The line has signed a memorandum of agreement for the design and construction of two brand-new ships with Italy’s Fincantieri for delivery in 2030 and 2032.

Marella said it was seeking to "redefine" premium cruising through the use of high-quality materials and a wide range of accommodation options.

In addition, it said the two new ships would "have a focus on environmental sustainability", although it did not elaborate on what this would entail or how it would be achieved.

Marella currently operates a fleet of five ships – Marella Voyager, Marella Discovery and Marella Discovery 2, and Marella Explorer and Marella Explorer 2.

The line has not intimated whether the two new-builds will result in any of its existing ships exiting the fleet.

Pierroberto Folgiero, chief executive and managing director of Fincantieri, said the shipbuilder was looking forward to supporting Marella’s vision with its first new-builds. Folgiero added the two new ships would be designed to meet "the evolving expectations of modern cruise passengers".

Fincantieri has an existing relationship with Tui Cruises, Tui’s joint venture with Royal Caribbean.

It delivered the first of two new dual-powered InTUItion class concept vessels for the brand in February, which will run off liquified natural gas LNG) and marine gas oil (MGO).

A second InTUItion class ship is under construction and is scheduled for delivery next year.

Note: this article has been updated to change Fincantieri’s references to the ship being designed for "the English market" to "the British market".