MIAMI — Carnival Cruise Line has opened bookings for its newest Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale, set to debut in 2027 with music-themed experiences and enhanced family entertainment.

The ship will sail year-round from Port Canaveral, beginning with a 15-day transatlantic maiden voyage from Southampton, England on May 2, 2027, and calling in La Coruña and Vigo, Spain, Funchal on Madeira Island, Portugal and Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The ship will then visit Grand Turk before arriving at its Port Canaveral homeport on May 16, 2027.

Mix Bar on Carnival Festivale

From May 19, the ship will begin four-day Bahamas cruises featuring Carnival’s private destinations, Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Main itineraries include six- and eight-day Eastern and Southern Caribbean sailings with ports such as Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. A seven-day New Year’s cruise departing Dec. 27, 2027, is among the more than 50 sailings now available.

Themed Zones

Studio 724 on Decks 6 and 7 allows guests to interact with music-making technology, enjoy live performances and craft cocktails at Alchemy Bar and Mix Bar. Limelight Lounge is also redesigned to match the music theme.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said, “Music is the universal language that brings families and friends together, and Carnival Festivale will amplify that unique connection. The experiences we’ll deliver will appeal to every generation. Everyone – no matter their age or interest – will find their rhythm on this ship.”

The Festival on Deck 8 recreates an outdoor festival atmosphere with food and beverage options including Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar, Pizza Palooza and Rhythm & Rolls Deli. Dynamic lighting and music shift the space from day to night.

Sunsation Point, spanning Decks 16-18, anchors family fun with Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, the largest family-friendly water park at sea. Deck 16 offers family activities and casual dining, Deck 17 includes a mini golf course, scenic bar and Treehouse adventure trail, and Deck 18 hosts water slides for all ages. Nighttime WaterWorks with illumination and a live DJ extends play for guests of all ages.

Accommodations and Youth Programming

Carnival Festivale features 1,000 interconnecting staterooms, nearly 70% more than on the first three Excel-class vessels. The ship will also introduce a dedicated space for Carnival’s Turtles program, designed for children six months to two years, as well as more experiences for young guests and enhanced youth spaces.

The ship joins Excel-class sister ship Mardi Gras at Port Canaveral, adding capacity and more sailing options. Caribbean itineraries include all key private destinations, and further deployment announcements for 2027/28 will follow.

For information, visit www.carnival.com.

Racing Currents waterslide on Carnival Festivale