Carnival Cruise Line’s fifth Excel-class ship, the Carnival Tropicale, will homeport in Galveston after its delivery in 2028.
It will join the Carnival Jubilee – which started service in Galveston in 2024 – making Galveston home to two of the three newest ships in the cruise line’s fleet.
In a press release, Carnival said the two ships will be the cornerstone of its offering of ships and itineraries sailing year-round from the Port of Galveston, which is currently the homeport for four Carnival ships.
“Carnival Tropicale joining our Galveston lineup is a celebration of both our history and our future in Texas,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
“For more than 25 years, Texas has been at the heart of Carnival’s growth, and this new Excel-class ship ensures we continue to deliver unforgettable experiences for our guests in and around the state.”
The Carnival Tropicale is named after the cruise line’s first originally designed cruise ship, the Tropicale.
The vessel will be powered by LNG and able to accommodate over 6,000 guests.
“Carnival’s continued investment in the Port of Galveston is a big reason why we’re the cruise port of choice for a growing number of Americans and why we’re setting new growth records year over year,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO.
“Carnival has been a valued partner for this port and this community for 26 years. We look forward to many more years of growth together.”
The Carnival Tropicale will boast new dining and entertainment offerings, as well as a brand-new zone called Sunsation Point.
A multi–level waterpark called Carnival WaterWorks Ultra will also be available, as well as other family-friendly recreation and entertainment features.
Reservation and itinerary details for the vessel will be released later this year, Carnival added.
Some inspiration for the Tropicale’s design will come from its sister ship, the Carnival Festivale, for which a keel laying ceremony was hosted in Germany last year.
The Festivale is scheduled for delivery in April 2027.
