Carnival Corp. Shuffles Ships Between Cunard, P&O, and Holland America
Cruise ships will be moving among three of Carnival Corporation’s brands as the company continues efforts to maximize the financial strength of its operations. Holland America Line and P&O Cruises will be increasing capacity by receiving newer ships, while Cunard will be giving up one ship, with the changes taking place in 20029.
The changes will begin in the spring of 2029 when Cunard’s Queen Anne will be transferred to P&O after completing her previously announced world cruise. The ship will be “reimagined and renamed,” according to the announcement, before joining the UK-based operation in May 2029.
P&O, however, will also be conducting a farewell season for its 20-plus-year-old cruise ship Arcadia, which will retire from the fleet on August 21, 2029. She will then transfer to Holland America Line as part of its ongoing fleet evolution. She will be refitted and renamed to join the US-based operation.
“These decisions reflect a careful, long-term view of our portfolio and where the individual strengths of each ship can best support guest demand and the future direction of our two cruise lines,” said Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK, P&O Cruises, and Cunard, announcing the changes. “This decision does not change our commitment to Cunard or its future.”
Queen Anne had been heralded with her launch in May 2024 as the first new ship added to Cunard since 2010, and the first time the venerated British brand would be operating four Queens. At 114,188 gross tons and 1,058 feet (323 meters) in length, the ship is based on the platform used for Holland America’s newest class of ships. She was a large addition for Cunard, with a 2,956-passenger capacity, but incorporated what the company calls “a bold and contemporary expression of Cunard,” which also drew criticism among the loyal clientele.
Ludlow said the changes would provide Cunard “a more closely unified fleet.” The ship will continue in service for the planned Four Queens celebration in Liverpool in May 2028 and then her final world cruise. Carnival Corporation is also investing in an upgrade and modernization of Queen Mary 2 in April 2027, which will add suites and redo the wellness area, shops, and some public spaces.
They said Queen Anne’s style would give her a “natural affinity with the modern P&O.” She will also increase capacity by nearly 1,000 berths for the British brand, which currently operates seven cruise ships. P&O had been using Arcadia for adult-only cruising but recently announced she would accept children and multi-generational travel on some cruises.
Built by Fincantieri, the 83,781 gross ton cruise ship was originally planned for Cunard but reassigned during construction to P&O, which launched her as Arcadia in April 2005. She is 952 feet (290 meters) in length with a capacity for 2,094 passengers.
Holland America highlights that the ship is built on the same platform as its Vista class cruise ships Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Noordam, and Westerdam. Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, said the ship will be a natural fit for the fleet and an extension of the evolution program.
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The line currently operates 11 cruise ships and has announced plans to update its Vista class ships starting with Oosterdam in the fall of 2027. Zuiderdam will follow with the updates in April 2028. Bodensteiner said they are planning venues and features for the new ship over the next several months.
Carnival Corporation has slowed its shipbuilding program since the pandemic. It is not taking delivery of any new ships this year and has focused its orders on Carnival Cruise Line. Recently, it added long-term orders for Princess Cruises slated to be delivered in late 2035, 2038, and 2039. Other brands, including Costa and Seabourn Cruise Line, are also being reworked with the sale of vessels.
