SEATTLE — Holland America Line is growing its fleet to 12 ships in 2029, with P&O Cruises’ Arcadia set to transfer to the cruise line as part of a broader Carnival Corp. fleet reshuffle.

At the same time, Cunard’s Queen Anne will move to P&O Cruises following completion of its 2028/29 World Voyage. The 3,000-passenger ship will undergo an extensive redesign and be renamed before entering service with P&O Cruises in May 2029.

Arcadia, meanwhile, will wrap up more than two decades with P&O Cruises with a special farewell season ending Aug. 21, 2029.

For Holland America, the addition of Arcadia will boost capacity by more than 2,000 guests and give the cruise line added flexibility as it continues its multi-year Holland America Evolution fleet transformation.

“Adding Arcadia allows us to welcome more guests while building on everything they already love about our brand. As a Vista Class ship, she is a natural fit and an exciting extension of Holland America Evolution, the largest guest experience transformation in our 153-year history,” said Beth Bodensteiner, President, Holland America Line.

Arcadia shares the same Vista Class platform as Holland America ships Oosterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zuiderdam.

Holland America Evolution, announced this past April, is bringing new restaurants, venues and accommodations to the fleet, incorporating some features found on its Pinnacle Class ships while maintaining its mid-sized ship format. Oosterdam will debut the upgrades in fall 2027, with Zuiderdam following in April 2028.

Details on the venues and features planned for Arcadia will be announced in the coming months.

Bodensteiner said Arcadia’s addition is part of a wider growth strategy that includes continued fleet modernization and the potential for future new-builds.

For P&O Cruises and Cunard, the moves are also aimed at better aligning ships with the future direction of each brand.

“These decisions reflect a careful, long-term view of our portfolio and where the individual strengths of each ship can best support guest demand and the future direction of our two cruise lines,” said Paul Ludlow, President, Carnival UK, P&O Cruises and Cunard.

Ludlow said Queen Anne’s contemporary design, range of dining and entertainment options and flexible public spaces make the ship a strong fit for P&O Cruises.

“Following her reimagining, she will introduce a new class of ship to the P&O Cruises fleet and broaden the choice available to guests through a different scale, style of onboard experience and range of itineraries,” he said.

Queen Anne will remain with Cunard through its final World Voyage in winter 2028-2029 and will also take part in Cunard’s Four Queens celebration in Liverpool in May 2028.

After Queen Anne leaves, Cunard’s fleet will be centred on Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

“This decision does not change our commitment to Cunard or its future,” said Ludlow. “We will continue to invest in the ships, service, itineraries and guest experiences that make Cunard unique.”

He added that Arcadia’s departure will mark the end of a significant chapter for P&O Cruises.

“Arcadia has been a much-loved part of P&O Cruises for more than two decades and has created countless special memories for our guests,” said Ludlow. “We are immensely proud of her place in the line’s history and pleased that, following a celebratory farewell season, she will continue her career within the Carnival Corporation family.”

Further details on Arcadia’s farewell season, Queen Anne’s new name and redesign, and its first P&O Cruises itineraries will be announced at a later date.

All currently published voyages before the ships’ respective transfer dates will operate as planned.

Lead image caption: P&O Cruises’ Arcadia will to transfer to Holland America Line in 2029