Carnival Cruise Line has announced an initial commitment of two ships to the China market beginning with Carnival Miracle in spring 2017 followed by Carnival Splendor in spring 2018. Both ships will be based in China year-round.

“Carnival is the world’s most popular cruise line and our style of cruising appeals to guests of all ages and particularly families,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “We attract more than 4.5 million guests a year and, as the family cruise leader, we also carry more than 700,000 children each year.  Multi-generational families also choose to vacation with Carnival more than any other cruise brand.  We look forward to bringing our one-of-a-kind, exceptionally popular cruise experience to the Chinese market.”

“The team brings this experience to life for our guests on every cruise with a high level of respect, service and hospitality.  We know this will resonate very well with our Chinese guests and allow us to exceed their expectations,” Duffy stated.

Specific details on the company’s China itineraries will be announced at a later time.

Carnival will be establishing operations in China in partnership with sister company Costa Asia, which has operated in the Chinese market for the past nine years.  “Given the combined experience of Costa Asia, along with other sister companies either already in the market, such as Princess Cruises, or entering the market, such as AIDA, the collective scale of Carnival Corporation’s Asia operations is unparalleled and enables us to tap into an immense network of resources and expertise as we launch our China program,” said Duffy.

Reservations for voyages on Carnival Miracle are expected to open in 2016.