Carnival Tropicale

    Carnival Cruise Line

    Carnival Tropicale

    Carnival Radiance

    Carnival Cruise Line

    Carnival Radiance

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Carnival Tropicale vs Carnival Radiance

    Carnival Tropicale offers a grand, future-forward family adventure, while Carnival Radiance provides a vibrant, intimate escape with beloved favorites and a touch of classic charm.

    The verdict

    Choosing between Carnival Tropicale and Carnival Radiance really comes down to whether you prefer the newest, largest ship with cutting-edge attractions or a beloved, recently refreshed vessel that offers a cozier, yet equally fun, experience. Tropicale, an Excel-class newbuild launching in 2028, is designed for the modern family, boasting a massive increase in interconnecting cabins and a brand-new top-deck waterpark, Sunsation Point. It's for those eager to experience Carnival's latest innovations and a grand-scale vacation. Radiance, on the other hand, is a mid-size ship from 2000, thoroughly revamped in 2021. It delivers a familiar, energetic Carnival atmosphere with fan-favorite dining and entertainment in a more manageable setting. It's a fantastic option for cruisers who appreciate a lively ambiance without the overwhelming scale of a mega-ship, offering a blend of classic and modern amenities.

    Choose Carnival Tropicale if…

    Travelers seeking the absolute newest and largest Carnival experience with a focus on innovative family attractions and modern design.

    Best for

    • Families seeking the newest and most expansive waterpark at sea
    • Thrill-seekers looking for innovative outdoor activities like ropes courses and adventure trails
    • Cruisers interested in experiencing Carnival's latest Excel-class ship innovations
    • Large families or groups benefiting from a high number of interconnecting cabins
    • Guests who appreciate modern design and a vibrant, energetic atmosphere

    Avoid if

    • You prefer a smaller, more intimate ship experience
    • You were specifically looking for the BOLT roller coaster, as it's replaced by Sunsation Point
    • You prefer established itineraries and a proven track record over a brand-new ship experience
    • You are sensitive to large crowds and a bustling atmosphere

    Choose Carnival Radiance if…

    Cruisers who appreciate a vibrant, fun-filled atmosphere on a mid-size ship that's easy to navigate, blending familiar favorites with recent upgrades.

    Best for

    • Families looking for a comprehensive range of kid-friendly activities on a mid-size ship
    • Socializers who enjoy diverse bars, live music, and comedy clubs
    • Guests seeking relaxation in dedicated adults-only retreats and thermal suites (for an extra fee)
    • Foodies eager to explore a wide array of complimentary and specialty dining options
    • Active adventurers who appreciate ropes courses, waterslides, and sports facilities

    Avoid if

    • You prefer the very newest ship with the latest design and technology
    • You are sensitive to noise and plan to book a Cloud 9 Spa room on Deck 11 (due to proximity to kids' clubs)
    • You dislike crowds at popular complimentary dining venues during peak times
    • You are seeking an ultra-luxury or extremely quiet cruise experience

    Overall Vibe

    Carnival Tropicale

    Carnival Tropicale, set to launch in 2028, embodies the future of Carnival's fun-focused cruising as the fifth Excel-class mega-ship. Its design emphasizes modern innovation and a vibrant, active experience. Powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), it signals a forward-thinking approach. The ship builds on its predecessors with new concepts like Sunsation Point, a multi-slide waterpark replacing the BOLT roller coaster, alongside a treehouse-inspired adventure trail. This ship is poised to offer a fresh, large-scale, and energetic vacation for those seeking the latest in Carnival's offerings.

    Carnival Radiance

    Carnival Radiance, launched in 2000 and extensively refurbished in 2021, offers a different flavor of Carnival fun. As a mid-size, Destiny-class ship, it strikes a balance, providing many big-ship amenities within a more intimate and easy-to-navigate setting. Following its $200-million-dollar makeover, the ship feels refreshed while retaining a cozy charm. Guests can expect a vibrant, fun-filled atmosphere that blends familiar Carnival favorites like WaterWorks and the SkyCourse ropes course with newer additions such as Shaq O'Neal's Big Chicken shack. It’s an inviting choice for those who appreciate a lively, yet manageable cruise experience.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Carnival Tropicale

    The atmosphere on Carnival Tropicale is designed to be family-friendly, vibrant, and highly active. With a substantial passenger capacity of 5,270 guests and a dedicated crew of 926, the ship is built to handle a lively crowd while maintaining a strong service ratio. Its focus on innovative outdoor and musical entertainment, including the expansive Sunsation Point waterpark and new music venues across decks 6, 7, and 8, suggests a dynamic and energetic environment where families and socializers will find plenty of opportunities for engagement and fun. Expect a bustling, modern setting catering to a broad demographic.

    Carnival Radiance

    Carnival Radiance cultivates a vibrant, fun-filled atmosphere, appealing to a diverse range of cruisers seeking an enjoyable escape. With a passenger capacity of 2,984, it feels cozier than its mega-ship counterparts, fostering a sense of community without feeling overly crowded. The ship's extensive refurbishment infused it with modern appeal, yet it retains a comfortable, familiar charm. Public spaces like the Lido Marketplace and main dining rooms can be lively during peak times, while areas such as the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat offer a dedicated space for adults to find a more peaceful setting amidst the ship's overall energetic vibe.

    Dining

    Carnival Tropicale

    As a new Excel-class ship, Carnival Tropicale will bring popular complimentary eateries to the forefront, including the ever-popular Guy's Burger Joint, the rustic Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewery, and the casual Big Chicken. While specific details on the full dining lineup are still emerging, it's confirmed that a new dining concept will replace the previous Chinese and Mexican offerings, indicating a fresh culinary direction. This approach suggests a focus on Carnival's well-loved, casual, and inclusive dining experiences, with hints of innovative twists to surprise and delight guests.

    Carnival Radiance

    Carnival Radiance offers a comprehensive and diverse array of dining options, catering to nearly every palate. Complimentary favorites include Shaq's Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint, and BlueIguana Cantina for casual bites, alongside the main Dining Room and Lido Marketplace buffet. For those seeking specialty experiences, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse provides gourmet cuts, while Cucina del Capitano offers Italian fare, and Bonsai Sushi caters to Asian cravings. The variety, from 24-hour pizza at Pizzeria del Capitano to the bespoke craft cocktails at Alchemy Bar, ensures guests have a wealth of choices for both quick meals and celebratory dinners.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Carnival Tropicale

    Carnival Tropicale promises a fresh take on onboard entertainment, highlighted by the brand-new Sunsation Point waterpark, featuring six slides, splash pads, and even evening illuminations with a DJ. This replaces the BOLT roller coaster found on other Excel ships, shifting the thrill focus to water-based fun for all ages. Beyond the slides, guests can challenge themselves on a treehouse-inspired elevated adventure trail, ropes course, and a new mini-golf course. New music venues on decks 6, 7, and 8 are also planned, setting the stage for a lively and musically rich evening atmosphere.

    Carnival Radiance

    Carnival Radiance delivers a robust and varied entertainment program, blending classic Carnival fun with modern enhancements. The WaterWorks waterpark boasts the AquaTunnel and Twister slides, complemented by the SkyCourse ropes course and mini-golf for active pursuits. Evening entertainment shines with high-tech Playlist Productions shows in the Liquid Lounge Main Theater and multiple comedy sets nightly at the Punchliner Comedy Club. Social hubs like Piano Bar 88 and RedFrog Pub offer live music and karaoke, while Dive-In Movies provide family-friendly poolside screenings, ensuring diverse options for daytime fun and lively nights.

    Cabins & Suites

    Carnival Tropicale

    Carnival Tropicale is making a significant stride in family accommodations by featuring 1,000 interconnecting cabins, representing a substantial 70 percent increase compared to its Excel-class predecessors. This design choice aims to offer flexible sleeping arrangements for larger families or groups traveling together. Notably, the ship will not include the Family Harbor staterooms found on previous Excel ships, instead focusing on this expanded interconnecting cabin concept. While specific decor details are still to be revealed, the emphasis is clearly on practical and adaptable spaces for multi-generational travel.

    Carnival Radiance

    Carnival Radiance offers a total of 2,984 staterooms, including 220 new cabins added during its extensive refit. Guests can choose from various suite categories like the Captain's, Ocean, and Grand Suites, which boast larger spaces, VIP perks, and often include standalone tubs. Standard cabins feature a bold blue and yellow color scheme with warm wood accents, flatscreen TVs, and USB chargers. However, it's worth noting that Cloud 9 Spa rooms on Deck 11 are situated directly below the Camp Ocean kids' club, which some guests have reported can lead to noise from running and stomping.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Carnival Tropicale

    As an Excel-class ship, Carnival Tropicale is expected to uphold Carnival's reputation for friendly and attentive service, though specific details for this 2028 launch are still being finalized. With a crew of 926 serving 5,270 passengers, the emphasis will likely be on efficient service in a bustling, modern environment. The overall onboard style will lean towards vibrant and active, reflecting its innovative outdoor and musical entertainment focus. While not explicitly detailed, the 'vibrant, active, and modern' atmosphere suggests a crew well-versed in facilitating high-energy guest experiences.

    Carnival Radiance

    Carnival Radiance prides itself on providing dedicated service within its vibrant yet cozy atmosphere. Each stateroom includes a dedicated attendant, ensuring Personalized care throughout the cruise. Suite guests receive additional perks like priority check-in and complimentary laundry service, enhancing their experience. The ship's onboard style, refreshed during its 2021 makeover, is described as fun-filled and easy-to-navigate, with a crew adept at maintaining a lively ambiance while attending to guest needs. From the bespoke craft cocktails at Alchemy Bar to the attentive staff in the main dining rooms, a comfortable and engaging service experience is a hallmark.

    Best Itineraries

    Carnival Tropicale

    As a brand-new Excel-class vessel launching in 2028, Carnival Tropicale's initial itineraries are likely to focus on popular, high-demand routes, often in the Caribbean or to destinations that can best showcase its innovative features and large capacity. Given its LNG power, routes may also be chosen to align with ports capable of supporting this advanced technology. While specific routes are yet to be announced, it will undoubtedly offer voyages tailored for families and those seeking the newest, most modern Carnival experience, potentially exploring diverse regions after its initial deployment.

    Carnival Radiance

    Having undergone a significant refurbishment in 2021, Carnival Radiance is well-suited for a variety of popular itineraries, often serving shorter, fun-filled cruises to destinations in the Caribbean or Baja Mexico from its homeports. Its mid-size nature and extensive array of dining and entertainment options make it a versatile choice for both first-time cruisers and seasoned Carnival enthusiasts. While specific routes vary by season, Radiance typically offers accessible and lively voyages, providing a consistent "Fun Ship" experience that is both engaging and easy to enjoy without overwhelming guests with its size.

    What reviewers say

    Carnival Tropicale

    Carnival Tropicale is an upcoming Excel-class ship, slated for a 2028 launch, promising significant innovations and a strong family focus. This preview highlights its new top-deck attractions and enhanced cabin configurations designed to cater to a broad audience.

    Carnival Radiance

    4.5/5

    Radiance has arrived primed to offer big-ship amenities with the coziness of a mid-size ship, making it a fun, easy-to-navigate, all hands-on deck cruise experience for newbies and veterans alike.

    Itineraries to compare

    Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.

    Carnival Tropicale

    No upcoming itineraries listed. Ask our concierge to source private inventory →

    Carnival Radiance

    No upcoming itineraries listed. Ask our concierge to source private inventory →

    Read our guides

    In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

    Compare different ships

    Swap either side to generate a new side-by-side comparison.

    Ship A

    Ship B

    More comparisons