Carnival Cruise Line has officially opened reservations for its newest vessel, Carnival Festivale, slated to debut in 2027. The ship, part of the popular Excel-class fleet, brings thrills, music, and family fun to the high seas, starting with a transatlantic maiden voyage and followed by a lineup of Caribbean itineraries. With immersive design and entertainment at its core, Festivale is meant to be the ultimate floating festival for guests of all ages.
Music at Sea: Unique Entertainment Zones and Family Fun
This isn’t your typical cruise ship – it’s a celebration built around the universal language of music. From the moment guests step into the ship’s Grand Central atrium, they’ll be immersed in a dynamic musical environment featuring three themed zones:
- Studio 724: An interactive audio-visual experience, combining lights, animation, and sound that respond to the music in real-time. It houses vibrant venues like The Spark—an intimate singer-songwriter-inspired bar – and the iconic Alchemy Bar, Piano Bar 88, Mix Bar, and Limelight Lounge.
- The Festival: A multi-deck promenade inspired by outdoor music festivals. Expect vibrant lights, festival-fare food stalls like Pizza Palooza and Rhythm & Rolls Deli, and specialty drinks at Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar.
- Sunsation Point: Spanning three decks, this family-focused zone boasts Carnival WaterWorks Ultra – Carnival’s biggest waterpark yet – featuring thrilling slides, a baby splash pad, arcade-style games, mini-golf, an adventure course, and nighttime waterpark events with DJs.
These zones blend carnival flair with onboard comfort, offering moments of spectacle, relaxation, and shared fun – designed to spark connection and nostalgia for guests of every generation.
Following its transatlantic launch from Southampton, Festivale will sail to Port Canaveral and embark on a variety of exciting itineraries. Travelers can choose from four-day Bahamian escapes, encompassing experiences at Carnival’s private beach destinations, or opt for six- and eight-day cruises exploring the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. Ports of call include favorites like Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and Carnival’s exclusive Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay. A highlight among festive departures: a special New Year’s cruise beginning December 27, 2027.
With its blend of music, immersive zones, and family fun integrated into itinerary design, Carnival Festivale delivers a one-of-a-kind travel experience for guests seeking entertainment, relaxation, and adventure in equal measure.
