Cruise & Cruise Line

Carnival Festivale Keel Laying Ceremony Pays Tribute to Music-Themed Ship

Image: The keel laying ceremony took place at the Meyer Werft shipyard shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Image: The keel laying ceremony took place at the Meyer Werft shipyard shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Claudette Covey
by Claudette Covey
Last updated: 11:50 AM ET, Mon August 18, 2025

Carnival Festivale’s keel laying ceremony, which was held on Aug. 18, paid tribute to the music-themed ship with commemorative coins placed under its 598-ton keel block.

The Carnival Cruise Line ship – which is under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany – will house two music-themed zones on decks six, seven and eight.

The ship is scheduled to make its debut in 2027 from Port Canaveral.

The 180,000 gross ton Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale are, respectively, the fourth and fifth ships in the line’s Excel class. Tropicale is scheduled to debut in 2028.

Carnival Festivale isn’t just joining our fleet, she’ll be setting the tone for how to have fun at sea by blending vibrant designs and guest experiences that you can’t find anywhere else,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy.

“Music is a universal language that connects people from around the world, and this ship will bring that to life in true Carnival fashion.”

Festivale’s music zones “will introduce immersive, music-inspired zones offering unique experiences for all ages,” Carnival said.

“These zones celebrate the creative process of music-making, the energy of enjoying live music through interactive technology, dynamic lighting and design elements, as well as curated food, beverage and experiences.”


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