Carnival Cruise Line has revealed the names and initial features of its upcoming Excel-class vessels, set to join the line-up in 2027 and 2028 respectively.
Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale will become the fourth and fifth members of Carnival’s popular Excel series, known for their size and innovative amenities. Currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, the LNG-powered ships promise an evolution of the Excel-class design.
Carnival’s President, Christine Duffy, shared key details about the new ships, emphasising a focus on multi-generational travel. This commitment will be reflected in the ships’ design, featuring an increased number of connecting rooms and enhanced spaces dedicated to youth programs.
A significant departure from previous Excel-class ships will be the introduction of “Sunsation Point,” a sprawling “multi-deck, ultra water park at sea.” which will replace the signature BOLT! Roller Coaster found on other Excel-class vessels. Adding another dimension to the onboard entertainment, the Sensation space is also slated to host special events and celebrations on select evenings.
The Carnival Festivale is scheduled to debut from Port Canaveral in Spring 2027. This 5,400-guest ship will boast music-themed public areas, an enlarged version of the popular Alchemy Bar, and newly enhanced dining venues. Its initial itineraries will focus on the Caribbean and the Bahamas, offering guests visits to Carnival’s highly anticipated new private island destination, Celebration Key, as well as the upgraded RelaxAway Half Moon Key.
Details regarding the deployment and itineraries for the Carnival Tropicale, expected to enter service in 2028, will be announced at a later date.
The Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale will expand Carnival’s existing Excel-class fleet, which currently includes the Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and the Carnival Jubilee.
Looking beyond these two additions, Carnival Cruise Line is also slated to receive three massive 230,000-ton vessels, currently known as Project Ace. These 8,000-guest capacity ships will be built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, with deliveries expected between 2029 and 2032, signalling a significant expansion of Carnival’s fleet in the coming years.