Exciting Announcements: Carnival Cruise Line Unveils New Ships Carnival Festivale (2027) and Carnival Tropicale (2028)

Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) has unveiled its ambitious "Innovation Itinerary," a five-year roadmap focusing on three main goals: operating the most entertaining fleet at sea, creating engaging experiences and destinations, and building a loyal passenger base.

During a media event on the Carnival Celebration at PortMiami, President Christine Duffy outlined future developments including new ships, fleet upgrades, and unique destination offerings. CCL now boasts 29 ships in its fleet, the largest in its history, following the integration of two vessels into its Australian operations.

Key highlights include the anticipated opening of Celebration Key in July, ongoing expansion at RelaxAway in Half Moon Cay, and the delivery of two additional Excel-class ships in 2027 and 2028. Furthermore, CCL is set to introduce three new ships under the Project Ace initiative starting in 2029, all of which will be among the largest in Carnival’s fleet.

The first ship in the new Excel-class series, named Carnival Festivale, will debut in spring 2027, homeporting in Port Canaveral, Florida. This ship will feature three innovative zones dedicated to music and immersive experiences, including an area inspired by the music creation process and another focused on outdoor performances. Additionally, Carnival Festivale will offer a dedicated space for the Turtles program for very young children, alongside a new outdoor family fun area called Sunsation Point, spanning the top three decks.

The forthcoming fifth Excel-class ship will be named Carnival Tropicale, continuing the trend of honoring the line’s historical vessels. More details will be shared closer to its expected delivery in spring 2028, including homeport and reservation information. Carnival Tropicale will feature many new offerings similar to Carnival Festivale, enhanced by additional concepts.

Looking beyond, the Project Ace initiative plans to construct three vessels, each weighing 230,000 gross tons and designed to accommodate almost 8,000 guests.

Carnival’s exclusive destination, Celebration Key, aims to offer guests an unforgettable day in paradise, with significant traffic expected from twenty Carnival ships over 1,400 planned sailings through 2027.

Furthermore, the expansion at RelaxAway in Half Moon Cay will include a new pier suitable for the Excel-class and Project Ace ships, enhancing the natural beauty cherished by guests while adding modern amenities. This expansion is expected to finish by late 2026.

In 2026, the destination Mahogany Bay in Roatan, Honduras, will be rebranded as Isla Tropicale, featuring enhancements such as a swim-up bar pool, cabanas, and an expanded beach area.

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