Carnival Tropicale Reservations Open for Inaugural Cruise Season from Galveston

by Dori Saltzman September 11, 2026

rendering of carnival tropicale cruise ship — Rendering: Carnival Cruise Line

Bookings are now open for Carnival Tropicale, Carnival Cruise Line’s final addition to the Excel class.

Carnival Tropicale will debut on April 15, 2028, out of Galveston, where it will sail four-, five- six-, and eight-day cruises. All sailings will visit at least one of Carnival’s Paradise Collection: Celebration Key; RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay; Isla Tropicale; and Puerto Maya.

“Today marks an exciting day for Carnival Tropicale as guests can now begin planning their vacations aboard this incredible new ship,” said Ben Clement, executive vice president of maritime and new builds at Carnival Cruise Line. “From innovative attractions and dining to unforgettable destinations throughout the Caribbean, The Bahamas and Mexico, Carnival Tropicale will bring an exciting new vacation option to Texas when she debuts in 2028.”

(L-R): Ben Clement, EVP of maritime and new builds at Carnival Cruise Line; Sarah Meins, senior project manager of hotel refurbishments and new builds at Carnival Cruise Line; Andre Walter, CEO of MEYER WERFT; Georg Schauen, project manager at MEYER WERFT.

To celebrate the opening of reservations, Carnival and MEYER WERFT hosted a western-themed celebration at the shipyard in Papenburg. Carnival and MEYER WERFT leaders donned custom cowboy hard hats and western attire amid Texas-inspired décor while the shipyard team enjoyed Texas-style barbecue.

Carnival Tropicale will be the fifth and final ship in the Excel class. One of the ship’s highlights will be Sunsation Point, a multi-deck family fun zone designed to keep guests entertained from day to night. The space is anchored by Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, featuring six waterslides, including SunSoaker, Turning Tides, Racing Currents, and splash areas designed for younger cruisers.

Guests will also be able to enjoy a variety of outdoor and indoor activities, including a redesigned Fairway 66 Mini Golf course inspired by Route 66, sports courts; the Treehouse Adventure Trail, featuring netted pathways and obstacles; and new arcade spaces, such as The Vault Retrocade, which blends classic favorites with modern gaming experiences.

Carnival Tropicale will also feature new culinary concepts including Uku Lei Lei, offering Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with Asian influences; Fetaccine, blending Greek and Italian flavors; and Emeril’s Coastal Seafood, showcasing seafood dishes inspired by America’s coastlines and created in partnership with Carnival’s chief culinary officer Chef Emeril Lagasse.