Carnival Cruise Line Opens Bookings for New Ship Carnival Festivale

by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:25 AM ET, Wed August 13, 2025

Bookings are now open for Carnival Cruise Line’s new ship, Carnival Festivale, which is scheduled to debut in 2027.

The vessel will embark on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, on May 2, 2027, heading on a 15-day transatlantic voyage to Port Canaveral. Along the way, the ship will stop in La Coruña and Vigo, Spain; Funchal on Madeira Island, Portugal, as well as Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Once it crosses the Atlantic Ocean, Carnival Festivale will also visit Grand Turk before arriving in Florida on May 16, 2027.

On May 19, 2027, Carnival Festivale will offer its first sailing from Port Canaveral—a 4-day Bahamas cruise with stops at Carnival’s private destinations, Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

After that, the vessel will primarily sail 6- and 8-day Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruises, visiting destinations like Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. All Carnival Festivale cruises will include a visit to Celebration Key, and Southern Caribbean sailings will also include the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. The vessel will also offer a special 7-day New Year's cruise departing December 27, 2027.

Carnival Waterworks Ultra on Carnival Festivale

Carnival Festivale will have 1,000 interconnecting rooms, nearly 70 percent more than the first three Excel class vessels. The ship will also debut a dedicated space for Carnival’s Turtles program for children six months to two years old, as well as more experiences for young cruisers on the open decks.

Carnival Festivale—the newest Excel class ship in the fleet—will have three distinct zones, all focused on music.

“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,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Everyone—no matter their age or interest—will find their rhythm on this ship.”

Just beyond the ship’s Grand Central atrium, guests will find Studio 724, an area that reacts to sound in real time with synchronized lights and animations. At The Spark on Deck 6, travelers can enjoy cocktails inspired by iconic songs and nightly live music performances.

This part of the ship will also have Carnival’s signature Alchemy Bar on Deck 6, complete with its own dedicated space adjacent to the atrium and an expanded lounge with a stage for live music performances. Carnival Festivale’s Piano Bar 88 will also be located on Deck 6.

Guests can also sip music-inspired cocktails at Mix Bar on Deck 7, or create their own drink by layering flavor “tracks” beneath a turntable-themed bar. Here, travelers will also find Limelight Lounge featuring a redesigned look and feel to match the theme of Studio 724.

Another zone in the ship is called The Festival. Located on Deck 8, this area is inspired by the social atmosphere and energy of outdoor music festivals. Travelers can enjoy coffee and cocktails at Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar, fresh pizzas at Pizza Palooza and gourmet sandwiches at Rhythm & Rolls Deli.

The third zone is Sunsation Point, which spans three decks, 16-18. On Deck 16, travelers of all ages can enjoy craft cocktails to slushies at Sunsation Sips. There’s also the Vista Pool featuring a baby splash pad for cruisers in swim diapers, as well as Big Chicken and Swirls ice cream, which are signature offerings across the Excel class.

On Decks 17 and 18, guests can enjoy modern arcade games with retro charm at the Vault Retrocade. The Scenic Overlook offers TVs for sports and outdoor games like pool and giant Jenga, as well as an adjacent mini golf course. There’s also the Treehouse, a new concept featuring an adventure trail with netted bridges, fun obstacles and a dry slide. A nearby toddler playground offers climbing fun for little ones.

This family-friendly area features the Carnival WaterWorks Ultra water park, which is the largest in the cruise line’s history. Guests can enjoy water slides, splash pads, and shaded play areas for all ages. There will be two family raft rides, SunSoaker and Turning Tides, as well as dueling Racing Currents slides. The Mini Racers double-slide and Mini Twister are designed for kids.

Sunsation Point will also introduce the first nighttime WaterWorks operations, complete with lights and a live DJ on special evenings.

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