Carnival confirms option

Carnival Corporation has exercised an option for a new 130,000gt cruise ship for its Carnival Cruise Lines brand at an estimated all-in cost of $740 million.

The new 3,652 lower passenger berth capacity cruise ship will be built by Fincantieri at its Monfalcone shipyard, for delivery in summer 2010. A sistership is ordered earlier will also be built at the same yard for delivery in autumn 2009.

Since 1990, Fincantieri has built 38 cruise ships, of which 36 were for Carnival Corporation & plc. Counting the ship confirmed today, there are 14 vessels currently under construction or about to be built at the shipyards at Monfalcone, Marghera and Sestri Ponente for the main brands in the American group (Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Crociere, Holland America Line, Princess, Cunard Line and P&O Cruises). These 52 ships have brought Fincantieri revenue of over $21 billion – calculated at today?s rates – and made a substantial contribution, in terms of net exports, to the Italian balance of trade.