Keel Laying Marks the Beginning of Carnival Festivale’s Construction at Meyer Werft

Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, celebrated the keel laying of Carnival Cruise Line’s latest Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale, on August 14, 2025. This vessel, set to be delivered in spring 2027, is part of CCL’s strategy to expand its fleet and enhance onboard entertainment.

During the ceremony, representative coins marked with musical notes were ceremoniously placed beneath the 598-ton keel block, a gesture rooted in maritime tradition to bring good luck. Attendees included Carnival leadership, such as Brett Vitols and Petu Kummala, as well as project managers from Meyer Werft, led by Georg Schauen.

Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, highlighted Carnival Festivale’s music-themed design, which aims to create unique guest experiences and redefine entertainment at sea. She expressed gratitude for Meyer Werft’s collaboration on the project.

CCL has opened bookings for the inaugural season of Carnival Festivale, which will be based at Port Canaveral, Florida, marking it as their fourth Excel-class and LNG-powered ship. Designed for families, the vessel will showcase music-focused zones that engage guests of all ages through interactive experiences and immersive shows.

Notably, Sunsation Point, a vibrant family area on Decks 16 to 18 featuring Carnival WaterWorks Ultra—the largest water park at sea—will be a highlight. The ship will also boast 1,000 interconnecting staterooms and expanded facilities for children, aiming to be a premier destination for family vacations.

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