It looks like the rumored deal is finally official. Carnival Corp has signed two separate deals that will add 9 ships total to their various brands. Fincantieri S.p.A and Meyer Werft will each build new ships based on new designs. They will cater to North American, European and Chinese markets. Fincantieri will construct five ships at its Monfalcone and Marghera shipyards in Italy. Meyer Werft will build four ships in Papenburg, Germany, and Turku, Finland. No details on how many per yard. The designs and which brands will receive which ships will be announced later. The deliveries are expected to take place over a four-year period from 2019 – 2022.
Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation
We’re excited to take this next step in our fleet enhancement plan with these two new agreements that are consistent with our long-term strategy of measured capacity growth over time. Our goal as a company is to exceed the expectations of every guest on every ship every day, and these new ships will further enable us to do just that. These will be the most efficient ships we have ever built and the great guest experience will create even more excitement around cruising – helping new cruisers realize the superior vacation experience and value that cruising offers versus land-based vacations.
Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri
I am extremely proud on this truly emorable day for us. Today’s announcement provides us with a long-term strategic prospective, and reinforces the extraordinary partnership between us and Carnival Corporation, developed over time thanks to the confidence the group has always shown in us, which we assure will be once again well placed. This agreement reflects the exceptional business vision of the world’s most important cruise operator, and our readiness and flexibility in interpreting its demands.
This agreement is the best reward for our hard work over all these years, and in fact, our organizational, design and production skills have allowed us to consolidate our market leadership, confirming us at the top of such an exclusive and complex industry.
Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft
We are very happy and honored that Carnival Corporation trusts our strength to bring this ambitious newbuilding program to life in Turku and Papenburg.