Ship Comparison
Carnival Festivale vs Carnival Tropicale
For families seeking a vibrant, activity-rich cruise with innovative features and flexible cabin options, both Carnival Festivale and Tropicale offer exciting new Excel-class experiences.
The verdict
Carnival Festivale, launching in 2027, and Carnival Tropicale, arriving in 2028, are both new Excel-class ships from Carnival Cruise Line, each designed to elevate the family cruising experience. Festivale emphasizes music-inspired immersive zones and a colossal WaterWorks Ultra, while Tropicale innovates with its Sunsation Point waterpark, replacing the traditional BOLT roller coaster found on other Excel ships. Both vessels share a commitment to sustainability with LNG power and feature an unprecedented number of interconnecting cabins, making them ideal for multi-generational travel. While Festivale offers a more detailed glimpse into its dining and entertainment offerings, Tropicale promises to build on these successes with its own unique twists. Your choice between these two will depend on whether you prefer Festivale's established entertainment lineup or Tropicale's fresh take on top-deck thrills.
Choose Carnival Festivale if…
Travelers seeking a high-energy, family-focused cruise with abundant water attractions, diverse dining, and immersive music-themed entertainment, all within a modern and sustainable environment.
Best for
- Families seeking extensive waterpark thrills and diverse outdoor activities
- Guests who enjoy immersive music-themed entertainment and lively nightlife
- Cruisers looking for a wide variety of dining options, from casual to specialty
- Groups traveling together, benefiting from 1,000 interconnecting cabins
- Eco-conscious travelers appreciating LNG-powered sustainability
Avoid if
- You prefer an intimate, quiet cruise experience
- You are not interested in high-energy, bustling ship environments
- You seek itineraries beyond the Caribbean in its initial phase
Choose Carnival Tropicale if…
Early adopters and families eager to experience the very latest in Carnival's Excel-class innovation, particularly those who prioritize expansive waterparks and outdoor activities over roller coasters.
Best for
- Early adopters keen on experiencing Carnival's newest innovations
- Families desiring a large waterpark and varied outdoor adventure activities
- Travelers who appreciate sustainable cruising with LNG-powered ships
- Guests prioritizing flexible cabin configurations with 1,000 interconnecting options
- Music lovers interested in new immersive music venues
Avoid if
- You prefer a cruise with a roller coaster (as it replaces BOLT)
- You require specific itinerary details far in advance of booking
- You prefer a ship with a more traditional, subdued atmosphere
Overall Vibe
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale, launching in 2027, is a brand-new Excel-class ship from Carnival Cruise Line, designed with family harmony and music-inspired experiences at its core. This substantial vessel, carrying 5,356 guests across 19 decks, promises an unforgettable event, blending new immersive features like Studio 724 and The Mix with returning favorites. Its sustainable LNG power source underscores a modern, forward-thinking approach, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. The ship's focus is on bringing people together, evident in its innovative zones and diverse activity offerings, making for a fresh and engaging vacation.
Carnival Tropicale
Carnival Tropicale, setting sail in 2028, is the fifth Excel-class ship, building on the success of its predecessors and paying tribute to Carnival's first newbuild. Also designed to accommodate 5,356 guests, Tropicale introduces a fresh take on outdoor fun, notably replacing the BOLT roller coaster with its expansive Sunsation Point waterpark. This ship is poised to deliver a vibrant, active, and modern experience, powered by liquified natural gas for environmental responsibility. While specific details are still emerging, Tropicale promises a lively ambiance, focusing on innovative outdoor activities and new music venues for a dynamic cruising holiday.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Carnival Festivale
The atmosphere on Carnival Festivale is designed to be high-energy and family-friendly, catering to a diverse crowd of 5,356 guests. With a substantial crew of 926, the ship maintains a favorable guest-to-crew ratio, ensuring attentive service amidst the lively environment. Festivale's six distinct zones, including two new music-inspired areas, create varied pockets of activity, from the splashing fun of Sunsation Point to the more relaxed vibes of Alchemy Bar. It's a ship where families can connect and everyone can find their rhythm, fostering a communal and celebratory spirit throughout.
Carnival Tropicale
Carnival Tropicale is anticipated to foster a vibrant, active, and modern atmosphere, welcoming 5,356 guests with a dedicated crew of 926. The ship's focus on innovative outdoor and musical entertainment suggests a lively crowd, eager for engaging experiences. With the new Sunsation Point waterpark at its heart, the ambiance will likely be one of joyful splashing and energetic play during the day, transitioning to illuminated, music-filled evenings. The Excel-class design inherently promotes a contemporary feel, appealing to cruisers who appreciate a dynamic, family-oriented environment with plenty of options for active fun.
Dining
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale presents a comprehensive and varied culinary landscape. Guests can enjoy complimentary meals at the Main Dining Room, featuring new selections from Emeril Lagasse and a dedicated vegan menu, or opt for casual favorites like Big Chicken and Guy's Burger Joint. For international street food, Street Eats offers concepts like Steam Dream and Time Fries. Specialty dining, available at an additional cost, includes the interactive Bonsai Teppanyaki, the fresh offerings of Bonsai Sushi, the smoky delights of Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse (with free lunch options), and the upscale Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. Twenty-four-hour room service is also available, with free breakfast selections.
Carnival Tropicale
Carnival Tropicale will offer a selection of popular dining venues, building on the success of its sister ships. Complimentary options include the much-loved Guy's Burger Joint and Big Chicken, ensuring casual and satisfying meals for all guests. The Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewery will also be onboard, providing delicious BBQ and house-brewed beers, with complimentary lunch options. An unnamed new outlet is anticipated to replace a previous Chinese and Mexican eatery, promising a fresh culinary concept. While specific details on additional specialty venues are yet to be fully revealed, these core offerings provide a strong foundation for diverse tastes.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Carnival Festivale
Entertainment on Carnival Festivale is designed to be dynamic and engaging, catering to all ages. The highlight is Carnival WaterWorks Ultra at Sunsation Point, a massive waterpark with six slides, family raft rides, splash pads, and evening illuminations with a DJ. Interactive fun can be found at Family Feud Live, while musical experiences range from the creative cocktail bar The Mix, The Spark with live performances, and the classic Piano Bar 88. Nightlife heats up at the Festivale Casino, featuring progressive jackpots, and the vintage-themed Alchemy Bar with live music. Center Stage & Playlist Productions offer vibrant shows, and The Punchliner Comedy Club provides laughs for both family-friendly and adult audiences.
Carnival Tropicale
Carnival Tropicale's entertainment leans heavily into active and outdoor experiences, centered around the new Sunsation Point Waterpark. This expansive area features six slides, splash pads, and will come alive in the evenings with illuminations and a DJ. Beyond the water, guests can test their agility on the Treehouse-inspired Elevated Adventure Trail, challenge friends at the Sports Court, navigate the Ropes Course, or enjoy a round on the new Mini-Golf Course. Arcade Games offer indoor fun, and a Jogging Track provides scenic exercise. New music venues on decks 6, 7, and 8 are planned to offer fresh, immersive experiences for music lovers, ensuring a lively social scene.
Cabins & Suites
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale offers a wide array of cabin categories, distinguishing itself with 1,000 interconnecting cabins, a 70 percent increase over existing Excel-class ships. Guests can choose from comfortable Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms. For an elevated experience, Suites offer VIP status and priority services, with Carnival Excel Suites providing concierge service and Loft 19 access. Unique themed options include Havana Staterooms & Suites, offering exclusive access to the Havana Bar & Pool (for guests 12 and older), and Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms & Suites, which come with spa amenities, priority reservations, and thermal suite access. Presidential Suites are also available for ultimate luxury.
Carnival Tropicale
Carnival Tropicale prioritizes flexible family accommodations, notably featuring 1,000 interconnecting cabins, a significant 70 percent increase compared to its Excel-class predecessors. This configuration directly addresses the needs of larger families and groups traveling together. The ship will not include the Family Harbor staterooms found on previous Excel ships, instead focusing on these versatile interconnecting options. While specific details on other cabin categories beyond these expanded family configurations are not yet fully available, the emphasis is clearly on providing comfortable and adaptable spaces for a broad range of guest needs.
Service & Onboard Style
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale embodies a modern, fun-focused onboard style characteristic of the Excel-class, with a warm and attentive service ethos. With 926 crew members serving 5,356 guests, the staff is well-equipped to manage the lively environment, ensuring a welcoming experience. The ship's design incorporates six distinct zones, offering varied aesthetics from the vibrant Sunsation Point to the vintage charm of Alchemy Bar. Guests in Suites and Excel Suites benefit from VIP status and concierge service, adding a personalized touch to their journey. The overall style is geared towards creating memorable family vacations with a blend of innovation and comfort.
Carnival Tropicale
Carnival Tropicale is expected to deliver a modern and vibrant onboard style, consistent with the Excel-class, supported by a dedicated crew of 926 for its 5,356 guests. While specific service enhancements are still under wraps, the focus on innovative outdoor and musical venues suggests a dynamic and engaging approach. The ship's design will likely emphasize bright, open spaces for activities, fostering a lively and social atmosphere. Guests can anticipate a contemporary cruising experience where personalized attention helps enhance their enjoyment, particularly within the new entertainment zones and youth activity areas.
Best Itineraries
Carnival Festivale
Carnival Festivale will primarily sail Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, homeporting from Port Canaveral. These cruises are set to include visits to popular destinations like Half Moon Cay and the newly developed Celebration Key, Carnival's private destination. The diverse Caribbean routes offer a mix of relaxing beach days, adventurous excursions, and opportunities to explore various island cultures, perfectly complementing the ship's family-friendly and fun-focused offerings. The convenience of a consistent homeport makes planning accessible for many travelers.
Carnival Tropicale
Specific itineraries for Carnival Tropicale have not yet been announced. As an upcoming Excel-class ship, it is anticipated to feature popular routes, likely building on the successful deployments of its sister ships. Further details regarding its homeport and sailing regions will be revealed closer to its 2028 launch, offering future guests the chance to explore new destinations or revisit beloved ones aboard this innovative vessel.
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 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.
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Carnival Festivale
Carnival Tropicale
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