Carnival Festivale: What to Expect from Carnival’s New Music-Inspired 2027 Ship

Carnival Festivale will join the fleet in spring 2027 as the newest Excel-class flagship, sailing alongside Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. True to its name, Festivale is designed as a floating festival: a celebration of how music brings people together, according to Carnival President Christine Duffy. Music, family fun, and togetherness shape the ship’s theme from bow to stern.

Festivale introduces immersive, music-driven experiences across the ship, including two all-new entertainment “zones.” These additions build on Carnival’s signature fun and casual atmosphere while creating more distinct spaces for guests to explore. The result is a ship that feels both familiar and fresh.

The name Festivale pays tribute to one of Carnival’s earliest vessels, but the ship itself is thoroughly modern. Like its Excel-class sisters, it runs on LNG power and will exceed 182,000 gross tons and 1,130 feet in length, making it one of the largest ships in the fleet. With six onboard zones (two of them entirely new), Carnival Festivale is positioned as a next-generation cruise experience for multigenerational families, music lovers, and longtime Carnival fans.

Carnival Festivale is scheduled to enter service in May 2027. Its official maiden voyage will be a 15-day transatlantic crossing departing May 2, 2027, from Southampton, England. This inaugural sailing is more than a repositioning cruise, it’s a destination-rich voyage designed to make a statement.

The transatlantic route includes stops in La Coruña and Vigo, Spain, Funchal in Madeira, and Tenerife in the Canary Islands, followed by a Caribbean call in Grand Turk. The journey concludes on May 16, 2027, when Festivale arrives at its new homeport of Port Canaveral, Florida. From there, the ship will be based year-round.

Festivale’s first U.S. sailing follows shortly after. On May 19, 2027, the ship departs Port Canaveral on a 4-day Bahamas maiden voyage, offering guests an early look at the new Excel-class experience. Ports of call include Carnival’s new Celebration Key in Grand Bahama and RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay.

After this introductory cruise, Carnival Festivale transitions into its regular schedule. Week-long Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral begin later in May. This marks the start of the ship’s full-time service in the U.S.

Launch Timeline Highlights:

Steel Cutting & Construction (2025): Construction began at Meyer Werft in Germany with a steel-cutting ceremony.

Float-Out & Sea Trials (2026): Final testing and sea trials are expected in the months leading up to launch.

Inaugural Transatlantic (May 2, 2027): 15-night voyage from Southampton to Port Canaveral via Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands, and Turks & Caicos.

First U.S. Sailing (May 19, 2027): 4-night Bahamas cruise visiting Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay.

Regular Service Begins (Late May 2027): Year-round Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral.

Carnival Festivale is a true mega-ship, comparable in size to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. Capacity and layout are designed to support big-ship variety without losing navigability.

Carnival Festivale Ship Specifications (Estimated)

• Gross Tonnage: ~182,000 GT
• Length: 1,133 feet (345 m)
• Beam: 138 feet (42 m)
• Guest Capacity (Double Occupancy): 5,356
• Max Passenger Capacity: ~6,600
• Crew: 1,768
• Guest Decks: ~16 (approximately 18 total levels)

Carnival Festivale follows the Excel-class hallmark of organizing the ship into themed “zones.” These six areas group dining, entertainment, and activities together, making the ship easier to navigate and more immersive. Two of the zones are entirely new concepts debuting on Festivale.

• Grand Central - The ship’s dramatic, multi-deck atrium sits midship and serves as a central gathering space. By day, it’s filled with natural light and ocean views; by night, it transforms into Center Stage, a high-tech live entertainment venue. Surrounding attractions include JavaBlue Café, Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki, Piano Bar 88, and the Punchliner Comedy Club.
• Studio 724 (NEW) - Studio 724 is a two-deck zone inspired by the music creation process, complete with lighting and sound that react in real time. Named after the ship’s hull number, it features venues like The Spark cocktail lounge, an enhanced Alchemy Bar with live music, Piano Bar 88, and Mix Bar, where guests can customize drinks like mixing a track. The space flows directly from Grand Central and leans heavily into immersive audio-visual design.
• The Festival (NEW) - Located on Deck 8, The Festival recreates the feel of an outdoor music festival at sea. An indoor-outdoor promenade connects casual dining spots like Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar, Pizza Palooza, and Rhythm & Rolls Deli. Lighting and music shift throughout the day, creating a high-energy atmosphere by afternoon and a relaxed glow at night.
• Summer Landing - This aft-located favorite returns as the ship’s laid-back backyard party zone. It’s home to Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, the Heroes Tribute Lounge, and a relaxed pool area with the Watering Hole bar. Summer Landing is built for craft beer, barbecue, and ocean-view lounging.
• Lido - The Lido deck anchors Carnival’s classic poolside experience. Festivale’s version includes the main pool, loungers, the two-level RedFrog Tiki Bar, and Street Eats for international grab-and-go bites. Fan favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint, Shaq’s Big Chicken, BlueIguana Cantina, Seafood Shack, and Swirls soft-serve round out the space.
• Sunsation Point (NEW) - Replacing the Ultimate Playground, Sunsation Point spans Decks 16-18 as a family-focused adventure zone. It’s anchored by Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, the largest waterpark Carnival has built at sea, featuring six slides, splash areas, and toddler zones. The area also includes mini-golf, a ropes course, sports courts, Vista Pool, and nighttime WaterWorks sessions with music and LED lighting.

Cabins range from Interior and Ocean View to Balconies and Suites, with a major emphasis on flexibility. Festivale will feature approximately 1,000 connecting rooms, about 70% more than earlier Excel-class ships, making it easier for families and groups to stay connected. This approach replaces the former Family Harbor concept with more options across the ship.

Suite guests can also expect premium perks. On sister ships, this includes access to exclusive spaces like the Loft 19 sundeck, and Festivale is expected to offer similar amenities.

With 16 guest decks, dozens of dining and bar venues, and clearly defined zones, Carnival Festivale’s layout is designed to give every type of traveler a space that feels made for them.

After arriving in the U.S., Carnival Festivale will sail year-round from Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship’s schedule focuses on Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries, with a mix of short getaways and longer tropical cruises. Most sailings will be 4-, 6-, or 8-night voyages, with occasional 7-night holiday departures.

Below is a snapshot of Carnival Festivale’s deployments during its inaugural seasons:

Spring 2027 (Inaugural Voyage)

• Homeport: Southampton, UK to Port Canaveral, FL
• Itinerary: 15-night transatlantic repositioning cruise
• Ports of Call: La Coruña and Vigo (Spain), Funchal (Madeira), Tenerife (Canary Islands), Grand Turk

Summer and Fall 2027

• Homeport: Port Canaveral, Florida
• Itineraries: Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean
• Sample Sailings:
• 4-night Bahamas cruises with stops at Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay
• 6-night Eastern Caribbean voyages visiting Amber Cove, San Juan, or Grand Turk, plus Carnival’s private islands
• 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruises featuring ports like St. Thomas and St. Maarten, along with Celebration Key

Winter 2027 into 2028

• Homeport: Port Canaveral, Florida
• Itineraries: Eastern and Southern Caribbean
• Sample Sailings:
• 8-night Southern Caribbean cruises to Aruba and Curaçao (sometimes Bonaire), plus Celebration Key
• Special 7-night New Year’s sailing departing December 27, 2027, with calls at Amber Cove, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key

Port Canaveral will remain Carnival Festivale’s primary homeport once it enters U.S. service. Every sailing includes a stop at Celebration Key, Carnival’s new private destination on Grand Bahama. This guarantees at least one private-island day on every itinerary.

Festivale’s longer 6- and 8-night cruises cover many Eastern and Southern Caribbean highlights. Eastern routes feature destinations like Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten, balanced with beach days at Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key. Southern Caribbean itineraries venture farther south to the ABC Islands, known for reliable sunshine and Dutch-Caribbean culture.

Short Bahamas cruises focus on easy, high-impact escapes. These sailings emphasize Carnival’s private islands, making them ideal for long weekends and first-time cruisers. It’s a lot of payoff in just a few days.

More than 50 Festivale sailings are expected to open for booking through 2028, including limited special-event cruises. Additional itineraries may be announced as schedules are finalized, but the core plan is clear: Port Canaveral is home, and the Caribbean is the playground.

Tip: Seasonality matters. Summer and fall tend to favor Eastern Caribbean routes, while winter often brings longer Southern Caribbean itineraries. No matter when you sail, every Festivale cruise includes a private island stop.

Carnival Festivale will feature approximately 2,687cabins, designed to accommodate everything from couples to multigenerational families. Options span Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony cabins, with layouts that will feel familiar to Carnival regulars. Thanks to the ship’s size, oceanview and balcony accommodations are especially plentiful.

Guests looking for more space can choose from a range of suite categories. These are expected to mirror the Excel-class suites found on sister ships, including Ocean Suites, Excel Suites, and Presidential Suites. Suite perks typically include priority services, expanded living areas, and larger balconies, some with private hot tubs.

A standout feature is Festivale’s emphasis on connecting cabins. Around 1,000 cabins will include interconnecting doors, roughly 70% more than earlier Excel-class ships. This makes it far easier for families and groups to book side-by-side rooms and create flexible, family-style setups.

Festivale also breaks new ground with its youth programming. The ship will introduce a dedicated “Turtles” area for infants and toddlers ages six months to two years, marking a first for Carnival. This space complements existing kids’ clubs like Camp Ocean, Circle “C,” and Club O2 for older children and teens.

Cabin design is expected to follow the modern, upbeat look of Carnival’s newest ships. Expect contemporary decor, smart storage, and in-room tech like USB outlets, flat-screen TVs, and digital controls. Despite the ship’s scale, cabins are designed to remain cozy and functional.

Adults seeking a quieter escape will still find their space. Carnival Festivale will include the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, offering loungers, whirlpools, and a bar in a kid-free setting for guests 21 and over. It’s a reminder that while Festivale leans into family travel, it still caters to couples and adults traveling without kids.

With music at its core, Carnival Festivale leans heavily into high-energy entertainment. Days are filled with poolside games, trivia, and live bands, while nights bring big shows, comedy, and dancing. There’s always something happening, if you want it.

• Playlist Productions Shows - Carnival’s signature Playlist Productions anchor the ship’s main stage entertainment. These Broadway-style musical revues combine popular songs, dynamic choreography, and large-scale LED visuals. On Festivale, expect fresh twists that lean into different genres and musical eras.
• Live Music, Everywhere - Live music spills across the ship from morning to late night. The Grand Central atrium hosts bands and specialty acts against massive LED screens, while pool decks and lounges feature everything from island music to acoustic sets. Piano Bar 88 remains a nightly sing-along favorite, and Limelight Lounge often transitions from live music to DJs after dark.
• Punchliner Comedy Club - Carnival’s Punchliner Comedy Club delivers nightly laughs with rotating comedians. Family-friendly sets typically run earlier in the evening, followed by adult-only performances later at night. Shows are popular, so arriving early is a smart move.
• Nightclubs and Deck Parties - Festivale keeps Carnival’s party reputation alive. Expect themed deck parties under the stars, music-driven celebrations, and late-night dancing once venues shift into nightclub mode. Fan favorites like the silent disco may also make an appearance.
• Outdoor Entertainment and Thrills - Entertainment extends well beyond theaters and bars. WaterWorks Ultra delivers adrenaline with racing slides and splash zones, while the ropes course and mini-golf add friendly competition. In the evenings, the Seaside Theater screens movies and live events poolside.
• Largest Carnival Casino - Carnival Festivale will feature the largest casino in the fleet. The Festivale Casino offers a wide mix of slots and table games, plus fleetwide progressive jackpots and million-dollar prize opportunities. Separate smoking and non-smoking areas help accommodate all players.
• Daily Activities and Themed Events - The daily schedule is packed with Carnival favorites like trivia, bingo, sailaway parties, dance classes, and game shows. Festivale’s music focus opens the door for extra music-themed activities and interactive events. Kids, teens, and adults all have dedicated programming throughout the day and night.

Despite the scale and production value, the vibe stays unmistakably Carnival. Entertainment is about participation, not polish. Whether you’re singing along in a piano bar, laughing through a comedy set, or dancing under the stars, Festivale keeps the fun front and center.

Insider tip: Don’t miss the sailaway party or the final-night deck celebration. Carnival knows how to throw a party, and on a ship built around music, those moments hit even harder.

Sun and splash time get a serious upgrade on Carnival Festivale. With multiple pools, expansive outdoor spaces, and the debut of WaterWorks Ultra, sea days are designed to balance energy and relaxation. Whether you want thrills or downtime, the ship delivers both.

Pools and Hot Tubs

Carnival Festivale features several distinct pool areas spread across the ship. The main Lido Deck pool serves as the daytime hub, surrounded by hot tubs, a big screen, and nearby bars, perfect for sailaway parties and DJ-led fun. For a calmer vibe, the Summer Landing pool aft offers a more relaxed setting near Guy’s Pig & Anchor.

Sunsation Point introduces the new Vista Pool on Deck 16 aft. This family-friendly pool overlooks the ship’s wake and includes nearby splash areas for younger kids. The Serenity Adult-Only Retreat adds dedicated whirlpools for guests seeking quiet time away from the crowds.

Carnival WaterWorks Ultra

WaterWorks Ultra is the headline attraction on Festivale’s top decks. Spanning three levels, it’s the largest water park Carnival has ever built at sea. The centerpiece includes six slides and multiple splash zones designed for all ages.

Highlights include SunSoaker and Turning Tides, two new family raft slides built for shared thrills. Racing Currents offers side-by-side racing slides, while Mini Racers and Mini Twister give younger guests scaled-down excitement. Dedicated splash pads round out the experience for toddlers and families.

What truly sets WaterWorks Ultra apart is nighttime operation on select evenings. Slides and splash areas light up with colorful LEDs while a DJ sets the mood. It’s a first for Carnival, and a water park party under the stars.

Sports and Recreation

Adjacent to the water park, Sunsation Point doubles as an activity hub. Guests will find a ropes course (including sections extending over the ship’s edge), a full sports court, and Fairway 66 mini-golf themed after Route 66. The new Treehouse adventure area adds elevated net courses and slides, plus a toddler play space nearby.

Spa and Fitness

Carnival Festivale includes a full Cloud 9 Spa complex. Expect treatment rooms for massages and facials, a thermal suite, and a beauty salon for hair and nail services. Next door, the fitness center offers a full gym and group classes, with an outdoor jogging track available for open-air workouts.

Wellness for All Ages

Festivale’s layout supports wellness across generations. Family zones feature refreshing options like smoothies and mocktails, while adults can unwind in scenic lounges and quiet deck spaces. Plenty of loungers, shaded seating, and daybeds ensure there’s always a place to relax.

Overall, Carnival Festivale blends high-energy fun with meaningful downtime. You can spend the day racing down water slides or retreat to the spa and Serenity deck instead. With its size and thoughtful layout, Festivale makes sea days just as memorable as port days.

With such a large fleet, it’s fair to ask what truly sets Carnival Festivale apart. In short, Festivale takes the proven Excel-class blueprint and pushes it in a new direction. The result is a ship built around music, family connection, and shared experiences.

1. A Music-Themed Ship, Start to Finish - Carnival Festivale is the first Carnival ship built around a single unifying theme: music. New zones like Studio 724 and The Festival create immersive, interactive environments focused on sound, performance, and rhythm. From reactive visuals and mixing-style cocktail bars to a festival-inspired promenade, these spaces don’t exist anywhere else in the fleet.
2. A Bigger Commitment to Families - All Carnival ships cater to families, but Festivale raises the bar. It features Carnival’s largest water park ever, 70% more connecting cabins than earlier Excel-class ships, and the line’s first dedicated childcare space for kids under two. Sunsation Point alone functions as a multigenerational playground designed for everyone from toddlers to teens to grandparents.
3. No Roller Coaster, By Design - Unlike Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee, Festivale skips the BOLT roller coaster. That space has been reallocated to expand WaterWorks Ultra instead, prioritizing attractions families can enjoy together. The choice reflects a clear shift toward shared, high-capacity experiences over one-at-a-time thrills.
4. First-Ever Nighttime Water Park Sessions - Festivale also debuts nighttime water park operations. On select evenings, WaterWorks Ultra stays open after dark with LED lighting and a live DJ. It’s a brand-new concept for Carnival and reinforces Festivale’s focus on fun that spans generations.
5. The Largest Casino in the Fleet - Carnival Festivale will feature the biggest casino Carnival has ever built. With expanded gaming areas and new jackpot systems, including million-dollar prize opportunities, it’s a major draw for guests who enjoy casino action at sea.
6. New Dining and Bar Concepts - While Carnival favorites remain, Festivale introduces several one-of-a-kind venues. Pizza Palooza, Rhythm & Rolls, Mix Bar, and The Spark all debut here, adding playful twists to familiar food and drink formats. Even classics like Alchemy Bar get an upgrade, with live music woven into the experience.
7. A Nod to Carnival’s Roots - The name Festivale is a deliberate throwback to Carnival’s early ships, paired with a thoroughly modern design. Along with its sister ship Tropicale, the name reconnects the brand to its origins while looking firmly ahead. Longtime Carnival fans can expect subtle nods to the line’s history throughout the ship.

The Big Picture: Carnival Festivale isn’t about one headline feature. It’s about cohesion. Music, play, and togetherness shape everything from the ship’s layout to its attractions and entertainment.

Built for modern families and social cruising, Festivale emphasizes shared moments over individual thrills. As Carnival puts it, everyone, no matter their age, can find their rhythm onboard.

If Carnival Festivale is calling your name, the smartest way to book is with Avoya Travel. Avoya combines the personal service of an experienced cruise advisor with buying power that individual travelers don’t get on their own. The result is often the same Carnival price (or better) with added perks.

Why Book Carnival Festivale with Avoya Travel

When you book through Avoya, you’re paired with a dedicated cruise advisor who helps you navigate cabins, itineraries, and timing. Advisors can spot better-value sailings, recommend ideal cabin locations, and flag promotions you might miss booking direct. In many cases, Avoya bookings also include bonus onboard credit or amenities at no extra cost.

Access to Exclusive Offers and Perks

Avoya frequently has access to special Carnival incentives, including onboard spending credits, reduced deposits, or promotional upgrades. These perks are often stackable with Carnival’s public offers. That means you’re not choosing between a good price and added value -you can often get both.

Early Saver Pricing, Protected

Avoya advisors typically recommend Carnival’s Early Saver fares for new ships like Festivale. This locks in your cruise early while still giving you price protection if fares drop later. If a lower price appears, your advisor can help secure the difference as onboard credit.

Deposits and Long-Term Planning Made Easy

Because Festivale sailings stretch into 2027 and 2028, Avoya makes long-range planning easier. You can reserve with a deposit and pay over time, while your advisor tracks deadlines and pricing changes. It’s a low-stress way to plan a big vacation far in advance.

Choosing the Best Cabin for Your Group

Cabin selection matters on a ship this large. Avoya advisors are especially helpful for families booking connecting rooms, groups traveling together, or guests weighing balcony vs. suite value. They can also help secure specific locations: midship for stability, aft for views, or near zones you’ll use most.

Perfect for Families and Groups

Festivale is built for multigenerational travel, and Avoya excels at group coordination. Whether it’s grandparents traveling with kids and grandkids, or friends booking side-by-side cabins, an advisor can manage room assignments, dining preferences, and special requests. That’s hard to replicate booking online alone.

Loyalty, Discounts, and Special Rates

Avoya ensures your Carnival VIFP loyalty number is applied correctly, so you don’t miss return-cruiser discounts or offers. Advisors can also check eligibility for military, senior, or resident rates and confirm whether they apply to your sailing.

Support Before, During, and After You Sail

One of the biggest advantages of Avoya is advocacy. If a promotion changes, a cabin opens up, or you want to adjust plans, you have a real person to call. That support continues right up until sailaway, and even during your cruise if something unexpected comes up.

If you’re booking Carnival Festivale, Avoya Travel gives you the best mix of value, expertise, and peace of mind. You get Carnival’s newest ship, expert guidance, and often extra perks without paying more. For a high-demand debut like Festivale, that combination is hard to beat.