Melissa Donovan
Carnival Cruise Line announced plans to base its newest Excel Class ship, Carnival Festivale, at Port Canaveral beginning in Spring 2027. The ship will be the fourth in the Excel Class series and will operate from the Central Florida port, which serves the Orlando area.
The vessel shares its name with a previous Carnival ship that entered service in the late 1970s. According to the cruise line, Carnival Festivale will introduce new onboard zones, including spaces focused on music-themed venues and interactive experiences.
New Outdoor Zone and Water Park
A new outdoor area, Sunsation Point, will include the Carnival Waterworks Ultra water park. The park is expected to feature six water slides—including raft slides for multiple riders—along with splash pads and other water-based attractions. Sunsation Point will also replace the BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, which is present on the three previous Excel Class ships.
Additional activities in the area will include a treehouse-style elevated adventure trail, miniature golf, and arcade games. Carnival stated that Waterworks will be open at night for the first time, with added lighting, music, and extended access to the water features, as well as evening events.
Increased Cabin Connectivity and Dining Options
The cruise line noted that Carnival Festivale will include nearly 70% more interconnecting cabins than its sister ships in the same class. According to Carnival, the change is intended to accommodate families more effectively, as approximately one million children sail with the cruise line annually.
Dining options will include returning venues such as Guy’s Burger Joint and Big Chicken. Additional dining concepts are planned, but specific details have not yet been released.
Excel Class Expansion
The Excel Class currently includes Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, each with a capacity of more than 5,200 guests at double occupancy.
Following the debut of Carnival Festivale in 2027, the fifth Excel Class vessel, Carnival Tropicale, is scheduled for delivery in Spring 2028. Carnival Corporation, the cruise line’s parent company, also plans to introduce three larger ships starting in 2029. Each of these future ships is expected to feature more than 3,000 staterooms, making them the largest in the corporation’s fleet.
Itinerary Details and Booking Information
Itinerary specifics for Carnival Festivale have not yet been released. Carnival Cruise Line stated that additional details are expected to become available in Summer 2025. Interested travelers can sign up for updates through the company’s official website.
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