Carnival Cruise Line Opens Bookings for Carnival Festivale, Reveals Music-Inspired Zones

Carnival Cruise Line has opened reservations for its next new ship, Carnival Festivale, which launches in 2027 with six- and eight-day Caribbean sailings. Simultaneously, the line unveiled a lineup of music-inspired venues and experiences.

The ship’s debut will begin with a 15-day transatlantic journey from Southampton, England to Port Canaveral, departing May 2, 2027, with stops at La Coruña and Vigo, Spain; Madeira Island, Portugal; Tenerife, Canary Islands; and Grand Turk.

On May 19, Carnival Festivale will begin cruising from Port Canaveral with a four-day Bahamas cruise. This will be followed by a season of six- and eight-day Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruises visiting such ports as Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and RelaxAway/Half Moon Cay, with all Carnival Festivale sailings visiting Celebration Key. Southern Caribbean sailings will also include the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

Newly Revealed Music-Inspired Venues & Activities

Carnival Festivale continues the Excel-class tradition of sharing its name with a classic Carnival ship but further emphasizes the fun that music can bring to a cruise.

“Music is the universal language that brings families and friends together, and Carnival Festivale will amplify that unique connection,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “The experiences we’ll deliver will appeal to every generation. “Everyone – no matter their age or interest – will find their rhythm on this ship.”

Studio 724

Just beyond the ship’s Grand Central atrium will be Studio 724, which Carnival calls a “first-of-its-kind celebration of the creative music making process.”

Through interactive experiences powered by technology, the 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.

One of the zone’s highlights will be The Spark on Deck 6, where cruisers will enjoy a setting designed to embody the art of songwriting, as well as cocktails inspired by iconic songs and nightly live music.

Cruisers will also find Carnival’s signature Piano Bar 88, as well as the Alchemy Bar in the Studio 724 zone. Unlike on other ships, it will have its own dedicated space adjacent to the atrium and will have an expanded lounge with a stage for live music.

At Mix Bar on Deck 7, guests will be able to enjoy creatively named cocktails like the Synth and Hi-Fi, or craft their own drink by mixing “flavor tracks.” Also on Deck 7 will be Limelight Lounge.

The Festival

The Festival on Deck 8 will be designed to capture the social atmosphere and energy of outdoor music festivals. A brightly colored promenade will connect guests to several food and beverage venues through an atmosphere that transforms from day to night with evolving lights and sounds. 

In this zone, cruisers will find Festival Grounds Coffee & Bar, offering specialty coffees and festival-inspired cocktails. Pizza Palooza will offer up fresh pizzas, while Rhythm & Rolls Deli will round out the casual dining options with gourmet sandwiches. Both the pizza and deli venue designs are inspired by festival food trucks, and each have specialty cocktails that capture the spirit of summer music festivals.

Sunsation Point

Spanning three decks (16, 17, 18), Sunsation Point, the main area for outdoor fun and entertainment, is anchored by Carnival’s WaterWorks Ultra, the largest water park in Carnival’s fleet.

On Deck 16, guests will find Sunsation Sips, serving everything from craft cocktails to slushies for all ages. The Vista Pool will have space for all age groups, including a baby splash pad for the littlest cruisers in swim diapers. Guests will also find familiar favorites like Big Chicken and Swirls ice cream on Deck 16.

Decks 17 will offer up the retro-inspired Vault Retrocade, which combines a nostalgic retro feel with modern arcade games. The Scenic Overlook, a bar with aft sunset views, TVs for sports, and outdoor games like pool and giant Jenga, will be located immediately adjacent to the mini golf course.

This deck will also be home to the Treehouse, an all-new concept that features an adventure trail with netted bridges high above the deck filled with fun obstacles and a dry slide. Nearby, a toddler playground provides climbing fun for little ones.  

Deck 18 will be home to Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, where families can enjoy thrilling slides, splash pads, and shaded play areas for all ages. This expansive aquatic playground features six thrilling water slides designed for different age groups and adventure levels, including two innovative family raft rides, SunSoaker and Turning Tides. Guests can also enjoy thrills and some friendly competition on the dueling Racing Currents slides. The Mini Racers double-slide and Mini Twister are perfect for kids. 

As previously announced, Sunsation Point will introduce the first nighttime WaterWorks operations, with extended hours on special evenings.

Carnival’s Most Family Friendly Ship to Date

In addition to all the family-friendly fun onboard, Carnival Festivale also will offer 1,000 interconnecting rooms, nearly 70% more than on the first three Excel-class ships.

The ship also will introduce a dedicated space for Carnival’s Turtles program, which is for children 6 months to 2 years.

Festivale will sail year-round from Port Canaveral.