Cruise & Cruise Line

Carnival to Launch New Ships for Four Brands in 2018

Image: PHOTO: Carnival Cruise Line's signature funnel aboard Carnival Inspiration. (photo by Jason Leppert)
Image: PHOTO: Carnival Cruise Line's signature funnel aboard Carnival Inspiration. (photo by Jason Leppert)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 2:52 PM ET, Thu January 4, 2018

The Carnival Corporation announced Thursday it will launch four new cruise ships in 2018 across four of its 10 brands.

The vessels will be assigned to the Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Seabourn and AIDA Cruises brands, and are part of the company's plan to incorporate 18 new ships into the fleet between 2018 and 2022.

For Carnival Cruise Line, the Carnival Horizon is expected to launch in April 2018 and will feature several unique innovations, including the first Dr. Seuss WaterWorks aqua park, a teppanyaki dining venue and Guy Fieri's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse and Brewhouse restaurant.

In May 2018, the Carnival Corporation will add the Seabourn Ovation to the company's fleet. The vessel will feature contemporary interiors, modern design elements and innovations consistent with the brand's reputation for elegance and service.

"On top of the three new ships we launched in 2017, we look forward to the delivery of four more spectacular ships that will help us continue providing extraordinary cruise vacations at an exceptional value for our guests," Carnival Corporation chief communications officer Roger Frizzell said in a statement.

"The new ships also demonstrate our long-term strategy to build highly efficient, innovative and state-of-the-art ships that offer our guests the latest in onboard features and amenities, while creating excitement in the marketplace that will continue to inspire more travelers to consider cruising as a vacation option," Frizzell continued.

German cruise line AIDA Cruises is expected to add the new AIDAnova in December 2018, which will become the first cruise ship fully powered by liquefied natural gas. The vessel will also feature an onboard brewery, a beer garden, three water slides, an escape room, a 360-degree Theatrium and more.

As for the new Holland America Line ship, the ms Nieuw Statendam is expected to launch in December 2018 and will carry 2,666 guests. The vessel will include fine-dining options, alternative restaurants, a Music Walk area and many other modern amenities.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Every Island Tells a Story: Part 2 – Selling the Caribbean Through Immersive ExperiencesWednesday, August 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Continue the journey in the second installment of our Every Island Tells a Story webinar series. This...
Upcoming Webinar
The Art of Destination Recommendation: Alternative Destination Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, August 18, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
What if your next best sale is a destination your client hasn’t considered—and you’ve never visited?...
Upcoming Webinar
From Interest to Booking: Selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan CruisesFriday, August 21, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Take the next step in selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan cruises with a practical, advisor focused look at...
Upcoming Webinar
Every Island Tells a Story: Part 2 – Selling the Caribbean Through Immersive ExperiencesWednesday, August 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Continue the journey in the second installment of our Every Island Tells a Story webinar series. This...
Upcoming Webinar
The Art of Destination Recommendation: Alternative Destination Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, August 18, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
What if your next best sale is a destination your client hasn’t considered—and you’ve never visited?...
Upcoming Webinar
From Interest to Booking: Selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan CruisesFriday, August 21, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Take the next step in selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan cruises with a practical, advisor focused look at...