Carnival Cruise Line has officially kicked off construction on the biggest ship it has ever built, a landmark moment for the cruise line's 54-year history and a signal that the industry's capacity race is far from over.
The announcement puts Carnival squarely in conversation with Royal Caribbean's Icon Class, currently the standard-bearer for mega-ship ambitions at sea. The two vessels represent the cruise industry's push to deliver ever-larger, resort-style experiences on the water.
While full specifications for Carnival's new ship are still emerging, the construction start confirms the line's commitment to competing at the very top end of the market — a segment Royal Caribbean has dominated since Icon of the Seas debuted.
For Florida travelers, the rivalry matters: both Carnival and Royal Caribbean operate heavily out of PortMiami and Port Canaveral, meaning future itineraries from the Sunshine State could feature these floating destinations.
This report was published by Royal Caribbean Blog.
