Carnival Reveals Names and Details for New Excel-Class Ships Festivale & Tropicale (2027/28)

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US-based Carnival Cruise Line has released new information regarding the next two ships in its modern Excel Class, commissioned from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The fourth vessel in this series will bear the name Carnival Festivale, while the fifth and final ship will enter service as Carnival Tropicale. This naming strategy revisits designations previously held by early ships in the fleet, thereby honoring the company's history.

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The two newbuilds, scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028 respectively, will differ in several aspects from their predecessors Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. A key innovation is "Sunsation Point," a comprehensive new activity park located on the top deck.

The centerpiece of Sunsation Point will be the expanded "Carnival Waterworks Ultra" water park. This area will feature a total of six waterslides, including two family raft slides and slides suitable for guests at least one meter (approx. 3.3 feet) tall. The offerings within Sunsation Point are complemented by an adventure path, a sports court, a ropes course, a jogging track, as well as a newly designed mini-golf course and other outdoor games.

A special feature of Sunsation Point is its planned use extending into the evening hours. Special lighting will ensure the area remains accessible after sunset, providing space for evening events, including extended water park hours and musical entertainment from a DJ. However, unlike the first three Excel-Class ships, the "BOLT" roller coaster will not be part of Sunsation Point on Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale, remaining an exclusive feature of the earlier ships in this class.

Carnival Cruise Line has also announced interior innovations for Carnival Festivale and its sister ship. Three new themed zones are planned. Two of these, located across Decks 6, 7, and 8, will focus on music: one zone is inspired by the creative process of music-making, while the other zone on Deck 8 aims to capture the dynamic atmosphere of outdoor live music performances.

To further strengthen its position as a family-friendly cruise line, Carnival Festivale will feature over 1,000 connecting cabins. This represents an increase of nearly 70 percent compared to the first three Excel-Class ships and specifically caters to the needs of families. A dedicated "Turtles" area will be introduced for the youngest passengers, aged six months to two years. Additionally, the overall space dedicated to youth programs on board will be expanded.

The Carnival Festivale is scheduled to enter service in the spring of 2027. The ship is planned to operate Caribbean cruises based out of Port Canaveral. The Carnival Tropicale will follow in 2028 as the final ship of this generation. Details regarding the future homeport for Carnival Tropicale, along with other specific information, will be communicated by the cruise line at a later date.