Cruise operator Carnival Corporation has announced plans to add four new ships to its fleet in a bid to effect a 10% capacity increase by 2016.
This week, two new Carnival ships named Regal Princess and Costa Diadema are being christened under the company’s Princess and Costa brands.
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Additionally, its P&O Cruises UK and AIDA brands will each unveil a new ship by October 2015, expanding Carnival’s fleet of more than 100 vessels.
According to the company, it has upgraded its fleet with more than 30 new ship additions since 2007.
Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald said: "As we invest in continually refreshing our fleet, we’re able to provide our passengers the best of what new ships have to offer."
"Introducing new ships into our fleet is just one more way we are working to provide wonderful vacations and lifetime memories for millions of people around the world."
Four additions to its fleet in less than 18 months is part of Carnival’s plan to introduce nine new ships across seven of its brands from now to 2017.
Brands including AIDA, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises UK, Princess Cruises and Seabourn are expected to receive ships before early 2017.
The newly christened Princess brand cruise Regal Princess will start her maiden season of Caribbean cruise vacations sailing out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US.
After the naming ceremony, Costa Diadema will start sailing in the Mediterranean through the summer of 2015.
Image: Carnival Corporation has refreshed its global fleet with more than 30 new ship additions since 2007. Photo: courtesy of Carnival Corporation.
