Coming in 2027, Carnival Festival is Now Open for Bookings

Carnival Festivale, the newest Excel-class ship that will be setting sail in May 2027, is now open for bookings. The Festivale will depart Southampton on May 2, 2027, for a 15-day transatlantic voyage making its homeport in Port Canaveral. The regular cruise itineraries for the Festivale will offer six and eight day Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruises.

Music makes the people come together.

Studio 724 is a unique venue to the Festivale. It is a celebration of the creative music-making process. Promising interactive experiences powered by technology, the “vibrant zone reacts in real time to sound with synchronized lights and animations to capture the creative energy of mixing, recording, and listening to music, inviting guests to become part of the musical journey rather than simply observe it.” How that works exactly is unsure. 

Another new addition is the Spark, a music themed bar with decor and cocktails inspired by iconic songs. The space will also host a music venue for live performances. Up next is Mix Bar, where guests sip on cocktails like the Synth and Hi-Fi, or craft their own unique drink by layering flavor “tracks” beneath a turntable-themed bar. 

If outdoor music festivals are your thing, the Festival on deck 8 will be for you. The promenade aims to capture that vibe and energy of a music festival while it connects guests to food and beverage venues. The zone is supposed to transform experiences between day and night with different lights and sounds. Here you’ll find Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar, where you can find specialty coffee and music festival styled cocktails. There will also be Pizza Palooza for all your pizza needs and Rhythm & Rolls Deli for sandwiches, both within food truck style venues.

The Festivale’s inspiration and design revolve around music. In the promotional images you can see a piano key styled chandelier and with the venues Studio 724 and the Spark, songs, music, and the spirit of festivals plays out for the vessel. 

"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, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "Everyone – no matter their age or interest – will find their rhythm on this ship.”

Don’t worry, some great Carnival staples are making appearances on the new ship. Alchemy Bar, which was my favorite on the Jubilee, will be on deck 6. For the Festivale they are giving Alchemy Bar their own space with an expanded lounge and a stage for live music performances, something I wish they did on the Jubilee as it was kind of shoved in a hallway aboard that ship. Piano Bar 88 will also be on deck 6 as well. Limelight Lounge will be on deck 7. The lounge is not new to Carnival but the iteration on Festivale will bring a completely redesigned look and feel to match the music-inspired theme of Studio 724.

New ways to play in the water.

Sunsation Point will be the newest and greatest family fun area and waterpark for Carnival taking up three decks on 16 through 18. On the top deck will be WaterWorks Ultra hosting slides, splash pads, and shaded play areas. There will be six waterslides with two of them being family raft rides, and one of them being a racing slide.

The next deck down will have the Vault Retrocade, which combines retro charm with modern arcade games. If you need a drink there will be the Scenic Overlook featuring aft sunset views. There will also be TVs for sports, and outdoor games like pool and giant Jenga, and a mini golf course that will be illuminated at night. A new attraction, the Threehouse, will be in this area featuring adventure trails with netted bridges, climbing obstacles, and a slide. 

One more deck down on 16 is Sunsation Sips, serving everything from craft cocktails to slushies. The Vista Pool will have a baby splash pad for the little kiddos in swim diapers. More importantly, Big Chicken and Swirls ice cream will be located here.

Carnival Festivale will join the Mardi Gras sailing year-round from Port Canaveral. More itineraries for the ship in 2027 and 2028 will be announced later this year.