Carnival Festivale: Carnival Cruise Line’s New Music-Themed Flagship

_{Carnival Festivale will debut in 2027 with the largest waterpark in the fleet and a festival-style atmosphere. (Image: Carnival Cruise Line)}

Here at casinos.com we like to keep our eyes on the horizon on the look out for the new and exciting developments in casinos on land and at sea. Shiver me timbers we spotted this beauty heading your way. Carnival Cruise Line is preparing to launch a new era of entertainment at sea with its upcoming ship, Carnival Festivale, an Excel-class vessel debuting in spring 2027.

The announcement came from Carnival President Christine Duffy, who shared renderings of the ship on LinkedIn. 

“Sharing some new images of Carnival Festivale, our new ship debuting in 2027, that is music inspired! She also will sport the largest waterpark to date on a Carnival ship!” Duffy wrote.

Carnival Festivale Itineraries: Bahamas and Caribbean Cruises

Carnival Festivale’s first sailing is set for 2 May 2027, when it will depart Southampton, England, on a 15-day transatlantic journey. The itinerary includes stops in La Coruña, Vigo, Funchal, Tenerife, and Grand Turk, before arriving at Port Canaveral, Florida, on 16 May.

From 19 May, the ship will begin regular service with four-night Bahamas cruises, visiting Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay. It will then rotate between six- and eight-night Caribbean itineraries, featuring ports such as Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, Aruba, and Curaçao. All itineraries will include Celebration Key, Carnival’s new private destination in the Bahamas.

Music-Themed Design: Six Zones and Festival-Style Entertainment

Carnival says Festivale is designed to feel like a floating music festival, with six themed zones, two of them dedicated to immersive music experiences.

Among the new attractions are:
    •    Studio 724: A multimedia venue with synchronized sound, lighting, and visual effects.
    •    Mix Bar: A DJ-inspired cocktail lounge where guests can “mix” drinks in creative ways.
    •    The Festival on Deck 8: A promenade with food stands like Pizza Palooza and Rhythm & Rolls Deli, set against changing festival-style lighting.

The ship’s tagline, “always an event, always unforgettable,” underscores its focus on entertainment-led cruising.

Carnival WaterWorks Ultra: Biggest Waterpark in the Fleet

Festivale will feature Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, the line’s biggest waterpark, spanning three decks. It will include six slides: two family raft rides (SunSoaker and Turning Tides), dueling slides called Racing Currents, and kid-friendly rides like Mini Racers and Mini Twister.

For the first time on a Carnival ship, the waterpark will operate at night, complete with a live DJ and lighting effects to turn the slides into an evening attraction.

Family-Friendly Features: Staterooms, Arcade, and Adventure Trail

The ship will include 1,000 interconnected staterooms, designed with families in mind. Other family-focused amenities include:
    •    The Vault Retrocade, a retro-style arcade.
    •    Illuminated mini golf and a Treehouse adventure trail with bridges and slides.
    •    Outdoor game zones and lounge spaces such as the Scenic Overlook bar.

Carnival Festivale Construction: Keel Laid at Meyer Werft

On 14 August 2025, Carnival Festivale reached a key construction milestone when its keel was laid at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. A ceremonial coin engraved with musical notes was placed beneath a 598-ton keel block.

Why Carnival Festivale Matters for Cruise Fans

Festivale represents Carnival’s effort to redefine onboard fun. By replacing its trademark roller coaster with the largest-ever waterpark at sea, alongside music-driven entertainment, the ship is positioned to attract families, younger cruisers, and festival fans alike.

With more than 3,000 new berths, expanded Caribbean routes, and a bold entertainment-first approach, Festivale is set to become a major part of Carnival’s long-term growth strategy.