The cruise industry is in the middle of a major turnaround and Carnival is now making it clear in their ship expansion plans. Just one day after announcing they were going to build three new mega ships, Carnival made it known that small ships would be out of their future designs. This decision has certainly brought about a mixed bag of feelings among loyal guests, coming back to the profitability strategy and appeal to the new cruiser for the company. For many seasoned travelers, the smaller vessels, with their charm of intimacy and distinct service, will be sorely missed.
Of course, it is obvious that Carnival is looking to attract the “blue carders,” or new cruisers who relish what mega-sized ships can offer in amenities and excitement, but this leaves a sore spot for people who enjoy the small ships. When asked about this point, Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald said that the company is, of course, committed to its popular Spirit-class vessels, but the larger ships are the wave of the future. By the turn of the world coming fastly toward the wants of more space and extravagant features, it is not a surprise that Carnival is taking more and more towards these floatable super resorts.
Some might think the old Spirit-class ships—even with their comfortable ambiance—cannot compare to the new and innovative options of the larger vessels now on tap. Bars, restaurants, and entertainment like the Bolt roller coaster all symbolize the cream of today’s cruising crop for those just getting into the experience. It’s a shift that reflects broader consumer trends: people are attracted to experiences that offer not just relaxation but excitement and adventure. But isn’t part of the allure of cruising being able to get away from it all for that personal connection and small setting?
Nevertheless, Carnival is keen to add that the smaller ships will continue to receive attention and premium upgrades while in dry dock renovations.
For instance, the major refurbishment on the Carnival Legend showed that Carnival is not totally giving up on tradition. Yet in the back of my mind, I can’t help but worry about when these classic ships that I also adore will be rendered out of fashion. There is a certain nostalgia to the old Fantasy-class vessels like Carnival Paradise or Carnival Elation with their quirky designs and a history that seems intertwined with so many memorable cruises. It’s almost making it clear: Carnival is getting ready for the future with absolutely monumental, state-of-the-art ships, yet the emotional tug of the smaller vessels that once were remains. For those who have experienced the reverberations beneath their feet from those smaller ships, each piece of heralded news about mega vessels might feel like bittersweet progress. This epic leap into the future isn’t just the sidelining of what was the smaller ship experience—it’s almost rendering it irrelevant.
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