Carnival Cruise Line is set to revolutionize ocean travel with the introduction of the Carnival Festivale, a state-of-the-art vessel poised to commence its maiden voyages in May 2027. This new addition to the Excel class promises an unparalleled experience, boasting a record 1,000 interconnecting accommodations, an expansive aquatic amusement area, and groundbreaking interactive musical zones. The ship’s deployment from Port Canaveral will facilitate year-round Caribbean journeys, appealing to a broad spectrum of travelers, particularly large family groups. This strategic launch highlights Carnival's commitment to enhancing guest comfort and entertainment while expanding its operational reach in the popular Caribbean region.
The Carnival Festivale, the fourth ship in the Excel class, carries a name that pays homage to Carnival’s heritage, echoing the original Carnivale from 1977. Its inaugural journey on May 2, 2027, will be a 15-day transatlantic crossing originating from Southampton, England. This unique itinerary includes stops in prominent European cities such as La Coruña and Vigo in Spain, followed by visits to Madeira, Tenerife, and Grand Turk, culminating in its arrival at Port Canaveral on May 16. This provides an extraordinary opportunity for passengers to immerse themselves in both European and Caribbean cultures within a single voyage.
Upon its arrival in Port Canaveral, the Festivale will embark on a four-day cruise to the Bahamas, featuring calls at Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Its core service will then shift to six and eight-day expeditions to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, encompassing sought-after destinations like Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Over 50 different itineraries are currently available for booking, including a special seven-day New Year's cruise departing on December 27, 2027.
A standout feature of the Festivale is Studio 724, an innovative multi-venue area dedicated to music, situated adjacent to the ship’s Grand Central atrium. This zone is meticulously designed to replicate the dynamic environment of music creation, incorporating sound-responsive lighting and visuals that synchronize with live performances and recorded music. The Spark lounge, serving as the nucleus of this area, offers cocktails inspired by famous songs and a stage for live musical acts, all within a setting that pays tribute to the art of songwriting. The ship also features a more spacious Alchemy Bar, the Mix Bar for custom drink concoctions, and a redesigned Limelight Lounge for late-night shows, all contributing to an immersive musical ambiance.
Deck 8 hosts The Festival, an outdoor dining and entertainment hub that emulates the vibrant atmosphere of a music festival. This area seamlessly integrates culinary delights, beverages, and open-air performances, transforming its mood from day to night. Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar transitions from serving specialty coffees during the day to cocktails in the evening, with corresponding changes in lighting and music. Casual dining options include Pizza Palooza, offering fresh pizzas with extended hours, and Rhythm & Rolls Deli, which provides sandwiches in a setting inspired by food trucks. Both venues feature open counters that foster interaction with the promenade, making The Festival a lively social focal point, especially during evening performances.
For family recreation, the Festivale introduces Sunsation Point, a sprawling multi-deck area spanning Decks 16 through 18. This zone is anchored by Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, the largest water park in the fleet, featuring six slides designed for various thrill levels, from multi-person raft rides like SunSoaker and Turning Tides to competitive racing slides and smaller options for children. Deck 16 also offers the Vista Pool with ocean views and a splash pad for toddlers, complemented by dining and beverage choices such as Big Chicken, Swirls ice cream, and Sunsation Sips bar. Deck 17 expands the fun with the Vault Retrocade, a mix of classic and modern arcade games, and the Scenic Overlook, a bar with panoramic aft views and outdoor games. A treetop-style adventure trail with net bridges and a dry slide, along with a dedicated toddler play area, further enhances the family offerings. Notably, the water park will operate during select evening hours, complete with lighting effects and a live DJ, providing an extended after-dinner activity for families.
With its expanded capacity of 1,000 interconnected rooms, the Carnival Festivale is strategically designed to accommodate multi-generational travel and larger groups, underscoring its focus on family-oriented experiences. The vessel will also feature enhanced youth spaces, including a dedicated area for Carnival’s Turtles program catering to guests aged six months to two years. The Festivale will share its homeport in Port Canaveral year-round with its Excel-class sister ship, Mardi Gras. While the complete 2027–2028 deployment schedule is yet to be announced, Carnival has confirmed that the ship will offer a mix of Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries throughout its inaugural year, which will include calls at Carnival’s new Celebration Key destination in Grand Bahama.