Carnival Expands Excel-Class Fleet With LNG-Powered Festivale, Tropicale

Carnival Cruise Line is set to expand its Excel-class fleet with the upcoming Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale, scheduled to enter service in 2027 and 2028 respectively. These names revisit classic Carnival vessels while showcasing modern amenities, evolving entertainment, and enhanced sustainability. With both ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Carnival continues its longstanding commitment to environmental responsibility, family-centric cruising, and innovative onboard experiences.

New Ships Broaden Carnival’s Excel-Class Fleet

Carnival Festivale, debuting in spring 2027 from Florida’s Port Canaveral, will feature two immersive, music-themed zones. According to the cruise line, musical motifs will appear in the atrium’s cymbal-themed décor and across various new entertainment venues. In 2028, Carnival Tropicale will follow, bringing the classic Tropicale name back into the fleet. While its exact homeport remains under wraps, Carnival indicates that both new vessels will incorporate the line’s signature dining mainstays such as Guy’s Burger Joint and Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, alongside additional concepts yet to be revealed.

The upcoming pair represents the fourth and fifth installments in Carnival’s Excel-class series, building on the success of Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. Leadership has emphasized continued investment in family entertainment, large-scale waterparks, and reimagined nightlife. Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, said, “We at Carnival have always been the leader in sailing more families, more kids, than any other cruise line. Our new Excel-class ships continue that legacy by merging exciting entertainment zones and thoughtful accommodations for younger cruisers. Festivale and Tropicale each honor our history, while showcasing the future of fun at sea.”

Major Themed Zones and Family-Focused Features

One of the most notable enhancements for both ships is the introduction of Sunsation Point, a three-deck outdoor zone replacing the BOLT roller coaster found on other Excel-class vessels. Sunsation Point includes:

• Carnival Waterworks Ultra: Six waterslides, including two family raft slides, plus splash pads for toddlers.
• Ropes and Adventure Trails: Treehouse-style walkways, mini-golf, and expanded teen and sports areas.
• Nighttime Splash Parties: After-dark entertainment with illuminated pools, music, and extended park hours.

Both ships will see a 70% increase in interconnecting cabins, offering 1,000 such staterooms to accommodate large families or groups traveling together. Carnival also plans to expand its youth programming by adding a dedicated space for its Turtles program, serving children as young as six months.

Deployment Shifts and Expanded Homeports

Carnival Festivale will sail seven-night Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, while specific voyages for Carnival Tropicale will be confirmed closer to its 2028 launch. As part of a broader realignment, Mardi Gras will transition to three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral, targeting short-getaway markets. The line also intends to bring year-round operations back to Mobile, Alabama, and introduce a larger Conquest-class ship in Baltimore, Maryland by 2027, both moves designed to tap into regional cruising demand.

Private Island Enhancements and Future Highlights

Carnival has announced significant investments in its private destinations. Mahogany Bay in Roatan, Honduras, will be rebranded as “Isla Tropicale” in 2026, highlighting a newly expanded beach area, refreshed cabanas, and a dedicated pool with a swim-up bar. Meanwhile, RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay will gain docking upgrades, and Celebration Key in Grand Bahama is on track to open by July 2025, promising lagoon-style features and more specialized guest amenities.

Long-Term Vision and Project Ace

The cruise line’s Innovation Itinerary extends through 2033 under the “Project Ace” banner. Three mega-ships—each topping 230,000 gross tons and accommodating up to 8,000 passengers—are scheduled for delivery in 2029, 2031, and 2033. These future vessels will introduce redesigned dining concepts, high-capacity entertainment venues, and updated deck plans, aiming to redefine Carnival’s “Fun Ship” experience across a global market. In addition, Carnival pledges to modernize existing ships with new décors, lounges, and onboard activities inspired by its newest fleet additions.

Commitment to Sustainability

Building on the LNG-powered foundation of Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, both Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale will operate on liquefied natural gas for reduced emissions. This technology, developed in collaboration with leading shipbuilders, aligns with Carnival’s broader environmental strategy. From more efficient engines to improved waste treatment systems, these ships seek to balance high-octane fun with responsible stewardship of marine ecosystems.

By expanding itinerary options across multiple U.S. ports and updating private island facilities, Carnival Cruise Line aims to deliver a broader range of itineraries and destinations that cater to diverse vacation preferences. The addition of these ships underlines Carnival’s strategy to remain at the forefront of family cruising and onboard innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will Carnival Festivale begin sailing?

Carnival Festivale is slated to launch in spring 2027 from Port Canaveral, offering seven-night Caribbean voyages that feature the new music-themed zones and Sunsation Point water park.

Are BOLT roller coasters being removed from all Excel-class ships?

No. Only Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale will replace the signature BOLT roller coaster with Sunsation Point, a three-deck family entertainment zone that includes expanded water slides, ropes courses, and nighttime splash parties.

What are the key features of the new ships?

Both vessels will introduce Sunsation Point, 1,000 interconnecting cabins, expanded youth activities (including a new Turtles program for children as young as six months), plus indoor and outdoor entertainment inspired by Carnival’s musical heritage. They will also continue Carnival’s partnership with favorite dining venues, such as Guy’s Burger Joint.

What is Project Ace?

Project Ace is Carnival’s long-term initiative to deliver three next-generation mega-ships between 2029 and 2033. Each vessel is expected to weigh 230,000 gross tons, accommodate up to 8,000 guests, and showcase cutting-edge dining, entertainment, and deck designs.

Is sustainability a focus for Carnival’s newest ships?

Yes. In keeping with Carnival’s LNG-powered Excel-class model, Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale will also be powered by liquefied natural gas, reducing emissions and aligning with the cruise line’s environmental goals.