Ben Clement Appointed as Executive Vice President of Maritime & New Builds at Carnival Cruise Line, Effective January 2025

Carnival Cruise Line has made a significant announcement that marks a new chapter in its maritime leadership. As of January 2025, Ben Clement, a seasoned expert with nearly three decades of experience within the company, will take on the role of Executive Vice President, maritime, and new Builds. This appointment comes as Lars Ljoen, Carnival's current Chief Operations Officer, transitions to Carnival Corporation as the new chief maritime officer.

Ben Clement's journey with Carnival Cruise Line began in 1996, and over the years, he has become an integral part of the company's success. His contributions have been pivotal in shaping the design, refurbishment, and construction of Carnival's 27-ship fleet. His expertise has not only brought about the introduction of new ship classes, such as the Dream, Vista, and Excel, but also groundbreaking innovations like the first roller coasters at sea.

In his new role, Clement will be responsible for overseeing all maritime operations, including the strategic planning and execution of new ship builds, ensuring that Carnival Cruise Line continues to lead the industry in offering exceptional guest experiences and cutting-edge ship designs. His extensive background, which includes a combination of maritime operations, ship design, and engineering, positions him as the ideal leader to guide Carnival's future growth.

Christine Duffy, the president of Carnival Cruise Line, praised Clement's contributions, stating, "Ben has continually pushed us to think about ship design, features, venues, and products in ways that have helped redefine Carnival, grow guest loyalty, and build a vibrant customer base that has propelled our growth. Yet he is also an outstanding mariner, with vast knowledge and experience acquired during his time in the French Navy, merchant marine, and shipyard management. That unique combination of talent and experience across so many aspects of maritime operations will allow us to maintain our operational and cultural excellence leadership."

A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence.

Ben Clement's innovative mindset has been a driving force behind Carnival Cruise Line's evolution. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming the cruise experience, making it more exciting and engaging for guests. The introduction of new ship classes, such as the Dream, Vista, and Excel, has set new benchmarks in the industry, offering larger, more luxurious, and technologically advanced ships that cater to the diverse needs of today's travelers.

Clement's vision has always been to create ships that are not just vessels but destinations in themselves. This approach has led to the development of unique features and amenities that enhance the overall guest experience. From expansive water parks to innovative dining options and immersive entertainment experiences, Clement's influence can be seen throughout Carnival's fleet.

One of Clement's most notable achievements is the introduction of the first roller coasters at sea, a concept that was once unimaginable in the cruise industry. This innovation has not only set Carnival Cruise Line apart from its competitors but has also attracted a new generation of thrill-seekers to the brand. The roller coaster, named BOLT, is a testament to Clement's ability to push the boundaries of what is possible in ship design.

Leadership Built on Maritime Expertise.

Beyond his contributions to ship design and innovation, Ben Clement's maritime expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of the industry. His career began in the French navy, where he gained invaluable experience in maritime operations and leadership. This experience laid the foundation for his future roles in the merchant marine and shipyard management, where he honed his skills in shipbuilding and project management.

At Carnival Cruise Line, Clement's leadership has been characterized by his ability to balance innovation with operational excellence. He has played a key role in ensuring that Carnival's ships are not only cutting-edge but also safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible. His commitment to sustainability is evident in the development of the Excel class, which includes ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), one of the cleanest fuels available for maritime operations.

Clement's maritime expertise, combined with his innovative mindset, makes him uniquely qualified to lead Carnival's maritime operations and new builds in the years to come. His appointment as Executive Vice President, Maritime & New Builds, is a testament to Carnival Cruise Line's confidence in his ability to drive the company's growth and success in an increasingly competitive industry.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Carnival Cruise Line.

As Ben Clement prepares to step into his new role, Carnival Cruise Line is poised for continued success and growth. The cruise industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and challenges emerging each year. Clement's leadership will be crucial in navigating these changes and ensuring that Carnival remains at the forefront of the industry.

One of the key areas where Clement's expertise will be invaluable is in the development of new ships. Carnival Cruise Line has always been known for its innovative ship designs, and with Clement at the helm, the company is expected to continue pushing the envelope. His experience in overseeing the construction of new ship classes and his ability to anticipate and respond to market demands will be instrumental in shaping the future of Carnival's fleet.

In addition to shipbuilding, Clement will also play a critical role in enhancing the overall guest experience. As travelers' expectations continue to evolve, Carnival Cruise Line will need to adapt and innovate to meet these demands. Clement's track record of introducing new features and amenities that resonate with guests positions him well to lead these efforts.

Moreover, Clement's commitment to sustainability will be a key focus as Carnival Cruise Line looks to reduce its environmental footprint. The cruise industry has faced increasing scrutiny regarding its environmental impact, and under Clement's leadership, Carnival is expected to continue investing in green technologies and practices. This includes the development of more LNG-powered ships and the implementation of energy-efficient systems across the fleet.

Conclusion.

Ben Clement's appointment as Executive Vice President, Maritime & New Builds, marks an exciting new chapter for Carnival Cruise Line. With nearly three decades of experience within the company and a proven track record of innovation and leadership, Clement is well-positioned to guide Carnival's future growth and success. His unique combination of maritime expertise and a visionary approach to ship design will ensure that Carnival Cruise Line continues to lead the industry in delivering exceptional guest experiences and groundbreaking ship designs.

As Carnival Cruise Line looks to the future, Ben Clement's leadership will be instrumental in shaping the company's direction. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, Clement is poised to lead Carnival into a new era of success, ensuring that the company remains a leader in the global cruise industry.