Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled exciting plans for Carnival Festivale, the latest addition to its groundbreaking Excel class ship series, set to debut in spring 2027. Departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, this innovative vessel will introduce an array of new experiences, pushing the boundaries of what travelers can expect at sea.
A Fresh Take on Fun at Sea
Blending tradition with transformation, Carnival Festivale is the next evolution in the Excel class ship family. The ship will feature three brand-new onboard zones, two of which span Decks 6 through 8 and center around one universal language – music. These immersive environments are designed to celebrate both the creation and performance of music, using sound design, interactive media, and bold lighting to deliver a multisensory experience unlike anything Carnival has done before.
Designed with Families in Mind
True to Carnival’s reputation for hosting more families than any other cruise line, Carnival Festivale takes family travel to a new level. The ship will include 1,000 interconnecting staterooms – nearly 70% more than on the earliest Excel class ships – providing flexible lodging options that make traveling with kids and extended family easier than ever.
In another first, the ship will introduce a dedicated space for the Carnival Turtles program, catering to guests between six months and two years old. In addition, the youth programs throughout the ship are getting a major upgrade, with expanded spaces and programming that give younger cruisers even more ways to stay engaged.
Sunsation Point: A Multi-Deck Adventure Zone
Among the most buzzworthy additions to Carnival Festivale is Sunsation Point, a brand-new outdoor family zone spread across the ship’s top three decks. Replacing the BOLT roller coaster found on previous Excel class ships, this space will become the heart of open-air excitement.
Headlining Sunsation Point is Carnival Waterworks Ultra, the largest water park the line has ever launched. It will feature six thrilling slides—four brand new—including two family raft rides, plus two splash pads, a baby-friendly splash area, and dry zones with treehouse-style play structures. A sports court, ropes course, jogging track, mini golf, and arcade space round out the fun. For the first time ever, the water park will remain open at night, with DJ-led parties and glowing evening events that activate all three decks with music and motion.
Delicious Updates to Fan-Favorite Dining
In tandem with its bold design changes, Carnival Festivale will debut new dining options in partnership with Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse. A brand-new venue will replace ChiBang!, while staples like Guy’s Burger Joint, Big Chicken, and Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse will continue to satisfy guests.
Itinerary and reservation details for Carnival Festivale, the newest Excel class ship, will be released this summer. Guests can sign up now to be among the first to receive updates. Looking ahead, Carnival Festivale sets the tone for future fleet additions, including the fifth Excel class ship, Carnival Tropicale, scheduled for spring 2028.