Refit Adds Mini “Whale Tail” to Increase Versatility of 20-Year-Old Ship

The recent refit of the Carnival Freedom cruise ship provided an interesting example of the convergence of branding and operational considerations, along with Carnival Corporation’s strategy to maximize the value of its fleet. It is a rare, if not unique, example for a cruise ship getting “shorter” to increase its versatility.

The Carnival Freedom (110,000 gross tons) was built by Fincantieri in Italy and introduced in 2007 as one of five sisters in the so-called Conquest class, larger versions of the earlier Destiny class. At 952 feet (290 meters), the ship has a capacity for approximately 3,700 passengers (2,980 passengers double occupancy) and has become a familiar part of the fleet.

As built, the ship had an air draft of approximately 180 feet to the top of its famous “whale tail” funnel. A design harkening back to the famed ocean liner France of the 1960s, and first introduced by Carnival in 1984 on the first Tropicale, the funnel has two wings to help keep smoke off the deck. Indeed, the unique funnel shape has become a signature of the brand used in logos, advertising, and even a shipboard character.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →