Ship Comparison
Carnival Festivale vs Carnival Freedom
Carnival Festivale brings a new era of family innovation and sustainability to the seas, while Carnival Freedom remains a beloved classic offering vibrant, all-ages fun.
The verdict
For those seeking the absolute newest experiences, Carnival Festivale, launching in 2027, promises to be a trailblazer with its enhanced family-centric design, including an unprecedented number of interconnecting cabins and a cutting-edge waterpark. Its commitment to sustainability with LNG power also sets it apart. Carnival Freedom, a seasoned Conquest-class ship, offers a more intimate yet equally lively atmosphere, having benefited from a 2019 refurbishment that brought popular Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades. While smaller, Freedom delivers robust complimentary dining and entertainment, making it an excellent value for families looking for a classic Carnival experience without the wait for a new build.
Choose Carnival Festivale if…
The Carnival Festivale is ideal for families who prioritize the latest innovations, extensive interconnected cabin options, and a focus on sustainable cruising. It appeals to those who enjoy high-energy, music-themed entertainment and large-scale waterpark thrills.
Best for
- Families seeking the newest innovations and extensive interconnected cabin options
- Eco-conscious travelers interested in LNG-powered ships
- Guests who enjoy high-energy, music-themed entertainment and large waterparks
- Cruisers looking for Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, including Celebration Key
Avoid if
- You prefer a smaller, more intimate ship experience
- You are sensitive to high-energy, crowded environments
- You prefer classic or traditional cruise ship decor over modern designs
- You are seeking itineraries outside of the Caribbean
Choose Carnival Freedom if…
Carnival Freedom suits multigenerational families and social travelers seeking a proven, value-oriented cruise experience with a lively atmosphere. It's perfect for those who appreciate abundant complimentary dining and a good mix of adult-focused and family-friendly entertainment.
Best for
- Multigenerational families looking for a proven, value-oriented cruise experience
- Social night owls who enjoy diverse bars, live music, and comedy
- Guests who appreciate abundant complimentary dining options like Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina
- Relaxed sun seekers prioritizing dedicated adult-only retreats
Avoid if
- You prioritize the absolute newest ship features and technology
- You are a light sleeper concerned about potential cabin noise on certain decks
- You prefer a very quiet and subdued onboard atmosphere
- You are looking for highly specialized, gourmet dining experiences beyond traditional cruise fare
Overall Vibe
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale, launching in 2027 as a new Excel-class mega-ship, is designed to be an unforgettable event, focusing on family harmony and innovative experiences. Spanning 19 decks, this vessel will feature six distinct zones, including new music-inspired and immersive areas like Studio 724. The outdoor Sunsation Point boasts Carnival WaterWorks Ultra with raft rides, offering ample splashy fun. As an LNG-powered ship, Festivale also signals a forward-thinking approach to environmental responsibility, promising a modern and vibrant atmosphere for all onboard.
Carnival Freedom
Carnival Freedom, a Conquest-class ship launched in 2007 and refurbished in 2019, embodies a relaxed, fun-for-all atmosphere across its 14 decks. Its 'feel free to have fun!' ethos is evident throughout, from the casual dining options like Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina to lively entertainment spots like Scott's Piano Bar and the 70's Nightclub. The ship successfully balances offerings for all ages, including a Carnival WaterWorks and mini-golf, ensuring that both kids and the young at heart find plenty to enjoy in its established, vibrant setting.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Carnival Festivale
The atmosphere on Carnival Festivale will be high-energy, modern, and distinctly family-friendly. With a capacity for 5,270 guests and a crew of 926, the ship is engineered to foster family harmony, featuring an impressive 1,000 interconnecting cabins—70 percent more than other Excel-class ships. This design caters to larger groups traveling together. The dedicated Turtles kids' program for infants and toddlers further underscores its commitment to comprehensive family fun, drawing a crowd eager for innovative and engaging experiences.
Carnival Freedom
Carnival Freedom cultivates a lively, multigenerational atmosphere, appealing to guests of all ages with its value-oriented approach. Carrying 2,974 guests and supported by a crew of 1,160, it offers a more intimate feel than its newer counterpart, with a favorable guest-to-crew ratio of approximately 2.56:1. The ship’s ambiance is one of inclusive fun, where families can enjoy the Camp Ocean children's program and the whimsical Seuss at Sea experience, alongside adults unwinding at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, creating a balanced and engaging environment.
Dining
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale will offer a diverse culinary landscape, including complimentary options like the Main Dining Room with new selections from Emeril Lagasse and a dedicated vegan menu, plus fan-favorites Big Chicken and Guy's Burger Joint. New casual choices like Street Eats, featuring Steam Dream, Mad Sizzle, and Time Fries, add variety. For an additional cost, guests can savor specialty dining at Bonsai Teppanyaki, Seafood Shack, Bonsai Sushi, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, where lunch is complimentary.
Carnival Freedom
Carnival Freedom provides a wealth of dining choices, many included in the fare. Guests can enjoy the Main Dining Rooms, Posh and Chic, which offer rotating menus, Steakhouse Selections, and sit-down breakfast and lunch. The Lido Marketplace is a sprawling buffet with various stations, including Comfort Kitchen, The Carnival Deli, and Mongolian Wok, plus 24/7 Pizza Pirate and soft-serve. Highly praised complimentary venues like Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina are popular. Specialty options for an additional cost include the Steakhouse, Seafood Shack, Bonsai Sushi Express, The Chef's Table, and the Viennese Cafe for specialty coffees.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale promises a fresh lineup of entertainment and nightlife, centered around its music-inspired zones. Highlights include the deck-spanning Studio 724 multimedia experience, The Spark bar with live music performances, and Mix, where guests can personalize cocktails. For gaming enthusiasts, Festivale Casino is touted as the fleet's largest, featuring a $1 Million Dollar Slot Progressive Jackpot. Classic Carnival favorites like Alchemy Bar (with live music), Center Stage & Playlist Productions, and The Punchliner Comedy Club (with family-friendly and adult-only shows) will also be onboard.
Carnival Freedom
Carnival Freedom offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and nightlife, with many classic Carnival venues. Guests can enjoy four distinct Playlist Productions shows, along with variety acts like magicians and hypnotists in the Victoriana Show Lounge. The ship features the popular Punchliner Comedy Club for both family and adult audiences, and the 70s Night Club for dancing. Daytime fun includes Carnival WaterWorks, a waterslide, mini-golf, and Seaside Theater 'Dive In' Movies. Multiple bars like RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, RedFrog Pub (with live music and games), and Alchemy Bar cater to diverse tastes, ensuring a lively atmosphere day and night.
Cabins & Suites
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale emphasizes family accommodations with 1,000 interconnecting cabins, a 70% increase over existing Excel-class ships. The ship offers a range of accommodations, including standard Interior, Ocean View (some with couches), and Balcony staterooms. Suites come with VIP status and perks, with Carnival Excel Suites featuring concierge service and Loft 19 access. Unique options include Havana Staterooms & Suites, providing exclusive access to the Havana Bar & Pool (12+ age restriction), and Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms & Suites with spa amenities and priority reservations.
Carnival Freedom
Carnival Freedom provides a comprehensive selection of cabins and suites, from economical Interiors (starting at 185 sq ft) to luxurious Captain’s Suites that sleep up to five with two bathrooms. Ocean View cabins, some with portholes or floor-to-ceiling Scenic Ocean Views, are available. Balcony staterooms offer private outdoor space, with Premium and Aft-View Extended Balconies providing more generous dimensions. The 42 suites, including Ocean Suites, Grand Suites, and Junior Suites, all feature VIP perks like priority check-in, Elemis products, and bathrobes. Guests should note potential noise in cabins on decks 2, 6, and 8 due to nearby public venues.
Service & Onboard Style
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale, as a new Excel-class ship, is poised to offer a modern and innovative style of service, focused on creating seamless family vacations and personalized experiences. With a guest-to-crew ratio of approximately 5.7:1 (5,270 guests to 926 crew), the service aims to be efficient and engaging. The Main Dining Room encourages a lively, 'not stuffy' atmosphere, even featuring table-dancing waiters. Personalized touches are evident at the Alchemy Bar, where 'true mix-masters' craft custom elixirs, and at Mix, allowing guests to 'play producer' with their drink choices, all guided by experienced staff in youth programs.
Carnival Freedom
Carnival Freedom delivers a warm, established style of service, characterized by its dedication to fun-for-all-ages and a multigenerational guest experience. With a more intimate guest-to-crew ratio of approximately 2.56:1 (2,974 guests to 1,160 crew), guests can anticipate more attentive and traditional service. Suites offer VIP check-in and other priority perks. Experienced counselors lead youth programs like Camp Ocean, while knowledgeable bartenders at Alchemy Bar craft sophisticated cocktails. The ambiance is lively and accommodating, from the helpful casino staff to the relaxing Spa Carnival therapies, ensuring a welcoming and engaging cruise for everyone.
Best Itineraries
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale is set to primarily sail Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, homeporting from Port Canaveral. These voyages will feature calls at exciting destinations, including Carnival's private island experiences like Half Moon Cay and the new Celebration Key. For cruisers looking to explore the vibrant Caribbean with the latest ship features and amenities, Festivale's offerings will be particularly appealing, combining sun-drenched adventures with a cutting-edge onboard experience.
Carnival Freedom
Specific itineraries for Carnival Freedom are not detailed in the provided information. However, given its 'island state of mind' and general Carnival offerings, it can be inferred that the ship typically sails to popular, sun-filled destinations that align with a fun, casual cruise experience. Guests interested in a relaxed, value-driven cruise to tropical locales would find Carnival Freedom a suitable choice, enjoying its established amenities and entertainment while exploring various ports of call.
What reviewers say
Carnival Festivale
As a forthcoming Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale is poised to redefine family cruising with an unprecedented number of interconnecting cabins and an innovative new waterpark. While specific itineraries and full dining details are still emerging, it promises a fun-filled, sustainable vacation experience.
Carnival Freedom
4.5/5Carnival Freedom offers tremendous value with a fun-for-all-ages atmosphere, making it a great choice for multigenerational families. While some spaces could use refinement, its fresh concepts and extensive complimentary dining ensure a good time onboard.
Itineraries to compare
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Carnival Festivale
Carnival Freedom
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

Ship Guide
Carnival Festivale: Redefining Family Cruising Adventures
Discover unprecedented interconnecting cabins and an innovative new waterpark for all ages.

Ship Guide
Carnival Freedom: Family Fun & Tremendous Value
Discover an inclusive, fun-for-all-ages atmosphere, perfect for your next multigenerational family cruise.
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