4 New Carnival-Brand Cruise Ships to Debut in 2018

Expect entertainment, dining and activities like you've never seen before

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Hoping for something fresh and exciting in the world of cruising this year? This update will be music to your ears: Four brand-new ships from Carnival Corporation, which bills itself as the world's largest leisure company, will bring cruisers a slew of exciting amenities, attractions and dining options in 2018.

The four new vessels are expected to launch between May and December, and are spread across four of Carnival's brands: Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Seabourn and AIDA Cruises.

"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," said Roger Frizzell, chief communications officer for Carnival Corporation, in a press release.

About Carnival's new ships

 Carnival Horizon will launch in April 2018. Photo: Carnival Corporation

With an expected launch date in April, the 133,500-ton Carnival Horizon will be the 26th ship for Carnival Cruise Line, and it will up the ante in terms of onboard offerings. A teppanyaki-style dining venue, a new barbecue restaurant/brewery from Food Network star Guy Fieri, and the first Dr. Seuss-themed aqua park are just a few splashy amenities. In addition, expect to find popular activities like the thrilling SkyRide attraction and an IMAX Theatre, both of which debuted in 2016 on sister ship Carnival Vista to much fanfare.

Carnival Horizon will begin by sailing on a 13-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, and will host Bermuda and Caribbean voyages in summer and fall.

 Seabourn Ovation will carry just 600 guests. Photo: Carnival Corporation

May marks the launch of Seabourn Ovation, an all-suite, ultra-luxe vessel designed to carry just 600 guests. Cruisers will be delighted to find Broadway-style theater shows, top-notch culinary choices and upscale spa experiences aboard the ship, not to mention private verandas in each suite.

Seabourn Ovation's inaugural voyage will be an 11-day sailing from Venice to Barcelona, and the ship will spend most of the year cruising in Northern Europe on Baltic and Scandinavian cruises. This ship will also offer 14-day voyages to the Norwegian fjords and British Isles.

 AIDAnova is the first cruise ship fully powered by liquefied natural gas. Photo: Carnival Corporation

Later in the year, AIDA Cruises will welcome AIDAnova, the first cruise ship fully powered by the world's cleanest-burning fossil fuel, liquefied natural gas. The vessel is the first of seven total LNG-powered ships planned for use in the next four years by Carnival Corporation brands.

AIDAnova will offer 20 different stateroom types (from single options to a stunning two-deck penthouse suite), plus an onboard brewery with a beer garden, a spa spanning two decks, 17 restaurants and 23 bars. Starting with its December debut season, the vessel will host weeklong voyages around the Canary Islands.

 Holland America's ms Neiuw Statendam will launch in December. Photo: Carnival Corporation

Finally, Holland America will debut the 99,500-ton ms Nieuw Statendam in December of this year, created by hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany and designer/architect Bjorn Storbraaten. This ship, built to accommodate 2,666 guests, will be the sixth in Holland America's fleet to be called "Statendam" — the first sailed in 1898.

Entertainment and leisure are a huge focus of the ship. It's home to Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King's Blues Club, three great venues for music aficionados. A 270-degree LED projection screen at World Stage provides an immersive visual experience. Fine dining options include a seafood brasserie, an Asian fusion restaurant and a cafe serving European beer and traditional Dutch treats.


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