Get the full preview of Carnival Festivale—Carnival's newest cruise ship, packed with music-themed zones, massive waterparks, and family-friendly experiences. Tropicale follows in 2028
Carnival Festivale, set to debut in 2027, is Carnival Cruise Line’s newest Excel-class ship, designed to deliver an immersive, music-themed cruising experience like never before. Featuring an expansive outdoor entertainment area called Sunsation Point, upgraded family accommodations, and all-new interactive zones, the ship combines modern innovation with nostalgic charm. With Carnival Tropicale following in 2028, this marks an exciting new era for Carnival's fleet. This blog dives into everything you need to know about both upcoming ships—from design highlights to what makes them stand out in the future of cruising.
The evolution of cruise vacations is reaching new heights, and Carnival Cruise Line is leading the way with the highly anticipated debut of Carnival Festivale. Scheduled to launch in Spring 2027, Carnival Festivale is the next groundbreaking addition to the Excel class—a family of mega-ships known for their innovation, immersive experiences, and forward-thinking designs.
This new vessel not only pays homage to Carnival’s legendary past but also redefines the future of cruising. With enhanced amenities, music-inspired venues, expanded water attractions, and family-centric zones, Carnival Festivale is poised to offer one of the most dynamic sea adventures in modern cruising.
Let’s explore what makes Carnival Festivale such an exciting new chapter in the Carnival legacy and how it ties in with its sister ship, the upcoming Carnival Tropicale.
The name Carnival Festivale is a nod to the original Festivale ship launched in 1977—one of the early vessels that helped establish Carnival Cruise Line’s fun and vibrant image. Reviving this iconic name is a tribute to the cruise line’s enduring legacy while introducing the world to a next-generation cruise ship packed with innovation.
Part of the highly acclaimed Excel class—home to vessels like Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee—Carnival Festivale is designed to impress with new features that elevate the onboard experience to unprecedented levels. It blends the nostalgic spirit of Carnival with cutting-edge technology, entertainment, and eco-conscious operations powered by LNG.
Carnival Festivale will call Port Canaveral, Florida, its homeport. This strategic location allows guests from the southeastern U.S. and beyond to enjoy convenient access to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and possibly transatlantic itineraries. Port Canaveral is one of Carnival’s most active cruise hubs, and with the arrival of Carnival Festivale, it becomes an even more exciting gateway to adventure.
Replacing the famous BOLT roller coaster found on other Excel-class ships, Carnival Festivale introduces an all-new upper-deck concept—Sunsation Point. This vibrant outdoor zone is designed for all-day, all-night enjoyment, making it a family-favorite destination.
Key Features of Sunsation Point:
This zone will likely become one of the most beloved areas onboard Carnival Festivale, combining excitement and relaxation for guests of all ages.
One of the most significant updates on Carnival Festivale is the expansion of interconnecting staterooms. With nearly 1,000 interconnecting rooms—70% more than earlier Excel ships—families and larger travel groups can enjoy the convenience of connected accommodations, privacy, and space.
Additionally, Carnival Festivale will offer expanded youth programs, including the debut of Carnival’s Turtles Program for babies aged 6 months to 2 years. These enhancements reflect the cruise line’s growing focus on multigenerational travel.
A major theme of Carnival Festivale is its celebration of music. Two new themed zones across decks 6, 7, and 8 will provide guests with immersive musical experiences:
Together, these zones represent a new step forward for Carnival’s entertainment experience, highlighting how Carnival Festivale blends fun with creativity.
Food lovers will feel right at home aboard Carnival Festivale. The ship will bring back fan-favorite dining venues while also introducing new culinary options designed by Carnival’s Chief Culinary Officer, Emeril Lagasse.
Returning Favorites:
New Dining Options:
Emeril’s Bistro 1397 returns with a fresh New Orleans twist, and Carnival has confirmed that a brand-new dining concept (yet to be revealed) will replace ChiBang! This ensures returning guests always have something new to savor.
As with every Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale promises electrifying entertainment from morning till late night. Highlights will include:
Whether you're a night owl or a dancefloor rookie, Carnival Festivale delivers non-stop fun for everyone onboard.
Following the debut of Carnival Festivale, Carnival will continue expanding its Excel class with the introduction of Carnival Tropicale in 2028. While details are still under wraps, Carnival Tropicale is expected to build on the innovations introduced by Carnival Festivale, potentially adding new zones, entertainment, and sustainability features.
The connection to the original Carnival Tropicale ship—a pioneer in Carnival’s early days—continues the brand’s vision of blending legacy with progress.
Although information on Carnival Tropicale is limited at this stage, Carnival has confirmed that it will include many features introduced on Carnival Festivale, while also debuting its own unique experiences. If you’re intrigued by the evolution of the Carnival cruise Tropicale concept, keep an eye on announcements for this exciting ship, scheduled for the Spring 2028 launch.
The original Carnival Tropicale ship served from 1982 to 2001 and helped define the company’s early reputation for affordable, fun-filled cruises. Now, the rebirth of this name in 2028 will further connect Carnival’s heritage with its future.
The launch of Carnival Festivale marks a thrilling new chapter for cruise lovers. With its immersive music-themed zones, massive water park, family-focused amenities, and culinary upgrades, this ship is set to redefine what it means to cruise with Carnival.
Looking ahead, the debut of Carnival Tropicale will only extend the excitement, continuing Carnival’s mission of blending nostalgia with modern innovation across its fleet. Ready to set sail on the most exciting cruise of the decade? Book your dream voyage aboard Carnival Festivale or stay updated on Carnival Tropicale at CruiseBooking.com. Discover the perfect cruise, compare itineraries, and secure your cabin today!
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