Princess Cruises Orders Three 183,000-GT LNG Ships; Fuel Costs Threaten Profits
Princess Cruises has signed three shipbuilding agreements with Fincantieri to deliver 183,000-gross-ton Voyager-class vessels accommodating 4,700 guests in late 2035, 2038 and 2039, each dual-fuel LNG powered to reduce emissions. Meanwhile, regional tensions at the Strait of Hormuz and oil-price volatility threaten to increase operating costs and dent profit margins.
1. Princess Cruises Signs Three-Ship Order
Princess Cruises has entered three shipbuilding agreements with Fincantieri for next-generation Voyager-class vessels, marking the cruise line’s largest platform order to date. The deal secures the construction of three ships that will join Carnival’s fleet as part of its ongoing enhancement strategy.
2. Next-Generation LNG-Powered Voyager Class
Each 183,000-gross-ton ship will accommodate approximately 4,700 guests and feature reimagined decks, staterooms and public spaces. Dual-fuel propulsion running primarily on LNG will significantly lower greenhouse gas and harmful air emissions compared with conventional marine fuels.
3. Delivery Schedule and Fleet Milestones
The vessels are scheduled for delivery in late 2035, 2038 and 2039, expanding Princess Cruises’ capacity with its largest ships by guest count. These additions represent Carnival’s 19th through 21st LNG-capable ships, complementing seven other new builds under contract through 2027–2033.
4. Strait of Hormuz Tensions and Fuel Risks
Escalating tensions at the Strait of Hormuz have stranded some ships in the Persian Gulf, while volatile oil prices threaten to raise fuel costs. These developments could compress operating margins and pressure crew redeployment strategies in key itineraries.