Ship Comparison
Carnival Glory vs Carnival Festivale
Carnival Glory offers classic Carnival fun on shorter cruises, while the new Carnival Festivale elevates family experiences with innovative zones and enhanced cabin options.
The verdict
Choosing between Carnival Glory and the forthcoming Carnival Festivale truly highlights a choice between classic, refreshed charm and cutting-edge family innovation. Carnival Glory, a Conquest-class vessel built in 2003 and refreshed in 2024, is a warm, homey ship perfect for those seeking a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere on shorter sailings, offering beloved complimentary dining and a distinctive design. Carnival Festivale, an Excel-class mega-ship launching in 2027, is designed for the modern family, boasting an unprecedented number of interconnecting cabins, an expansive new waterpark, and a commitment to sustainability with LNG power. While Glory delivers a familiar, easy-to-navigate experience, Festivale promises a larger-scale, immersive, and high-energy adventure with new musical entertainment concepts and advanced amenities, making it ideal for those eager to experience Carnival’s latest offerings.
Choose Carnival Glory if…
Travelers who appreciate classic cruise charm, unique and vibrant décor, and a relaxed, party-hard atmosphere on shorter, value-focused itineraries, especially those new to cruising.
Best for
- Cruisers seeking a classic Carnival experience with a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
- First-time cruisers looking for an easy-to-navigate ship with good value.
- Families and groups on shorter, fun-focused getaways to the Bahamas.
- Guests who appreciate unique, characterful interior design and refreshed accommodations.
Avoid if
- Travelers seeking the very latest in cruise ship innovation and technology.
- Guests who prefer a quieter, more subdued cruise experience away from 'party-hard' vibes.
- Those sensitive to older ship aesthetics, despite recent refreshes.
- Families with very young children not yet potty-trained, due to water facility restrictions.
Choose Carnival Festivale if…
Families and innovation enthusiasts seeking a large, modern, and high-energy mega-ship experience with extensive interconnecting cabins, a massive waterpark, and a focus on sustainable cruising.
Best for
- Families seeking a state-of-the-art cruise with extensive kids' facilities and interconnecting cabins.
- Travelers interested in Carnival's newest innovations, including a large waterpark and immersive music venues.
- Eco-conscious cruisers who prefer ships powered by cleaner fuels like LNG.
- Guests planning Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, including visits to Celebration Key.
Avoid if
- Cruisers who prefer smaller, more intimate ship environments.
- Those looking for established, proven ship layouts and features without the potential for new-ship adjustments.
- Travelers on a very strict budget, as newer ships often come with higher price points.
- Guests seeking a quiet, adults-only cruise, as the ship is heavily geared towards family fun.
Overall Vibe
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory, a Conquest-class vessel launched in 2003, offers a distinctively charming vibe, thanks to its whimsical and often zany Farcusian decor. Despite its age, a significant refresh in Spring 2024 ensures the ship sparkles, blending an old-school character with modern comforts. It maintains a relaxed, homey feel that's easy to navigate, making it a welcoming choice for cruisers who appreciate a vibrant, yet unpretentious atmosphere. The playful design, with its bold colors and unique artistic touches, creates a memorable backdrop for a fun-filled vacation.
Carnival Festivale
The forthcoming Carnival Festivale, an Excel-class mega-ship launching in 2027, promises a truly new and innovative experience centered around family harmony. Designed with six immersive, music-inspired zones, this vessel is poised to deliver a high-energy, modern atmosphere. Its LNG-powered propulsion also signals a commitment to sustainability, appealing to those who value eco-conscious travel alongside cutting-edge fun. The overall vibe will be one of grand scale and continuous activity, with a focus on delivering diverse, engaging experiences across its many decks for all ages.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory accommodates 2,980 passengers, fostering a 'party-hard' yet relaxed environment often favored for three or four-night cruises. Its size allows for a convivial crowd, where guests can easily find both lively deck parties and quieter corners. The ship's KultureCity Sensory Certified status ensures an inclusive atmosphere, with staff trained to assist guests with sensory and invisible disabilities. The vibe is generally happy and vibrant, appealing to a broad range of guests, from families to groups looking for an enjoyable escape.
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale is a much larger Excel-class ship, designed to host 5,356 passengers. This scale suggests a bustling, high-energy environment, perfect for large families and groups. With a crew of 926, the ship aims for seamless service amidst its expansive offerings. Its focus on 'family harmony' and numerous interconnected cabins caters to a multi-generational crowd. Like Glory, Festivale will be KultureCity Sensory Certified, ensuring an inclusive experience, but its sheer size and innovative new zones will likely draw a crowd eager for the latest and greatest in cruise experiences.
Dining
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory offers a robust selection of dining, with highlights including the complimentary Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, both celebrated as among the best at sea. Main dining rooms, Platinum and Golden, feature pleasing Japanese cherry blossom motifs and serve international cuisine, including Indian and steakhouse options. For quick bites, there's the 24-hour Pizza Pirate and Carnival Deli. Upscale options like the Emerald Room Steakhouse and the exclusive Chef's Table provide more refined experiences, while JavaBlue Cafe caters to coffee and pastry cravings.
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale elevates dining with new and returning favorites. The Main Dining Room will feature innovative selections from Emeril Lagasse and a new vegan menu, alongside classic Carnival offerings. Guests can enjoy complimentary Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint, and diverse options at Street Eats, serving international street food like bao buns and loaded fries. For a surcharge, Bonsai Teppanyaki offers an interactive culinary show, while Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse provides BBQ and craft beers, with a complimentary lunch menu. The Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse rounds out the upscale choices.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory provides a lively mix of entertainment, from theatrical productions in the Amber Palace Theater to the popular Punchliner Comedy Club, offering both family-friendly and adult-only shows. Nightlife thrives at The Cinn-A-Bar Piano Bar for sing-alongs, the White Heat Dance Club for dancing, and the Camel Club Casino for gaming. Daytime fun includes Carnival WaterWorks with its Twister and AquaTunnel slides, Dive-In Movies by the pool, and various games like mini-golf and trivia, ensuring activities for all ages.
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale promises an immersive entertainment lineup across its innovative zones. The new Carnival Waterworks Ultra is a standout, featuring six thrilling slides, splash pads, and evening illuminations with a DJ. New immersive music venues like The Spark and Mix offer creative cocktail experiences paired with live performances. The Festivale Casino, touted as the fleet's largest, will feature a $1 Million Slot Progressive Jackpot. Family Feud Live brings a popular game show to the stage, ensuring interactive fun, alongside the returning Alchemy Bar and Punchliner Comedy Club.
Cabins & Suites
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory's 1,487 cabins were refreshed in Spring 2024, featuring new soft furnishings, Dream Beds, and modern bedside lighting with USB ports. Options range from Interior and Ocean View staterooms to Balcony, Premium Balcony, and Scenic Ocean View categories. The suite offerings are particularly noteworthy, including spacious Ocean Suites, Grand Suites with dressing areas, and the expansive Captain's Suites, which boast 180-degree views and two full bathrooms, all offering VIP perks like priority boarding and laundry service.
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale is designed with family comfort in mind, featuring 1,000 interconnecting cabins, a 70 percent increase over existing Excel-class ships. This mega-ship will offer a variety of staterooms and suites, including standard Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony options. Unique accommodations include Havana Staterooms and Suites, which grant exclusive access to the Havana Bar & Pool, and Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms and Suites, offering spa-exclusive amenities and priority reservations. The top-tier Excel Suites provide concierge service and access to Loft 19, an exclusive retreat.
Service & Onboard Style
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory maintains a traditional, attentive service style, with dedicated stateroom attendants ensuring a comfortable journey. The ship's 'homey' atmosphere is complemented by its KultureCity Sensory Certified status, meaning staff are trained to support guests with sensory and invisible disabilities, and sensory bags are available. The overall style, while refreshed, retains a distinctive, often whimsical old-school charm, offering a welcoming and familiar experience that contributes to a relaxed cruising pace.
Carnival Festivale
As a new Excel-class vessel, Carnival Festivale is expected to offer a modern and efficient service experience, integrating new technologies with Carnival's signature hospitality. The ship will also be KultureCity Sensory Certified, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive guest care through trained staff and available sensory bags. Its larger scale and innovative zones, like the music-inspired areas, suggest a dynamic and high-tech onboard style, focused on delivering personalized and immersive experiences across its many venues, all while upholding a contemporary and fun ambiance.
Best Itineraries
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory is ideally suited for shorter cruises, particularly the three or four-night itineraries to destinations like the Bahamas. These shorter sailings allow guests to experience the ship's vibrant atmosphere and extensive amenities without committing to a longer voyage. Its easy-to-navigate layout and diverse offerings make it a popular choice for first-time cruisers or those seeking a quick, fun getaway.
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale will homeport from Port Canaveral, primarily offering Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. These sailings are perfect for guests looking to explore tropical destinations, including calls at Carnival's private destinations like Half Moon Cay and the new Celebration Key. The ship's focus on family-friendly features and large capacity makes it an excellent choice for extended family vacations to the sunny Caribbean.
What reviewers say
Carnival Glory
4/5Carnival Glory reveals itself to be the perfect ship for a three or four-night cruise, offering a compelling mix of cozy public rooms, well-kept staterooms, and unique décor. This creates a perfect experience that rivals newer vessels, providing a happy, relaxed atmosphere for any traveler seeking fun or a quiet escape.
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.
Itineraries to compare
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Carnival Glory
Carnival Festivale
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

Ship Guide
Carnival Glory: Ideal for Shorter, Fun-Filled Cruises
Experience a happy, relaxed atmosphere on Carnival Glory's 3 or 4-night cruises, perfect for fun or a quiet escape.

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