Key Aspects:
- Carnival Festivale‘s first itineraries are now open, including her transatlantic maiden voyage.
- The ship will offer 6- and 8-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral.
- New zones emphasize the ship’s immersive music theme with new features, bars, and more to enjoy.
It’s time for Carnival fans to celebrate, as bookings have opened for Carnival Festivale, the upcoming fourth Excel-class ship. The ship is now under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.
The cruise line announced earlier that Carnival Festivale will homeport from Port Canaveral. Now we know exactly when and how she will arrive.
The ship’s inaugural sailing will be a 15-night transatlantic cruise departing from Southampton, UK on May 2, 2027.
The ship will visit La Coruña and Vigo, Spain; Funchal, Portugal; Tenerife in the Canary Islands; and Grand Turk as she makes her way home to Florida.
Carnival Festivale will arrive in Port Canaveral on Sunday, May 16, 2027.
The ship’s first sailings from Florida begin May 19 with a 4-night Bahamas cruise to both Celebration Key and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay.
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She will then offer 6- and 8-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries. Depending on sailing date and cruise length, Carnival Festivale will visit amazing ports like Amber Cove, St. Thomas, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.
Every sailing will also visit Celebration Key, giving guests the chance to enjoy Carnival’s newest ship and newest destination on the same great vacation.
In total, more than 50 new sailings are now available to book and are sure to fill up fast.
New Features for a New Ship
As is customary with a brand new ship, Carnival Festivale is also introducing brand new features.
Overall, the ship will have an immersive music theme, bringing sounds and sights together in transformative venues.
“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, Carnival Cruise Line president.
“Everyone – no matter their age or interest – will find their rhythm on this ship.”
Studio 724, located midship, will celebrate music-making by remixing the cruise experience with synchronized lights, animations, and sounds. The Spark will offer signature cocktails immersed in the creativity of songwriting and nightly live performances.
Nearby, the ever-popular Alchemy Bar will have an expanded lounge, giving everyone plenty of space to enjoy the live music.
Deck 7 will be home to the brand new Mix Bar with music-themed cocktails and a turntable bar. Guests can create their own cocktails by remixing flavor “tracks” for unique tastes.
The music theme continues on Deck 8 with The Festival, a bright, spacious promenade with dynamic lighting that changes from day to night. The Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar, Pizza Palooza, and Rhythm & Rolls Deli are all found here.
Out on deck, adventurous guests will enjoy Sunsation Point and the biggest ever waterpark in Carnival’s history – Carnival WaterWorks Ultra.
The Vista Pool on Deck 16 will feature a splash pad for the youngest cruisers (swim diapers permitted), while the bigger slides are found on Deck 18. Six waterslides are planned, including two family raft slides, the SunSoaker and Turning Tides.
The dueling Racing Currents slides offer competition for waterslide lovers, while two mini slides are ideal for the kids.
In an industry first, WaterWorks will be open on select evenings to give guests the unique experience of enjoying their favorite slip-and-slide fun at night.
For guests who prefer staying dry, Deck 17 will be the place to be. The Vault Retrocade has both modern and vintage video games, while the Scenic Overlook bar is THE place for stunning aft views.
Want an even better view? Try the Treehouse adventure trail with net bridges, obstacles, and a dry slide. Kids will also have a smaller playground to enjoy nearby.
Outdoor pool games, giant Jenga, and the illuminated mini golf course complete the fun.
With so much on offer and so many great itineraries now available, the festival is about to start on Carnival Festivale!
