors and outdoors for cruisers of all ages.

Carnival Radiance features a ropes course, waterslides, a mini-golf course, dive-in movies in the evening and a sports area for activities like soccer, basketball, volleyball and boxing. The ship also offers a kids club for youths ages 2 to 17. The pool is surrounded by lounge chairs – perfect for relaxing – and those seeking additional quiet space can spend some time at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Inside, the spa, the piano bar, the comedy club and the performance event venue, which features musicals, concerts and more, round out some of Carnival Radiance's most popular offerings. Dining options (14 eateries in total, including a Chef's Table experience) abound on this ship as well: Cruisers can enjoy casual fare at Big Chicken or Guy's Burger Joint, or sit down for a more upscale meal at Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi or the Steakhouse.

Staterooms aboard the ship include Interior (porthole and picture window choices are available), Ocean View, Balcony and Suite category options. Carnival Radiance sets sail from Los Angeles to destinations in Hawaii and Mexico .

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Carnival Mardi Gras

There's a good reason why Carnival named one of its newest ships Mardi Gras. The ship – which launched in July 2021 – is not only named after the first Carnival ship that entered service in 1972, but also features amenities and activities that keep guests entertained and the atmosphere energized. Carnival designed the ship with six different zones, each with a unique flair. Kids can play all day in the Ultimate Playground, which features WaterWorks (the onboard water park), SkyCourse (a ropes course) and Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster, an onboard roller coaster that travels up to 40 mph. Meanwhile, adults can take advantage of Lido, where the RedFrog Tiki Bar flanks one of the ship's pools. Additional activities include a comedy club, a casino, Family Feud Live (yes – it looks like the famous show's set) and a spa.

As you might expect from its large-scale amenities, Mardi Gras is sizeable: It accommodates up to 6,465 passengers and 1,745 crew members. To keep up with demand, the ship offers close to 20 different dining venues serving everything from sushi to burgers to fried chicken. When travelers need refreshments or a nightcap, they can visit one of seven bars and lounges.

Following a full day of fun, cruisers will need a quiet retreat to rest their heads. Staterooms feature Carnival Comfort Collection linens, TVs and a dedicated room steward. Upgraded rooms may include perks like exclusive access to ship amenities, bottles of water, in-room coffee makers and priority check-in and disembarkation. Rooms range in size from 158 square feet for interior staterooms to the massive 1,120-square-foot Carnival Excel Presidential Suite.

Catch Mardi Gras in Caribbean locales like San Juan, Puerto Rico ; Cozumel and Grand Turk .

U.S. News Insider Tip: To dine at Bonsai Teppanyaki (available on Celebration , Horizon , Panorama , Venezia and Mardi Gras), make your reservation as soon as possible. The restaurant only seats 16 people at a time, so reservations go fast. –  Karon Warren , Contributor  

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Carnival Horizon

Carnival Horizon – which set sail in April 2018 – accommodates 3,960 passengers and 1,450 crew members. The ship offers a plethora of amenities for travelers of all ages. Children can ride the SkyRide suspended bike, play at the Dr. Seuss-themed water park and climb the ropes course, while parents can lounge on an adults-only deck and pamper themselves at the Cloud 9 Spa. At night, the whole family can enjoy live performances.

Onboard dining options are also plentiful, with 11 eateries that serve everything from steaks to Italian classics to burgers. Carnival Horizon was the first in Carnival's fleet to offer a teppanyaki-style restaurant and Guy Fieri's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse. 

The ship has a variety of cabins for passengers to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly Interior staterooms to specialty suites with spa, nautical and Havana themes. Each comes with modern conveniences like a minibar, a flat-screen TV and a Carnival Comfort bed.

Carnival Horizon departs from  Miami  for voyages throughout the Caribbean. 

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Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration debuted in early November 2022 and boasts a Las Vegas -style theater, a casino, an arcade, a saltwater pool and a top-of-the-line rooftop rollercoaster – the first one of its kind at sea. Complete with six separate zones to explore, including a summer-themed zone and a playground-themed zone, the 1,130-foot-long cruise ship has something for everyone. Celebration can hold up to 5,374 passengers and 1,735 crew members, and it features more than 20 dining venues, including a barbecue smokehouse and a full-service sushi restaurant.

Staterooms are comfortable with plush bedding, vanity mirrors and built-in reading lights, but for additional perks, guests can opt for a room with a balcony or ocean views. If you don't mind splurging a little, the Carnival Excel Suite offers upgrades like concierge service and complimentary admission to Loft 19, the ship's exclusive lounge fitted with infinity whirlpools and shaded cabanas.

Carnival Celebration explores an array of picturesque destinations, including Cozumel, Mexico ; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Maarten and more. It sails out of Miami . 

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Carnival Miracle

Like other Carnival ships, the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle boasts activities and entertainment geared toward travelers of all ages. Thanks to a renovation in 2020, the ship features upgrades like Guy's Burger Joint, WaterWorks, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and more. The ship also received a minor refresh to interior and exterior spaces in 2022. 

Even with the added venues, a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio ensures service is a priority. And compared to other Carnival ships, Miracle offers a higher percentage of cabins with ocean views. While Interior staterooms provide more wallet-friendly digs, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite category cabins offer more space and scenery. All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service.

During days at sea, grown-ups can enjoy poolside lounging or the adults-only Serenity Retreat, while kids ages 2 to 17 can play at age-specific programs.  There are also entertainment options like the Punchliner Comedy Club, the SkyBox Sports Bar and the Seuss at Sea program. Once the family works up an appetite, they'll have their pick of the main dining room, the Lido buffet, a specialty steakhouse (for an extra fee) and more.

Carnival Miracle departs from Galveston, Texas ;  Los Angeles  and  San Francisco  to destinations in the Caribbean, the Panama Canal,  Hawaii , Mexico , and Alaska . 

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Carnival Luminosa

Formerly a Costa Cruises  ship, Luminosa joined the Carnival fleet in November 2022. This 2,260-passenger, 926-crew member cruise ship includes highlights such as a casino, a spa, an adults-only retreat and a comedy club.

There are plenty of ways to occupy your time on board, from deck parties and art seminars to karaoke and martini tastings. Plus, Luminosa offers a slew of amenities geared toward kids, including story time, supervised camps, a video arcade and a teens-only hangout space. When hunger strikes, this Carnival cruise ship offers around 10 eateries serving staples like sushi, steak and pizza.

Interior staterooms come equipped with a flat-screen TV, climate control, an in-room safe and a dedicated stateroom attendant. If you'd prefer accommodations with windows, consider upgrading to an ocean-view room or a cabin with a balcony. Guests seeking even more luxury can opt for a suite, which features exclusive perks like priority check-in; boarding and dining assignments; bathrobes and a pillow-top mattress. Cruisers looking for extra relaxation should consider a Cloud 9 Spa stateroom or suite, which includes a welcome ritual, two complimentary fitness classes, unlimited use of the thermal suites and hydrotherapy pool, priority spa reservations and more.

Carnival Luminosa departs from Seattle, Washington , and the Australian cities of Brisbane and Sydney . It sails to destinations in Alaska and the South Pacific, among others.

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Carnival Breeze

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze was introduced in 2012 and last updated in 2017. On board, cruisers will find outdoor activities like a water park and a SportsSquare with games like mini-golf, as well as supervised (and free) age-appropriate programs for kids and teens. While the younger passengers play, adults can relax at the adults-only Serenity retreat, get treatments at the Cloud 9 Spa and sip cocktails at one of the ship's bars. 

As far as dining goes, cruisers can choose between several food options, including sushi, Indian, 24/7 pizza and more. Guy's Burger Joint and Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, in partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri, are passenger favorites. Nighttime entertainment ranges from karaoke to shows at the Punchliner Comedy Club.

Carnival Breeze offers a variety of cabin categories, all of which include flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. The ship maintains a nearly 1-to-3 crew-to-guest ratio. While some recent cruisers appreciated the family atmosphere, others were disappointed by long lines and wait times during dinner service. 

Carnival Breeze cruises to the Caribbean from Galveston, Texas . 

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Carnival Conquest

Last revamped in 2022, Carnival Conquest features cosmetic enhancements to select staterooms, as well as upgrades like new carpeting and lighting in public areas. Still, some felt Conquest showed its age despite these upgrades and could use a more major refurbishment. The ship appeals to a wide range of travelers and budgets, with amenities like Seuss at Sea, The Punchliner Comedy Club and the Alchemy Bar. It also includes "Fun Ship 2.0" features like Guy's Burger Joint and an outdoor movie theater, as well as signature bars BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar.

The ship carries 2,980 passengers and 1,150 crew members. Accommodations, ranging from Interior staterooms to Grand Suites, offer standard amenities such as flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. Those looking for more space should consider splurging on a Suite category room, which includes a large balcony, a walk-in closet and a whirlpool tub. 

Along with signature line amenities, including a full-service spa, a casino and an expansive pool deck, the ship provides supervised programs and entertainment for cruisers ages 2 to 17, with various activities geared toward specific age groups. 

Conquest departs from Miami  for sailings in the Bahamas , the Caribbean and the Panama Canal.

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Carnival Vista

Introduced in mid-2016, Carnival Vista welcomes up to 3,934 passengers and 1,450 crew members. The ship offers unique dining, entertainment and cabin options not found on other ships in the fleet. In addition to staples like kids clubs, an adults-only retreat and a waterpark, new activities include the SkyRide suspended bike course, the first IMAX theater at sea and a Dr. Seuss-inspired library. The ship's next refurbishment is scheduled for early 2024. 

Recent passengers were most impressed with the accommodations. Typical cabin categories (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite) are available, but cruisers recommend splurging on the Family Harbor or Havana staterooms and suites. Those who select Family Harbor cabins receive exclusive 24-hour lounge access with free breakfast and kid-friendly movies and games. Plus, children staying in these rooms enjoy free meals at most specialty restaurants and a free night of babysitting. Havana category rooms cater to adults, with access to a private bar and pool, as well as extra-large outdoor spaces and rainfall showers in suites. 

Dining options are just as diverse. While the Lido buffet offers everything from pasta to stir-fry to salad, other complimentary venues include BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint. A number of specialty restaurants are also available for an extra fee, such as JiJi Asian Kitchen and Cucina del Capitano.  

Carnival Vista departs from Galveston  and Orlando for sailings in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. 

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

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WATCH: Pool waves crash as Carnival cruise ship heads back to port on rough seas

N EW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Cruise ships are in for a rough ride over the weekend as a Gulf low pushes toward Florida, bringing with it 10-20′ seas and rain squalls.

As of Friday morning, the Carnival Valor was traveling straight through the middle of the Gulf. Friday night and Saturday, seas are forecast to be at their worst.

The Carnival Glory is expected to depart from Cozumel Friday on its way back to dock in New Orleans Sunday.

A Norwegian cruise ship will follow the same path as the Glory on its way to dock Sunday.

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WATCH: Waves in Carnival Glory pool crash over rough Gulf seas

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Carnival Cruise Line currently has 24 cruise ships in service. Carnival Cruise Line is the largest cruise company in the world, based on passengers carried, and the flagship brand of Carnival Corporation & plc. Known as “America’s Cruise Line” for carrying more Americans and serving more U.S. homeports than any other  cruise line .

The Newest Carnival Ships On Order

Carnival Celebration's Center Stage

Carnival has made things a little confusing for Cruise Addicts by completely renaming and refurbishing some of its older vessels. If that wasn’t confusing enough, they have recently moved and renamed several ships from the Costa brand to Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival also has plans to move more Costa ships to Carnival in the future. In brief, not every new ship is brand new.

This guide will give you some insight into what is actually Carnival’s newest Carnival cruise ships. This also includes also ships that are currently under construction as well as ships that have been refurbished and renamed.

Let’s explore the upcoming additions to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet.

Carnival Jubilee – 2023

newest carnival ships

Carnival Jubilee  is under construction at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. Her delivery date is expected to be in early December 2023 .

She will be the newest ship in the  Excel class , Carnival Jubilee will share many of the same features guests love on  Mardi Gras  – including the award-winning  BOLT, The Ultimate Sea Coaster . She will also feature unique experiences and signature venues of her own.

Carnival Jubilee will begin sailing from  Galveston  in December of 2023 and will offer seven-day Western Caribbean cruise vacations with stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, as well as Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan), Honduras.

Carnival Firenze

Carnival Firenze – 2024

The ship will feature the cruise line’s new  Carnival Fun Italian Style  experience, which debuts with the June 2023 arrival of  Carnival Venezia  in  New York . Carnival Fun Italian Style incorporates Carnival’s signature high-energy environment, friendly team members and many familiar venues, plus several new, creative concepts – from Italian-themed restaurants, bars and entertainment .

Carnival Firenze  will join the fleet in spring 2024 after being transferred from sister brand Costa Cruise Lines. She will sail from  Long Beach, Calif.  The ship will offer a variety of cruises year-round, with sailings set for popular destinations in  Baja , California and the  Mexican Riviera . This ship sailed under the name Costa Firenze with Costa and is also a Vista Class ship and sister to the Costa Venezia which has already joined the Carnival fleet.

Previously known as Costa Firenze, this is also a Vista-class ship , and a sister ship to Costa Venezia, which will have joined the Carnival fleet a year prior. Both of these ships are retaining their Costa funnels and a will have modified hull art as a nod to their Italian roots and unique style.

The Newest Carnival Ships Sailing in 2023

Discover the latest and greatest Carnival ships that are currently out at sea. Check out the list below, starting with the newest addition.

Carnival Venezia – 2023

Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia  was initially launched in 2019 for Costa Cruises and is 133,500 GRTs and carries 4,977 passengers. She is considered part of the  Venice Class  and was the former  Costa Venezia .

Carnival Celebration – 2022

Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration is the second ship in the popular  Excel Class  and sister to  Mardi Gra s. She carries 5,282 passengers (based on two per cabin). The Godmother of the ship is Cassidy Gifford.

The ship takes her name from a former Carnival cruise ship,  Celebration , that was part of the  Holiday class . The name also pays homage to the companies long history as the ship was delivered during  Carnival Cruise  Line’s 50th birthday year.

Carnival Luminosa – 2022

Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Luminosa  was originally launched in 2008 for Costa Cruises and is 92,600 GRT’s and carries 2,826 passengers. She is considered part of the  Spirit Class  and was the former  Costa Luminosa .

Mardi Gras – 2021

Mardi Gras

The Mardi Gras is a ship belonging to Carnival’s Excellence Class, also known as Excel Class, and is the sister ship of Carnival Celebration. With a capacity of 5,282 passengers based on double occupancy, it is named after a former Carnival cruise ship that sailed for two decades. The Miss Dominican Republic , Kimberly Jiménez, is the ship’s godmother.

Mardi Gras made history by being the first ship in North America to run on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). Additionally, it features BOLT, the Ultimate Speed Coaster, which is the first-ever roller coaster on a ship.

Mardi Gras is also the only ship name in the current Carnival Cruise Line fleet without including the word Carnival. This honors Carnival’s original  Mardi Gras  that first sailed for the brand on March 11, 1972.

Carnival Panorama – 2019

Carnival Panorama

Carnival Panorama is the third ship in the  Vista Class . She carries 4,008 passengers (based on two per cabin). She was christened by  Godmother Vanna White . The ship debuted  Carnival  Kitchen, a first-in-fleet culinary center that offers more than 15 different interactive cooking, baking and decorating demonstrations.

Carnival Horizon – 2018

Carnival Horizon

The Vista Class features the Carnival Horizon as its second ship, capable of accommodating 3,960 passengers in two-person cabins. The ship’s Godmother is the versatile Queen Latifah, who is renowned for her skills in rapping, acting, and singing.

Carnival Horizon stands out for its groundbreaking features, such as the Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse, and the first-ever Dr. Seuss-themed water park .

Renamed Carnival Ships

Carnival Cruise Line has changed the names of three of its ships over the years. In order to enhance the ships, they have undergone a thorough dry dock renovation process where they are stripped down and updated with new features and décor.

Although the renovated ships are as good as new, they are not as large or have some of the newest features available on the Excel Class ships like Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.

Carnival Sunshine

Carnival Sunshine

Carnival Sunshine is the first ship in the Sunshine Class and is a sister ship to Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Radiance. It has a passenger capacity of 2,984 based on double occupancy.

This vessel was first put into service in 1996 under the name Carnival Destiny, and was the inaugural ship of the Destiny Class. In 2013, the Carnival Destiny underwent a remarkable 49-day, $155-million dollar refurbishment and was renamed and reclassified as the first Sunshine Class ship. The ship’s Godmother is Lin Arison.

Carnival Sunrise

Carnival Sunrise

Carnival Sunrise is the second ship of the Sunshine Class, and it is a sister ship to Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Radiance. The ship has a capacity of 2,984 passengers based on two per cabin, and its Godmother is Kelly Arison.

This ship originally entered service in 1999 as the former  Destiny Class  ship named the  Carnival Triumph . In 2019 the  Carnival Triumph  received an incredible $200 million transformation that resulted in it being renamed and also reclassified as a  Sunshine Class  ship.

Carnival Radiance

Carnival Radiance

Carnival Radiance is the third ship in the Sunshine Class, along with sister ships Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Sunrise. It has a capacity of 2,984 passengers based on double occupancy.

This ship entered service in 2000 as the former  Destiny Class  ship named the  Carnival Victory . In 2021, the  Carnival Victory  received a massive transformation that resulted in it being renamed and reclassified as a  Sunshine Class  ship. The Godmother of the ship is Dr. Lucille O’Neal.

Final Thoughts

winged funnel synonymous with the Carnival Cruise Line brand

Carnival Cruise Line has had a lot of dynamic changes. They scrapped many of their older ships in order to save money and focus on newer and more profitable ships after the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown.

As you can see Carnival Cruise Line builds new ships regularly with a new ship coming out almost one per year. However, Some of the newer ships are also moved from a sister brands or could even be a refurbished older vessel like we’ve seen with the Sunshine Class ships.

Carnival Sunshine

I hope you have enjoyed some of the history and tidbits about the Carnival Cruise Line fleet as we explored the newest carnival ships in the fleet.

Take a look at our full list of Carnival ships, listed from  Newest to Oldest .

John Shallo

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Crew on Icon of the Seas cruise ship rescues 14 people stranded at sea

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The crew on the world's largest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas, helped rescue 14 people who were clinging to a small boat this week, officials said.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said the ship "encountered a small vessel adrift and in need of assistance" Sunday.

"The ship’s crew immediately launched a rescue operation, safely bringing 14 people onboard," the spokesperson said. "The crew provided them with medical attention, and is working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard."

The cruise, which began in Miami, was headed for Honduras when the rescue happened, passengers said. Passengers captured video of the crew using a small vessel to ferry the group to the safety of the cruise ship.

The crew broadcast “Code Oscar, Code Oscar, Code Oscar,” over the loudspeakers, Alessandra Amodio said in a report on  FoxWeather.com . Amodio said she watched as people on the tiny craft waved a large white flag.

After the rescue, Amodio said, the cruise ship’s captain announced the crew had rescued 14 people stranded at sea for eight days.

The Icon of the Seas boasts 18 decks and six waterslides, and it can accommodate more than 5,500 passengers. It has 2,850 staterooms and seven swimming pools.

The colossal ship is 1,198 feet long, dwarfing the Titanic, which was 882.9 feet long. It departed on its maiden voyage on Jan. 27 from Miami, TODAY.com reported.

Antonio Planas is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 

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Meriam Bouarrouj is an NBC News assignment editor.

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Cruise Ship Rescues 14 People Stranded at Sea for 8 Days as Passengers Look on in 'Shock': WATCH

'We could see in the waves a tiny boat," passenger Alessandra Amodio tells PEOPLE of the incident that happened aboard the Icon of the Seas on Sunday

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A cruise ship’s voyage to Mexico and the Bahamas turned into a rescue mission when the boat spotted a small vessel in the waves.

On Sunday, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas , the new world's largest cruise ship that launched in January, rescued 14 people who had been stranded at sea for over a week.

Icon passenger Alessandra Amodio told PEOPLE that the cruise ship was in the midst of an eight-day Caribbean itinerary when they spotted the individuals.

"I was in the lunch buffet with my family when we heard a coded announcement over the loud speakers," Amodio told PEOPLE, adding that the announcement came at around 3 p.m. local time. "A few minutes later people started gathering at the windows and then the captain came on and announced that they had found a distressed vessel and we would be turning around to investigate. We all rushed to the windows and in the nearish distance we could see in the waves a tiny boat waving either a large white flag or sheet."

Shortly after, the ship turned around and pulled up next to the boat and "deployed a small zodiac-type rescue boat," she recalls.

@alessandra_rosee/ LOCAL NEWS X/ TMX

"Eventually we saw Royal Caribbean crew helping about two people from the distressed boat onto the rescue boat before returning to the vessel. They then made a few more trips to safely bring everyone on board."

According to Amodio, they later found out that the passengers on the small boat had been "lost at sea for eight days."

Royal Caribibean

"We got a final announcement once they were all on board safely telling us there was 14 people on board," she said, adding that passengers clapped and cheered upon hearing everyone had been rescued safely.

"Our first reaction was shock, I’ve been on six or so cruises and I’ve never experienced anything even close to this," Amodio continued. "During the rescue everyone was more shocked and the general consensus was that this wasn’t something anyone ever thought would be happening. It was crazy to see, even knowing where they were in the water, once they dropped the flag, they were hard to spot. Just seeing this small boat you knew was filled with people surrounded by the vastness of the water was enough to freak you out. "

Royal Caribbean

The ship was on its first full day of sailing and it was between Cozumel, Mexico and western Cuba when the incident happened.

"We weren’t told by the captain or crew what happened to them," Amodio added of the rescued individuals.  

The cruise liner, which departed from Miami, Florida, was headed to Roatán, Honduras, and Royal Caribbean's private Bahamian island, CocoCay, during its voyage.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Royal Caribbean told PEOPLE in a statement, "On March 3, 2024, Icon of the Seas encountered a small vessel adrift and in need of assistance. The ship's crew immediately launched a rescue operation, safely bringing 14 people onboard. The crew provided them with medical attention, and is working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard."

A U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson told Newsweek that the rescue occurred in Mexico's search-and-rescue area of responsibility.

The Icon of the Seas made its maiden voyage out of South Florida in late January. The ship departed from Port Miami and docked at ports including Puerto Costa Maya in Mexico, Basseterre in St. Kitts & Nevis and Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas.

Along with the world’s largest pool and water park at sea, Icon also boasts eight "neighborhoods" to explore and an open-air "Central Park."

The record-breaking vessel overtook Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas , which formerly held the title of largest cruise ship in the world.

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  1. Carnival Cruise Line News

    6 min read. (February 13, 2024) -- Carnival Cruise Line announced today that a fourth Excel-class ship is underway, with an expected delivery in spring of 2027. The cruise company signed an ...

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    The Carnival Sunrise cruise ship returns to service with a newly added venue after a dry dock that took place in Cadiz, Spain. Donna Tunney - Mar 6, 2024 Carnival Cruise Line News

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    New Options Now Available into 2026 Aboard Carnival Dream, Carnival Breeze and All-New Carnival Jubilee. GALVESTON, Tex., Aug. 17, 2023 - In the spirit of planning ahead, Carnival Cruise Line begins opening its 2025-26 deployment with new sailings from Galveston available for booking today. Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, and the newest ship in the fleet, which is set to debut later this ...

  4. Press Releases

    December 23, 2023. Let the Texas-Sized Fun Begin! Carnival Jubilee Puts a Bow on an Exciting Year of Growth for America's Cruise Line. Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Cruise Line's new flagship and the first brand-new cruise ship to debut in Galveston, is fixin' to show its first guests some Texas-sized fun! The ship's team welcomed its ...

  5. A new cruise ship is in the works. What that means for vacation

    February 14, 2024 · 3 min read. The cruise industry, which employs thousands of people in South Florida and brings millions of tourists to the region, has a new ship in the works. Doral-based Carnival Corp. has ordered a new Excel-class ship, the 10th in that class in the company's global fleet, the company said on Tuesday.

  6. Carnival Celebration: What guests need to know about the new ship

    A seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise departing from Miami on Feb. 5, 2023, starts at $479 per person based on double occupancy, according to Carnival's website , though prices vary by itinerary ...

  7. Newsroom

    Global Music Superstar Gwen Stefani Names Carnival Jubilee, Marking First Cruise Ship Christening In Galveston. February 26, 2024. The stars were out in Texas on Saturday as Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the naming of its new flagship Carnival Jubilee, honoring global music superstar Gwen Stefani as the ship's godmother.

  8. News

    February 22, 2024. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world's largest cruise company, today announced plans for a $100 million pier extension that will double the arrival capacity of Celebration Key™, Carnival Cruise Line's new exclusive destination scheduled to open on Grand Bahama island in the summer of 2025. Read More.

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    A Carnival Cruise ship headed back to Charleston, S.C., from the Bahamas was delayed due to rough weather on May 27. ... More cruise news. Living at sea: Travelers on a 9-month world cruise are ...

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    Carnival Cruise Line has a big year to look forward in 2024 with the introduction of a new ship, new itineraries and several product enhancements. Cruise Industry News looks into the most anticipated events taking place across the company over the next 12 months. Product Enhancements In late 2023, Carnival…

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    Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines.

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    One of Carnival Cruise Line's largest ships is delayed and the next embarkation will be later than expected due to a medical evacuation. Guests boarding Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras at Port ...

  15. Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship

    Discover the new Carnival Jubilee, a cruise ship that offers thrilling adventures, cozy staterooms and fun-filled activities for the whole family. Enjoy the onboard rollercoaster BOLT™, explore the deck plans and check out the itinerary options from Galveston. Book your spot on Carnival Jubilee today and get ready for an unforgettable vacation.

  16. Carnival cruise ship battered by waves in storm off Charleston

    Updated on: May 29, 2023 / 4:16 PM EDT / CBS News. A storm off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, battered a Carnival cruise ship for hours late Friday night before it docked, leaving ...

  17. Carnival cruise ship catches fire in Grand Turk

    May 26, 2022, 8:32 AM PDT. By Marlene Lenthang. A Carnival cruise ship caught fire as it was docked in Grand Turk on Thursday morning, officials said. The fire, which broke out in the Carnival ...

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    Mardi Gras - 2021. Mardi Gras. The Mardi Gras is a ship belonging to Carnival's Excellence Class, also known as Excel Class, and is the sister ship of Carnival Celebration. With a capacity of 5,282 passengers based on double occupancy, it is named after a former Carnival cruise ship that sailed for two decades.

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    March 7, 2024, 5:30 PM PST. By Antonio Planas, The Associated Press and Meriam Bouarrouj. The crew on the world's largest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas, helped rescue 14 people who were ...

  26. Cruises

    Check out 2-5 day cruise deals and begin to plan your next adventure. Insider Picks. See the picks. opens in a new window. INSIDER PICKS Vacation ideas just for you! Take the experts advice when choosing your next cruise destination. SEE THE PICKS Vacation ideas just for you! Take the experts advice when choosing your next cruise destination.

  27. Cruise Ship Rescues 14 People Stranded at Sea as Passengers Look on in

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