Carnival Corporation Shuffles Ships Between Three Cruise Brands

Carnival Corporation will shuffle cruise ships between three of its brands in 2029 to maximize financial strength and align fleet capabilities with guest demand. The Queen Anne will transfer from Cunard to P&O Cruises in May 2029 after completing its 2028/29 World Voyage. Before entering service with P&O Cruises, the vessel will be renamed and undergo an extensive reimagining process to introduce a new class of ship to the fleet.

In a separate adjustment, the Arcadia will leave P&O Cruises on August 21, 2029, following a farewell season, to join Holland America Line. The ship will be refitted and renamed as part of Holland America's fleet evolution program.

Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK, P&O Cruises, and Cunard, stated the move allows Cunard to maintain a more unified fleet centered on the Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth. He noted that the Queen Anne's contemporary design has a natural affinity with the P&O Cruises experience. Before its transfer, the Queen Anne will participate in the Four Queens celebration in Liverpool in May 2028.

Carnival also announced broader investment plans, including a major upgrade to the Queen Mary 2 in April 2027 to maintain its status as the only ocean liner providing regular transatlantic service. Additionally, the company will begin updating Holland America's Vista class ships, starting with the Oosterdam in late 2027.