Construction Begins on Carnival Festivale for Upcoming Sailings
On August 14, at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, Carnival Cruise Line marked a key milestone with the keel laying of its newest Excel-class ship, Carnival Festivale. The 598-ton keel section was placed with commemorative coins engraved with musical notes, following a maritime tradition meant to bring good luck. The ship is expected to be delivered in spring 2027 and will be Carnival’s fourth Excel-class ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
The ceremony brought together Carnival executives, including Brett Vitols, associate vice president of new builds, and Petu Kummala, associate vice president of interior design and architecture, along with the Meyer Werft team led by project manager Georg Schauen. The milestone follows the announcement of the ship’s music-inspired theme and the opening of its inaugural season of sailings for booking. These developments mark a significant point in building the vessel and emphasize the expanding cruise offerings departing from Port Canaveral.
Passengers can expect a variety of new experiences onboard Carnival Festivale. The vessel will include music-inspired zones equipped with interactive technology, dynamic lighting, and activity areas for passengers of all ages. Families on board will have access to 1,000-plus interconnecting rooms, enhanced youth areas, and tailored programs for children. Located on Decks 16-18, Sunsation Point will include Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, providing families with multiple options for entertainment and leisure.
When completed, Carnival Festivale will feature a layout designed to support a variety of itineraries at sea. Plans for the vessel include immersive areas, interactive programs, and dedicated spaces for children and teenagers. Its introduction is expected to broaden cruise options from Port Canaveral, with particular relevance for families and travelers interested in themed experiences.
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. Music is a universal language that connects people from around the world, and this ship will bring that to life in true Carnival fashion.
The keel laying of Carnival Festivale also reflects broader trends in cruise travel that are relevant to passengers. Being powered by LNG, the ship reflects a move toward more environmentally responsible operations. Passengers will find expanded family areas, interactive activities, and additional recreational options, providing more ways to enjoy their time on board. The building of the ship highlights the growth of cruise options and offers travelers new ways to enjoy family-focused and interactive experiences at sea.