Ship Comparison
Carnival Sunrise vs Carnival Festivale
The Carnival Sunrise offers a classic, lively Carnival experience for those who love constant activity, while the forthcoming Carnival Festivale promises an evolved, family-focused mega-ship adventure with innovative new features.
The verdict
Choosing between Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Festivale really comes down to whether you prefer a well-established, high-energy fun ship or an innovative, larger-scale experience designed with modern family dynamics in mind. The Sunrise, a refreshed classic, is a bustling hub of activity, offering a tried-and-true Carnival vacation with a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of complimentary dining and entertainment. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a lively crowd and don't mind a constant buzz. The Festivale, on the other hand, is a new Excel-class vessel launching in 2027, poised to deliver an even grander, more immersive experience. With a significant increase in capacity and a focus on interconnected family cabins, it's built for larger groups and promises cutting-edge water features and diverse entertainment zones. While the Sunrise is about immediate, proven fun, the Festivale represents the future of Carnival's family-centric cruising, with its LNG power highlighting a step towards sustainability.
Choose Carnival Sunrise if…
Carnival Sunrise is ideal for families and social travelers who thrive in a high-energy environment, appreciate a wide range of complimentary dining, and enjoy a constant stream of entertainment and activities.
Best for
- Families with children and teens seeking constant entertainment
- Social cruisers who enjoy a lively, bustling atmosphere
- Guests who appreciate a wide array of complimentary dining options
- Thrill-seekers looking for water slides and active outdoor sports
- Budget-conscious travelers wanting a fun experience without constant upcharges
Avoid if
- Guests seeking quiet, intimate, or luxurious experiences
- Those sensitive to noise or crowds, especially during peak times
- Cruisers looking for a ship with extensive suite perks
- Travelers who prefer modern, cutting-edge ship designs over refurbished classics
Choose Carnival Festivale if…
Carnival Festivale is perfectly suited for large families, multi-generational groups, and innovation enthusiasts seeking a modern, expansive cruise experience with cutting-edge waterparks, diverse entertainment zones, and a focus on sustainable travel.
Best for
- Large families and multi-generational groups due to interconnecting cabins
- Innovation enthusiasts eager to experience new ship features and zones
- Guests prioritizing sustainability with LNG-powered cruising
- Families seeking advanced waterpark thrills and immersive entertainment
- Travelers looking for Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, including Celebration Key
Avoid if
- Cruisers who prefer smaller, more intimate ship experiences
- Those seeking a very quiet or subdued onboard atmosphere
- Travelers on a strict budget, as new ships often come with higher price points and more specialty upcharges
- Guests looking for immediate sailing options, as this ship launches in 2027
Overall Vibe
Carnival Sunrise
The Carnival Sunrise, originally built in 1999 and thoughtfully refurbished in 2019, emanates a high-energy, bustling, and activity-packed atmosphere. As a Sunshine-class vessel carrying 2,984 guests across 14 decks, it's designed for those who embrace constant engagement and a lively social scene. The ship's personality is all about vibrant fun, from its colorful waterpark to its dynamic entertainment spaces. It's a place where quiet moments are less common, making it a fantastic choice for cruisers who enjoy being in the thick of the action and connecting with others in a spirited environment.
Carnival Festivale
Launching in 2027, the Carnival Festivale is set to be an Excel-class mega-ship, promising an innovative and grand experience. With a capacity for 5,356 passengers spread across 19 decks, it's designed to be a modern, family-focused vessel with a strong emphasis on sustainability, powered by LNG. The vibe here is about expansive fun, new immersive zones, and cutting-edge features, catering to those who desire a fresh, larger-scale adventure. It aims to offer a harmonious blend of excitement for all ages, while also pushing boundaries in onboard experiences.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Carnival Sunrise
Carnival Sunrise cultivates a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere that's constantly buzzing with activity. With a passenger capacity of 2,984 and a dedicated crew of 1,108, the ship maintains a lively, bustling feel, making it particularly appealing to families and social cruisers. There's always something happening, from poolside games at the Main Pool Area to musical shows, ensuring a dynamic environment. While this means ample opportunities for interaction and fun, those seeking quiet solitude might find it challenging to escape the crowds, as the ship is truly designed for continuous engagement.
Carnival Festivale
The Carnival Festivale, as a forthcoming Excel-class ship, is designed for a grander scale of family-friendly fun. Accommodating 5,356 guests with a crew of 926, it will offer an energetic and innovative ambiance. The ship is being built with a strong focus on family harmony, featuring zones and experiences crafted to bring people together. Its increased capacity and diverse offerings are set to create a lively, engaging crowd, making it perfect for multi-generational groups and those who enjoy a bustling, modern environment with plenty of options to explore and connect.
Dining
Carnival Sunrise
Dining on Carnival Sunrise offers a delightful mix of complimentary favorites and enticing specialty options. Guests can enjoy sit-down dinners at the Sunshine and Radiance Restaurants with changing daily menus, or casual bites at the ever-popular Lido Marketplace buffet. For quick, satisfying meals, Guy's Burger Joint serves up flavorful burgers, BlueIguana Cantina offers customizable tacos and burritos, and Pizzeria del Capitano provides 24/7 crispy pizzas. Specialty dining includes the upscale Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Italian classics at Cucina del Capitano, and the intimate Chef's Table for a gourmet experience, providing diverse choices for every palate.
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale is set to expand on Carnival's popular dining concepts, offering both familiar favorites and new experiences. Guests can look forward to complimentary meals in the Main Dining Room and enjoy casual, included options like Guy's Burger Joint and Big Chicken, featuring Shaq's fried chicken and sandwiches. A new offering, Street Eats, will bring international street food flavors onboard. For an elevated experience, Bonsai Teppanyaki promises interactive hibachi dining, alongside the upscale Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. The ship will also feature a Seafood Shack and Bonsai Sushi, ensuring a broad culinary journey with varied choices.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Carnival Sunrise
Entertainment on Carnival Sunrise is a lively affair, offering a broad spectrum of activities for all ages. Guests can immerse themselves in musical stage shows at Playlist Productions, laugh out loud at the Punchliner Comedy Club, or enjoy movies under the stars at the Carnival Seaside Theater. For active fun, Carnival WaterWorks boasts multiple slides, while SportSquare offers a ropes course, mini-golf, and basketball. Evenings come alive with live music at RedFrog Pub and Piano Bar 88, along with the bustling Sunrise Casino and various deck parties, ensuring constant engagement and vibrant social opportunities.
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale is designed to be an entertainment powerhouse, featuring innovative, music-inspired zones and Carnival's largest waterpark to date. The Carnival Waterworks Ultra will offer six thrilling slides, including family raft rides, with evening illuminations and a DJ. Guests can engage in interactive fun at Family Feud Live, or enjoy live music and creative cocktails at new venues like The Spark and Mix. The Festivale Casino will be the fleet's largest, introducing a $1 Million Dollar Slot Progressive Jackpot. Classic favorites like Alchemy Bar, Center Stage & Playlist Productions, and The Punchliner Comedy Club will also be enhanced.
Cabins & Suites
Carnival Sunrise
Carnival Sunrise offers a range of accommodations across its 14 decks, from comfortable interior staterooms to expansive suites. Standard cabins, including Interior, Ocean View with picture windows, and Balcony staterooms, are generally spacious, though some storage solutions could be more intuitive. Cloud 9 Spa cabins provide exclusive spa amenities and access. For those seeking more space and perks, the Captain's Suite offers a king bed, two bathrooms, and a large balcony, while Grand and Ocean Suites provide additional room and VIP boarding benefits. It's wise to note potential noise concerns for cabins near high-traffic areas or entertainment venues.
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale is set to revolutionize cabin offerings with an unprecedented 1,000 interconnecting cabins, a 70 percent increase over existing Excel-class ships, catering especially to larger families and groups. Beyond standard Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms, the ship introduces a variety of suites, including Carnival Excel Suites with concierge service and Loft 19 access, and the luxurious Presidential and Corner Suites. Unique Havana Staterooms and Suites offer exclusive access to the Havana Bar & Pool (12+ age restriction), while Cloud 9 Spa accommodations provide dedicated spa perks and amenities, ensuring a personalized stay for every guest.
Service & Onboard Style
Carnival Sunrise
On Carnival Sunrise, the crew of 1,108 works to maintain the ship's high-energy atmosphere, providing attentive service amidst the constant activity. The onboard style is casual and fun-focused, reflecting Carnival's brand. While the free Carnival Hub app can be used for dining check-ins and pizza delivery, some guests initially experienced technical difficulties with the Wi-Fi and app, though these were later resolved. The ship is also KultureCity "Sensory Certified," with trained crew and sensory bags available to support guests with sensory and invisible disabilities, showcasing an inclusive approach to guest care.
Carnival Festivale
As a new Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale is anticipated to feature a modern and efficient service style, designed to cater to its larger passenger capacity of 5,356 with a crew of 926. The ship's focus on family harmony suggests a personalized approach to service, particularly in its enhanced youth programs and numerous interconnecting cabins. Carnival's fleet-wide KultureCity "Sensory Certified" program will also be implemented, ensuring crew are trained to assist guests with sensory needs. While specific details on app usability or boarding processes for Festivale are still emerging, Carnival's commitment to innovation implies a seamless experience.
Best Itineraries
Carnival Sunrise
The Carnival Sunrise primarily offers Caribbean itineraries from various homeports, including short cruises to the Bahamas and longer voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. These routes are perfect for guests looking for sun-drenched beaches, vibrant port experiences, and quick getaways. The ship's lively onboard atmosphere seamlessly complements these tropical destinations, making it an excellent choice for those who want a fun-filled cruise experience with plenty of opportunities for shore excursions and relaxation in warm climates.
Carnival Festivale
Upon its launch in 2027, Carnival Festivale will homeport from Port Canaveral, offering a range of Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. These voyages are set to include visits to Carnival's private destinations, such as Celebration Key, offering exclusive beach experiences. With its focus on family-friendly amenities and modern design, these Caribbean routes will be ideal for guests seeking a blend of sunny relaxation, exciting new port adventures, and the ship's innovative onboard features. It's tailored for those who desire a contemporary Caribbean cruise with a touch of novelty.
What reviewers say
Carnival Sunrise
4/5Carnival Sunrise is an action-packed vessel, constantly bustling with activities and entertainment for all ages. It's an ideal choice for those who thrive on high energy and social interaction, though it offers little in the way of quiet solitude.
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 Sunrise
Carnival Festivale
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

Ship Guide
Carnival Sunrise: An Action-Packed Cruise Experience
Unleash non-stop excitement with diverse activities and vibrant entertainment onboard.

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