Get ready to set sail on Carnival Festivale, the newest addition to the Excel‑class and the ultimate blend of family fun, immersive music, and groundbreaking onboard entertainment.
This futuristic vessel is scheduled to debut in spring 2027, with its maiden 15‑night transatlantic voyage departing Southampton, UK on May 2, 2027, and arriving at its homeport in Port Canaveral on May 16, 2027.
Once home, Festivale will begin cruising on May 19, 2027, with an inaugural four‑day Bahamas itinerary, followed by a rich schedule of six‑ and eight‑day Eastern and Southern Caribbean voyages. Among the many destinations are Carnival’s exclusive Celebration Key, RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay, and ports like Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. A special New Year’s cruise starting December 27, 2027, is also available.
Highlights & New Features
- Sunsation Point (Decks 16–18): Carnival’s largest, most family‑friendly waterpark. Features six thrilling slides—including raft rides SunSoaker, Turning Tides, Racing Currents, Mini Racers, and Mini Twister—alongside a nostalgic Vault Retrocade, a Treehouse adventure trail, a toddler playground, and even night‑time operations with lighting and a live DJ.
- Studio 724 & Music‑Themed Zones:
- Studio 724: A cutting‑edge, tech‑driven zone where music comes alive through interactive light and sound displays.
- The Spark (Deck 6): Experience songwriting through signature cocktails and nightly live performances.
- Alchemy Bar (Deck 6): Expanded lounge with live music stage.
- Piano Bar 88 (Deck 6) and Mix Bar (Deck 7): Sip creatively named elixirs like the Synth or Hi‑Fi, or craft your own via “track layering.”
- Limelight Lounge revamps the traditional show experience with music-inspired ambiance.
- The Festival (Deck 8): A vibrant, open-air festival zone—complete with Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar, Pizza Palooza, and Rhythm & Rolls Deli—brings outdoor music‑festival energy to sea.
- Additional Enhancements:
- 1,000 interconnected staterooms—nearly 70% more than earlier Excel ships—and dedicated areas for very young cruisers (Carnival’s Turtles program) and improved youth spaces.
- Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) for cleaner cruising.
- Retains fan‑favorite venues like Alchemy Bar, Piano Bar 88, Limelight Lounge, as well as dining spots such as Big Chicken and Swirls, with new concepts set to be revealed later