CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has opened bookings for its newest Excel-class vessel, Carnival Festivale, scheduled to enter service in 2027. The ship will homeport at Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida), offering an expanded selection of 6- and 8-day Caribbean itineraries, including calls at Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten, as well as Carnival’s private destinations, Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay. A 15-day transatlantic crossing from Southampton will precede its Caribbean deployment, featuring stops in Spain, Portugal’s Madeira Island, and the Canary Islands before arriving in Florida.
The vessel will introduce Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, the line’s largest and most family-friendly water park at sea, alongside three distinct entertainment zones designed to elevate the onboard experience. Studio 724 will offer interactive music-themed engagements, while The Festival will replicate the atmosphere of outdoor music festivals with dynamic dining and beverage venues. Sunsation Point, spanning three decks, will feature expanded recreational amenities, including a retro arcade, illuminated mini-golf, and an adventure trail with netted bridges.
Carnival President Christine Duffy emphasized that Carnival Festivale is designed to appeal to multi-generational travelers through immersive entertainment and enhanced accommodations, including 1,000 interconnecting staterooms. The ship will also introduce dedicated programming for younger guests, including an expanded Turtles nursery space for infants and toddlers.
Upon arrival in Port Canaveral, Carnival Festivale will join its sister ship, Mardi Gras, further solidifying the port’s status as a key hub for Carnival’s Excel-class fleet. Additional deployment details for the 2027-2028 season are expected to be announced in the coming months.